Betty Churcher, former NGA director. Source: Adelaide Advertiser
Betty Churcher was a pioneer. As the first – and only – female director of the National Gallery of Australia (1990-1997), she grew a nation’s appreciation and acceptance of art.
Under her tenure she changed the gallery’s name from the Australian National Gallery bringing it in line with international conventions, took the gallery to new heights of popular appeal championing the large scale exhibitions, which earned her the title “Betty Blockbuster”, and in later years was the face of several television series on art.