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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.

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Glenn McGrath

2003
Sally Robinson

synthetic polymer paint on canvas (support: 173.0 cm x 122.0 cm)

Glenn McGrath AM (b. 1970), philanthropist and former Test cricketer, is one of international cricket’s greatest ever fast bowlers. He made his debut for his home state New South Wales in 1992 and played his first Test against New Zealand the following year. In 1997 he took eight wickets for 38 runs against England at Lord's; he collected 32 wickets in the 2001 Ashes series and nineteen in the Ashes series of 2002–2003. McGrath achieved his best Test figures when he took eight for 24 against Pakistan in Perth in December 2004. The first Australian fast bowler to play 100 Tests, he remains one of only seven bowlers whose Test tally exceeds 500 wickets. The McGrath Foundation, established by Glenn and his late first wife Jane in 2005, has raised millions for the support and care of breast cancer patients.

Known for her distinctive 'pixellated' style, Sally Robinson's portrait of McGrath was the result of two formal sittings, supplemented by the use of an Australian Cricket Board press pass that enabled her to watch and photograph the cricketer in action at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The portrait 'features Glenn contemplating his next ball to a nervous English batsman,' Robinson says, 'with Shane Warne in the distance, fielding in the slips.'

Gift of the artist 2003
© Sally Robinson

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

Artist and subject

Sally Robinson (age 51 in 2003)

Glenn McGrath AO (age 33 in 2003)

Donated by

Sally Robinson (2 portraits)

Related portraits

1. Angry Anderson, 2006. 2. Tim Winton, 2019. All Sally Robinson.
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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.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

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