| 1916 |
Born Lithgow, NSW, Australia |
| 1919 |
Bass family leaves Lithgow and moves to a Bag-humpy in Griffith, NSW |
| 1920-22 |
Bass family moves to Rochford Street, Erskineville and attends Erskineville Primary School, Sydney |
| 1922-23 |
Bass family moves to Parks, NSW |
| 1923 |
Bass family returns to Erskineville, NSW |
| 1924-26 |
Bass family moves to Gundagai, NSW |
| 1926-27 |
Bass family returns to Sydney and settles in Marrickville where Tom attends Stanmore Primary School |
| 1928 |
Now living in William St Marrickville, the Depression hits Bass family with father being sacked from EMCO Building Company |
| 1929-31 |
Living in Porter Ave Dulwich Hill, attends Petersham High School, Sydney |
| 1931 |
Leaves school age 15 years old to work at Mick Simmons |
| 1932 |
Starts work in a glass factory, Moves out of home (Dixon St, St Peter’s) to Elizabeth Bay then moves to ‘Buggery Barn’ 82 Gloucester Street, The Rocks |
| 1933-34 |
From Reiby Street, Newtown, Tom goes on the track to Brewarrina and rural NSW |
| 1935 |
Tom briefly lives in Brisbane |
| 1936 |
Returns to Sydney works as a life model and housepainter |
| 1937-40 |
Attends, Dattilo-Rubbo Atelier, Sydney, NSW Lives with fellow Rubbo student Wolfgang Cardamatis |
| 1937 |
Meets future first wife Lenore Rays at Dattilo-Rubbo Atelier |
| 1938 |
Bass lives at 105 Gloucester St, The Rocks |
| 1940 |
Tom Bass is conscripted |
| 1941 |
Enlisted, Bass completes 3 months National Service Training, then is called up and sent to Bathurst |
| 1942-45 |
Works as a clerk in the District Records Office, Sydney during WWII |
| 1941 |
Marries Lenore Rays |
| 1941-75 |
Moved to Minto |
| 1942 |
Group Art exhibition September Contempo Art Society, David Jones Gallery |
| 1944 |
Timothy Bass is born (first child) |
| 1945 |
Discharged from National Service Winner, Sculpture section ‘Australia at War’ exhibition |
| 1946-48 |
Attended & graduated, The National Art School ASTC (Hons), Sydney NSW (Initiated through the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme) |
| 1947 |
Virginia Bass is born (second child) |
| 1948 |
Commission: Jack Earth (sandstone) Comfort Hill, Sutton Forest, NSW |
| 1948 |
Anna Bass is born (third child) |
| 1948 |
Commission: Crest of the Campbell Clan for Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society, NSW |
| 1949 |
Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, Wynne Prize Competition |
| 1949-50 |
Assistant sculptor to Lyndon Dadswell (1908-1986) |
| 1950 |
Commission: The Mermaid Fountain (copper deposit) Private Garden, Cremorne, NSW |
| 1950-53 |
Teacher, sculpture, National Art School, Sydney, NSW |
| 1951 |
The Tea Drinkers (cast concrete) exhibited Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, Wynne Prize Competition. Sculptures now withBelinda Moon, Cassilus, NSW |
| 1951 |
Group Exhibition: (2-14 Jul) David Jones Art Gallery ‘The Sydney Group’ |
| 1951 |
Group Exhibition: (Nov-Dec) Botanic Gardens, Sydney, Society of Sculptors & Associates. First outdoor exhibition |
| 1951-64 |
Occupied various executive positions with the Sculptor’s Society, NSW |
| 1952 |
Belinda Bass is born (fourth child) |
| 1952 |
Group Exhibition: (20 Jan – Feb) Art Gallery of NSW, Society of Sculptors & Associate |
| 1952 |
Commission: Brown Owl Fountain (Toadstool Fountain)(copper deposit), Girl Guides Training Centre, Turramurra, NSW |
| 1952 |
Group Exhibition: (5 Nov) St Brigid’s Edgecliff, Sydney. The Studio Workshop organised by the Society of Sculptors & Associates |
| 1952 |
Group Exhibition: (3-10 Dec) Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney ‘Unknown Political Prisoner International Sculpture Competition’ |
| 1953 |
The Poll Hereford Bull (reconstituted stone) Harrington Park NSW |
| 1953 |
Commission: The Student (sandstone) Main Gates, University of Sydney, NSW |
| 1953 |
Visits Bishop Gilford Young, Yass |
| 1953 |
Group Exhibition: (14 Mar-30 April) Tate Gallery London, ‘International Sculpture Comp – The Unknown Political Prisoner’ |
| 1953 |
Group Exhibition: (13 Jun-12 Jul) Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, Society of Sculptors & Associates, Third Exhibition |
| 1953 |
Commission: Crucifix (copper deposit) Canisius College SJ, Pymble, NSW |
| 1953-55 |
Commission: The Falconer (copper deposit) University of New South Wales, NSW |
| 1954 |
Commission: St Joseph the Carpenter (polychrome plaster) Catholic Church, Warren, NSW |
| 1954 |
Copper deposit technique established in Bass’ studio |
| 1954-56 |
Commission: The Trial of Socrates (copper deposit) The University of Melbourne, Vic |
| 1954-59 |
Commission: The Idea of a University (reconstituted stone) Wilson Hall, University of Melbourne, Vic |
| 1955 |
Commission: Saint Francis Xavier (copper deposit) Roman Catholic Church, Ashbury, NSW |
| 1955 |
Group Exhibition: (11 Feb-1 March) David Jones Art Gallery, Sydney, Society of Sculptors & Associates |
| 1955 |
Group Exhibition: (28 Sep-19 Oct) Art Gallery of NSW ‘First Loan Exhibition’ |
| 1955-56 |
Commission: External Crucifix (copper deposit), St Augustine’s Church, Yass, NSW |
| 1955-56 |
Commission: Reredos Crucifix (polychrome plaster), St Augustine’s Church, Yass, NSW |
| 1955-56 |
Commission: St Paul the Sailmaker (polychrome plaster), St Augustine’s Church, Yass, NSW |
| 1956 |
Group Exhibition: David Jones Art Gallery, Sydney. Society of Sculptors & Associates ‘…with invited overseas exhibitors’ |
| 1956-59 |
Commission: Research (copper deposit) formerly the ICI Building, Sydney, NSW |
| 1956-59 |
Commission: Herald Sculpture (copper deposit) Sydney Morning Herald Building, Sydney, NSW |
| 1957 |
Group Exhibition: David Jones Art Gallery, Sydney. Society of Sculptors & Associates ‘Sculpture in Architecture’ |
| 1958 |
Group Exhibition: (30 April-14 May) David Jones Art Gallery, Sydney. Society of Sculptors & Associates |
| 1958 |
Group Exhibition: (4-11 Oct) Commonwealth Bank, Sydney. ‘Waratah Spring Festival’ Panels for West Wilson Hall, University of Melbourne |
| 1958-60 |
Commission: Edmund Rice (copper deposit) St Patrick’s College, Goulburn, NSW |
| 1959 |
Commission: St Ignatius Riverview (copper deposit), NSW |
| 1959 |
Commission: Baptismal Font (polychrome reconstituted stone and copper) St Joseph’s Church, Camperdown, NSW |
| 1959-60 |
Commission: Fountain Figure (copper deposit) Chancellor’s Court, University of New South Wales, NSW |
| 1959-61 |
Commission: Ethos (copper deposit) Civic Square, Canberra, ACT |
| 1959-62 |
Commission: Our Lady Archetype of the Church (reconstituted stone) Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Hobart, Tas |
| 1960-61 |
Commission: RACV Water Sculpture (copper deposit) RACN Building, Melbourne, Vic |
| 1960-61 |
Commission: High Altar (polychrome reconstituted stone) Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Hobart, Tas |
| 1960-62 |
Commission: AMP Emblem (copper deposit) AMP Building, Sydney Cove, NSW |
| 1961 |
Commission: Votive Figure of the Sacred Heart (polychrome concrete) Sancta Sophia College, University of Sydney, NSW |
| 1961 |
Group Exhibition: (22 April-21 May) Mildura Art Gallery. Mildura Prize for Sculpture |
| 1961 |
(illustration in catalogue only) |
| 1961 |
Group Exhibition: (1-16 Nov) David Jones Art Gallery, Sydney. Society of Sculptors & Associates |
| 1962 |
Extended overseas tour (Europe) |
| 1962 |
Mark Paul (Marco) Bass is born (fifth child) |
| 1962-63 |
Commission: P&O Wall Fountain (copper fabrication) formerly the P&O Building, Hunter Street, Sydney, NSW |
| 1962-63 |
Commission: Children’s Tree (bronze) CML Building, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Vic |
| 1962-63 |
Commission: AGC Sculpture (copper fabrication) formerly AGC House, Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW |
| 1963 |
Group Exhibition: (13-25 Nov) David Jones Art Gallery, Sydney. Society of Sculptors & Associates |
| 1963 |
Oz Magazine publishes the P&O Wall Fountain on the cover featuring three men apparently urinating into the Fountain –this and several actions by Oz leads to the an Obscenity Trial where Bass is called on behalf of the Defense. |
| 1963-64 |
Commission: Transportation (copper fabrication) H.C. Sleigh Building, Queen Street, Melbourne, Vic |
| 1964 |
Bass leaves the Sculptor’s Society, NSW |
| 1964 |
Commission: Saint Luke Icon (polychrome reconstituted stone), St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW |
| 1965 |
Quoting sculptor Robert Klippel, The Sydney Morning Herald publishes ‘Australian Sculpture Comes of Age – Or does it?’ by Craig McGregor that makes a personal attack on Bass and his work (6/5/1965) |
| 1965-67 |
Bass launches a defamation suit against the John Fairfax and Sons (Herald) seeking an apology and compensation for damage to his reputation. Suit drags on for years and finally settled out of court |
| 1965 |
Group Exhibition: Recent Australian Sculpture, Art Gallery of New South Wales |
| 1965 |
Bass begins to doubt his philosophy about the Totemic sculpture |
| 1965-66 |
Commission: Crucifix (polychrome plaster) Royal Military College, Duntroon, ACT |
| 1966 |
Commission: MMI Sculpture (copper fabrication) MMI Building, Brisbane, Qld |
| 1966 |
Commission: Votive Figure (copper fabrication) St Aloysius College, Adelaide, SA |
| 1966 |
Group Exhibition: (Aug) Macquarie Galleries, Sydney. ‘Artists’ Trust Fund Exhibition’ |
| 1966-67 |
Commission: Coat of Arms (copper fabrication) Treasury Building, Canberra, ACT |
| 1966-67 |
Commission: AMP Emblem (bronze) AMP Building, Adelaide, SA |
| 1967 |
Commission: St Vincent the Paul Logo, Australia |
| 1967-68 |
Commission: Lintel Sculpture (copper fabrication) National Library, Canberra, ACT |
| 1968-69 |
Commission: Sculptured Emblem (bronze) Australian Chancery Building, Washington DC USA |
| 1969 |
Commission: AMP Emblem (copper and bronze) Hobart, Tas |
| 1969 |
Commission: Sculptured Altar (timber) For Fr Ted Kennedy St. Joseph’s Church, Neutral Bay, NSW (Relocated to St Vincent’s Church, Redfern, NSW) |
| 1969 |
Commission: Our Lady and Christ the Priest (polychrome plaster, Catholic Seminary Manly, NSW, now at Good Shepherd Seminary Homebush |
| 1969 |
Commission: Wall Sculpture (reconstituted stone) Poor Clares Monastery, Campbelltown, NSW |
| 1969 |
Extended overseas tour to the USA (9 weeks) |
| 1970 -80 |
Working on personal sculptures |
| 1971 |
Commission: Entrance Sculpture (copper) Western Australian Institute of Technology, South Bentley, WA |
| 1972 |
Group Exhibition: (26 Oct – 17 Nov) Sculpture Centre Gallery, Sydney. Official Opening |
| 1973 |
Teacher of life study, National Art School, Sydney, NSW |
| 1973 |
Bass renovates a Broadway studio over 6 months that will eventually become the Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School |
| 1973 |
Commission: The Genii (bronze) Queen Victoria Gardens, Melbourne, Vic |
| 1974 |
Bass officially opens Tom Bass Sculpture School, Broadway |
| 1975 |
Separates from Lenore Bass |
| 1976 |
Group Exhibition: (21 Sep-9 Oct) Sculpture Centre, Sydney. Society of Sculptors & Associates, ‘Twenty-fifth Anniversary exhibition’ |
| 1976 |
Commission: McWilliam (bronze) Hanwood near Griffith, NSW |
| 1980 |
Solo exhibition: David Jones Art Gallery, Sydney |
| 1981 |
Divorces Lenore Bass |
| 1983 |
Dr Margo Hoekstra begins attending classes at the TBSSS |
| 1984 |
Commission: The Art and The Sciences (reconstituted stone) Great Hall Sculptures University of Sydney, NSW |
| 1985 |
Tom marries Dr Margo Hoekstra in Annandale, Sydney |
| 1986 |
Commission: Mary Immaculate (polychrome plaster) Catholic Church, Bossley Park, NSW |
| 1987 |
Commission: Our Lady if Sorrows, (polychrome plaster) Cannosian Hospital, Brisbane, Qld |
| 1987 |
Commission: Saint Paul (reconstituted stone) Aurora College, Moss Vale, NSW |
| 1987 |
Commission: Magdalene Foundress (polychrome reconstituted stone) Cannosian Hospital, Brisbane, Qld |
| 1988 |
Made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to sculpture |
| 1988-89 |
Commission: Ascension (bronze and stainless steel) Nanarup, WA |
| 1989 |
Commission: Christopher Robin (polychrome resin) Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW |
| 1991 |
Peter Hoekstra-Bass is born (sixth child) |
| 1995 |
Commission: Votive Reredos Cross (timber polychrome), St. Finbar’s Church, Glenbrook, NSW |
| 1996 |
Tom Bass – Totem Maker co-authored by Tom Bass and Harris Smart is published |
| 1997 |
Commission: St Peter Julian Eymard (cold cast bronze) St Patrick’s Church Melbourne Vic |
| 1998 |
The Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School relocated to Erskineville, NSW |
| 1998 |
Occasional Prayers by Tom Bass is published |
| 1999 |
Group exhibition: Sculpture by the Sea Bondi, NSW |
| 2001 |
Group exhibition: Sculpture in the City, Sydney NSW |
| 2002 |
Head of Lionel Murphy (for bronze) Private collection |
| 2002-06 |
Commission: Elizabeth (bronze) sculpture of Mrs. Macquarie |
| 2003 |
Installed the Baker of Narromine (polychrome reconstituted stone), Donated to Narromine, NSW |
| 2003 |
The Tom Bass Sculpture Studio School Incorporated as a not-for-profit Association |
| 2003 |
September, TBSSS Inc placed on the Register of Cultural Organisations making donations fully Tax deductible |
| 2004 |
Commission: St Augustin (cold cast bronze) low relief for St Augustin’s Church Yass, NSW |
| 2006 |
Tom Bass celebrates his Ninetieth birthday at the Universities & Schools Club, Sydney, NSW |
| 2006 |
Tom Bass – Totem Maker (revised edition) co-authored by Tom Bass and Harris Smart is released (first published in 1996) |
| 2006 |
Unveiling of the Elizabeth (Campbell Macquarie) sculpture at Mawson Park, Campbelltown City, NSW |
| 2006 |
November – December The first major retrospective Tom Bass Retrospective – Sydney Celebrates the Sculpture of Bass was staged at the Sydney Opera House. |
| 2006 |
Tom Bass 2006 (ed Genevieve Carson) a sculpture book, was published to complement this exhibition. |
| 2007-08 |
The Retrospective toured to Bathurst Regional Art Gallery. |
| 2008 |
Group Exhibiiton. Lines of Fire: Armed Forces to Art School July – August National Art School |
| 2008 |
Installation of Bradman – portrait as part of the Captain’s Walk Cootamundra |
| 2008 |
National Library of Australia 40th Birthday Events: Conversation with Tom Bass and Genevieve Carson |
| 2009 |
Amicus Award based on the AMP sculpture Amicus in Re Certa |
| 2009 |
Admitted to the degree of Doctor of Visual Arts (honoris causa) at the University of Sydney. |
| 2010 |
Tom Bass continued to be an inspiring mentor and to make sculpture until his death after a brief illness on 26th February 2010. |
