Trailblazing artist- Margaret Baskerville (1861–1930)

Her own path tells the stories of five early 20th century women with a strong connection to Bayside who were among the first professional women artists to emerge in Australia.

This weeks trailblazing artist in focus is Margaret Baskerville (1861–1930)

Margaret Baskerville studied design, painting and sculpture at the National Gallery School, Melbourne and later at the Royal College of Art, London.  On her return to Australia in 1906, Baskerville’s reputation as an outstanding sculptor grew and she is considered the first professional women sculptor in Australia as she was awarded the public commission to create a statue of Sir Thomas Bent which is located on the cnr of Napean Hwy and Bay Street, Brighton.

Learn more about Margaret Baskerville.

Image credit: Margaret Baskerville in her studio with Sir Thomas Bent sculpture. Courtesy Bayside Historical Society.