We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

Vale James Fairfax

By Jane Wynter, head of philanthropy
Three paintings hang on the wall of a gallery with a central archway, above which a sign reads 'The James Fairfax Galleries'

Entrance to the James Fairfax Galleries

A great Australian philanthropist, James Fairfax transformed the Art Gallery of NSW collection through his generosity and commitment, and it is with deep sadness that we mark his death last week.

A passionate art collector, James Fairfax assembled one of the finest collections of European old master paintings in the country. Over the decades he enriched the Gallery’s own holdings through donating a magnificent array of works by artists including Tiepolo, Rubens, Ingres, Canaletto and Watteau, and our 15th-19th century European galleries bear his name.

He also supported, with the Art Gallery Society of NSW, our acquisition in 1991 of Grace Cossington Smith’s iconic The curve of the bridge 1928-29.

James Fairfax was a life member of the Society as well as a life governor and life benefactor of the Gallery.