Gallery Profile

Philip Bacon Galleries was established in 1974 with the encouragement of artists such as Lawrence Daws, Margaret Olley, Charles Blackman and Robert Dickerson. Back then, what was once a tile warehouse had been modestly prepared to suit its new function as the city’s latest gallery space. The gallery soon established itself as Brisbane’s leading commercial gallery and attracted critical attention and clients and artists from around the nation.

Over subsequent years only slight alterations were ever made to the building and in mid 2001 plans were drawn up by award winning architects Cox Rayner and the gallery was given a major overhaul and renovation. The makeover transformed the site into an environment of light and space, making use of both the existing gallery and the adjoining 19th century terrace houses, the main concern being that the surround did not detract from, nor impose upon, the art being exhibited.

Over twelve exhibitions are shown per year; both in Brisbane and in London, in conjunction with Nevill Keating Pictures of St James Street. Artists represented include: Arthur Boyd, Charles Blackman, Peter Churcher, Ray Crooke, Lawrence Daws, Robert Dickerson, Donald Friend, James Gleeson, Robert Juniper, Norman Lindsay, Albert Namatjira, Sidney Nolan, John Olsen, Lloyd Rees, William Robinson, John Peter Russell, Margaret Olley,Gwyn Hanssen Pigott, Gordon Shepherdson, Garry Shead, Jeffrey Smart, Tim Storrier, Brett Whiteley and the estate of Fred Williams.

The gallery has also curated major exhibitions on senior Australian artists including Ian Fairweather, Isaac Walter Jenner, Donald Friend, Rupert Bunny and Fred Williams.

Philip Bacon Galleries plays an educational and commercial role in the thriving Brisbane art scene. The depth of our stockroom collection, historical and contemporary exhibitions shown monthly and long-term relationship with major Australian and emerging artists has established the gallery as the largest and most prestigious in Brisbane. Philip Bacon Galleries has evolved to become a major public art space.