In 2010, local resident and philanthropist Neil Balnaves donated over $1 million worth of paintings from his personal collection to the Mosman Art Gallery in New South Wales, adding to what was already one of the most significant collections held by a local council in Australia.
Since the announcement of the pledge to donate the paintings, Mosman Gallery has undergone some major redevelopments on its ground floor, including creating a new exhibition space to display the Balnaves paintings, and a new reception/retail area and office space.
The Balnaves Gift includes several key works by Australian artists of note, including Arthur Streeton, Conrad Martens, Will Ashton, Henry Fullwood, Elioth Gruner, George Halstead, James Ranalph Jackson, Charles Meere, Adelaide Perry, Sydney Long, Ethel Carrick Fox and Margaret Preston.
Many of the artworks are of significance to Mosman or Sydney in general, and are of particular value to the Galleryʼs education and public programs. They present the changing face of Sydneyʼs harbour foreshore, the surrounding landscape and transformations in society.
The artworks also provide an important reference to changing movements in Australian art history, meaning that audiences of all ages can learn about Mosmanʼs rich artistic legacy and develop an appreciation of art and community.
Neil Balnaves AO is a long–term Mosman resident, who forged a distinguished career in Australian business. In 2006 he established The Balnaves Foundation, which provides philanthropic support to the arts, medical research and education. In 2010 Mr Balnaves was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to business and philanthropy.
Mr Balnaves and The Balnaves Foundation continue to support the Mosman Art Gallery through the co–funding of the staff position of Philanthropy Officer.
In speaking about his generous gift to the Gallery, Mr Balnaves said, “Mosman has given me a lot in my life – and I am delighted to give something back.”
