THE GIFT OF GIVING
Benalla Art Gallery has relied on generations of community generosity and giving. From the visionary donations of Mr Laurence Ledger MBE and Mrs Erma Ledger to the transformational bequest of Mrs Gladys Bennett.
A bequest or endowment is a gift made in a Will — as a pledge, or in memory of a loved one — that is held in trust. It can be directed to a specific purpose or invested in the Foundation’s Corpus to support the Gallery’s long term growth and sustainability.
Of course, family and friends come first — we encourage you to discuss your Will with them. We also recommend seeking independent legal advice to ensure your wishes are properly reflected.
The Benalla Art Gallery Foundation is deeply grateful for any gift left to us. We understand that such bequests are a personal and voluntary decision.
By including the Foundation in your Will, you help secure the future of Benalla Art Gallery. Your gift will support our mission to maintain and improve the Gallery’s facilities, sustain quality programming for the community, and contribute to its long term role in Australia’s cultural life.
For more information, please download the Benalla Art Gallery Bequest Form and feel free to contact our Philanthropy Manager on 0404 846 202 to discuss your wishes.
Ceramicist Lorna Hobbs presents works at a local artists Gallery Shop event, 2023
TWO TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFTS
In 1972, Laurence (Laurie) Ledger MBE, Erma Ledger and their farming enterprise ‘Wooleen’ were major benefactors to the Gallery, donating works that formed the backbone of the Benalla Art Gallery Collection and contributing significantly to the cost of the Benalla Art Gallery building located, as it still is today, on the shore of Lake Benalla in the Botanical Gardens. Ledger described his aspirations in which he ‘…had hoped that the gallery and its collection would give untold pleasure to the people within the North-east region and to countless passing tourists…’
Toward the end of 1996, the Benalla Art Gallery received a second transformational bequest from Gladys Bennett comprising 15 artworks and a significant contribution of $1 million to be used for the purchase of artworks supplementing the original Ledger Bequest. This Bequest enabled the Galley to acquire works by key artists to extend and augment the original Ledger Collection, thus creating an increased sense of continuity and completion both historically and stylistically, and developing new strengths in contemporary art.
Arthur Streeton,
Impression for Golden Summer 1888 oil on canvas, later mounted on composition board.
29.6 x 58.7 cm; 52.4 x 81.2 x 4.0 cm framed
Gift of Wooleen Pty. Ltd., 1980,
1980.34.
Benalla Art Gallery Collection
