Retford Park’s signature annual event – Retford Park Rehung – is on again in Bowral this November. This year’s springtime refresh will be provided by Justin Miller from Justin Miller Art. This year’s Retford Park Rehung theme is: ‘The Art of Collecting’ and features many of Australia’s best known artists including Boyd, Smart, Gascoigne, Preston and Whiteley – to name just a few – with a rare opportunity to purchase all works on display.
This highly anticipated annual event welcomes guests into the former home of the late Mr James Fairfax AC to be immersed in experiences that bring art, collecting, giving and creative expression to life. Guests are able to choose from various experiences including day tours, sunset tours, dinner for 40 people and two intimate dinners for 10 people.
“The interest from the public in the vast array of events we hold at Retford Park has been wonderful,” Scott Pollock from the National Trust said. “Since 2016, we have developed a program of events that have brought the community to this wonderful place incorporating theatre, music, gardening symposiums, themed dinners and exhibitions – most have sold out or close to it. James Fairfax left a legacy of giving and respect for art and creative expression and it is our job to help keep that legacy alive. ”
“It is an honour and a privilege to be able to provide the opportunity for guests to enjoy Australia’s finest art as advised by Justin Miller, and in such unique event formats like our intimate dinners for 10 people,” Scott Pollock said. “Working with Justin Miller ensures the calibre of this exhibition meets the high standard of James Fairfax AC’s collection.”
Justin Miller has secured a diverse and impressive range of art to display for the Retford Rehung exhibition, all of which are available for purchase and include the work of some of Australia’s most renowned artists:
- Rosalie Gascoigne
- Sidney Nolan
- Margaret Preston
- Brett Whiteley
- Grace Cossington Smith
- Jeffery Smart
- Arthur Boyd
- John Olsen
- Tony Tuckson
The selection of these artists specifically and the connection to Retford Park is important because James Fairfax’s collection also contains works by the artists on display in the exhibition.
“This exhibition is truly reflective of Fairfax’s philanthropic legacy and we are very excited to be able to showcase this to art admirers, and their friends and family, and welcome people to a four-course degustation and wine-matching dinner surrounded by the decorated walls of this stunning Victorian Mansion,” Mr Pollock said.
Retford Park is one of 30 National Trust properties across New South Wales. Retford Park Rehung is a must-do for those wishing to celebrate spring, appreciate incredible Australian artwork, and spoil themselves – with a rare exhibition experience!
Retford Park Rehung Event Details
There are various ways for people to enjoy the Retford Rehung series of events. Bookings are essential for all events.
- Intimate Dinner for 10 – held in ‘the most famous dining room in the Southern Highlands’, including a four-course degustation and wine-matching dinner plus a private tour of the exhibition with Scott Pollock from the National Trust. Details on Trybooking
- Dinner for 40 – details on Trybooking
- Day Tours – details on Trybooking
- Sunset Tours – details on Trybooking
- Satellite Exhibition – with Artists of the Round Yard
Media contact:
Lyndal Stuart
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: (02) 9258 0113
Email: lstuart@nationaltrust.com.au
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Justin Miller at Retford Park
Justin Miller of Justin Miller Art was the Chairman of Sotheby’s Australia for over 10 years. He is currently one of Australia’s most trusted art advisors for private and corporate art collections. Justin Miller will both curate and provide the works for the main house for Retford Rehung.
About the National Trust (NSW):
The National Trust is Australia’s oldest and largest independent conservation organisation founded in 1945 in New South Wales by Annie Forsyth Wyatt. Collectively the National Trust in Australia owns or manages more than 300 built and natural heritage places (the majority held in perpetuity), is supported by 7,000 volunteers and employs more than 300 people nationwide.
The National Trust (NSW) is committed to engaging the community to celebrate and conserve heritage places and collections through events and education. With the support of our members, volunteers and dedicated staff and partners, we advocate on the protection of historical and naturally significant places and collections to ensure their preservation for future generations.
A tribute to the Fairfax Legacy
For Fairfax, the power of collecting art, probably his greatest passion in life, was also an extraordinary act of philanthropy. He prodigiously funded many art institutions, including state galleries and the National Gallery of Australia.
In April 2016 the late James Fairfax AC generously gifted his Bowral property, Retford Park, to the people of Australia by putting it in the care of the National Trust (NSW).
