An update from Molong’s portrait gallery dedicated to the memory and stories of servicemen and servicewomen from the local area.
The portraits were painted by local artist the late Anne Marie Ingham and are shown at Molong RSL Club.
All the portraits in this unique collection, were painted by artist Anne Marie Ingham. She gave her time to this project in gratitude for the sacrifices of these men and women, representing all from this area who served in our armed forces. She hoped it would enhance public awareness of their efforts.
The first portraits were unveiled in 2007, another six unveiled in 2008, twenty in January 2009 and five in 2012.
All ceremonies were held in conjunction with Molong & Cabonne Council’s Australia Day celebrations.
Anne Marie died in March 2014 and the last incomplete painted portrait, together with three photographs, were unveiled in October, 2014.
A group of trustees now manage the collection in collaboration with the club.
Updates from the project from the latest newsletter:
“We would again, on behalf of the Ingham Family and the Friends of the Portrait Gallery, like to express
our gratitude to the RSL Club for its custodianship of the Portraits. I remember the original discussions of where the Gallery paintings were to be situated and the great relief to Anne Marie and all involved, when the Club offered to have the Portraits, a most appropriate setting, with a caring custodianship. Thank you again, Molong RSL Club,” writes trustee Helen Haynes.
“Several years ago, Phil Stevenson, of Orange, donated to the RSL Club and the Portrait Gallery one of Anne Marie’s sculptures of “Murranji Mick”, a micky bull from Northern Australia. Our thanks to David Bloomfield, of the Molong RSL Sub-Branch and the Molong Men’s Shed, who made a beautiful table for the sculpture, now situated near the photo of Anne Marie, at the front of the Club’s Foyer. Thanks also to Richard Ingham for his contribution to the project.”
Students from the St Joseph School visited to the Gallery earlier this year and students from Molong Central School Primary will visit later this year.
“The children always enjoy the Talk about Anne Marie Ingham and then their task of choosing their favourite portrait, researching the person in that portrait and then painting his or her portrait.”
All the students’ paintings are displayed in the Club’s Foyer and all students receive a Certificate, designed by Anne Marie, welcoming them to the Friends of the Portrait Gallery.
When you visit the RSL Club, you will also notice that a number of photographs have been donated to the Club by family and friends of local residents who served in our armed Forces.
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday
3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Wednesday
11:30 am to 9:00 pm
Thursday
12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday
12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Saturday
11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Sunday
11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Contacts
John & Julie Lawrie – 0438467292
Molong RSL Club – 02 6366 8105
Image courtesy of Molong & District Servicemen & Servicewomen’s Portrait Gallery
