Painter and Sculptor who headed the Museum of Modern Art of Australia beginning in 1960. Part of what became known as the Boyd artistic dynasty, dating back to 1886.
He was a student at the Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music in Melbourne, enrolling when he was 17. However, he left after a year to serve in the army. He then used his ex-serviceman's grant to study at the National Gallery School.
His 1957 paintings of Australian explorers were controversial in their focus on the plight of the Aboriginals whose lives were disrupted by exploration.
He grew up in Victoria as the son and grandson of Australian Painters. He was married to Hermia Lloyd-Jones. He and his wife had three daughters, all of whom became artists.
He was a contemporary of fellow Australian Artist Rolf Harris.
