Artist Nicholas Harding has become a well-known face at one of Australia’s most famous theatre companies, the Sydney Theatre Company.

With intimate access to the theatre over a number of major productions, Harding has drawn some of Australia’s most renowned actors on and off stage, along with directors, creatives and production team members.

Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M) is delighted to present a unique exhibition of his sketches, Nicholas Harding - The Theatre Sketchbooks, which commences 4 December.

The exhibition is accompanied by the recently published book of Harding’s theatre sketches – From the Wings.

Mayor Michael Regan said the exhibition included remarkable portrait sketches selected by the artist and MAG&M curator Ross Heathcote.

“I know people, not just avid theatre goers, are going to mesmerised by these sketches of some very well-known faces in Australian theatre and film.

Ross Heathcote said Harding’s theatre drawings are fascinating works of art, but they also present an intimate insight into the workings of the theatre world.

“From thousands of drawings and dozens of sketchbooks, we have selected works for the exhibition from Nicholas Harding’s theatre ‘residencies’. The original sketchbooks, displayed alongside larger drawings developed from the sketches, will have regular page turnings.”

In 2001 Harding was awarded the Archibald Prize for his portrait of actor John Bell as King Lear.

Nicholas Harding - The Theatre Sketchbooks commences 4 December and ends 14 February 2021.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS                                                                                                                                                                       

Artist ‘in conversation’ Tours

Sunday 6 December, 2pm and 3pm

Join Nicholas Harding and curator Ross Heathcote on a walk through the exhibition to look at the sketches in detail.

Bookings essential www.magam.com.au