a fondness for children she had a soft spot for cats, of which she always had a dozen or more lounging about her rumpled home amid her private library and favourite artworks, both hers and those of her artist devotees. A talented artist and graphic designer in oils and watercolours, she failed to attract critical acclaim in her own right, but from the early 1950s was instrumental in zealously promoting the art and artists of Broken Hill. In 1961 she was a foundation member, secretary, and treasurer (and sole female committee member) of the Willyama Arts Society that stimulated the career of local artists such as Pro Hart and Sam Byrne, leading to the famous Brushmen of the Bush. Byrne, who was well aware of the debt he owed her, freely acknowledged her sound advice. In 1965 she was selected to open the Festival of Australian Wildflowers in Canberra. She was an Honorary Life Member of the Arts Council of Australia (NSW Division). Legacies A self-assured yet humble character, May Harding was a much loved and respected figure in Broken Hill art circles of the mid-20th century. Her lively spirit and dedication laid the foundations of the thriving Broken Hill art culture of today. May Harding died from breast cancer at Broken Hill on 19 August 1971 and is interred in the Broken Hill Cemetery. A section of the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery was named in her honour and a Field Naturalists' flower show was dedicated to her following her death in 1971. A street in Broken Hill is named May Harding Drive after her. She is recorded at Design and Art Australia Online, and on The Australian Women’s Register. References 1908 births 1971 deaths 20th-century Australian painters 20th-century Australian women artists Artists from New South Wales Botanical illustrators