SYDNEY art collectors Simon and Julie Ford have generously given the Moree Plains Gallery 25 significant works of art largely by contemporary Aboriginal artists from across Australia.
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The launch of the collection will be hosted this Friday, October 24.
Important artists in the Ford collection include Jonathan Kumintjara Brown, Rover Thomas, Paddy Jaminji, Ruby Kngwarreye, Queenie McKenzie and Jack Wheera.
The Fords also presented the gallery with a Fred Williams etching and a Brett Whiteley lithograph.
Gallery director Katrina Rumley said most artists in the Ford collection were not already represented in the gallery’s permanent collection and were not duplicated by the now famous Ann Lewis gift to the gallery in 2009 that comprises some 80 canvases and prints by contemporary Aboriginal artists.
“Simon and Julie Ford were introduced to the gallery by Christopher Hodges, artist and owner of Utopia Art Sydney. Christopher and his partner, Helen Eager, have long been strong supporters of the gallery and have given us many major works of art,” Ms Rumley said.
Gallery chairman Hugh Livingston said the Ford’s collection contained some very important and beautiful paintings that complemented the gallery’s already dynamic collection.
The Ford collection exhibition is on display at the gallery until November 30.