Bernard Patrick O'Dowd (1866-1953), poet, teacher and public servant, published the first of his several books of verse, Dawnward? in 1903. His best-known poem, 'The Bush', was published in 1912. A 'public poet', frequently delivering lectures and readings and composing verse for public occasions, he was also involved in a number of radical and alternative organisations including the Theosophical Society and the Victorian Socialist Party, and assisted with the editing of left-wing newsletters including The Socialist.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2008
© Estate of David Low
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