Sharing the National Collection: Artwork returns home to Willunga for next two years

A stunning painting by South Australian artist Kathleen Sauerbier will take pride of place at a local gallery in the region where it was created.

Thanks to another loan under the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program, Sauerbier’s oil painting Jetty ramp and Howe's fishing lookout has been taken out of storage at the National Gallery of Australia to go on display at Waverley Park Homestead in Willunga, South Australia.

A pre- and post-war Modernist artist, Sauerbier is renowned for her painted landscapes, portraits and still-life, with her artworks held at major galleries and private collections across the country.

She produced many of her works, including this one, while living in Port Willunga in the mid-1930s – inspired by the local scenery and beaches.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said it was fantastic to see the work return home for an extended period.

“For locals and visitors to the Willunga region to be able to experience this artwork so close to the landscapes that inspired it is truly special.

“Like so much of the National Gallery’s collection – 98 per cent of it at any one time – this beautiful painting has been stuck in storage.

“Art is meant to be seen and appreciated, and I’m so glad this painting is being shared with new audiences in Willunga.

“We’ve now secured loans with local galleries in all states and territories outside of the ACT, demonstrating the national impact of the Sharing the National Collection initiative.”

National Gallery Director Dr Nick Mitzevich said, “South Australia was my home for many years, and it is exciting to mark the state’s first loan under Sharing the National Collection to Waverley Park Homestead. 

“The initiative will see Kathleen Saurbier’s work return home to the greater Willunga region, where the post-Modernist artist hails from, nearly 90 years after its creation.”

Dr Paddy O’Toole, Chair of the Willunga Branch of the National Trust of South Australia said, “We are very excited to bring this beautiful artwork by Kathleen Sauerbier home to the place where it was painted. South Australia enjoys a rich artistic heritage, which is exemplified in this artwork.

“We sincerely thank the Minister for Arts, Tony Burke, and the staff at the National Gallery of Australia for establishing the Sharing the National Collection program that recognises the unique, rich meanings that nationally significant works can hold at the local level.” 

The painting will be in Willunga for two years from 28 July 2024.

Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s new national cultural policy, with $11.8m over four years to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen across the country for extended periods.

The work can be viewed via the National Gallery’s website. 

Regional and suburban galleries can register their expressions of interest via this link.