About Jack Kilgour

Jack Noel Kilgour (1900–1987) was an Australian artist well-known for his academic approach to landscape and portrait painting. His works are well represented in the Newcastle Art Gallery collection, as well as in other significant state and national collections.

Kilgour often painted urban landscapes and figurative compositions. He had a long standing connection with the Newcastle region and the collection through painting the area and his friendship with William Dobell. His contemporaries also included Jean Bellette, Paul Haefliger, Eric Wilson and his wife Nancy Kilgour, with whom he established a significant artistic partnership.

In 1987 Kilgour bequeathed funds for the creation of a major figurative and portrait art competition to be run in perpetuity. As one of Australia’s major art prizes, Newcastle Art Gallery is proud to be the home of the KILGOUR PRIZE.


Image: Jack Noel KILGOUR The attic window c1934
oil on plywood
Gift of the artist in memory of Sir William Dobell 1972
Newcastle Art Gallery collection