painter, was born in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Mentone in 1919. As an only child, she grew up in an environment that fostered her enjoyment and appreciation of art, both parents being interested in the arts. They also actively encouraged her youthful artistic pursuits. The family lived in a large rambling house set on three-quarters of an acre with trees and natural bush as well as a tended garden. Here, among the bush growth, Thompson recounts, she first developed her passion for pattern and texture. She had a studio in the loft of her home. Her parents allowed her to leave Mentone Girls Grammar at the age of fifteen to attend art classes at the Melbourne Technical College (now RMIT); she completed a four-year art course in commercial and Fine Art in 1935-39.
She then commenced working for several small textile firms in Melbourne as a graphic artist and fabric designer. At this time the Australian textile industry was rapidly growing in strength; artists were being employed to create designs that reflected the Australian environment, and these often incorporated Aboriginal designs and motifs. In 1945 she joined the staff of the RMIT art department. Concurrently, she began exhibiting with the George Bell Group and the Melbourne Contemporary Art Society; she studied painting with Bell at his Thursday Night Life Classes in 1942-50.
In 1954 she married Ronald Centre; they have two children. In 1963 she commenced teaching tapestry design and weaving at the Caulfield Technical College. Several of her tapestries and paintings are in public and private collections.
- Writers:
- Kelly, Damian
Note: Heritage biography.
- Date written:
- 1995
- Last updated:
- 2011
