History of The Archilbald Prize

The Archibald Prize was first awarded in 1921. The prize all started with J.F. Archibald. In 1900 J.F. Archibald commissioned an artist, John Longstaff, to paint him a portrait for fifty guineas. The portrait was to be of Henry Lawson. So impressed with the outcome Archibald left money in his will for there to be an annual portraiture award. The Archibald prize is now celebrating its 90th year.