Born in 1890, artist Herbert Gallop first exhibited at the age of 17. He joined a commercial art studio after serving in World War I and took evening classes under Julian Ashton.

The Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park was officially opened in 1934. Sydney architect Charles Bruce Dellit won the design competition for the memorial, receiving a prize of £250 in 1929. In collaboration with English artist and sculptor Rayner Hoff, Dellit created the elegant art deco style building.

Mirroring the memorial, the Pool of Reflection is seen in the foreground. It was added after the main building was constructed, using Unemployment Relief Funds provided by the City of Sydney. The building’s original purpose was to house veteran’s groups as well as being a sculptural monument. It housed doctors’ consulting rooms, a building society and also provided a venue for veterans to meet and reminisce.