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The Australiana Fund was established in 1978, as an independent fundraising body to acquire a national collection of historic artworks to enhance the décor of the four Official Residences of the Governor-General and Prime Minister of Australia so that visiting dignitaries, international royalty and government officials are surrounded by the highest quality examples of Australian art and design.
Top row L-R: Government House, Canberra, and The Lodge, Canberra. Bottom row L-R Admiralty House, Sydney, and Kirribilli House, Sydney.
Image © Wendy McDougall Photography / Reproduced courtesy of the Official Residences.
HELP SUSTAIN THE AUSTRALIANA FUND INTO THE FUTURE
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In 2023, The Australiana Fund marks 45 years of service to the nation through the quiet philanthropy which underpins our commitment to enhance Australia’s Official Residences with our significant Collection of Australian decorative arts, fine art and furniture.
To celebrate our 45th Anniversary we have launched an Endowment Fund appeal to raise $5million by our 50th Anniversary in 2028.
This will enable The Fund to continue to enhance, preserve and tell the stories of Australia through our significant Australian Collection on display and in use in the nation’s Vice-regal and Prime Ministerial residences.
The Australiana Fund has a proud record of cultural achievement, sound governance, and patriotic philanthropy, acquiring a Collection that is beautiful, useful and, quintessentially Australian.
Please support The Fund’s unique contribution to the nation by donating to our Endowment Fund.
Your generosity will enable us to develop and preserve our remarkable collection inspired by our shared love of Australia.
Ways to Donate
1. Through The Fund’s Support Us page which shows details of current donation opportunities;
2. Through the ‘Donate Now’ link; DONATIONS VIA THE WEBSITE ARE SUBJECT TO PROCESSING FEES.
Help us maximize the benefit from your donation by selecting payment by EFT or Credit Card.
3. By credit card: Phone (02) 9994 8034 Mon - Tues & Thurs - Fri from 10am - 4pm; or
4. By return of completed Donation Form (pdf) by email to contact@theaustralianafund.org.au or mail to The Fine Art Advisor, PO Box 906, Maroubra NSW 2035.
Geoffrey Hannah OAM, born 1948, ‘Yarralumla cabinet’ or ‘Dad’s cabinet’, Lismore, New South Wales, 1991, Queensland maple and Brazilian mahogany inlaid with 22 different timbers, 184.2 x 150 x 51.1 cm. Purchased from the artist 1991. 1991.5. © Geoffrey S. Hannah OAM. Image © Max Taylor Photographer
TWO NEW CONSERVATION PROJECTS:
Yarralumla cabinet by Geoffrey Hannah OAM, at Government House, Canberra
The Fund’s suite of furniture in the Small Dining Room at Government House, Canberra
DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
ACQUISITION OF MUNRO FERGUSON COLLECTION - COMPLETED
The Munro Ferguson Collection: a tangible and historic record of Australia’s unique and diverse range of Australian native timbers with provenance to a former Governor-General. The collection includes timbers employed in furniture throughout The Fund’s collection and represents the advocacy by leading figures to promote the use of Australian timbers for their beauty and practical qualities.
The Munro Ferguson Collection: A Library of 82 Australian timber samples, 11 Queensland timber samples, a Queensland timber sample carved as a book-shaped jewellery box and a presentation volume of ‘The Hardwoods of Australia and their Economics’ by Richard T Baker. All with provenance to The Right Honourable Sir Ronald Craufurd Munro Ferguson GCMG PC, Australia’s 6th Governor-General.
40TH ANNIVERSARY ACQUISITION APPEAL - ONGOING
This appeal is to fund the acquisition of artworks in areas that are underrepresented in the collection and that will significantly enhance the ambience of the official residences. Priority areas are Australian Contemporary Design and Craft commissions, Indigenous Australian representation, Sculpture and Works on Paper.
Grace Cossington Smith AO OBE, 1892–1984, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 1933, crayon on paper, 35 x 33.5 cm. Purchased 1995. 1995.5
CONSERVATION PROJECTS - ONGOING
The collection must be carefully monitored to ensure objects remain fit for practical use and reflect the quality, skill and beauty of the work of the artist, maker or manufacturer. Proactive conservation is a priority so that the collection is in excellent condition and reflects the high standards of the official residences for all official public events.
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H Goldman Pty Ltd, established 1897, Carver: Robert Prenzel, Prussia/ Australia, 1866–1941, arrived 1888 (attributed),
The Gloucester desk, Melbourne, Victoria, 1935,
various Australian timbers including fiddleback blackwood, walnut, maple, jarrah, tulipwood, bronze, silver,
76 x 152 x 89 cm.
Presented to the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester by The Right Honourable Sir Earle Christmas Grafton Page PC GCMG CH, Prime Minister of Australia (1939–1939) on behalf of the Commonwealth Government of Australia as a wedding gift 1935. Purchased with funds donated by Members and Supporters, 2008. 2008.3
After an engraving by Edwin Weedon 1819-1873,
Jug, The Great Australia clipper ship,
Sunderland, England, c.1860, lustreware, 24 x 29 x 22.7 cm.
Purchased with funds donated by Ms Stella Downer, 1993. 1993.8
CARE MANUAL UPGRADE - ONGOING
In 2010 The Fund undertook a major project with our conservator, to create daily care manuals for the entire Collection for use in each of the four official residences. These illustrated manuals give the house staff comprehensive information on how to handle, display and care for each artwork. A guide was developed for each individual object type, detailing how to lift, clean, move, care for and protect the item, so staff know exactly the special instructions that apply to a specific piece or type of object. Instructions have been specially tailored for each medium and the best utensils to use for handling or cleaning, how best to apply the recommended products, how often the object should be cleaned, and what products should not be used.
Now that the upgrade has been delivered we are seeking support to ensure the Manuals are maintained with information on new products, the latest research and conservation best practices.