Kathleen McArthur b. 1 January 1915

  • Artist (Painter)
McArthur taught herself to paint, specialising in wildflowers. Her knowledge of Queensland flora led her into nature preservation and political activism. She was a founding member of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (WPSQ), She is the author of a number of publications on nature and other topics.

Encyclopedia of Australian Science.
[https://trove.nla.gov.au/people/484705?c=people, 2019]

Kathleen Rennie McArthur was a self taught botanical artist who recorded a full years blooming of wildflowers along the Sunshine Coast. The material was turned into her first book (1959, Jacaranda Press). McArthur exhibited and sold her artwork nationally. A keen conservationist, she co-founded the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland and was involved in many campaigns including pushing for preservation of what is now Cooloola National Park. The James Cook University of Northern Queensland awarded her an Honorary Doctorate for her contributions to botany and the environment.

Career position – published
Career position – Exhibited her work in Cairns
Career position – Vice-President of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland
Career position – Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, Caloundra branch founded
Career position – Exhibited her work in Canberra
Career position – published
Career position – published
Education – Doctor of Science (Hon DSc) received from James Cook University of Northern Queensland
View the full record at Encyclopedia of Australian Science

Writers:

Michael Bogle
Date written:
2019
Last updated:
2019