EXHIBITION SUMMARY
EXHIBITION SUMMARY Published on the occasion of
J U LY 1 5 - A U G U S T 1 4 2 0 1 6 PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY Publisher Gallery Services Gallery Services, Townsville City Council PO Box 1268 Townsville Queensland, 4810 Australia ptrg@townsville.qld.gov.au ©Gallery Services, Townsville City Council and the authors 2016 Organised by Gallery Services Shane Fitzgerald Eric Nash Erwin Cruz Louise Cummins Rob Donaldson Jo Stacey Holly Grech-Fitzgerald Carly Sheil Leonardo Valero Rurik Henry Jess Cuddihy Sarah Reddington Danielle Berry Wendy Bainbridge Damian Cumner Nicole Richardson Samuel Smith Jo Lankester
Manager Gallery Services Curator Exhibitions and Collection Coordinator Education and Programs Coordinator Digital Media and Exhibition Design Coordinator Team Leader Administration Gallery Services Collections Management Officer Digital Media and Exhibition Design Officer Exhibitions Officer Exhibitions Officer Education and Programs Officer Education and Programs Assistant Arts Officer Administration Officer Gallery Assistant Gallery Assistant Gallery Assistant Gallery Assistant
Cover Image Robert PRESTON Chao Phya River [detail] 1977/78 Synthetic polymer paint on canvas 122.9 x 152.2 cm 1989.22 Purchased, 1989. Funded from the Perc Tucker Memorial Collection Appeal Fund. City of Townsville Art Collection Photo: Holly Grech-Fitzgerald © Robert Preston
Contact Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Cnr. Denham and Flinders St Townsville QLD 4810 Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm Sat - Sun: 10am - 2pm
(07) 4727 9011 ptrg@townsville.qld.gov.au www.townsville.qld.gov.au @TCC_PercTucker PercTuckerTCC
CONTENTS
O V E R V I E W 4
P U B L I C P R O G R A M S A N D E D U C A T I O N 6
P U B L I C AT I O N
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D O C U M E N T A T I O N 1 3
V I S I T O R F E E D B A C K 2 2
M E D I A A N D M A R K E T I N G
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OVERVIEW The development of the visual arts in Townsville was celebrated at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery with the presentation of Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery. The Martin Gallery was established by Townsville pharmacist Ralph Martin and his family in 1972. The Martin Gallery went on to support and exhibit some of the region’s best known artists including Ron McBurnie, James Brown, Anneke Silver, Sylvia Ditchburn, Anne Lord, Jane Hawkins, Robert Preston, Richard Lane, John Coburn and Peter Lawson. For 16 years The Martin Gallery showcased a wide range of styles, media and art forms from painting to photography, jewelry making to ceramics, until its doors closed in 1990. Shane Fitzgerald, Manager Gallery Services, said, “The Martin Gallery was a visionary concept in the Townsville community. The establishment of a contemporary art gallery in the heart of the city was fundamental to the growth of Townsville’s artists. Without the steadfast vision and support of The Martin Gallery the visual arts landscape of the region would not be the rich and diverse place it is now.”
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The exhibition showcased works by artists who had displayed with The Martin Gallery throughout the years. Perc Tucker Regional Gallery engaged Guest Curator Dr Anneke Silver to assemble the exhibition. This fitting tribute to The Martin Gallery, and Ralph Martin’s lasting legacy in the Townsville arts scene, proved overwhelmingly popular. 4,569 guests visited the exhibition during its showing from 15 July to 14 August 2016. Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery was supported by a comprehensive hard cover publication, and also featured in the exhibition was a short documentary discussing the significance of The Martin Gallery with Ralph Martin, his family, peers, and many artists who had the privilege to show their work. Due to its historical significance, the exhibition was timed to coincide with Townsville’s 150th Anniversary celebrations. The community’s appreciation of the exhibition was evidenced by the many warm compliments paid in the Gallery’s guest book.
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T h e M a r t i n G a l l e r y Image Ralph Martin speaks at the launch of Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery
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PUBLIC PROGRAMS A N D E D U C AT I O N
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Gallery Services is committed to promoting engagement with the arts and its program of exhibitions through the delivery of a series of public and educational programs, each sitting within either the Creative Communities, Creative Classrooms, or Creative Spaces themes of the Visual Arts Strategy. A number of programs were scheduled and delivered to coincide with the major exhibition Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery, involving the Curator, Dr Anneke Silver, or hosted by Gallery staff, which further emphasise this commitment. Gallery Services’ appreciation of the time of all those involved in the exhibition in attending programs and engaging with visitors must be noted. This certainly contributed to visitors’ engagement with and appreciation of the exhibition. Programs arranged to complement Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery included: Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery Exhibition launch A celebration of the launch of the major exhibition, officially opened by Ralph Martin. 7pm Friday 15 July 2016 Attendance: 230 guests
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Exhibition Tours Creative Communities Program Gallery Services staff provided guided tours for a number of members of the community and community groups upon request, including U3A, James Cook University, Endeavour Foundation, and Kirwan State High School. Dates various Attendance: 78 guests Curator’s Floor Talk Creative Communities Program Dr. Anneke Silver presented about works within the exhibition. 11am Saturday 30 July 2016 Attendance: 30 guests Art After Dark Creative Communities Program Dr. Anneke Silver presented about works within the exhibition and expanded to detail various artists’ practices that were encouraged by The Martin Gallery. 6.30pm Thursday 4 August 2016 Attendance: 32 guests Perc Tucker Regional Gallery also hosted a variety of programs during the exhibition which encouraged visitation, including a Family Fun Day (21 guests); eight After School Art lessons (114 guests); Paint and Pinot (20 guests); four sessions of Percivals Life Drawing (63 guests); and three AFCM performances (340 guests).
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T h e M a r t i n G a l l e r y Image Dr Anneke Silver delivers a Curator’s Floor Talk during Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery
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P U B L I C AT I O N
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Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery was an important exhibition in the context of Townsville’s visual arts development and documenting that rich history. Presented as part of Townsville’s T150 celebrations, the exhibition was accompanied by a beautiful 124 page, hard cover publication. This ensured the historical information explored through the project remained available beyond the lifespan of the exhibition itself. The publication contained colour reproductions of works selected for display within the exhibition; a host of interesting historical photographs; a short passage penned by Shane Fitzgerald, Manager Gallery Services; a preface by Ralph Martin; and a major essay by the exhibition’s Curator, Dr Anneke Silver. Such was the quality and importance of the publication that a large quantity of the print run were purchased on the opening night of the exhibition. To ensure the publication is available to members of the community, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery has distributed copies to public libraries in keeping with Legal Deposit requirements.
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ment and my desire to docu Unfortunately Lanyon and the ficance of Lal on the prospect of highlight the signi ent of the arts very excited at in the developm n that would In 2001 I was shared and the role she played survey exhibitio r not was majo a n g ected regio s of resp developin the Rockhampton at that time. Only a few year n and influence ed showcase the visio art aficionado, Lal Lanyon. from project was shelv my departure d base with and pton away Rockham of Lal’s vision later Lal passed region the story y opened very day. Lal singlehandedl respected the Rockhampton this to nties ld seve unto the well In the early ence remains t would become the and influ for business wha Top. Situated in ng taken up rded Gallery Up ict, de later, after havi ry, I was and highly rega Business Distr More than a deca pton’s Central a Regional Galle heart of Rockham would develop at Perc Tucker Top post g discussed Up the ry nd Galle far beyo similar story bein y occasions in East Street, would extend rised to hear a man that surp al On n. appe nsville regio based and reputation and coming, within the Tow in which it was Gallery was forth such as the regional idiom to The Martin leading artists ence ’s a manner that ralia refer in a d Aust of ente e te and pres Fred Williams showcase som Lanyon always affectiona on Shepherdson, e ies to that of Lal Arthur Boyd, Gord good, Ben Wickham - to nam a gallery, striking similarit of cted ent refle lishm e mad ept, the estab and, local boy - a visionary conc t of the city, highly regarded hear a few. situated in the development and influential in the formalised arts and ultimately pre-dated any region and was Gallery Up Top the arts. pton of ham ort supp Rock in the infrastructure d highly regarded ence influ ct that a the full story of a catalytic proje ort and establish I was inquiries revealed Pilbeam, to supp tin Gallery and ately Further Mayor, Mr Rex in and The Mar Hall and ultim historical g Ralph Mart space within City such an important try’s finest livin that public gallery ed coun the rmin of e dete nd time. Whilst by som pton Art left untold a seco be acquire works ham ry not not Rock Galle unt the tin acco Mar , thus are obvious The ly in artists at that time the similarities was born. tation - particular a national repu ate Gallery Collection only obtained being in a clim ralia - despite Aust itan the in opol ralia metr in regional Aust arts ided the prov reby it also whe idered foreign, cons the was of ts seventies ing artis the region’s aspir rs, a platform for lop their caree their work, deve era to showcase and ultimately ort each other ng regionallycollectively supp country’s leadi the of e som become ticing today. based artists prac
extended to and thanks are My appreciation ers whom have the participating lend lle stated. Without Ralph’s family, n, and Townsvi cannot be over to the exhibitio This outcome Ralph Martin I ct. loaned works and support of sation of this proje the y reali enjo we the e in steadfast vision scap City Council commitment to visual arts land and y the ort vastl that ve be supp g ld belie wou This continuin regarded and nsville region region is highly today in the Tow arts within our different. appreciated. in an Era: The Mart d my deepest ent of Images of exten lopm to onal deve like The er Regi Finally, I would ry Services, part of Perc Tuck showcasing the team at Galle Gallery forms to appreciation to es of an Era: ing commitment lle urator of Imag Gallery’s ongo in the Townsvi particularly Co-C h-Fitzgerald and g the visual arts contribution ry, Holly Grec and developin n. The Martin Galle supported by the aldso been Don has te Rob and priva ner, region ions and publication desig iduals, organisat of many indiv owledge. m I wish to ackn collectors who ate ERALD to congratul ost I would like S H A N E F I ATLZG ES achievement in First and forem L E RY S E R V I C his extraordinary M A N AG E R G be G A L L E RY Ralph Martin on y of which to R R EG I O N A L PERC TUCKE - yours is a legac rtunity G A L L E RY the visual arts k you for the oppo made P I N N AC L E S than ly deep I you have proud and contribution that to showcase the experience has lle region. The am to the Townsvi htening and I rding and enlig been both rewa this. for ful sincerely grate to Dr Anneke ded exten is tude development Sincerest grati undertaken the Silver, whom has Services’ Guest through Gallery ing of this project pleasure work . It has been a and Curator initiative of this project ent lopm deve the beside you in tanding outcome you on an outs you with I congratulate G A L L E RY ided prov has sure " T H E M A RT I N in addition to - one that I am by gone OUR days of HAS DEFINED ings of project renewed fondness E, of the inner work T D I S CO U R S ent. N E an appreciation S ronm E R envi P ry the galle S T, delivery within RT E D O U R PA
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DEFINING OUR PAST
SUPPO PERHAPS AND NOW N T LY -W I L L M O S T I M P O RTA ED IN OUR R E B M E M E R BE E ." R U T U F ERALD S H A N E F I T ZG 9
PREFACE
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As well, they made a wonderful divan and a hanging fixture from the high ceiling to carry long neon tubes to flood each wall with good light; and so the Martin Gallery was born.
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Back home in Townsville and in my own pharmacy, it was suggested that I put a painting or an Oriental rug in the window to get people interested to come in for a chat, which worked very well and I met some wonderful people very interested in art.
It already had two fanlights giving the room great natural light. Two carpenters, in town to help with post-cyclone repairs, were able to transform the space for me and see all my ideas become reality.
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While in Brisbane for my final year of pharmacy studies I had the opportunity to see the Queensland Art Gallery and spent quite a lot of my spare time visiting and revisiting it and several commercial galleries operating then.
The optometrist moved out because his roof was still leaking - I had the key to the property and was soon pacing and measuring, seeing whether I could fit the pharmacy into the front space and use the large back room for a gallery.
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At home from school I looked at all the magazines I could find showing art and framed several for my bedroom - I was fascinated by Australian Surrealism.
Then came Cyclone Althea, which lifted the roof off two premises – my pharmacy, and the optometrist next door – both part of a row of long thin Victorian shops.
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My interest in art started at boarding school in Charters Towers. One of the school’s benefactors had donated bound copies of an art magazine to the library, covering from early prehistoric to the present art and architecture. This was in the 1940s. I spent a lot of time in the library reading and these books were so full of interest to me.
Image Opposite:
Ralph Martin in the Martin Gallery Photo by David Wilson Image Overleaf:
Ralph Martin in the Martin Gallery
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IMAGES O F AN ERA: THE MART IN GALLE S OF A GE RY NES
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There were depa rtment stores McKimmin’s like (which became David Jones), and Carr oll’s, and loca l drapers Inglis Smith’s, a few cafes and whole block one taken up by the Municipal Buildings hou sing specialty shops, the Town Hall , a pub and the Theatre Royal. Its upp er floor was embraced by a seemingly endless lacy veranda only interrupted by several stately arched entrances.
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It was also a time only just a road when The Strand was between the beach and buildings, long before 100,000 planted, with trees were most of Townsvi and dusty plac lle a dry e — but by no means a cultural dese rt. As early as the 1870s Townsvi lle had a strong cultural community in the present has whi its roots. In term ch infrastructure s of it had the com bine School of Arts and Her Majesty d Theatre—now, ’s with much alter the Anne Rob ation, erts Auditori um, the main venue for Dan cenorth.
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Dame Nellie Melba and Ann a Pavl performed ther e, the latter insp ova Anne Roberts iring to a life dedi cated to dance (a passion take n up in equa l measure by her daughter Jane Pirani). Among others Anne started the NQ Ballet Dance Company The General which morphe and Post Office was Dancenorth; d into full circle, you on the corner; it beca could say! me The Brew ery, while the real brewery, along Flinders The Theatre Royal and the Street West, became The Wintergarden Venue. The Cou were added in rthouse the early 1900 indeed housed s. The latter featured the Magistrate’s early cinema Court. with live performance s during reel changes. The two and earlier se open air thea tres were demolished.
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It was a time when Flinders Street was still the main for a much sma centre of activity ller Townsville; buildings with when curvy and scul facades lined pted the street, eith er side of a row of tall palm s, standing in of their own explosions stripy shadows .
Sadly this was all demolished 1970s to mak in the late e way for the Holiday Inn and Northtown.
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The Wintergar den Theatre
CityLibraries Townsville, Local History Collection
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FILM To complement the exhibition and provide greater insight into the operations and achievements of The Martin Gallery, a short historical documentary was produced. The film, lasting 13 minutes 24 seconds, includes photos from the era, as well as interviews with Ralph Martin, the exhibition’s Curator Dr Anneke Silver, Ralph’s daughters Elizabeth and Hilary Martin, Art Collectors Meridith Starck-Hering and Elizabeth Springer, Architect Bob Clayton, and Artists Dr James Brown, Anne Lord, Richard Lane, Len Cook, Dr Robert Preston, and Ron McBurnie.
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Image Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 15 July - 14 August 2016
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D O C U M E N TAT I O N Please find on this spread and the following pages a selection of images taken from the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
display of the major exhibition Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery, and its associated programs.
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Images Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 15 July - 14 August 2016
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Image Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 15 July - 14 August 2016
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Image Dr Anneke Silver delivers a Curator’s Floor Talk during Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery
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Images Dr Anneke Silver speaks at the launch of Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery Guests watching the documentary film at the launch of Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery
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Images Ben Truppenbäumer and Ralph Martin at the launch of Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery Guests rush to get their copy of the Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery publication
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T h e M a r t i n G a l l e r y Image Guests viewing works at the launch of Images of an Era: The Martin Gallery
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VISITOR FEEDBACK
Many compliments for the exhibition were paid in passing to staff and volunteers at the Gallery, while others preferred to leave a more lasting tribute.
Indicative of patrons’ appreciation of the exhibition, 80 comments were left in the Gallery’s guest book, of which 98.75% were positive accounts. A very small selection of our favourite comments are provided below and overleaf.
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With over 4,500 visitors to the exhibition, it was inevitable that a wealth of visitor feedback was recorded.
“Wonderful trip down memory lane. Great to see so many works ‘of an era’ that have not dated unduly.” Karen and John Massy - 4032 “Like walking back through time - just great!” Kate Casswell - 4806 “Wonderful recognition.” Mark Balanzategci - 4850 “Fabulous as always!!” Maree - 4817 “Exciting selection of regional artists.” Damien - 2577 “Loved seeing Ralph and the other artists on the video - their stories and the stories of the Gallery. Also seeing the art out of storage.” Marion Gaemers - 4812 “Totally impressed and appreciative of the effort and consideration put into this important exhibition! Great work!” Garry Andrews
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T h e M a r t i n G a l l e r y Image Ralph Martin in the Martin Gallery Photo by David Wilson
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“Superb! What a great idea and well executed!” Mary Gallagher - 4812 “Art still as alive as the day it was made.” Don Gallagher “Great memories. On ya Ralph!” Wendy and Leigh - 4812
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“I remember the gallery as a student and exhibited with our year group.” Julie Mengel - 4560 “A well curated exhibition. Some exquisite work. Wonderful presence in the room. A time worth celebrating. Thank you for the history.” Kathy Cornwall - 4810 “Wonderful, as ever.” Syl Hayes - 4819 “Everything is set up so nicely!” Sanna K. - 4811 “Ralph Martin a hero of Townsville. A wonderful man (ahead of his time) with a wonderful collection.” Mary ‘Jane’ Moody - 4818 “It’s sooo amazing I fell in love with all the artwork.” Ludwina Deilala - 4817 “Was very interesting as to how it was all done.” Kath Armstrong - 4814 “Brilliant exhibitions, well curated.” Libby and Johno’ “Wonderful trip down memory lane. Many happy visits to Ralph’s Gallery and always an item I coveted.” Jean - 4814 “Excellent collection of works; I really enjoyed it.” Angie Clements - 2052
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T h e M a r t i n G a l l e r y Image Bruce Anderson Born 1950, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Lidded vase
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Earthenware; Raku, thrown and handbuilt, four layers of thick string incasing the object 29.5 x 19 x 19 cm 1982.12.a-c Purchased, 1982. With funding assistance from the Australia Council Visual Arts Craft Board. City of Townsville Art Collection Photo: Holly Grech-Fitzgerald © Bruce Anderson
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Marketing materials and exhibition collateral which promoted the event, and assisted visitors in interpreting and enjoying the exhibition, included:
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2016 Exhibition Calendar, distribution of 10,000
Posters at Gallery front and along Flinders Street
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Invitation, distribution of 1,500
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Hard cover publication
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Exhibition listing within the Townsville City Council website
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Stories in the July and August issues of Foreword, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery’s monthly e-news, combined distribution of 2,250
Image and listing in Eye Must section of Townsville Eye, Townsville Bulletin’s weekend social liftout, Saturday, August 13 Paid advertisement in DUOMagazine, July edition
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Facebook coverage
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Twitter coverage
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Story in Townsville City Council’s Arts/Culture/Events June - August quarterly newsletter, distribution of 10,000
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Listings and paid advertisements in Townsville Eye, Townsville Bulletin’s weekend social liftout
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Listing in June/July and August/ September edition of Art Guide Australia
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Banners on Perc Tucker Regional Gallery facade
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Local Radio promotion and coverage by local TV stations
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Media, marketing, and promotion through Gallery Services’ established mediums contributed to high levels of exposure for, and attendance to, the exhibition.
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