Wednesday 18 April 2007
Edmund Capon, director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, announced today that entry to the Brett Whiteley Studio will be free of charge from Saturday 21 April 2007.

The Brett Whiteley Studio is a tribute to the life of Brett Whiteley, one of Australia’s most gifted, best known and controversial artists.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales manages the Brett Whiteley Studio and has entered into a partnership with JPMorgan. This relationship enables free access to the studio, the development of a new website and the publication of the first comprehensive handbook of the studio containing many unpublished images of Whiteley at work together with details of his early working life.

Wendy Whiteley said: “Brett would have been thrilled with this sponsorship. His creative spirit is truly felt here and what we have tried to achieve is a glimpse into what was Brett’s private world. I hope many people will enjoy the experience and I am very grateful to JPMorgan and the Art Gallery of New South Wales for keeping the inspiration alive.”

Rob Priestley, Managing Director, and CEO of JPMorgan also said, “The Brett Whiteley Studio is a truly wonderful space and we are thrilled that we can provide free access to the public and a greater insight into this prominent Australian artist”.

The artist bought the former warehouse in 1985 and converted it into a studio and exhibition space.  He lived there from 1988 to 1992, the year he died in Thirroul. In 1993 the New South Wales Government purchased the building together with ten Whiteley paintings.  The Brett Whiteley Studio was opened to the public in 1995.

Very few changes have been made to the building since Whiteley was in residence.  The furniture, lighting, collections of memorabilia, postcards, photographs, objects are all as he arranged them. The music that is played at the studio during opening hours is from Brett’s collection. The upstairs area is scattered with sketchbooks, paint and unfinished paintings, reference books, and walls covered with graffiti including inspiring quotes and images.

Downstairs is the gallery space with a series of changing exhibits of the artist’s work together with others focusing on different aspects of Whiteley’s work.  The studio is also home to the annual Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship exhibition and award.

Principal sponsor