The Watters Gift
UTS Gallery
Deciding the time was right after the closure of Watters Gallery in 2018, the late Frank Watters OAM (1934-2020) moved to his country home in the Hunter Valley. Shortly thereafter he donated 67 artworks by 27 artists to Sydney’s University of Technology (UTS) from his collection spanning over 50 years. The publication to celebrate the significant generosity and contribution to Australian art, ‘The Watters Gift’ presents the legacy of works which were part of Frank Watters’ private collection and includes an essay by curator Tania Creighton, text by Sonia Legge and anecdotal references by select artists whose work form part of the collection.
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The early years of Watters Gallery began in Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst in 1964 after a chance meeting between the three directors, Frank Watters and Geoffrey and Alexandra Legge. The partnership lead to the development of a renowned artistic, experimental and intellectual hub. Within a few years they had founded their permanent gallery on Riley Street, Darlinghurst (1969) – with the top floor being Frank’s private apartment and home for his growing personal collection, including works by Richard Larter, John Peart, Ruth Waller, Chris O’Doherty and Euan Macleod.
Cultivating a spirit of experimentation and creativity was at the heart of Frank’s lifelong commitment to nurture and support the artists he represented. He inspired curiosity, gave artists free rein to develop their practices, with trust, friendship and community – which cemented the gallery’s longevity. The works he collected were unhampered by style or genre, reflecting the joy and love of living amongst so much art. His walls were filled salon-style, eventually taking over window space, cupboard doors, and the bathroom.
As artist Hendrik Kolenberg explained, ‘Frank Watters is also a rare individual. His once art-filled eyrie on the top floor of Watters Gallery (including rooftop garden) was a powerful embodiment of his independence, a Mecca for those with a passion for contemporary Australian art, free from overt commercial overtones, entrepreneurial flamboyance, kitsch or other pooh-ha.’
New life reinvigorated the Watters stable with the joining of Legge Gallery artists in 2009. The Director, and son of Geoffery and Alexandra, Jasper Legge (1968-2010) transitioned younger artists to the Riley Street establishment, some becoming part of Frank’s collection.
This gift has breathed new life into the UTS Collection and served as inspirational for students, with the collection’s artworks installed across the campus. Frank Watters will long be remembered for his generosity of spirit to artists and a stalwart for Australian art.
