Beloved Australian writer who was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia dies aged 95

Beloved Australian writer and arts patron Barbara Blackman died peacefully on Friday aged 95, from natural causes.

Blackman was born Barbara Patterson in Brisbane in 1928 and was a renowned writer, poet, essayist and patron of the vibrant Australian arts scene for decades.

She was married to the legendary late Australian painter Charles Blackman, who died in 2018, from 1952 to 1978 and was the muse for many of his works.

Blackman’s daughter Christabel confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement: ‘We had Beatles music, scripture and poetry, so it was a really beautiful goodbye. She was utterly extraordinary.’

‘Barbara was such an advocate for stepping back and looking at the bigger picture. She lived in the poetry of life.’ 

Blackman overcame significant hardship early in her life after being diagnosed legally blind and went on to become an intellectual voice for the arts scene.

She was well known for her incredible memoirs and poetry, which often reflected on her personal experiences and relationships, including her marriage to Charles. 

Throughout her career, Blackman wrote essays and critiques on literature and art, which showcased her insights into the creative process and Australia’s cultural landscape.

Her works were celebrated for their emotional depth and eloquent exploration of both personal and universal themes.

She was also a benefactor of Australia’s cultural scene, and made significant monetary donations to the Canberra International Music Festival and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. 

Blackman was the subject of a 2017 documentary called Seeing From Within, in which she discussed her long and celebrated career.

Blackman was born Barbara Patterson in Brisbane in 1928 and was a renowned writer, poet, essayist and patron of the vibrant Australian arts scene for decades

In recognition of her long-services to the arts, Blackman was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2012.

She outlived her ex-husband Charles, who died in 2018 aged 90.

Blackman is survived by her children Auguste and Christabel. 

Barbara was married to the legendary late Australian painter Charles Blackman (pictured), who died in 2018