Rosemary Dobson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rosemary Dobson
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Dobson (centre) with Maximilian Feuerring and Imre Szigeti, at the Macquarie Galleries
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| Born | 18 June 1920 |
| Died | 27 June 2012 (aged 92) Canberra, ACT
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| Occupation | Poet, anthologist, editor, teacher |
| Known for | Poetry |
| Spouse(s) | Alec Bolton |
| Children | 3 |
Rosemary de Brissac Dobson (born June 18, 1920 – died June 27, 2012) was a famous Australian poet. She was also an illustrator, editor, and someone who collected writings into books (called an anthologist). Rosemary Dobson wrote and published fourteen books of poetry. Her poems appeared in almost every yearly collection called Australian Poetry. Her work was so good that it was translated into French and other languages.
In 1996, judges for a big literary award said that Rosemary's poetry was very original and strong. They said she made a huge contribution to Australian literature. Her writing achievements showed her great talent and dedication to her art.
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About Rosemary's Life
Rosemary Dobson was born in Sydney, Australia. She was the second daughter of A.A.G. Dobson and Marjorie Caldwell. Her grandfather, Austin Dobson, was also a poet. Rosemary's father passed away when she was only five years old.
She went to a special school called Frensham School. Her mother worked there as a housemistress, which is like a supervisor for students living at the school. At Frensham, Rosemary met Joan Phipson, a well-known Australian children's author. Joan had been asked to set up a printing press at the school. After finishing her own studies, Rosemary stayed on as a teacher's helper. She taught art and art history.
When Rosemary turned 21, she studied at the University of Sydney. She also learned design from the Australian artist Thea Proctor. Later, she worked for a publisher called Angus and Robertson. She was an editor and reader, helping to choose and prepare books for publishing. There, she worked with other important people like Beatrice Davis and Nan McDonald.
Rosemary married Alec Bolton, a publisher she met at Angus and Robertson. They had three children together. While living in Sydney, she became friends with many other writers and artists. These included poet Douglas Stewart, artist Margaret Coen, writer Norman Lindsay, Kenneth Slessor, and James McAuley.
From 1966 to 1971, Rosemary and Alec lived in London, England. During this time, Rosemary traveled a lot around Europe. This helped her grow her lifelong love for art. In 1971, the Boltons moved to Canberra, Australia's capital city. Alec Bolton started the publications department at the National Library of Australia. In Canberra, they were friends with poets like David Campbell and A. D. Hope. They also knew R. F. Brissenden and Dorothy Green. As time went on, she also became friends with younger writers like Alan Gould and Geoff Page.
Rosemary's older sister, Ruth Dobson, made history. She became Australia's first woman career diplomat ambassador. Rosemary Dobson passed away in Canberra on June 27, 2012.
Rosemary's Writing Career
Rosemary Dobson started writing poetry when she was only seven years old. Her first collection of poems, In a Convex Mirror, came out in 1944. After that, she published thirteen more books of poetry. Her work shows her deep love for art, old stories (antiquity), and myths. It also shares her experiences as a mother.
One expert described her work as being both steady and varied. It mixed old traditions with new ideas. It also blended ancient myths with everyday life. She connected home life with culture, and Australia with Europe.
Douglas Stewart believed she was a very spiritual person. In her 1973 book Selected Poems, Rosemary Dobson wrote about her goals. She hoped her poems would show a search for something special. She called it "a state of grace" that she once knew or imagined. She felt that all poets try to express things that are hard to put into words.
Besides poetry, Rosemary also created anthologies. These are collections of writings by different authors. She made two such books with poet David Campbell. These books included their own translations of Russian poetry. She also wrote prose, which is regular writing, not poetry.
Brindabella Press
In 1972, Rosemary's husband, Alec Bolton, started a special printing company called Brindabella Press. He worked on this press for the rest of his life. He worked even more actively after he retired from the National Library in 1987. Rosemary helped him as an editor and proof-reader. Both she and Alec loved the art of private presses. This was especially true when computer printing was becoming common. They enjoyed making books in a more unique, handcrafted way.
Two of the first books from Brindabella Press came out in 1973. One was a small collection of Rosemary's poems called Three poems on water-springs. The other was a small book of poems by David Campbell. It was titled Starting from Central Station : a sequence of poems.
Portraits of Rosemary
The artist Norman Lindsay drew or painted Rosemary Dobson three times. The first time was suggested by Douglas Stewart, who wanted Lindsay to draw Australian writers. Lindsay's first portrait of Rosemary was a drawing. Then, he decided to do an oil painting. Lindsay asked her to wear her rose-colored evening dress for this painting. This painting is now kept at the National Library of Australia. The dress she wore for the portrait is also there! Rosemary sat for Lindsay a third time, wearing clothes he suggested. This third portrait is now missing.
Artist Thea Proctor also made four drawings of Rosemary Dobson. She did these while Rosemary was taking art classes from her.
Awards and Honors
Rosemary Dobson received many awards for her amazing work:
- 1948: The Sydney Morning Herald Poetry Prize for The Ship of Ice
- 1966: Myer Award II for Australian Poetry for Cock Crow
- 1977: Australian National University Honorary Convocation Member
- 1979: Robert Frost Award
- 1984: Patrick White Award
- 1984: Grace Leven Prize for Poetry for Best Volume of Poetry for the Year The Three Fates & Other Poems
- 1985: Victorian Premier's Literary Award Joint Winner for The Three Fates
- 1986: Association for the Study of Australian Literature Honorary Life Member
- 1987: Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
- 1996: Australia Council Writer’s Emeritus Award
- 1996: University of Sydney Honorary Doctor of Letters
- 2001: The Age Book of the Year Book of the Year and Poetry Awards for Untold Lives & Later Poems
- 2006: NSW Alice Award
- 2006: New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards Special Award
Rosemary's Legacy
The Rosemary Dobson Award was a special prize given for poetry. It was part of the ACT Poetry Award and was given by the ACT Government. This award was given between 2005 and 2011 for an unpublished poem by an Australian poet.
