This month Art Appreciation group members were treated to a behind the scenes inspection of Benalla Art Gallery’s storage space by the Director, Bryony Nainby. Bryony began by giving us a short history of the Gallery, explaining that financial restraints when the Gallery was built meant that limited storage space was included within the building. She then gave us a detailed explanation of the Gallery’s policy of collecting art and of the various ways in which the Gallery comes to be in possession of so many valuable works of Art.
Lack of space has meant the Gallery has had to make do when storing art works, of which there are approximately 4000 pieces. Some paintings are stored in specially made metal racks. Some works are stored on moveable wooden racks which are moved around within the storage area as required.
Lack of space has meant the Gallery has had to make do when storing art works, of which there are approximately 4000 pieces. Some paintings are stored in specially made metal racks. Some works are stored on moveable wooden racks which are moved around within the storage area as required.
Other more important works are stored in conventional ways on storage racks that need a good deal of strength to pull out to extract paintings stored. Bryony explained that plans are in place for the rollers on these racks to be greased, a major task as all the art works on them will need to be removed then replaced.
Bryony gave us an insight into the problems of keeping all art works in good condition and the group listened with rapt attention. This visit to the storage area behind the scenes was a treat that other visitors to the Gallery do not see.
Later on Bryony brought us up to date with the plans for the expansion of the building. There are plans in place for a further two large galleries and several other storage and educational facilities and it is hoped that the finance required can be raised in the near future. When completed the expanded Gallery will be continuing proof of how Benalla competes well above its weight when it comes to Art.
Bryony gave us an insight into the problems of keeping all art works in good condition and the group listened with rapt attention. This visit to the storage area behind the scenes was a treat that other visitors to the Gallery do not see.
Later on Bryony brought us up to date with the plans for the expansion of the building. There are plans in place for a further two large galleries and several other storage and educational facilities and it is hoped that the finance required can be raised in the near future. When completed the expanded Gallery will be continuing proof of how Benalla competes well above its weight when it comes to Art.
Neville Gibb
August 2017
August 2017
