Lady Paquita Mawson

Today we journeyed into the centre of Adelaide via our free railway transport. It is fun and so convenient. About 35 minutes each way.

The main reason was to attend the annual National Geographic Nature Photography Exhibition at the Museum. It was very similar to the one we saw in London a few months ago with blipper uniqueandlovely. It was equally outstanding.

Across the road from the Museum, we called in to see our friend Mick who runs the leading antiquarian bookshop in town. I was surprised for find that he had on loan this quite well known Ingrid Erns painting of Paquita Mawson. Wife of famous Australian Antarctic explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson.

Notable for her community work, Paquita was equally prominent in Adelaide’s social and cultural life. She was appointed an officer of the Order of Oranje-Nassau in 1946 for her work with Dutch refugees during World War II; and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1951. She also wrote two books – the first a biography of her father, A Vision of Steel (1958); and the second a biography of her husband, Mawson of the Antarctic (1964).

The painting remained in the Mawson family until being donated to the National Portrait Gallery in 2010.