Caroline Barker

Caroline Barker MBE (1894–1988) was an Australian artist. She is best known for her portraits and still life. The Museum of Brisbane (formerly Brisbane's Civic Art Gallery) holds a large collection of her works.

Early life Caroline Barker was born on 8 September 1894 in Ascot Vale, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

She continued her studies at the Royal Academy of Arts in Piccadilly, London under Frederick Cayley Robinson and Charles Sims, where she also studied anatomy and the chemistry of painting, and then at the Byam Shaw School of Art under Vicat Cole. During this period her works were added to the collections of the Royal Academy, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, the Paris Salon and the Byam Shaw. Initially she worked in the studios of Vida Lahey and Daphne Mayo before establishing her own studio in George Street. As Jolly was a popular mayor, the public were generous in their donations and the portrait was presented to the mayor in December 1928.

Barker joined the RQAS that year and mainly exhibited there from 1928-1987. She served on the committee almost continuously from 1928 -1973 and was Vice-President for many years. She was made a Life Member in 1964.

Two of her works were used by The Queenslander newspaper for their colour covers, one of poinsettias in 1930 and another of gerberas and bougainvillea in 1931.

Barker taught art at a number of schools including Somerville House (1935-1946), Loreto College Coorparoo, Clayfield College, and St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School and at her own home. Dorothy Coleman Lola McCausland Margaret Olley John Rigby Hugh Sawrey Gordon Shepherdson

Later life Barker died on 23 July 1988 at South Brisbane.

Gallery