Elsie May Whear was born 12th February 1893 in Brisbane and attended the Rosalie State School. She learnt needlework from her mother, including tatting, but taught herself to crochet. At 12years old, she left school to work in millinery and then for Jenyns corsetry manufacturers. In 1918 she married William Hicks and they had two children. Her daughter is Mrs Audrey Tranter. Elsie began exhibiting pen paintings in the 1930s using the name Mrs W. (William) Hicks, even after her husband died (in 1968). William also exhibited flowers and vegetables. During the 1970s and 1980s she exhibited soft toys and crochet – mostly at Pine Rivers Show. She passed away in 1992 in Brisbane.
Exhibited at RNA Brisbane Show 1930s-1970s, tatting mostly
Exhibited also at Brisbane suburban shows 1930s-1980s
From interview with Judith McKay, 1995 and daughter Audrey Tranter.