Objects of Substance- Judith Hancock Portrait

Our Principal Portrait: a Special Tribute to Judith Hancock

In 1992, the graduating Year 12 students commissioned a portrait of their Principal, Judith Hancock as their leaving gift to the School. This is a tradition that had been established for more than a decade. In consultation with some parents and the then Assistant Principal (Staff), Mr Alan Dale, the idea of a portrait was agreed. Sue Bleakley was appointed as artist. Bleakley was not only a parent of the School but also a multi- award winning artist of both sculpture and portraiture. Her work is represented in institutions both nationally and internationally. Painted in oil on canvas, the 555mm x 700mm portrait was presented to the Principal in early 1993 in what Bleakley remembers as a happy, and rather informal, presentation. Judith Hancock recalls that the portrait was a complete but delightful surprise - “It just appeared!” This element of surprise was a key aspect of the student gift. Since the portrait gift was intended to be a surprise, there were no personal sittings and Bleakley used, instead, one main formal photograph of Mrs Hancock in full academic dress, sourced from

documents of the time, to accomplish the work. Having a portrait of herself was not something with which Judith Hancock was comfortable but she graciously accepted and acknowledged it as it represented the admiration in which she was held by her students. And Judith Hancock was always a strong advocate for the education of her girls. The portrait has hung for many years in the eponymous Judith A Hancock Communications Centre, on level three in the foyer area. The brass plaque at the bottom of the portrait reads: “JUDITH A HANCOCK 14 TH PRINCIPAL OF BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL PRESENTED BY YEAR 12 STUDENTS OF 1992 IN APPRECIATION OF HER DEDICATION AND SUPPORT.” Judith Hancock began her distinguished career as Principal of Brisbane Girls Grammar School in 1977 and during her time until retirement in 2001, she oversaw sweeping changes in the physical environment and educational offerings at Grammar. Her knowledge and appreciation of the history of the School, coupled with her dedication and fearless imagination, meant that she initiated so many changes that further confirmed the School as a leader of education for young women. The portrait captures the elegance and humanity of this Principal as well as the steely determination and insightful intellect seen in her direct and confident blue-eyed gaze. These characteristics guaranteed that she would never relax the momentum of her drive in ensuring that Brisbane Girls Grammar School was at the cutting edge of education and gave strength to its fundamental role of nurturing young women who could contribute to the ongoing development of a just and balanced society. Why is this portrait a “principal” one as intimated in the title of this article? Interestingly, and perhaps surprisingly for a school of standing, it is the only painted portrait of a Principal held by the School. There is a collection of photographs of our leaders in the Museum in the Gailey Building but, unlike most boys’ schools, there is not a portraiture collection to celebrate the women who have lead this school with vision, integrity, and passion. Mrs Lorraine Thornquist (1967) Collections Manager

1980s Photographic image of Principal, Judith Hancock which most likely was used to paint her portrait in 1992.

1993 Artist’s depiction.

2021 Judith Hancock portrait in situ.

“The eyes have it” Judith Hancock portrait, detail.