Sydney Edward Gregory (1870–1929) was born on the site of the Sydney Cricket Ground, the son of batsman Ned Gregory (1839–1899), who was one of five boys from the same family who all played cricket at national or international level. The best known of the clan was Syd’s uncle, David Gregory (1845–1919), who captained the first ‘official’ Australian cricket team to tour to England (in 1878). A right-handed batsman, Syd Gregory was first selected for New South Wales in 1889 and in July 1890 made his Test debut against England at Lord’s. He was selected for Australia every year between 1892 and 1899, making his high score of 201 against the traditional foe at the SCG in December 1894. Between 1901 and 1912, he made a further 33 Test appearances for Australia, retiring from international cricket after captaining Australia in a three-match series in England. In all, Gregory completed his Test career with 2 282 runs at an average of 24.53. Known for his fine fielding in the covers, he also took 25 Test catches. Gregory’s brother-in-law, Harry Donnan, was a teammate on the 1896 England tour; the Gregorys are considered one of Australia’s greatest sporting dynasties.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2014
L Gordon Darling AC CMG (38 portraits supported)
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves.
The Darling Prize is a new biennial prize for Australian portrait painters, painting Australian sitters. The winner receives a cash prize of $75,000.
This exhibition showcases portraits acquired through the generosity of the National Portrait Gallery’s Founding Patrons, L Gordon Darling AC CMG and Marilyn Darling AC.
