Hoff, Ursula (1909–2005)

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Hoff, Ursula (1909–2005)

German-Australian art historian. Born Ursula Hoff, 1909, in London, England; grew up in Germany; died Jan 2005 in Melbourne, Australia; dau. of Hans and Thusnelde Hoff(Jewish Germans); University of Hamburg, PhD; also attended Oxford and the Courtauld Institute of Art; had longtime friendship with classics scholar Greta Hort (died 1967).

Respected scholar in the art academies and museums, moved to London with rise of Hitler (1933); moved to Melbourne on urging of Hort who had become the 1st principal of Women's College (now University College) at University of Melbourne(1939); spent 35 years at the National Gallery of Victoria, making its collection of prints and drawings one of the finest in the world; lectured on European art history at University of Melbourne. Awarded OBE and was made officer of the Order of Australia.