Lucy Culliton Finished packing

After 34 years working at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Steve Peters, the legendary head of the packing room, retired in March. However, he returned to oversee the 2017 Archibald Prize and adjudicate his 26th and final Packing Room Prize.

‘A mutual friend suggested I paint Steve Peters. He and I had a great chat on the phone. He was happy to travel to Bibbenluke in NSW, where I live and work, and sit for me,’ says Lucy Culliton.

‘We both like pink so Steve brought six polo shirts – all different shades of pink. I enjoyed our conversation while I was painting. Steve talked about his job as head storeman at the Gallery, which was an insight. I think it was good for Steve to see the process of making a painting too.’

Born in Sydney in 1966, Culliton is a graduate of the National Art School. Her work is held in the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Macquarie Bank and Parliament House collections. She won the 2006 Portia Geach Memorial Award and is a regular finalist in the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes. This year she is also a finalist in the Wynne.

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