About Barbara Blackman 

Early life and education

Barbara Blackman (1928–2024) was born in Brisbane on 22 December 1928, the daughter of William and Gertrude Patterson. She attended Brisbane State High School and later studied at the University of Queensland. During her time at university, she became involved with the literary journal Barjai and developed friendships with writers such as Judith Wright, Barrie Reid, Laurence Collinson, Jill Hellyer and Thea Astley.

Life in the arts

In 1950, Blackman moved to Melbourne, where she met and married the artist Charles Blackman. She worked as an artist’s model and became part of Melbourne’s vibrant art scene, playing an active role in the Contemporary Art Society after its revival in 1953.

The Blackmans lived in various cities over the years, including Melbourne, Brisbane, London, Paris and Sydney. They divorced in 1981.

Advocacy and cultural work

Born with poor eyesight, Blackman’s vision deteriorated further during the 1950s. She became a passionate advocate for people who are blind or vision impaired. Her work included:

• Campaigning for talking books and accessible libraries
• Producing programs for Radio for the Print Handicapped
• Supporting the National Federation of Blind Citizens

At the same time, she was deeply involved in cultural and educational projects. She managed a graphic prints business, chaired the board of Chiron College in Sydney (1972–76), founded the Little Lookout Theatre, and established the Barbara Blackman Temenos Foundation in 1997 to bring speakers from the Temenos Academy to Australia.

Writing and publishing

Blackman published poems, essays and reviews in many newspapers and literary journals. She was also known for her vivid and thoughtful letters. Her long correspondence with Judith Wright was published as Portrait of a Friendship: The Letters of Barbara Blackman and Judith Wright 1950–2000 (2007).

Oral history and later recognition

In 1981, Blackman began an oral history project focused on artists—many of whom she knew personally. Her interviews had a relaxed, conversational style. She travelled widely with her tape recorder, selecting her interviewees and managing the process herself. She wrote, "I find it most effective to keep my ear to the ground and approach someone at the right time and when I am in the right place for them."

The project ran until 1989 and was supported financially by the Library. In 2006, she received the Australasian Sound Recordings Association Award for Excellence.