Visitors to the exhibition Treasures of Australian art 1880-1940: the Howard Hinton Collection opening on August 13 at the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre will discover one of the most significant art collections in regional New South Wales.

The exhibition will feature 50 key works from the Howard Hinton Collection at the New England Art Museum in Armidale including paintings by Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts, Margaret Preston, Nora Heysen, Hans Heysen, Norman Lindsay, Elioth Gruner and Herbert Badham.

NERAM director Robert Heather said the exhibition was an important part of the museum’s collection. 

“Howard Hinton was an extraordinarily generous man who gave away these fabulous artworks during his own lifetime and this exhibition is just a small selection of what is to be found here in one of the most significant art collections in regional Australia,” Mr Heather said.

“We hope that the exhibition inspires visitors to come and see more of The Howard Hinton Collection in Armidale.

“Howard Hinton donated over 1200 artworks to the Armidale Teacher’s College between his retirement in 1929 and his death in 1948.

“Every year zinc lined packing cases would arrive bearing artworks and be opened by the staff, than the collection was hung in lecture theatres, offices, hallways and the library of the College, where the artworks stayed for over fifty years.

“Hinton collected with the express aim of providing student teachers with access to the history of Australian art from the 1880s until his own time with an emphasis upon genres such as landscape, still life and portraiture.

“It also provides a unique glimpse into the art scene in Sydney in the 1930s and 40s when Hinton was a significant benefactor and supporter of many artists.”

Hazelburst Regoinal Gallery and Arts Centre director Belinda Hanrahan said the story behind Howard Hinton collection is one of the most intriguing in the history of benefaction and art philanthropy. 

“We are privileged to be able to show these iconic works from this nationally important collection and partner with the New England Regional Art Museum to bring them to Hazelhurst for the enjoyment of Sydney audiences,” she said. 

Following his retirement Hinton started donating hundreds of paintings, sculptures, books, prints, drawings and other artworks to the new Armidale Teacher’s College, and was warmly welcomed by students, staff and the wider community on his rare visits.

The exhibition Treasures of Australian art 1880-1940: the Howard Hinton Collection will be on display at the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre from 13 August 13 until October 9.

The exhibition is a partnership between the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre and NERAM.