Stylesetter and art collector Kathleen ‘Kate’ Hattam (1923–2004) was a significant early collector of Clifton Pugh’s work. London-born, she met her future husband Hal Hattam, an Australian obstetrician, in England during the Second World War. After returning to Melbourne, the Hattams established close friendships with a group of emerging artists who have since become household names. At Kate’s behest, artists including John Perceval, Arthur Boyd and Leonard French designed wrapping paper and greeting cards for Georges department store in Melbourne, where she was advertising manager. The Hattam family homes in Canterbury and South Yarra housed a significant collection of works by artists in their circle and beyond.
Pugh was a close friend of the Hattams and they championed his work. They went regularly to his home, Dunmoochin, on weekends, and also saw the Pughs at Shoreham, where each family had a house. This portrait captures Hattam’s style and determination in Pugh’s characteristic elongated forms and bold colour against an abstract background. The artist recalled that it was rare for him to make portraits in this period, ‘but then of course, I knew Kate so well. It was a picture that I wanted to do’.
Purchased 2006
© Shane Pugh
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