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 was announced by Andrew Murray, Chair of the Board at a special function at the New England Regional Art Museum last Friday evening attended by local donors and supporters of the museum.
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.
They 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 and community with quality artistic experiences,” Robert Heather, Art Museum Director, said.
Mr Heather said the donation was based upon John’s desire to see the works find a permanent home in a regional institution that would 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 artworksto the Armidale Teacher’s College between 1928 and 1948,” he said.
“These form the centrepiece of NERAM’s extraordinary collection of over 5000 works of art now valued at approximately $30 million.”
Mr Heather said it was the result of work by staff and supporters over a number of years who have been in contact with Mr Gale and his representatives.
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 until Sunday, February 5, 2017.
