New Wave of Art at the Bather's Pavilion

Interior designer Rachel Luchetti from Luchetti Krell approached Artbank about a special project which required a careful selection of artwork. The iconic Bather’s Pavilion in Mosman, framed by two palm trees overlooking the Sydney Harbour, was undergoing a substantial renovation and needed artworks which complemented the 1920s architecture. Our dedicated art consultant who has more than 15 years of experience working at Artbank Courtney Kidd, took on the project and began working closely with Rachel and the co-owners of the Bathers Pavilion, Ian and Maryanne Pageant. Rachel, Ian and Maryanne visited our collection in Waterloo and selected artworks which would enhance the new interior space. It was important they captured a nostalgia that was sympathetic to the modernist style of the building while still being resolutely contemporary. “The redesign is more of a sensitive evolution than complete reinvention of this much loved Balmoral Beach gem…Custom and designer furniture pieces needed to be carefully curated amongst artworks and objects that are thought provoking and emotionally moving,” said interior designer Rachel Luchetti.

Sarah Robson, ‘Alpha & Beta’, 1998, Synthetic polymer paint on plywood Courtney then created a list of potential artworks which she presented to Rachel and the co-owners. After careful consideration, 25 pieces were selected to be featured throughout the building. “The client wanted to create a sense of a private well-loved collection that would contemporise the spaces while acknowledging an aspect of its history. What resulted was a terrific collection of artworks that would engage patrons and enliven the space,” said Artbank art consultant Courtney Kidd. Amongst the artworks chosen for the space included Jeffery Smart’s The Overpass which is situated in the dining room. The work explores an unsettled urban environment which exemplifies both the surreal and formal qualities of modern city architecture, from freeways to industrial wastelands. 

Jeffrey Smart, ‘The Overpass’, 1966-67, Oil on canvas

Another striking artwork is John Kelly’s Two heads and a sky painting showing two cows which represents the Australian landscape and the narratives of settler history and pastoral production. Eighty-nine Parrots by Rosalie Gascoigne is situated in the intimate dining room opposite the Jeffrey Smart painting. Rosalie Gascoigne was a Canberra based artist whose work captured the surrounding landscape of the Monaro region landscape which inspired her abstract assemblages. A Katherine Hattam work The Rights and Wrongs of Women which can be seen in the larger dining room reflects the struggles women face trying to juggle the demands of family and professional life. These are just a glimpse into the breadth of work available in the Artbank collection. Some of the more contemporary artworks were selected for their thematic and material relevance to the seaside including the sculpture Ice Cream Van by Marc Etherington, Ken Done’s oil painting Hot Wednesday and the sculpture Aurukun Bicycle by Jean Walmbeng which uses recycled nets and ropes mounted on the wall above the entrance. “The mixture of paintings and sculptures are playful yet thoughtful while capturing the essence of the unique space. I’m so glad we were able to showcase these talented Australian artists in such an iconic building. To be part of this renovation is to be part of history and Artbank is proud to have played such a key role,” said Courtney Kidd.

Peter Quinn, ‘Atomic’, 2006, Road signs on plywood The artworks were installed by our meticulous Artbank team Matthew James and Jack Harman throughout multiple rooms including The Bistro, The Sunroom, Lounge, Restaurant and The Kiosk. The installation occurred in the days leading up to the grand opening of the new Bather’s Pavilion so visitors were able to enjoy the completed interior design. 

Artbank registrars Matthew James and Jack Harman installing the Jeffrey Smart ‘The Overpass’, 1966-67, Oil on canvas at the Bather’s Pavilion

If you are interested in leasing artwork from us email enquiries@artbank.gov.au or call 1800 251 651.