Fine furniture on show at gallery

Peter Coultas of Harry Brown's and Sharon Marsh of Ipswich Art Gallery enjoy a glass of wine ahead of the preview evening.

MEMBERS of the Ipswich Arts Foundation will host an exclusive preview evening at the Ipswich Art Gallery on Friday, July 30.

Guests will enjoy wines provided by Harry Brown Merchant Trader and local catering from Fig Jam.

Foundation president Sandy Horneman-Wren said the unique exhibition celebrated the work and life of George Dowden, one of Australia's earliest known cabinetmakers.

The exhibition brings together for the first time the seven pieces of Dowden's furniture known to exist, including recent acquisitions for the City of Ipswich Collection.

Gallery director Michael Beckman will speak about art, history and the life of Dowden, who began trading in Ipswich in the mid-1850s and continued to supply furniture to some of the finer residences here until his death in 1875.

“This is a unique opportunity, not just to experience an intimate and pleasurable ambience of the gallery during the evening, but to enjoy the company of the members of the Ipswich Arts Foundation,” he said.

Membership is open to either the foundation or to the Friends of the Ipswich Art Gallery for a small annual fee.

Members can take advantage of exclusive events through the year, as well as discounts and other invitations.

The foundation encourages and promotes an appreciation of the city's rich cultural heritage within the community and provides invaluable support to the Ipswich Art Gallery, the city collection and the arts community as a whole.

For bookings and membership inquiries, go to artsfoundation@ipswich.qld.gov.au or phone 3810 7223.

Ipswich Art Gallery is located at d'Arcy Doyle Place, Nicholas St.

The gallery is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm.