Carmel O’Connor, portrait artist

On 11 February 2003, Mr Nunn graciously entertained me with his wit and experience as a life-long public servant.

I noticed each time he made a particular point clear to me, his eyes would meet mine to ensure that the information was driven home. I knew in that moment that his portrait would depict his eyes watching out over us for a long time to come, the future!

Mr Nunn spoke of practical things; these things I saw as symbols in the painting.

Quality of paper: after all, if you want things to last you must consider quality as a prerequisite. This applies to important documents very well. The so-called ‘Blue Books’ from 1851, upright on their shelf in the state archives, are made from cotton rag and not wood pulp. Chronological order manifests itself in these books. The ‘Blue Books’ run across the picture plane in the painting as a symbol for the sense of order that Mr Nunn has practised tirelessly in his work.

The gold pin: on the the lapel of his jacket; represents the Medal of the Order of Australia for public service as an archivist and for services to the archival profession and to records management.

The tie: features the colours of the Naval and Military Club of Melbourne, of which Mr Nunn is a member.

Clothing of the day: navy sports jacket, gold buttons, striped shirt, hands relaxed on comfortable couch.

I have rendered the flesh tones in local hues in a straightforward manner, for the quest of truth in painting.

I would like to reflect for a moment on the portraiture of Gainsborough (1727 to 1788) the English painter of faces. Particular works that I researched were: Mr and Mrs Andrews (oil on canvas, 70 cm x 120 cm) for composition; Dr Ralph Shomberg (oil on canvas, 230 cm x 152 cm) for the pose; and Sarah Siddons (oil on canvas, 126 cm x 101 cm) for contrast. It was during the actual painting process, when confronted with decisions, that I turned to these paintings by Gainsborough for some guidance.

I am grateful to Mr Ross Gibbs, Ms Justine Heazlewood and Public Record Office Victoria for this opportunity to say a few words about the process of making the portrait of Mr Harry Nunn, Keeper of Public Records. Thank you.

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