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New sculpture adds to Bonython family legacy

Dorado (1964) made of welded steel by sculptor Bryan Kneale RA, donated to the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide by Kym Bonython AC DFC AFC.
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Thursday, 25 March 2010

The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide is celebrating the gift of a sculpture by renowned British artist from prominent arts entrepreneur .

Mr Bonython AC DFC AFC is following in the philanthropic footsteps of his family. His grandfather , former proprietor of The Advertiser, was a major benefactor of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide, including a significant contribution towards the construction of Bonython Hall. Sir John also donated a large amount towards South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s Parliament House.

The gift will be celebrated at a special event at 10am, Thursday 25 March at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s Napier Building forecourt.

Mr Kym Bonython bought the Bryan Kneale sculpture Dorado in London in 1964 from the well-known . It was one of the few artworks in his collection which survived the destruction of his house in the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires.

Dorado, a 2.5 metre wide welded steel sculpture, now forms part of a significant collection of public sculpture from the 1960s on the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s North Terrace campus including a Geoff Wilson glass mural and a Henry Moore bronze.

Mr Kym Bonython says he is delighted to be able to provide the sculpture with a good home at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ where it will be on public display and appreciated.

Artist Bryan Kneale is a highly respected British artist and member of the . He exhibits regularly and his work is held in numerous private and public collections including the in New York.

This gift cements a long relationship between the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ and Mr Bonython who, during the 1960s and 1970s, advised the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ on art purchases and was instrumental in the acquisition of some of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s most precious artworks including the Arthur Boyd Judges series.

"The Bonython family have been great philanthropists and the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide has benefited enormously," says ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha. "We are very grateful for the continuing generosity of Mr Bonython. Gifts of art as significant as the one we are celebrating now do not come to the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ often and it is highly valued.

"Not only does this work add to the breadth and depth of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s art collection but, as an outdoor sculpture, it contributes to the general amenity and culture of our beautiful campus. Being able to display art of this kind is a significant bonus and much appreciated by our students and staff. We are delighted to be the recipients of this generous gift from Mr Bonython."

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