Archibald Prize

The Archibald Prize is regarded as the most important portraiture prize, and is the most prominent of all arts prizes, in Australia. It began in 1921 after a bequest from J F Archibald, the editor of The Bulletin, and is awarded annually by the Trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales for "the best portrait, preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in Art, Letters, Science or Politics, painted by an artist resident in Australasia during the 12 months preceding the date fixed by the Trustees for sending in the pictures." In 2005, the prize awarded was $35,000.

Winners of the Packing Room Prize

• 1991/92 - Greg Bridges - politician Gareth Evans
• 1992/93 - Angelika Erbsland - Horse trainer Colin Hayes OBE
• 1993/94 - Peter Robertson - singer Kate Ceberano
• 1995 - Danelle Bergstrom - actor and singer Jon English
• 1996 - Paul Newton - radio announcer John Laws
• 1997 - Bill Leak - singer Tex Perkins (from The Cruel Sea )
• 1998 - Kerrie Lester - Self portrait as a bridesmaid
• 1999 - Deny Christian - actor and comedian Garry McDonald
• 2000 - Bill Leak - 'Are you with me?' Portrait of Sir Les Patterson (a character created by Barry Humphries )
• 2001 - Paul Newton with his portrait Roy Slaven and HG Nelson
• 2002 - Jan Williamson, portrait of singer/songwriter Jenny Morris
• 2003 - Jan Williamson, portrait of actor and writer Rachel Ward
• 2004 - Evert Ploegs painting of Jana Wendt
• 2005 - Jason Benjamin, portrait of Bill Hunter