Sidney Nolan (1917–1992). Australian artist and theatre designer

Sidney Nolan studied at Prahran Technical College in Melbourne, and at evening classes at the National Gallery of Victoria Art School. Best known for his series of paintings based around the legendary Australian figure of Ned Kelly, Nolan designed the set for the Original Ballet Russe’s production of Serge Lifar’s Icare, his first work for dance. Nolan followed this by designing the sets and costumes for Kenneth MacMillan’s version of The Rite of Spring for The Royal Ballet. In 1964 Nolan also created the designs for Robert Helpmann’s The Display for The Australian Ballet. With music by the Australian composer Malcolm Williamson, The Display is thought to be the first wholly Australian ballet.