Portrait of Noni Hazlehurst wins Archibald Prize people’s choice award

First-time Archibald Prize finalist Jaq Grantford has won the people’s choice award with her second portrait of actor Noni Hazlehurst.

Jaq Grantford with her portrait of Noni Hazlehurst. Picture: Getty Images

A portrait of Noni Hazlehurst looking through a square window – jogging memories of the actor’s long-time role as a host of Play School – has been named as the popular favourite at the Archibald Prize.

The picture is by Melbourne artist Jaq Grantford, a first-time ­finalist in the Archibald and the artist behind an earlier portrait of Hazlehurst that is now hanging in the National Portrait Gallery.

Grantford said she was humbled that visitors to the Art Gallery of NSW had responded so positively to the portrait of Hazlehurst, to which she gave the title Through the Window. “She is such a delightful person, and I love how people’s faces light up when they mention her name,” she said.

“I love her passion for the things she believes in, and she has a wonderful depth to her – an empathetic, credible face as a presenter and a sensitive and insightful actor. To try to capture Noni on canvas was an absolute joy.”

Finger drawings in the condensation on the window were symbols of safety and protection, “not just for her, but for everyone in these uncertain times”.

The Archibald Prize People’s Choice award received 15,542 votes from visitors to the exhibition in Sydney. Grantford receives $5000 while voter Chris Hopkins has won $2000.

A self-portrait by Grantford last year won the $75,000 Darling Portrait Prize, a biennial award given by the NPG in Canberra.

Hazlehurst has had a half-century career in film, TV and on stage, including 24 years as a host on Play School, which introduced her to thousands of young fans.

She said she was thrilled that Grantford had been recognised with the award. “Her portraits are remarkable, not only for their verisimilitude, but also for her unique and thoughtful storytelling ability,” she said. “There is a warmth and authenticity about her work, which evokes a strong visceral connection between the artist, the subject and the viewer.”