Portraits of two Whittlesea residents aged over 100 years old have been created by Archibald Prize-winning artist Peter Wegner.
The portraits are part of Wegner’s Centenarian Project, which honours the stories and lives of Australians who have reached 100 years and over.
One of the new portraits features Leila Joyce Worrall, known as Joyce, who turned 103 in December.
Joyce has lived in Lalor for the past four years with her son and welcomed Wegner into her home, where they shared tea and stories.
Joyce’s warmth and humour inspired Wegner as he sketched her portrait, capturing her spirit and the connection she has with her family and community.
“When I saw the artwork, I couldn’t believe it was me. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I think it is wonderful,” Joyce said.
The second portrait tributes Peter Petrov from Bundoora, who celebrated his 100th birthday on Christmas Day.
Wegner’s collection now includes more than 100 centenarians from across Victoria and New South Wales.
The two portraits have been added to the Whittlesea council’s cultural collection which preserves and shares the visual art and history that reflect the city’s diverse past and present.
