UOW Art Collection unveils biggest gift

Jul 22, 2004

The University of Wollongong has received its biggest ever donation - a collection of 70 prints by eminent English artists from the second half of the 20th century valued at $200,000.

The works by artists including Richard Hamilton, Peter Blake, Joe Tilson and Paula Rego will go on exhibition at the Wollongong City Gallery on July 30.

Melbourne-based art collector Dr Douglas Kagi donated the prints to the UOW Art Collection, and will be on hand when University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerard Sutton officially opens the exhibition on Friday, 30 July.

The collection includes works by artists who have produced iconic works of 20th century popular culture. Blake, for example, designed the cover for The Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album while Hamilton designed the cover for The Beatles' White Album.

Dr Kagi has been collecting the prints for 20 years. He will discuss the prints, his collection and his history as a collector at a public session with UOW Art Collection Director, artist Guy Warren, at the City Gallery from 1.30-2.30pm on Saturday, 31 July. Dr Kagi will talk to Mr Warren about the works he has donated, other works in his collection and his history as a collector.

UOW Art Collection Curator Glenn Barkley said the Kagi donation was one of the most important additions to the Collection in its history, and he was delighted the community would have access to it during its exhibition at the City Gallery. The exhibition will continue until 5 September.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: The media is invited to attend the exhibition opening at 7pm on 30 July or Dr Kagi's presentation at 1.30pm on 31 July. For further information contact Glenn Barkley on (02) 4221 5552 or by email at glenn_barkley@uow.edu.au