Letter Inviting Sydney Philosophy Club Subscribers to View William Dobell's Painting of John Anderson

A letter sent by AK Stout (Professor Alan Ker Stout), Chairman of the Organising Committee of the John Anderson Testimonial Fund Committee.

In His Honour

The esteemed portrait artist, William Dobell, was commissioned by the John Anderson Testimonial Committee/Fund to paint a portrait of Professor John Anderson to commemorate his retirement in 1958 from the Challis Chair of Philosophy. Professor Anderson had held the position since 1927. [Ref 1]. On 7 October 1958, Senate reported that, "...a Committee had been called together under the Chairmanship of Professor Stout to plan some form of public recognition of the services of Professor John Anderson...to the University and the academic community. The Committee has asked if the Senate would accept a sum of money to be raised by public subscription, either for a portrait of Professor Anderson or a volume written in his honour, or perhaps for both, to be given to the University. Senate approved both proposals, as seen in this letter. [Ref 2].

On 6 June 1962, Senate confirmed that, "...a portrait of Emeritus Professor John Anderson by William Dobell had been handed over to the University at a ceremony held during the previous week at the University". [Ref 3]. The 1964 Calendar further noted that the painting, "...has since been hung in the New Fisher Library Building", where it is still displayed today. [Ref 4]. The painting is part of the University Art Collection, Chau Chak Wing Museum.

Professor Anderson died just over a month after his painting was completed on 6 July 1962. [Ref 5]. 

This item is part of the University Archives' 70 Years, 70 Stories series, created to celebrate our 70th birthday on 3 May 2024. To discover more stories, explore the 70 Years, 70 Stories collection.

Ref 1: Anderson, John, [PER-00000028]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 2: Senate Minutes 1958-1959 (1958 to 1959), p. 3, [REF-00070372]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 3: Senate Minutes 1961-1962 (1961 to 1962), p. 203, [REF-00070375]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 4: Calendar of the University of Sydney 1964 (1964), p. 897, [REF-00021057]. University of Sydney Archives.

Ref 5: The University of Sydney Gazette Vol 2 1961-1970 and Vol 3 1971-1972 (May 1961 to Sep 1972), p. 60, [REF-00085209]. University of Sydney Archives.