A Sweet Invitation

A Sweet Invitation

Join the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum and Mayor Gail Sellers, next Valentine's Day, 10.30am, Friday 14 February 2014, as they officially open two historical exhibitions and welcome another. 

Emerging from the depths of the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum's archives comes the private collection of the late William (Bill) Golding, fondly referred to as the original "Mr Gladstone".   The assortment (started in 1975) was gifted to the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum for its official opening in 1985, prior to that, it was displayed in the Harbour Board Building (Gladstone Ports Corporation) in the Golding Gallery.

Showcasing items the well-respected Gladstone figure collected during travels aboard and in Australia, Profiling a Collector: William (Bill) Golding "Mr Gladstone" (1890-1985) features intricate oil paintings, kitsch ornaments, a large array of bells and wood sculptures.

The Golding family is well known in the Gladstone Region and beyond, for their work in industry, business and the community. William, former alderman and mayor of the Gladstone Town Council, also served on the Gladstone Harbour Board for thirty-seven years from 1942. During this time, he served as chairman twice and helped steer the board through an era of enormous change for Gladstone with its population quadrupling and the port becoming one of the busiest in Australia.

Many in the region would also know of his son, Cyril Golding, founder of Golding Contractors Pty Ltd, who sadly passed away in 2012. Cyril also went by the name of 'Mr Gladstone' and was known not only for his contributions to industry, but for his tireless philanthropy and generous commitment to the community including his patronage of the Gallery & Museum.

This exhibition is a must-see for collectors and curious visitors, and is on display until 29 March 2014.

For those interested in the history of Australia - Getting Started: Colony of North Australia 1847 - will no doubt prove a fascinating visit. 

It features photographs, maps, letters and other items from what was known as the 'Colony of North Australia', which comprised of all land in the Northern Territory and the present state of Queensland. Port Curtis (now known as Gladstone) was to be its capital. This historical journey through the history of early Australia is on until 22 March 2014.

Colourful entries from the 2014 Celebrate Australia Primary School Art Competition will also be on display at the Gallery & Museum until 15 March 2014.

This ever popular and much loved children's exhibition is the collection of entries received in the annual competition, now in its 8th year. The competition was open to all primary school students in the Gladstone Region and students were encouraged to think about the important aspects of the Australian lifestyle and what Australia Day means to them.

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum is open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm and admission is FREE.