Kerry's Biography

Kerry Richard Wright was born on 10 November 1949 at Fairlight on Sydney's Northern Beaches in Australia. [click on images to enlarge them]

Kerry in 1953

Kerry's father, Raymond Harry Wright, was born on 24 November 1907 at the Royal Hospital for Women at Paddington in Sydney and died on 26 May 1977 at 14 Pacific Parade, Dee Why, Sydney (his residence), aged 69.

Ray Wright - 1920s

Kerry's mother, Emily Flora Wright nee Glover, was born on 16 July 1911 at Royal North Shore Hospital at St Leonards in Sydney and died on 19 November 1991 at Delmar Private Hospital at Dee Why in Sydney, aged 80.

Flora & Robert Wright - 1930s 

Kerry was the youngest of his parent's four sons.

Kerry in 1962

Because Kerry was so much younger than his three brothers, who soon flew the nest, he was virtually raised as an only child by his beloved, loving parents, whom he adored.

Ray & Flora Wright, 1970

Kerry was raised on Sydney's picturesque Northern Beaches, where he lived for the first 43 years of his life, with a couple of diversions along the way. He relocated to Annandale in Sydney's leafy, harbourside Inner-West in 1993, and retired to the seaside village of Nambucca Heads on the up-state Pacific east coast of New South Wales in 2015.

Kerry mowing the lawn at Nambucca Heads in 2017

Kerry was introduced to the Nambucca Valley in the early 2000s by dear friend, Kevin Hewgill, after Kevin had relocated there from Sydney. Many happy holiday visits followed over the years and it was thanks to Kevin that Kerry ultimately came to retire to that beautiful region of New South Wales, renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, wild rivers and pristine beaches.

"Study for Portrait of Kevin Hewgill" by Kerry Wright - 2023

In his youth, Kerry entered the cloister of the Carmelite Monastery at Winston Hills. The monastery has since fallen victim to the wrecking ball's might and the once sylvan, hilltop site has been reduced to a sad suburban blight of McMansions.

Kerry at Mount Carmel Monastery in 1970

After leaving the monastery, Kerry initially found employment in banking and was later employed for 30 years at Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, where he worked closely with the esteemed Professor Kathleen Evelyn (Kathy) Baker for much of that time. Through his maternal family, he had a long, pre-existing association with Royal North Shore Hospital. His mother was born there in 1911 and family members were part of a committee consisting of local citizens in the 1920/30s involved in volunteering and fundraising.

Kerry at Royal North Shore Hospital in 2003

Kerry's maternal, male line can be traced back to his Great-Grandfather and Great-Great-Grandfather, Henry Heath Snr and Henry Heath Jnr, who were London artists and lithographers. They migrated to Adelaide, South Australia, in 1849, where they added Glover to their surname, becoming Henry Heath Glover Snr and Henry Heath Glover Jnr. It is not known why they changed their name. 

"Mercury Island" by Henry Heath Glover Jnr, c.1864 

Henry Heath Glover Snr and Jnr are represented in various collections throughout Australia, including the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, the National Library of Australia in Canberra, the Art Gallery of South Australia and the State (Mitchell) Library of New South Wales. They are also represented in various collections throughout the world (conduct Google search for latest listings), including the National Portrait Gallery in London, where there are 29 works by Henry Heath Snr, the bequest of Sir Edward Dillon Lott du Cann.

"To Be Or Not To Be, That Is The Question" by Henry Heath (Glover) Snr, 1827 - National Portrait Gallery, London

Kerry's maternal, female line can be traced back to his Great-Great-Grandfather, David Senior, a Yorkshire lad from Dewsbury in England, who was arrested for stealing food to feed his family. He was transported to Australia on the convict ship "Theresa" in 1839. 

Kerry's paternal genealogy can be traced back to his Wright, Mansfield and Mullens ancestors, who migrated to Australia from Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire in England in the early 1800s. Further particulars continue to be researched and are incomplete at this time.

John Francis Mullens - 1905

Kerry followed in the footsteps of his maternal artist ancestors throughout his life. His preferred artistic medium is oil on canvas, portraiture being his primary passion. 

"Self Portrait in Carmelite Habit" by Kerry Wright - 1970

Abstraction is another significant interest. 

"In the Midnight Brightly" by Kerry Wright - 2001

During the 1980s/90s, Kerry calligraphically inscribed the names of graduands onto professional certificates in various disciplines within the nursing profession at Royal North Shore Hospital and for the Institute of Nursing Administrators of NSW & ACT, amongst others. 

He produced an extensive portfolio of satirical cartoons during the early 2000s. 

"A Baloney of Celebrity Chefs" by Kerry Wright - 2009

Kerry entered paintings in the Archibald Prize, Sulman Prize and Blake Prize without success, and contributed paintings to the Out Art exhibition as part of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival each year during the 1990s - with success!

"The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa of Avila" by Kerry Wright - 1984

Kerry’s godmother, Dorothy Cynthia Shiels nee Murrell (b. 2 Nov 1923), is his cousin. Their mothers, Flora and Gladys, were sisters. A much loved Aunty Mame figure in Kerry's life, Dorothy introduced him to the wonderful world of theatre and the arts from an early age, and often referred to him as the son she never had. 

Dorothy Shiels - 1940s

A constant throughout Kerry’s life has been his cherished, beloved friend, George John Chamberlain. George was born Gerhardus Johannes Van Rooyen at Geita in Tanzania, East Africa, on 28 May 1950, and attended the Hill School at Eldoret in Kenya, before migrating to Australia with his family in 1963 aboard the S S Galileo Galilei from Aden. After serving in the Royal Australian Navy, George moved to Sydney, where he and Kerry met one bright, sunny, Saturday afternoon in February 1973, in the home of mutual friends at 37 Lancaster Crescent, Long Reef, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

"Portrait of George Chamberlain" by Kerry Wright - 1980

In 2012 Kerry was honoured to be made a Governor of the Art Gallery of New South Wales Foundation.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Flora Wright - 1975

Flora Wright
1975

In 1975 George and I were invited to live at 37 Lancaster Crescent, Long Reef, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. George had boarded there briefly, in 1973, when he first came to Sydney after leaving the Royal Australian Navy. It was at No.37 that George and I first met in February 1973, when he was then lodging there. The deal was that we could live free of charge in the garden flat in return for maintaining the garden for the elderly owner, Mrs Edith Rommel. George and I eagerly agreed. It was an excellent opportunity to save money and the garden flat afforded a private, separate entrance to the property and magnificent views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Mum and Dad lived at nearby Dee Why and visited often. This charming photo of my beloved mother, Emily Flora Wright nee Glover (known as Flora), was taken on one such visit.

Flora Wright - Early-1970s

My dear mother, Emily Flora Wright (known as Flora) nee Glover (1911-1991), pictured in the garden of my brother's home at Belrose in Sydney in the early 1970s. 

Ray & Flora Wright - 27 January 1969

Ray & Flora Wright 

27 January 1969

Two photos of my mother and father, Ray and Flora Wright, taken on the same day – 27 January 1969. We were off for a day out in the city. The first photo shows Mum and Dad leaving their home at Dee Why on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. We took a bus to the city, where I was scheduled to serve the 8 a.m. Mass at St Patrick’s Church in Grosvenor Street. During 1969, I served the 8 a.m. Mass every weekday morning at St Patrick’s and also the Benediction on Wednesday and Friday evenings. I worked at nearby Circular Quay at the time. The second photo shows Mum and Dad in the garden courtyard below St Patrick’s. That's a garden bed full of  petunias surrounding the statue of St Joseph in the foreground - very colourful in real life. We took the stairs seen here in the background, which led to the sacristy, where a nun can be seen peeking around the corner. Mum and Dad sat in the private pews to the side of the altar, adjoining the sacristy, unseen from the main body of the church. Following Mass we saw the Peter Cook and Dudley Moore comedy movie “Bedazzled” at the Town Cinema in Pitt Street near Town Hall and then had lunch. It was a lovely day.

Ray, Flora & Kerry Wright - 1960

Mum, Dad and me on holiday in Queensland, 1960.

Gladys Murrell & Flora Wright - Late-1950s

L-R: Gladys Murrell & Flora Wright

Late-1950s

My mother, Flora Wright (R), with her sister, Gladys Murrell (both nee Glover), taken some time in the late-1950s. I seem to remember Mum’s stylish, double-breasted suit was a pretty shade of green. Mum was very fond of the colour green, as am I. 

Aunty Glad was born on 26 July 1906 and Mum was born on 16 July 1911.They remained very close throughout their lives. They grew-up at Crows Nest on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Mum was the youngest of five and Aunty Glad was the middle child. Their mother, Louisa Mary (known as May) Glover was an asthmatic. Being the youngest, Mum lost a great deal of school in staying home to look after her infirm mother. After just three years at Willoughby Girls’ High School, she was sent out to work. 

Probably the most memorable of Mum’s early jobs was as a doll-stuffer in a doll factory in Sailors Bay Road at nearby Northbridge, where Aunty Glad also worked, sewing the eyes on the dolls. Sounds positively Dickensian, but at least it wasn’t heavy work and they were indoors, out of the elements. 

In the 1920s, the family relocated permanently to Narrabeen, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where they had holidayed for many years previously. It was there that Mum and Aunty Glad were to meet their respective husbands to be, Ray Wright and Eric Murrell, and live out the remainder of their days. Mum died on 19 November 1991 at age 80, followed just 15 days later by Aunty Glad on 4 December 1991, aged 85. Close even in death.

Flora & Kerry Wright - 1954

Flora & Kerry Wright

1954

This is my favourite photo of Mum and me together. It's another photo that I can remember being taken, even though I was only 4 at the time. My mother, Emily Flora Wright (known as Flora) nee Glover, was then 43. It was taken at the home of friends of my parents who lived at Manly Vale in Sydney, not far from where we lived at Narrabeen. Their surname was Susans. I can't remember their first names. I have a distant, peripheral recollection that they were a good deal older than Mum and Dad. My parents seem to have parted company from them not long after this photo was taken and I have no memory of ever seeing them again, even though their names were sometimes fondly raised in conversation. 

On the day this photo was taken, I remember we had afternoon tea with Mr & Mrs Susans in their heavily draped, dimly lit  home. Late in the afternoon, someone suggested photos be taken and we went outside to the western side of their house, where this photo was taken. The setting sun was low on the horizon, shining directly into our eyes, causing us to squint. I can still remember being unhappy about having to look into the glare of the setting sun, while Mr Susans took the photo. I must have made my displeasure known to Mum, because she is holding my hand in an endeavour to have me wave cheerily at the photographer. 

This photo remains my most loved and cherished image of Mum and me together. Nearly 40 years after it was taken, on Mum's 80th birthday in July 1991, a similar photo was taken of us together. In that photo, our roles had been reversed and I was the one positioned protectively behind my mother. She was terminally ill with inoperable cancer at that time and passed away shortly after the photo was taken. I will post that 1991 photo here in due course.

Kerry Wright - 1953

Kerry Wright

1953

Even though it was so long ago, I can still remember this photograph being taken of me, Kerry Wright, by a Sydney street photographer. I was with my mother, Emily Flora Wright (known as Flora) nee Glover, on one of her shopping expeditions to Sydney. 

I remember we were walking through one of the city's shopping arcades, most likely either the Strand Arcade or the Imperial Arcade, when it was taken. The arcades were beautifully ornate shopping precincts from another era. They were like dazzlingly opulent, gilded microcosms of Victorian London, plonked down in the middle of drab, 1950s, antipodean Sydney. They contained  a rich quantity of highly polished brass in abundance, and lots of beautiful, stylishly decorated shop windows. I loved the double-doored, caged antique elevators that carried shoppers between the different terraced levels. It was an era prior to the advent of  the modern escalator. They were lively places, filled with the noisy hustle and bustle of people hurriedly going about their business, all dressed in their finest and perfumed with their best cologne, as people did in those days when visiting the city. Mum and I would have traveled into Sydney on the 190 double-deck Wynyard bus, from our home at Narrabeen on Sydney's Northern Beaches. It was a one-hour bus trip. Mum visited all the major, glitzy department stores on such shopping expeditions - David Jones, Anthony Hordern and Mark Foys, using  the arcades as short-cuts between streets. 

But I digress. To get back to this photo, I remember Mum and I had just entered the arcade. Mum was walking briskly ahead of me, when I noticed a window display that attracted my attention. I remember it was a women's boutique with dressed mannequins displayed in the window. A £6 price-tag can be seen in the background. The street photographer who took this photograph has captured me in the process of pointing at the window display and calling to my mother to come back and have a look. The selectivity of memory never ceases to amaze me. It's incredible that I still remember so much detail, after so many years. Alas, what's even more amazing, in a worrisome way, is how much I've undoubtedly forgotten of far more important events that have transpired during the intervening years.

Flora Wright, Gladys Murrell & Kerry Wright - ca.1952

L-R: Flora Wright, Kerry Wright, Gladys Murrell

ca.1952

This photo was taken in about 1952. That's me, Kerry Wright, in the middle. Holding my hands is my mother, Flora Wright (L), and her sister, my Aunty Glad, Gladys Murrell (R). It was taken at my childhood home, 10 Mactier Street, Narrabeen, on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Mum and Aunty Glad were both very resourceful, resilient women, with strong personalities. They had an enormous influence on my upbringing. I would sit and listen to them chat for hours and never tire of what they had to say, occasionally intruding with an opinion of my own. When I did so, I was always listened to and made feel as though I had made a valuable contribution to their conversation. This was the case throughout my life, not only when I was a child. I continued to enjoy sitting in on their chats right up to the time they passed away. They had remained close throughout their lives and died within only a few short weeks of each other in 1991. I miss those chats.

Flora Wright, Gladys Murrell & Kerry Wright - 1950

L-R: Flora Wright and Gladys Murrell

with Kerry Wright in pram

1950

Way back in the dim and distant past of the 1950s, people dressed in their very best when visiting the city, even if it was only on a day-time shopping trip. And here's proof. This photo of my mother, Flora Wright (L), and her sister, my Aunty Glad, Gladys Murrell (R), with me in the pram, was taken in Sydney's Martin Place. The iconic northern facade of the GPO (now Westin Hotel) can be seen in the left background.

Mum and Aunty Glad would have taken the 190 double-deck Wynyard bus to "Town", from their home at Narrabeen on Sydney's Northern Beaches. They are both stylishly dressed, complete with hats and, in Aunty Glad's case, a fur stole. I am shocked to see they're not wearing gloves; though, that may be a pair of gloves Aunty Glad is holding in her left hand. Gloves were de rigueur fashion accessories for women in those days.

I seem to recall that Mum only ever visited the city a couple of times each year. One such trip was always in December, to do Christmas shopping at the glamorous department stores of David Jones, Mark Foys and Anthony Horderns. I don't remember my father ever accompanying my mother and I on such occasions. It wasn't something men did back then. The annual Christmas shopping trip also incorporated visits to each department store's resident Santa Claus, as well as viewing the stores' Christmas window decorations and all the Christmas decorations in the city. One particular year, after we'd visited several stores, I remember asking Mum why there were so many Santas. Mum explained that there was only one, but that he magically travelled very quickly ahead of us, so he could greet us as we visited each store in turn.

Flora, Robert & Kerry Wright - 1950

L-R: Robert Wright & Flora Wright

with baby Kerry Wright

1950

Not the best quality photo, somewhat out of focus, but the subject matter is pure gold. It shows my darling Mummy (Flora Wright) perching me (Kerry Wright) atop the seat of my brother Robert's bicycle. I recognize the background as our front yard at 10 Mactier Street, Narrabeen, on Sydney's Northern Beaches. I appear to be fixated on the photographer, probably Dad, whereas Mum and Robert seem to have eyes only for me. Mum and Robert are wearing light woollens, so I'm guessing this photo was probably taken some time around Autumn 1950. I experience a combination of joy and pathos when I view this image. Joy, for the love of my mother and brother, so tangibly displayed here. And pathos for the loss of them both, now passed away. An entire era ended, yet it was only such a short time ago. 

Flora & Kerry Wright - January 1950

Flora Wright with baby Kerry Wright

January 1950

One of the few photos in my parent's album which identifies when it was taken. On the reverse of the photo is recorded "Kerry 8 weeks". As I was born in early November 1949, that means this lovely photo of my mother, Emily Flora Wright (known as Flora) nee Glover, cradling me in her arms, was taken in early January 1950. My family lived in Mactier Street at Narrabeen on Sydney's Northern Beaches, only a short walk from South Narrabeen beach, where this photo was probably taken. We spent much of our leisure time there. January is the height of summer in Australia and one of the hottest times of the year, so I'm sure Mum would have been most grateful for the generous shade provided by that big old beach umbrella.

Flora & Kerry Wright - 1 January 1950

Flora Wright with baby Kerry Wright

1 January 1950

I'm not entirely sure when this beautiful "Madonna & Child" image of my mother, Flora Wright, cradling me in her arms dates from, but my birth in early November 1949 certainly narrows down the probabilities. Personally, I would like to think it was taken on 1 January 1950 - the day of my baptism at St Faith's Church, Narrabeen, on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Just a guess, but I suspect I may be right.

Royal Easter Show 1948

L-R: Robert Wright, Gladys Murrell, Alan Wright, Flora Wright

Royal Easter Show

1948

One of the few photos from the collection of my parents which records a date. On the reverse of this photo is written "Royal Easter Show 1948". It shows my mother, Flora Wright (R), with her sister, Gladys Murrell (Aunty Glad) and my brothers, Robert (L) and Alan (R) Wright. 

The Royal Easter Show is an annual event held at Easter each year, where Sydney's city folk get to experience, albeit tentatively, various aspects of rural life. Farmers and graziers from across country New South Wales bring their animals and produce to the city, to exhibit them in such variously diverse categories as "Best Bull" to "Best Lamington" and everything else in between, vying for the highly sought after and much prized ribbons and accolades awarded to the winners. 

As well as the animals and produce, there are also sideshows, rides, and junk food in abundance, all set amidst the bustling, manic atmosphere of Sydney Showground at Moore Park (since relocated to Homebush Bay in recent times). 

For children, one of the most exciting aspects of attending the Royal Easter Show is collecting show bags. At the time this photo was taken, show bags notoriously contained cheap toys, lollies and assorted tat, but were highly prized by children. My mother can be seen holding a couple of such show bags in this photo. Their more upmarket, modern equivalents are still available at the Show to this day. 

My little family group shown here would have travelled from Narrabeen on Sydney's Northern Beaches for their exciting big day out. Though a return journey of just 46 kilometres (28 miles), and easily negotiated today, in those days it would have been an intricate undertaking, involving multiple bus/ferry/train commutes over several hours. An exhausting exercise for all concerned, but certainly not to be missed.

Ray, Flora, Robert & Alan Wright - ca.1945

L-R: Ray, Robert, Flora & Alan Wright - ca.1945

This lovely family snap of my mother and father, Ray & Flora Wright, with my bothers Robert (L) and Alan (R), was taken in Martin Place, Sydney. The famous northern colonnade of the GPO (now Westin Hotel) can be seen in the left background. 

As for estimating the date, some amateur sleuthing will be necessary. I am guessing it was taken in 1945 for a number of reasons, not least of all  being Robert's (b.1937) and Alan's (b.1940) ages. From the way everyone is dressed, particularly the boys' sandals, it is clearly summertime. Dad is in Australian Army uniform, though there would appear to be an absence of formal insignia thereon. Following service in the Pacific during World War 2, Dad was discharged from the Army on 14 December 1945. 

For all these reasons and also because of the way Robert and Alan are positively beaming, perhaps because their Dad has just returned safely from the War, I am going to venture a guess that this photo may have been taken on 14 December 1945, the day of Dad's discharge. Mid-Summer in Australia.

Flora & Robert Wright - ca.1940

Flora & Robert Wright - ca.1940

In the absence of a date on the original, I am guessing this photo of my mother, Flora Wright, was taken some time around 1940. When going out for a day of shopping in those days, women dressed in their finest attire, complete with hat and gloves. At the height of a scorching Sydney summer, it was often too hot to actually wear the gloves, but they were still carried, as dictated by the fashion of the day. And Mum can be seen here carrying a pair of gloves in her left hand. Talk about multitasking before its time! In the same hand she is also carrying what looks to be a cake-box, as well as holding onto the hand of her second son, my brother, Robert. Suitcases, such as the one Mum is carrying,  were used to carry groceries at that time. So, even though Mum looks stylish and elegant enough to board the Orient Express for an exciting adventure across Europe, she is, in actuality, simply out for a day of shopping. I can see from the background that the location is The Corso at Manly, on the corner of Darley Road, outside St Matthew's Church. Not far from where the family lived at Narrabeen.

Ray & Flora Wright - 1930s

Ray & Flora Wright - 1930s

I love the way Mum and Dad are leaning close together here. It's a picture of a young couple in love. I estimate (in the absence of a date) that it was probably taken some time in the early/mid-1930s, during the early years of their marriage, yet they have already formed the inseparable Darby & Joan bond which so characterised their loving relationship together.  

Flora & John Wright - ca.1934

Flora & John Wright - ca.1934

This lovely picture of Mum (Emily Flora Wright nee Glover) with her first-born son, John, is reminiscent of the picture of  Mum and I taken in 1954, located at the top of this blog. Separated by some 20 years, Mum stands protectively behind her sons in both pictures. This photo was taken in my maternal grandparent's back yard, at 8 Mactier Street, Narrabeen, in Sydney. In the middle distance, with his back to the camera, is my Papa, my maternal grandfather (George Henry Glover), tending his garden. Beyond that can be seen a house, which is where my parents lived at No.10, next door. In the far distance can be seen the escarpment of Collaroy Plateau, rising up from the coastal plain.

Ray & Flora Wright - Early-1930s

Ray & Flora Wright - Early-1930s

Mum and Dad (Ray & Flora Wright) during the early years of their marriage in the early 1930s, at 10 Mactier Street, Narrabeen, in Sydney. They were destined to live there for over 30 years, moving to Dee Why in 1967, following the death of Mum's parents. No.10 Mactier Street was a humble little house, it's main feature being that it was next door to the home of my maternal grandparents at No.8. Another important attraction was that it was very close to nearby South Narrabeen beach (the beach is not far behind where my parents are standing in this photo, near the pine tree in the background). Though humble, Mum always kept the little house immaculately clean (something I've inherited from her) and Dad kept the lawn to an impeccably maintained green-keeper's standard. In the flower beds, Mum grew carnations, snapdragons, sweet-pea and fuschia. To this day, when I smell the perfume of carnation, I am jettisoned back to Mactier Street. Not long after moving in, Dad planted 4 coral trees, which soon grew very large and provided wonderful shade for family functions, including many happy alfresco Christmas lunches. 

Louisa Mary Glover & Flora Wright - Late-1920s

L-R: Louisa Mary Glover, Flora Wright - Late-1920s

I estimate this lovely photo of my mother, Emily Flora (known as Flora) Wright nee Glover, was probably taken in her late teens, approaching age 20, in the late 1920s, or 1930 at the very latest. With Mum is her mother, Louisa Mary (known as May) Glover. They are on the front verandah of the family home, "Cooinda", at 1224 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen, in Sydney. Mum looks very pretty and I have often wondered if Dad may have taken this photo, possibly when he visited the Glover home to take Mum for a date.