Members Acquisition Fund 2009 Conrad Martens Campbell’s Wharf The National Gallery of Australia invites members to contribute to the new Members Acquisition Fund
Conrad Martens Campbell’s Wharf 1857 watercolour on paper on panel 44.7 x 65.7 cm National Gallery of Australia, Canberra purchased 2009
The Fund has been set up in response to the many members who have expressed interest in contributing more directly to the purchase of works of art for the national collection. We invite every member to contribute to the first work to be supported by this exciting acquisitions initiative, Conrad Martens’s Campbell’s Wharf 1857. Martens was Sydney’s most important Colonial artist and a specialist in watercolour. Campbell’s Wharf is one of his most ambitious works. The view that Martens has so skilfully rendered encompasses the Sydney fortunes of the Campbell family viewed through a jumble of trading vessels, the source of the family’s wealth (although, another source was the family’s properties in the Canberra district). John Campbell commissioned the work from Martens for £20 on 2 April 1857, and it has remained in a Scottish branch of the Campbell family ever since. The painting is, however, more than a depiction of maritime industry and family property. The composition of Campbell’s Wharf, with the buildings on the high ground silhouetted against the pink sky of the setting sun, is particularly reminiscent of the watercolours of the great JMW Turner. Sydney is
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transformed from a provincial trading town into a romantic landscape of light and colour. We invite members to contribute at least $100 to the purchase of Campbell’s Wharf and hope you will join us this year in shaping Australia’s national art collection. Contributions are, of course, tax deductible and contributing members will be acknowledged for making possible the acquisition of this work. With your assistance, Martens’s Campbell’s Wharf will be a striking addition to the collection and take pride of place on the walls in our Australian galleries. This masterpiece by Martens, in its original colonial gold frame, will add a new dimension to our collection of Australian Colonial art. I thank all members of the National Gallery of Australia for your enthusiastic and committed support over the years. Every contribution helps us continue our vital service to the Australian public. Ron Radford AM Director To make your tax-deductible donation to the Members Acquisition Fund call the Membership Office on 1800 020 068.