Commonwealth of Australia

Message from the Hon. John Howard M.P.
Prime Minister of Australia

The Hon. John Howard M.P.

Tom Roberts (1856-1931) was one of Australia's most important artists who has left us with a rich commentary on the development of Australia through his paintings such as 'Shearing the Rams', 'The Artist's Camp', and 'Country Road Makers'.

Tom Roberts painting 'The Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia by H.R.H. The Duke of Cornwall and York, (later H.M. King George V) May 9, 1901,' 1903 is one of the most significant works of art depicting Australia's development as a democracy.

The innovative use of the Internet to make information about Tom Roberts and this important work on www.artistsfootsteps.com accessible to every classroom, library and gallery in Australia is supported by the Federal Government.

As Prime Minister of Australia I would urge people to take a walk in the Artist's Footsteps and discover the remarkable life of Tom Roberts and the story behind 'The Big Picture'.

(John Howard)

Left: Arthur Streeton - Above Us The Great Grave Sky, 1890
Collection: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.