Australian artist Gladys Owen, also known as Gladys Owen Moore, was born in Hunters Hill in 1889 and studied painting, including at the Grosvenor School of Modern Art in London in 1924. During her time in Europe, Owen painted watercolours and created woodcuts of villages and landscapes. Her paintings were accepted by the Spring Salon in Paris and the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, London.

On her return to Sydney, Owen worked as an artist and radio journalist. She was also a great supporter of the Red Cross. Owen’s woodcuts and watercolours reveal her passion for recording the history and architectural features of Sydney, including the Harbour Bridge.