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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.

The Gallery’s Acknowledgement of Country, and information on culturally sensitive and restricted content and the use of historic language in the collection can be found here.

Herbert Cole 'Nugget' Coombs

early 1970s
Louis Kahan AO

pen and ink on paper (sheet: 58.5 cm x 39.0 cm)
Herbert Cole 'Nugget' Coombs

Herbert Cole ('Nugget') Coombs (1906–1997) was the governor of the Commonwealth (later Reserve) Bank of Australia from 1949 to 1968. Born in Kalamunda, he worked as a teacher while studying at the University of Western Australia. His success as Director of Rationing during the Second World War led to him being appointed Director-General of Postwar Reconstruction, in which role he developed plans for full employment and the alleviation of other social problems. Economic adviser to seven Australian prime ministers (Curtin, Chifley, Menzies, Holt, McMahon, Gorton and Whitlam), Coombs was central to the establishment of the Australian National University and was the first Chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Affairs.

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Mrs Lily Kahan 2017
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
© Louis Kahan/Copyright Agency, 2024

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.
2017.80
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Artist and subject

Louis Kahan AO (age 65 in 1970)

H.C. Coombs (age 64 in 1970)

Subject professions

Business, trades and industry

Education and research

Donated by

Lily Kahan (52 portraits)

Related portraits
(View all 63)

Self portrait
Herbert Cole 'Nugget' Coombs
Dr Stephen Fitzgerald
Sir Laurence McIntyre
1. Self portrait, 1949. 2. Herbert Cole 'Nugget' Coombs, n.d.. 3. Dr Stephen Fitzgerald, late 1970s. 4. Sir Laurence McIntyre, n.d.. All Louis Kahan AO.

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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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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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