Two works from James Fairfax’s remarkable art collection are hanging once more in their former home, thanks to a partnership with the National Gallery of Australia.
The National Gallery has partnered with Retford Park through the Australian Government’s Sharing the National Collection initiative to loan two artworks of historical significance to the heritage homestead. The works by prominent Australian artists Russell Drysdale and Charles Blackman were originally acquired by James Fairfax AC as part of his personal art collection and hung in the Victorian Italianate house located in Bowral, Gundungurra Country, during his residency.
Russell Drysdale’s striking oil on canvas The countrywoman was formerly installed above the fireplace in the sitting room of Retford Park before being gifted to the National Gallery in 1999. Painted in 1946, it is emblematic of the artist’s seminal exploration of the relationship between people and the rugged terrain of Australia. Intriguingly, its connection to the Fairfax family can also be traced back to the inspiration behind its subject matter.
The countrywoman was painted following a commission by the Sydney Morning Herald in 1944, in which the newspaper sent Drysdale to record the devastation of the drought in far-western NSW. The experience deeply impacted the artist and resulted in a career-defining series of works centering on the remote landscape of Australia and its inhabitants. At the time of the commission the publication was owned by John Fairfax & Sons Pty Ltd, whose managing director was Warwick Fairfax, father of James.
The anteroom by celebrated figurative artist Charles Blackman was created in 1963 and hung in the hall of Retford Park before it was gifted to the National Gallery in 2017. The work is characteristic of the Australian artist’s renowned ability to evoke emotion on canvas.
The two artworks will be on display at Retford Park until 2026, offering visitors to the Southern Highlands a unique opportunity to see these important works situated once again in the last home of one of the nation’s greatest collectors and philanthropists.
National Trust (NSW) Chief Executive Officer Debbie Mills has thanked the National Gallery for the generous grant of the loan.
“James Fairfax AC was a great patron of the arts and a passionate supporter of the National Gallery of Australia, so it is fitting that these works will soon hang proudly on the walls of his former home once again.
“We encourage everyone to visit and enjoy these special artworks; two fabulous additions to the incredible collection of 16th, 17th and 18th century fine art, furniture and textiles already on display at Retford Park.”
Visitors to Retford Park can view The Countrywoman by Russell Drysdale in the Sitting Room and The anteroom by Charles Blackman in the Morning Room of the house. House access is by guided tour only at set times. Book a ticket to Retford Park.
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