NSW Travelling Art Scholarship

In 1950, Madigan won the prestigious NSW Travelling Art Scholarship - only the third sculptor to do so in 35 years. It provided a paid stipend to travel overseas for three years. Madigan was 23 years of age and newly married. She undertook some studies at the Sir John Cass College in London, but primarily she used the time to draw and study first hand, traveling extensively throughout Europe visiting museums, churches and archeological sites. Travel in Europe was in a “campervan” built by husband John (Jack) Giles, allowing for her work to continue even with the addition of two daughters. On the journey back to Australia she spent a month in India studying monumental stone sculptures and temple cave complexes.

Below: Photo gallery of the works that formed Madigan’s portfolio of entries for the Scholarship, including the exhibited works at the NSW Art Gallery, and the workshop area during their preparation. This basement living and working space in Neutral Bay, Sydney, was called affectionately “the Cave”. It was next door to the children’s author and artist May Gibbs.

During her Fellowship travels, Madigan studied in the traditional manner, by sketching. Some of the more complete watercolours she exhibited on her return to Australia. Especially during the Adelaide years she kept them visible at home as reminders of that formative experience.

As part of her Scholarship requirements, Madigan wrote reports to the Trustees in Australia. These reports show clearly her artistic experiences, influences and inspirations. They also show her sense of responsibility as a recipient. She was very conscious that the Trustees may be concerned that as a woman and new mother she might not make the most of her study. Given the enormous amount of places of artistic interest and material she absorbed during her time abroad, this was very far from being the case.

Read a compilation of her Report  here.