Monet for Mur’bah

By Jonathon Howard

THE FAMOUS French impressionist Claude Monet’s painting Haystacks 1890, Midday (Meules, milieu du jour), will open in October to the public at the Tweed Regional Gallery.

The artwork is one of five masterpieces making their way to the Tweed Gallery, including Natura Morta (still life) 1956 by Giorgio Morandi — the only Morandi in the National Gallery of Australia’s (NGA) collection.

The other three paintings are famous still life paintings by Margaret Olley.

The exhibition is under the Labor Government’s Revive program.

“The viewing of the Monet will be free and open to the public,” Tweed Gallery director Susi Muddiman said.

Ms Muddiman said the $174-million masterpiece will attract a greater audience and make masterpieces such as this more accessible to regional audiences.

“I’m really excited!” she said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the gallery and will generate cultural tourism.

“It will also help our region to shine in the national arts sector.”

Ms Muddiman said it was also “extremely exciting” for the gallery’s volunteers.

“This is great for our volunteers who are already so proud of our fabulous gallery,” she said.

“Tweed Gallery is the first of the pilot program that will be rolled out as part of the Sharing the National Collection Program.”

Federal Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said the Tweed pilot was an exciting first step.

“Art is made to be seen, not kept in a dark room,” he said.

“The vast majority of the incredible works at the National Gallery of Australia are in storage at any one time.

“But with this program those works will be lit up on the walls of regional and suburban galleries across the country.

“I know this gallery in the Tweed well. It’s where a recreation of Margaret Olley’s home is on display, exactly as it was — so in a sense her works are coming home.”

Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s new national cultural policy, with $11.8 million 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.

Dr Nick Mitzevich, Director of the National Gallery of Australia, said sharing a Monet with the Tweed was a brilliant way to begin the program.

“This picture is a jewel in the national collection. It is the most important Monet in the country and we are delighted to be sharing it with regional Australia,” he said.

“Margaret Olley was an extremely generous patron to many galleries across the country and was a distinct champion of regional galleries through philanthropy.

“This announcement coincides with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Margaret Olley’s birth and I cannot think of a better embodiment of this initiative, which supports galleries across the country.”

Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said the Tweed was the perfect choice.

“It’s an absolute honour for our region that five outstanding works from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection will be shared with the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre,” she said.

“This recognises our world-class gallery — a showcase of local, national, and international exhibits in beautiful Murwillumbah.

“The Centre is a tribute to the remarkable Margaret Olley — a national treasure who was renowned for her paintings, her generosity of spirit, and her fondness for the Northern Rivers.”