Mollie Tomlin facts for kids

Mollie Tomlin OAM (1923–2009) was a talented Australian artist. She was famous for her beautiful watercolour paintings. Mollie lived in Tasmania, Australia, and often painted its historic buildings and landscapes. She also received a special award called the Order of Australia Medal.

Mollie Tomlin's Early Life

Mollie Constance Wedd was born in 1923. Sadly, her mother passed away when Mollie was only three weeks old. Her father was very sad and found it hard to care for her. So, Mollie went to live with her grandmother. She stayed with her grandmother until she got married.

Mollie went to school in Moonah, Tasmania. She finished school at age 13. After that, she went to business college to learn skills for a job. Mollie worked as a secretary for many years. Even while working and raising her seven children, she always loved art.

Her Journey as an Artist

Mollie Tomlin did not start taking art lessons until she was 50 years old. She joined an Adult Education class. There, she really developed her passion and skill for drawing and painting.

In 1979, Mollie had a serious heart attack and needed surgery. During her recovery, she remembered many things from her childhood. These memories inspired her art. She started painting historical buildings and landscapes from Tasmania. These became her special and well-known artworks. Mollie passed away in January 2009.

Mollie also loved helping and teaching others. She held art classes for different groups. With her husband, Ernie, she volunteered for Heartbeat Tasmania. They helped people who were going through heart surgery.

Special Art Projects

Mollie Tomlin was asked to create art for several important projects. These are called commissions.

Art for Glenorchy's History Books

In 1986, a history book about the City of Glenorchy was published. It was called Glenorchy 1804-1864. Forty of Mollie's sketches were included in this book. One of her paintings was even used for the cover.

In 1988, Mollie received another special request. She was asked to paint ten large watercolours. These paintings showed old historic buildings of the City of Glenorchy, Tasmania. This project was part of Australia's Bicentennial celebrations.

In 1998, the Glenorchy City Council published another book. This one was called Glenorchy 1964-1998. For this book, Mollie created 60 sketches. They showed buildings, landscapes, and other interesting things in Glenorchy. A large painting by Mollie, showing Glenorchy today, was used for the book's cover.

Art for the Military Museum

In 1999, Mollie received a commission from the Military Museum in Hobart. She created twelve sketches and six watercolours. These artworks showed buildings and features of Anglesea Barracks.

Art Exhibitions

Mollie Tomlin showed her artworks in many exhibitions over the years. She exhibited with several important art groups:

• The Art Society of Tasmania
• The Tasmanian Art Group
• The Australian Society of Miniature Artists
• The Australian Guild of Realist Artists

Awards and Achievements

Mollie Tomlin received many important awards for her art and community work.

Major Awards

• Order of Australia Medal: This is a very special award given to Australians for their achievements.
• Glenorchy Australia Day Citizen Award: This award recognized her contributions to the community.

Other Art Awards

• 1991: Third prize for her watercolour at the Royal Agricultural Show in Hobart.
• 1991: First prize for her watercolour in the “Life. Be In It” Heritage Exhibition.
• 1995: A Commemorative Medallion for her watercolour of ‘Cleburne’. This was in the People’s Choice category of the Australia Day Council Tasmanian Art Exhibition.