Artist May Gibbs inducted into WA Women’s Hall of Fame 'Roll of Honour'

May Gibbs, artist, author, illustrator, cartoonist and mother of the Gum-Nut Babies and iconic Snugglepot and Cuddlepie characters has been inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame.

May lived much of her early life with her family in South Perth in The Dune, a home on the corner of Harper Tce and Suburban Rd (now Mill Point Rd).

In 1997, a collection of 150 paintings and sketches by May and her father Herbert Gibbs was acquired by the City of South Perth. Many of the works in the collection were produced in South Perth.

The South Perth Historical Society operate the May Gibbs Art Museum and Local History Gallery, at Heritage House Cultural Centre in South Perth and offer an ongoing exhibition of selected original artworks from the May and Herbert Gibbs collection. The exhibition highlights May Gibbs' fundamental connection to Western Australia through original artworks, first edition books, early prints and memorabilia.

“May Gibbs is one of Australia’s most treasured illustrators, artists and children’s authors,” City of South Perth Mayor, Greg Milner said.

“May and her family spent many years living in South Perth. Her induction into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame is further recognition of the enormous cultural contribution May has made to Australian society. Her stories continue to inspire countless children and adults in Australia and beyond.”

The announcement of the 2021 WA Women’s Hall of Fame 'Roll of Honour' inductees today coincides with International Women’s Day.   

Since its inception, the WA Women’s Hall of Fame has maintained a ‘Roll of Honour’ to induct women posthumously and ensure that all Western Australian women have the opportunity to be recognised.   

From the traditional custodians of this land for tens of thousands of years, to pioneer women who made this country their new home.    

These are women who often faced hardship and loss but did so with determination and resilience. It is hoped people will draw inspiration and strength from the journey of others.  

All the women being acknowledged have made a significant contribution to WA’s history prior to 1921. 

Their stories are as varied as they are ‘inspiring’ and give a great representation of the important part women have always made to Western Australia.

You can see their journeys at two free exhibitions in the City of Perth that celebrate the WA Women’s Hall of Fame ‘Roll of Honour’. A photographic exhibition is on display at Brookfield Place, Tower 1 from 7am-6pm, 8-20 March (weekdays only) and a digital photography exhibition can be viewed at Yagan Square Digital Tower, (near Wellington St bus station) from 8-12 March.