The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) in Armidale has received a donation of 11 artworks by leading Australian artists which confirms its position as one of the leading regional collections of Australian art in the country.
The donation from Canberra based land-owner and arts benefactor John Gale OBE will be announced by Andrew Murray, Chair of the Board at a special function at the New England Regional Art Museum on Friday 16 September.
The donation of eleven artworks valued at over $1.2 million includes paintings by:
- Sir Arthur Streeton;
- Rupert Bunny;
- Elioth Gruner;
- Adrian Feint;
- JJ Hilder;
- Hans Heysen;
- Herbert Badham;
- Harold Septimus Power and;
- Desiderius Orban
The donation will complement the famous Howard Hinton Collection at the New England Regional Art Museum.
“The generosity of John Gale in donating these eleven paintings to NERAM will assist us to provide our visitors with quality artistic experiences,” said Robert Heather, Art Museum Director. “This donation was based upon John’s desire to see the works find a permanent home in a regional institution that will value them highly and put them on regular display.”
“This donation builds upon the tradition of philanthropy and benefaction established by Howard Hinton OBE when he donated over 1000 artworks to the Armidale Teacher’s College between 1928-48, which are now valued at approximately $30 million and form the centrepiece of NERAM’s extraordinary collection of over 5000 works of art as well as our exhibitions and programs.”
“The Gale Donation confirms NERAM’s position as holding one of the most significant art historical collections in regional Australia and as a ‘must see’ tourist destination midway between Sydney and Brisbane,” said Mr Heather. “It has been the result of work by staff and supporters over a number of years who have been in contact with Mr Gale and his family.”
“The amazing art collections at NERAM are at the core of our program and our visitors can see exhibitions drawn from some of the best Australian art in the country and with their support through innovative fundraising activities like our award-winning Adopt-an-Artwork program, we make sure that they are well looked after and conserved.”
“Over the past twelve months we have also been improving our facilities and services with the support of all levels of government and the local community with the aim of making our gallery more sustainable, energy efficient and a better visitor experience. “
The works in The Gale Donation are being submitted to the Commonwealth Government’s Cultural Gifts Program and will complement The Howard Hinton Collection at the New England Regional Art Museum.
These works will be on display in The Gale Donation a small exhibition at the New England Regional Art Museum from Friday16 September 2016 until Sunday 5 February 2017.
Image: John Gale OBE by Barbie Robinson First shown in 256 Shades of Grey, 2005, an exhibition and digital story project at PhotoAccess Huw Davies Gallery, Manuka Arts Centre, Canberra ACT, assisted by funding from the ACT Government.
