Tribute to Lord Lipsey

The Trustees, Director and team at the Trust are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our President, Lord Lipsey. David was Chairperson of the Sidney Nolan Trust for nine years, from 2013 to 2022.

Lord David Lipsey (Left) with former Trust Director Anthony Plant and Mrs Nicola Downer AM at the opening of Sidney Nolan's studio at The Rodd in 2017.

Like the Trust's first Chairperson, Sir John Tooley of the Royal Opera House, David had a deep love of music and other arts. Among his many other passions were horse racing and dog racing where he applied his talents to support both the sport and the animals. Though never a politician, he was hugely influential in the Labour party as journalist, special advisor and peer, from the 1970s through to the present day.

At the Sidney Nolan Trust, he steered the organisation through a difficult period after the death of Lady Mary Nolan in 2016 and helped to lay the foundations for the organisation we are today. It was a busy time, with the acquisition, through acceptance in lieu, of Rodd Court, and a series of national exhibitions and events to celebrate Nolan’s centenary.

On stepping down as chair, Lord Lipsey became president, continuing to champion the Trust and support all at The Rodd. He was decisive and insightful, brusque but never arrogant, full of affection and wit; someone who bypassed formalities to get straight to the nub of a matter. All who met him, from small children and his many acquaintances in the racing world, were struck by his warm and unconventional personality.

David will be greatly missed as a colleague and friend, someone who gave so much and in doing so, brightened our lives.

Lucy Trench, Chairperson