Thomas Bowery, father of the late artist Leigh Bowery, is being remembered as a man whose life was shaped by deep community service, and “quiet strength” after he recently died at the age of 92.
The family name has a familiar ring for all Brimbank locals, with the Bowery Theatre in St Albans serving as a reminder of Leigh’s global legacy, which was bolstered by his father’s unrelenting support.
At the recent council meeting, councillor Daniel Kruk reflected on the pair’s relationship while delivering an emotional speech honouring Thomas’ life.
“Tom was the father of Leigh Bowery, an internationally celebrated artist whose work redefined the boundaries of performance, fashion, and self-expression,” Cr Kruk said.
“But, before Leigh was a global icon, he was just a young boy growing up right here in Sunshine, part of a traditional working-class family where expectations for boys and men were clear.”
Cr Kruk said that for a father like Thomas, it must have been perplexing to watch his son – “tall, strong, and seemingly built for Australian Rules football, spend his childhood fixing his mother’s hair, playing the piano by ear, and sewing fabric into outfits that no one had ever seen before”.
Yet, despite that, Thomas “broke the mould of the 1970s”.
“He deeply loved his son,” Cr Kruk said.
“Even if he didn’t fully understand him, he supported him.”
With that support, Leigh embarked on a journey that would lead him to become one of the most influential international arts figures of the 1980s and 90s.
“Tom Bowery’s story is one of evolution – of a father learning to love his son not just despite his differences, but because of them,” Cr Kruk said.
“He reminds us that acceptance can grow even in the most unexpected places, and that true love transcends understanding.
“May Tom rest in peace, knowing his legacy of service, love, and quiet strength will not be forgotten.”
