Olive Cotton and Wolfgang Sievers with Helen Ennis at the National Library

Overview

To celebrate the publication of the latest books in the Artists of the National Library of Australia series, renowned photographic historian Helen Ennis shares the stories of some of her favourite images from these iconic artists.

Join the Friends of the National Library for two 40 minute presentations on each artist, including time for questions. Afternoon tea will be served during the interval between sessions.

Olive Cotton (1911–2003) is one of Australia’s most respected photographers, with a career that spanned over six decades.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Wolfgang Sievers (1913–2007) fled Nazi Germany to make a new home in Australia. Through his striking images of the post-war manufacturing boom, he would go on to become one of the country’s eminent photographers.

Helen Ennis writes on Australian photography and her latest book, Max Dupain: A Portrait (2024), is her third biography.