Elizabeth Riddell facts for kids
Elizabeth Riddell (born March 21, 1910 – died July 3, 1998) was a talented Australian writer. She was known as a poet and a journalist. Sometimes, she even published her work using the name Betty Riddell.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Elizabeth Richmond Riddell was born in Napier, New Zealand, in 1910. When she was about 18 years old, in 1928, she moved to Australia. She quickly started her career in journalism. One of her first jobs was at a newspaper called Smith's Weekly.
Starting as a Journalist
While working at Smith's Weekly, Elizabeth showed great skill. She even won a special award called a Walkley Award. This award celebrates excellent journalism in Australia.
In 1935, Elizabeth married Edward Neville 'Blue' Greatorex in Sydney. They did not have any children.
Working Around the World
Later in 1935, Elizabeth moved to England. During World War II, she continued her journalism work. She worked for The Daily Mirror, a newspaper owned by Ezra Norton. She spent most of this time working in New York City.
First Book of Poems
Even while working as a journalist, Elizabeth also wrote poetry. Her first short book of poems was called The Untrammelled. It was published in 1940.
Return to Australia and Later Career
After World War II ended, Elizabeth Riddell came back to Australia. She kept working as a journalist. In the 1960s, she joined The Australian newspaper. Here, she became an art critic and wrote special feature stories.
More Awards for Journalism
Elizabeth was the very first person to win a Walkley Award for The Australian newspaper. She won it twice, in 1968 and 1969. These awards were for her amazing 'Best Newspaper Feature Story'. In 1986, she was named Critic of the Year by the Australian Book Review.
Recognized as a Poet
Elizabeth Riddell also received important awards for her poetry. In 1992, she won the Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry. Then, in 1995, she was given the prestigious Patrick White Award.
Elizabeth Riddell's husband passed away in 1964. She herself died in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of wonderful writing.
