LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin has met and thanked the expert team conserving and restoring valuable artworks salvaged from the Lismore Regional Gallery’s collection in the wake of the catastrophic February 28 flood.
Ms Saffin said she was delighted to see firsthand the great work being done by International Conservation Services (ICS) Chief Executive Officer Mr Julian Bickersteth and his staff in Sydney last week.
“I can report that our intrinsically valuable painting, art and photographic works are in safe hands,” Ms Saffin said.
“Julian and his team of conservators are treating these precious works with tender loving care and world-class, professional skill.
“The safekeeping of Lismore’s arts sector and cultural heritage can become a key part of how Lismore and the Northern Rivers region rebuilds from the floods of February and March this year.
“I’m strongly supporting a joint funding application by Lismore Regional Gallery and Lismore Museum to engage a consultant to conduct a feasibility study into the long-term future of Lismore’s art, culture and heritage.
“I’ve also met with Gallery Director Ashleigh Ralph, curator Kezia Geddes, and Friends of the Gallery representatives – President Ron Dowell, Vice-President Deepak Khuller and Secretary Susan Conroy — offering my ongoing support to them on the ground.”
For his part, Mr Bickersteth, who is President of the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, said it was great to host Ms Saffin and thanked her for all her encouragement, energy and support.
ICS has been at the forefront of assisting Lismore Regional Gallery from the day one, sending in conservators to help dismantle and remove the insured collection.
They then managed the assessment and salvage process in close cooperation with Gallery staff and Create NSW. Create NSW has provided logistical support and are providing space for at no cost.
LABOUR OF LOVE: Conservator Maria Vicente, Onsite Manager and paintings conservator Suati Rojas, International Conservation Services Head of Conservation Adam Godijn, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, ICS CEO Julian Bickersteth, and conservator Francesca Elia.
