The National Trust of South Australia (Willunga Branch), in partnership with the National Gallery of Australia, has announced that Waverley Park Homestead will be the first venue in South Australia to host an artwork from the National Collection under the Sharing the National Collection initiative.

The initiative, which aims to bring nationally significant artworks to regional cultural institutions, will feature Kathleen Sauerbier's Jetty ramp and Howe’s fishing lookout (circa 1935) at the homestead. This oil on canvas piece, measuring 52.5 cm by 65.5 cm, was purchased by the National Gallery in 2012 and is now on loan to Waverley Park Homestead.

National Gallery of Australia Director Nick Mitzevich has expressed his excitement about the artwork's return to South Australia. “South Australia was my home for over a decade, and it is with great excitement to announce the state’s first loan under Sharing the National Collection to Waverley Park Homestead.

"The initiative will see Kathleen Sauerbier’s work return home to the greater Willunga region, where the post-Modernist artist spent time, nearly 90 years after its creation.”

Dr Paddy O’Toole, Chair of the Willunga Branch of the National Trust of South Australia, has shared similar sentiments, emphasising the significance of local connections.

“We are very excited to bring this beautiful artwork by Kathleen Sauerbier home to the place where it was painted. We sincerely thank the Minister for Arts, The Honourable Tony Burke, and the staff at the National Gallery of Australia, for establishing the Sharing the National Collection program that recognises the unique, rich meanings that nationally significant works can hold at the local level.

"South Australia enjoys a rich artistic heritage, which is exemplified in this artwork.”

The artwork will be part of the Know My Name: Willunga exhibition, which celebrates female artists who lived or painted in the greater Willunga Basin district since the 1900s. This exhibition will showcase works from the Willunga Branch collection as well as loans from artists and collectors throughout South Australia.

Kathleen Sauerbier, a Modernist artist active before and after the World Wars, is known for her depictions of Willunga landscapes, portraits, and still life scenes inspired by local beaches and scenery. Her painting will remain on display for two years, with the exhibition now open.

Exhibition Details:

• Opening Date: Now open
• Duration: Three months
• Location: Waverley Park Homestead, 23 St Peters Terrace, Willunga
• Visiting Hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm

For more information, contact Mark Staniforth, Waverley Park Homestead manager, at 0408 802 198 or by email.

About Waverley Park Homestead:

Located in the McLaren Vale wine region, Waverley Park Homestead is a heritage-listed building from the mid-1840s, originally built for farmer and politician Thomas Smith Kell. It is now a volunteer-run art gallery and event venue for the Willunga community.

About the National Gallery of Australia:

Situated in Canberra, the National Gallery of Australia houses the country’s most valuable art collection, including over 155,000 works. It features significant collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, as well as modern art from around the world.

The Sharing the National Collection initiative is part of the Australian Government’s Revive national cultural policy, launched in January 2023, with $11.8 million allocated over four years to support regional access to national art.

For further details, visit the National Gallery of Australia.

Kathleen Sauerbier Jetty ramp and Howe's fishing lookout c 1935, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2012 © Estate of the artist