An extension of our autumn feature exhibition 'Gifted', showing in Gallery 1, 'The Peter Kingsbury Gift' throws a spotlight on the treasures donated to the Gallery in late 2021 by Dr Peter Kingsbury, and on display here for the first time.

Dr Kingsbury’s collection is particularly significant for bringing some of Australia’s most revered artists into the Gallery’s permanent collection—most having been previously unrepresented. The collection’s greatest strength is undoubtedly the eleven works by John Coburn (1925—2006), which reveal the spiritual depth and artistic range of this important late-twentieth century icon of Australian art, who was twice winner of the Blake Prize for Religious Art (in 1960 and 1977).

Other highlights include an original ink drawing by Sir Russell Drysdale (1912—1981), a study titled Waiting for the Stockman’s Return (c.1945); The Waiting Bus, an original and particularly masterful lithograph by Jeffrey Smart (1921—2013); Cave Under Falling Object by Jock Clutterbuck (b.1945), who featured in last year’s exhibition program; a major work depicting Maryvale Pulp Paper Plant from 1990 by the late Mandy Martin; and a stunning lithograph by Tim Storrier (b.1949), a past winner of the Sulman and Archibald Prizes, depicting a characteristically incendiary scene at twilight.