New sculpture adds to Bonython family legacy

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

The University of Adelaide is celebrating the gift of a sculpture by renowned British artist Bryan Kneale from prominent arts entrepreneur Kym Bonython.

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

The gift will be celebrated at a special event at 10am, Thursday 25 March at the University's Napier Building forecourt.

Mr Kym Bonython bought the Bryan Kneale sculpture Dorado in London in 1964 from the well-known Redfern Gallery. 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 University'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 University where it will be on public display and appreciated.

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

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

"The Bonython family have been great philanthropists and the University of Adelaide has benefited enormously," says University 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 University often and it is highly valued.

"Not only does this work add to the breadth and depth of the University'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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