An image of prominent businessman and philanthropist John B Reid AO was captured in a beautiful tapestry portrait woven by Pamela Joyce at the ATW and completed in 2020.

Mr Reid has had a long and distinguished career in the world of business, through his association with one of Australia’s largest corporations, James Hardie Industries. He was Chairman of UAC Berhad from 1964-1980, Chairman of PT James Hardie Indonesia 1973-1985 and Chairman of the Hardie Trading Limited 1974-1985. He has been a Director of the Company since 1964 and was Deputy Chairman from 1969-1972 and made Chairman in 1973. The position he held was one of great responsibility, which he carried out with diligence and enthusiasm.

He was appointed Member of the Australian Advisory Board for Kmart Corporation in the USA in 1992 and made substitute Director of Coles Myer Ltd in March 1992. Mr. Reid was the Chair of the Australian Bicentennial Authority, and from 1986–1989 he was Director of the World Expo 88 in Brisbane, Queensland. Mr Reid became a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and received the John Storey Medal in 1986 for services to management. His outstanding contribution to industry was recognised in 1980 when Reid was made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

This portrait was woven with a minimal palette, with a highly contrasting range of tones to increase the dimensionality of Reid’s features. Woven from a photograph, the tapestry interpretation aimed to highlight natural skin tones and contrast these tones with a dark graduated background and suit jacket. This portrait was commissioned in December 2019 by his wife Lynn Rainbow-Reid AM in celebration of his 90th birthday. This portrait serves as an ongoing celebration of the life of John B Reid AO and recognition of his illustrious achievements.