A Portrait of Note

Old Scholar Ben Tidswell (PAC 1964-1975) recently donated a magnificent portrait of his grandfather, Mr J.A. Martin C.M.G., painted in 1965 by celebrated portrait artist and old scholar Sir Ivor Henry Thomas Hele (PAC 1921-1927).

James (Jimmy) Martin was a prominent figure in South Australia’s retail industry, and Director of Myer’s Rundle Street operations from 1934-1968. This portrait is believed to have been commissioned by the Myer family in honour of Mr Martin’s services to them. In 1970, Mr Martin was awarded a C.M.G. (Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George) for his services to commerce. He died in 1989.

Though not an Old Red himself, Mr Martin’s impact on the Prince Alfred College community as a founding member of the PAC Foundation was significant.

We thank Ben for this wonderful addition to our collection, which is on display in our Main Building for the enjoyment of our students and the wider community.

The portrait also forms the inaugural gift to our Museum and Art Gallery Fund, established in 2022 to support tax-deductible gifts of artwork and objects of significance to the College collections. To find out more, please contact Helen Karapandzic, Director of Philanthropy on (08) 8334 1200.