20 Century

The collection features works by key Australian and Hunter-based artists acquired in a number of ways.

Some of the most significant of these were acquired through the City of Lake Macquarie – Charlestown Square Art Prize (1986-1991), charting the themes explored by artists during this dynamic period in Australian art.

The works from this sub-collection of the gallery’s holdings represent a generous and visionary gesture by the management of Charlestown Square Shopping Centre of the time, to support the development of a permanent collection for the city.

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Thirteen works were acquired, with prize money ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 annually. In 1989 the sponsorship agreement was transferred to the Lend Lease Corporation, who had taken over Charlestown Square.

The legacy was a strong beginning to a locally supported regional collection selected by esteemed judges who understood the contemporary art scene and the context for which the works were being acquired.

Pictured: Robert Boynes Signals 1985, oil pastel, pencil and felt pen on paper, 24 x 35cm, City of Lake Macquarie and Charlestown Square Art Prize collection, 1986 © Robert Boynes/Licensed by Viscopy, 2017

Charlestown Square Art Prize 1986-1991 Winners

1986

Painting: Marion Borgelt
Drawing: Robert Boynes

1987

Painting: Janet Laurence
Drawing: Gary Willis

1988

Painting: Rodney Pople
Drawing/assemblage: Anthony Galbraith

1989

Painting: Joint winners Lindy Lee and Mark Titmarsh
Drawing: Ruth Waller

1990

Painting: John Smithies
Drawing: Ken Unsworth

1991

Painting: Bernhard Sachs
Drawing: Peter Read

View Online Collection - Charlestown Square Art Prize