Thea Proctor (1879-1966) began her art studies at Julian Ashton's Sydney Art School in 1896. Her early work revealed a strong interest in design, which was to become the defining characteristic of her oeuvre.
In 1903 Proctor travelled to London, where she was to live and work for 18 years. On her return to Australia in 1921, she became a commanding figure in Sydney's art world and an advocate for modernist design.
Her creative output spanned fine art, design, illustration and interior design.
Along with her friend George Lambert, she was involved in the establishment of the Contemporary Group in Sydney, which fostered young avant-garde artists.