Robin Gurr Gift of Indigenous Artworks

In 2010 art enthusiast Robin Gurr generously gifted 15 Aboriginal artworks to the PRG&TLB Collection. Often gathered on trips to remote locations, these works offer a glimpse into the range of diverse artistic practices from different Aboriginal communities. The artists, as custodians of their traditional land, use a variety of mediums to document their stories of tribe, clan, language and country. Artists include: Butcher Cherel, Dolly Nanpijinpa Daniels, Weaver Jack, Lily Karadada, Lorraine Connelly Northey, Ashley Scobie, Bessie Nakamarra Sims, Patrick Smith, Jujuka Dolly Snell, George Tjungurrayi, Maryanne Tungatalum, Susan Wanji Wanji, Linus Warlapini and Pedro Wonaeamirri.

These works were keenly received and highlight the Gallery’s commitment to acknowledging the importance of the Aboriginal community. The Gallery’s commitment originated from the rescue of two large Aboriginal rock engravings, and their relocation to the Lewers garden, by Gerald Lewers in 1961. This act established a Gallery precedent for validating the importance of Aboriginal culture and is of particular significance because no official interest was expressed at the time regarding conservation of the engravings and the actions of Gerald Lewers, therefore, saved them from certain destruction.

In addition, the PP&VA Board makes evident its support for the Aboriginal community by endorsing a Curator, Aboriginal Programs position at the Gallery. The commitment is realised through Aboriginal exhibitions that are of paramount importance to the Gallery’s annual programming. In particular, the Gallery aims to be informative for our general visitor population, offer access to original Aboriginal artworks of quality to the infants, primary and high school sector as well as specifically expanding upon the local Aboriginal community’s engagement with the Gallery site. The ability for the education program to facilitate the study of Aboriginal artwork is a strategic and rich way for the Gallery Collection to play a significant role in the development of understanding and respect for Aboriginal art, culture and community.

Consequently, the inclusion of Aboriginal works within the Gallery’s Collection endorses the seriousness of the Gallery’s commitment to continue developing and maintaining the Gallery as a research and educational facility; a commitment that is premised on the intention of Margo Lewers that Penrith, the region and the public at large have a facility (and Collection) enabling the experience and study of visual arts. In doing so, the Gallery is, therefore, able to reflect on and enrich the interest displayed by Gerald and Margo Lewers in Indigenous art from Australia.