January 4, 2026
The Society was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Fellow, Steven James Patterson FRSN, on 28 December 2025, aged 59, after a six-month battle with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Steven Patterson was the CEO and head chemist at Derivan Pty Ltd, a family company. He was the husband of Justine and father of David and Isobel. David has been appointed General Manager of Derivan.
Steven’s formal education was limited to a chemistry certificate completed at TAFE in the 1980s. Years of practical learning, with literally thousands of experiments and vigorous research, made him unique in his field. He trained artists to know what to expect when they experiment and push acrylic art materials to the boundaries in their practice. He solely oversaw the development of several unique ranges of artist products, which have subsequently helped shape and promote Australia’s fine arts industry. These include the development of the first water-based relief printing inks for education, replacing toxic solvent-based inks.
He made screen printing safer for artists by developing a liquid stencil system to produce screens with non-toxic chemicals, and this development allowed a water wash-up and removal of the stencil image. He produced a sustainable, safe range of cleaning solutions for artists. He also developed a unique paint to include the first new blue pigment in nearly 200 years, now called Yin Min blue.
Steven worked with conservators from around the world, including the Straus Centre of the Harvard Art Museums, the Slade School of Fine Art at UCL, and the Tate Galleries of London, to rediscover and promote culturally significant colours from the Mayans, Armenia, and Australia’s Arnhem Land.
With conservators, he developed a ‘best practice’ for artists to ensure the archival longevity of their art. Steven was generous with his time, materials, and sponsorship. He was an amateur artist and printmaker. His other passion was pipe bands. His contribution to the pipe band community, both locally and internationally, is significant and deeply valued.
The Society extends its sincere condolences to Steven Patterson’s family, friends, and colleagues at this sad time.
Pamela Griffith OAM FRSN
