Thea Proctor - In Hyde Park, 1911, watercolour, gouache, and pencil Alethea Mary Proctor (1879 – 1966) was an Australian painter, print maker, designer, and teacher. She is remembered as an influencer of fashion, décor and design as well as a teacher and advocate for ideas and techniques in contemporary art. Thea Proctor was born in Armidale, New South Wales. Her family lived in Sydney, and in 1889, Thea attended a boarding school at Armidale. After her parents separated in 1892, Thea lived with her mother and grandparents. Her family encouraged her in her artistic pursuits. In 1896, Proctor studied at Julian Ashton's art school. In 1903, she moved to London where she commenced studies at St John's Wood Art Schools. Her works were exhibited in several cities around the world including London, Paris, Venice and Melbourne. Proctor stayed in London for nearly twenty years, returning briefly to Australia in 1912. Proctor shared artistic social circles with fellow student and Australian artist, George Lambert. She modelled for Lambert and the two artists began a lifelong friendship, sometimes collaborating on projects. Proctor also enjoyed the friendships of expatriate Australian artists, Charles Conder, Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts. Proctor eventually returned to Australia, promoting her lithographs in Melbourne (1921) and settling in Sydney. In 1926, Lambert, Proctor and other artists formed the Contemporary Group to encourage young avant-garde artists. Proctor works has featured in Australian magazines such as Australian Magazine, the Home and Art in Australia. She taught art and design at Ashton's Sydney art School and for the Society of Ars and Crafts.