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Margaret Lyttle took over Australia's oldest alternative school, Preshil (in Melbourne), when her aunt Greta Lyttle died in 1944, continuing to guide the school according to her aunt's principle that learning is a process of human mutuality. Preshil's approach is fundamentally concerned with the qualities of relationship between children and their teachers and respects the individual differences among children. In privileging individual needs, interests and capacities, the school discourages conformity and competitiveness. Her peers respect Lyttle as one of Australia's most influential and innovative educators.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2003
© Eva Collins
Eva Collins (2 portraits)
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
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