The life of eccentric Sydney artist Harry 'The Kangaroo' Thornton is yet to be thoroughly researched. He was born in Griffith, NSW, and worked in various jobs before deciding, in the late 1950s, to become an artist. He had little if any formal training; his work shows the influences of his times. Nonetheless, he was an Archibald finalist five times between 1946 and 1983, his subjects including Roy Rene (1948) and Al Grassby (1982). With his long white hair, fringed outfits and gaudy hand-painted vehicle he was a common sight around art events in Sydney during the 1970s and 1980s. Despite his visibility, his few solo shows did not do well. Discouraged by Australia and recalling the good times he had in Amsterdam during the seventies, Thornton removed himself and all his works to the Netherlands in the early nineties. He died in Sydney, having returned, leaving an estate of approximately 200 paintings.
Purchased 2018
© Gary Ede
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.
