The University of Queensland

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William and Lila Mary Mayo, nd UQFL119_pic051

Daphne Mayo had an extraordinarily close relationship with her parents, William and Lila Mary Mayo as reflected in the prolific correspondence in the Daphne Mayo collection. Of particular importance was the consistent faith and confidence her parents had in her. Their encouragement of her career was unceasing, despite their ill health in later years.

The correspondence from her parents reveals an enduring love for and commitment to her. It includes news and bits and pieces from home, family gossip, recipes, encouragement for her work and concern for her health, be it physical or mental. As their health deteriorated, Mayo's anxiety about them is evidenced in her letters.

The tragic death of her only sibling, Dick, in November 1924 due to the effects of gas poisoning during World War I, forced Mayo's return to Brisbane in 1925. Correspondence between Daphne's father and herself reveal the devastating effects it had on this very tightly knit family.

Tragically she was unable to return to Brisbane before her brother died.

Having lost her only sibling, Mayo felt compelled to return to Brisbane to support her grieving parents, despite her passion for the art and architecture of Italy and France. Her journey overseas studying Classical and Renaissance art and architecture was far from over but the loss of her brother was at the forefront of her mind. One can only speculate on the development of her artistic career if she had remained in Europe to complete her studies.

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[23 November 1924]

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Vida Lahey in her studio, 25 August 1941
UQFL119_pic052

Vida Lahey and Edith Lahey, Vida's step-aunt and close friend of Mayo, also corresponded regularly with news of home and encouragement. Their constant and enduring support is reflected in their correspondence held in the collection.

Vida Lahey and Mayo corresponded regularly on the development of Queensland art in particular children's art in Queensland. Vida Lahey was awarded an MBE in 1958 for her services and commitment to Queensland art. She wrote to Mayo on the award:

... Thank you so much for your good wishes and kind thoughts for I certainly need them! ... But now looms an awful hurdle - this development of Queensland Art which I am supposed to be doing. I'd do anything to get out of it... I'm so terribly slow

[20 August 1958]

A very close relationship, developed between Edith Lahey and Mayo during the latter's time spent in Sydney. She replied to Mayo's gift of sherry in a very light hearted way:

... My dear little girl, the pretty bottle has been opened and I have tasted it, well, the bottle is the best part, the wine is a few shades worse than the sherry, still for your sake I must make a martyr of myself and intend drinking it, as my medicine ... Much love from me dear.   [9 June 1952]

The correspondence in the collection also highlights the extraordinary impact Mayo had on people she met through her work.

Correspondence from Dame Mary Gilmore, acclaimed Australian author, poet and journalist reveals this:

... My dear Daphne Mayo
You astonish me. You had better come to see me before you think of doing anything! ... I am more than interested in Maria Kuhn. I believe you too think she is worth while ... Do come to see me. I have never forgotten you, though I only saw you once...

[19 December 1950]

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Dame Mary Gilmore, nd UQFL119_pic053

Daphne

Would you care to hear of a Clever Girl
Who possesses the "Gift of Dreams"?
Her grey eyes see more than many can see,
And her hair catches sunlight gleams.

Her fingers can fashion from formless clay
An image of movement and life
Of faces we know, with their sweet smiles caught;
Or others, where sorrow is rife.

Each wrinkle is placed with a loving hand,
And the dimples are formed with care;
If a curl escapes from retaining band,
The fingers will capture it there.

But whenever those fingers grow tired of play
And the "Gift of Dreams" grows dim,
The Lassie just floats to this old grey world,
And captures the hearts she can win.

[Friendship and other poems, Edith Lahey, 1958]

An American serviceman, Captain Robert Carson whom Mayo had met in the Queensland Art Reference Library commissioned a stone sculpture of Cyrano de Bergerac. A strong friendship developed:

Dear Miss Mayo:
Your second letter just came and I shall answer at once. I have long intended to write and tell you how thoroughly I enjoyed your company. You were such a good talker and such a good listener ... My last leave was by far the best thanks to you ... Often think of you and your abundant life. [6 November 1944]

In depth study of the prolific correspondence in the collection, between Daphne, her parents, friends and professional acquaintances will further highlight the personal impact this remarkable woman had on all who knew her.