Objects of Substance- Libellum Motif

Studies in still life, Senior Art class, 1939

Vera Cottew with students Ethel Holyoake, at the stairs of the Western Building, 1939.

In the annual report of 1950, Kathleen Lilley reported, ‘I also record with deep regret the death of Miss Vera Cottew, who was from July 1926 to February 1948 a valued member of our teaching staff and a kind, good colleague. Miss Cottew has bequeathed to the School some of her Art Books which we will treasure for her sake as well as for their own value.” (Lilley K. M., 1950) The Courier Mail praised Cottew’s legacy noting that ‘she gave public exhibitions of her paintings, which were also exhibited in The Courier-Mail Art Panel…Many of her pupils hold prominent positions in Queensland's secondary schools, and several are completing their art training overseas.’ (The Courier-Mail, 1950) Gwen Harwood paid tribute to her teacher penning the poem, “Nightfall: To the memory of Vera Cottew”.