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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

'The portraits of Captain Cook'

An interview with Betty Churcher

Betty Churcher describes the creation of the portrait of Captain James Cook in the National Portrait Gallery.

More information on 'The portraits of Captain Cook'

Selected images

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Betty Churcher
Betty Churcher on Captain Cook. Video length: 3 minutes
Portrait of Captain James Cook RN
Portrait of Captain James Cook RN, 1782 John Webber
Betty Churcher
Betty Churcher, 2008 Adam Knott. © Adam Knott
hey, Betty (Portrait of Betty Churcher)
hey, Betty (Portrait of Betty Churcher), 1990 Davida Allen. © Davida Allen
4 images
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Related information

Children and parent in front of the portrait Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Children and parent in front of the portrait Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Children and parent in front of the portrait Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz
Children and parent in front of the portrait Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz

Little Faces

10:30am, Mon 21 Sep – Fri 25 Sep

Join us for a playful morning together as we look at Harold Thornton’s portrait of Bob Brown, Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz. Explore forests, faces and feelings through sensory play, singing and making.
A child with crafting activities at a table
A child with crafting activities at a table
A child with crafting activities at a table
A child with crafting activities at a table

Andy Griffiths – Holiday Space

10:00am, Sat 26 Sep – Mon 19 Oct

Drop into the Holiday Space these school holidays to explore endless possibilities by bringing creative ideas to life.
Betty Churcher
Betty Churcher
Betty Churcher
Betty Churcher

Tribute

Betty Churcher

Magazine article, 2015

Betty Churcher AO (1931–2015), gallery director, author, painter and lecturer, was educated in Brisbane before studying art in London.
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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