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Centenary Sculpture of Alfred Felton

The Centenary Sculpture of Alfred Felton is to be unveilied today at the National Gallery of Victoria.

By Cowwarr Art Space - 21st October 2004 - Back to News

The sculpture, by Clive Murray-White, has been commisioned by the Felton Bequest in honour of the great philanthropist, Alfred Felton, and marks the centenary of his bequest.

The Felton Bequest is one of Australia’s oldest charitable foundations, established by Alfred Felton in 1904 with a sum of £383,163 (about $40 million in today’s terms). At the time of Felton’s death, his donation was the largest in the world on record.

Murray-White’s Chillagoe marble sculpture is 1.2 metres high and weighs approximately 1 tonne. Currently on display in Federation Court at NGV International, St Kilda Road, it is a lasting monument that represents Felton’s legacy to art and charity and celebrates the concepts of ‘philanthropy’ and ‘genius’.

Sir Andrew Grimwade, Chairman of the Felton Bequest Committee, says that Murray-White’s contemporary approach to sculpture, combined with his recent focus on portraying ‘men of wisdom’, made him the perfect candidate for the task.

"Murray-White is an exceptional sculptor. His portrayal of Felton as larger-than-life conveys a sense of wisdom and intellect, determination and entreprenurial spirit. He has captured the features which are true to Felton’s character in a timeless work of art," says Sir Andrew.

Before he began work on the sculpture, Murray-White studied the life of Felton and became absorbed by Felton’s image and aura.

"I admire any person who thinks beyond self aggrandisement and has the foresight to provide so magnificently for the future. I envisaged a colossal sculptural head which would be imbued with Felton’s generosity of spirit," says Murray-White.

Alfred Felton is the NGV’s greatest benefactor, with half of the distributions from his Bequest used solely for the purchase and donation of artworks to the NGV.

Dr Gerard Vaughan, Director of the NGV, says that the Centenary sculpture was an ideal way to celebrate a man who single-handedly transformed the art scene in Melbourne.

"Without a doubt, the Felton Bequest has played a major role in facilitating the NGV’s world-class collection.

"The breadth of artwork acquired through the Bequest has been of great benefit and enjoyment to the NGV and its many visitors," said Dr Vaughan.

The Felton Bequest Committee, in consultation with the NGV, undertook a three-tier process to choose the artist for this project. A select group of Australian artists were invited to submit concept designs and from these, three sculptors were asked to produce maquettes. The concept designs and maquettes have also been purchased by the Felton Bequest and donated to the NGV.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com