FOREWORD This reputation is a source of great pride for the Townsville community. The Gallery building itself was built in 1885 by the Union Bank of Australia but would not become the building we know until the 1930s, when a second story was added. It was eventually added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. Over the last forty years, it has been host to thousands of artists of every level, from local emerging artists to international sensations This exhibition celebrates our unique stories here in North Queensland, as well as our diverse collection and very importantly, the generosity of those who have supported the Gallery over the years. I would like to congratulate the staff, artists, volunteers, and the Townsville community more broadly, who have made Perc Tucker Regional Gallery such a focal point for our arts community over the last 40 years.
The Perc Tucker Regional Gallery was opened on September 25, 1981, after many years of work and advocacy on the part of the arts community of Townsville. With the help and support of groups such as the North Queensland Potters Association Inc, and in particular the Townsville Arts Society, the Perc Tucker Council Team was able to make the Gallery a reality. The Gallery was named after Perc Tucker, who was Mayor of Townsville from 1976 to 1980 and who had also served as a State Member of Parliament and Leader of the Opposition. The first exhibition at Perc Tucker was, fittingly, an exhibition called ‘Nine Queensland Artists’ (several of whom are included in this very exhibition), comprised of, Davida Allen, Stephen Killick, Sally L’Estrange, Glen O’Malley, Robert MacPherson, William Robinson, Ian Smith, Madonna Staunton and Bill Yaxley. Over the years, the Gallery has earned a name for itself as one of the premier regional galleries in the nation, with an outstanding collection and a dedicated, professional team.
Cr Jenny Hill Mayor of Townsville
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