Gallery History
Mark Widdup became Proprietor and Manager of the Cooks Hill Gallery in August 1975. At the time he was a student at Newcastle University studying Arts/Commerce. After a period of six months the gallery took more of his time than he initially expected so he postponed his degree to operate the gallery full time. The first five years was a learning curve as he had no experience in operating a gallery. The gallery soon developed a pattern of regular monthly exhibitions of paintings and often three dimentional items, including jewellery, ceramics, weaving and tapestry.
Exhibiting space was limited and an extension of the gallery was necessary. Mark worked with a local builder as an assistant in labouring and developing his gallery , which added another 11/2 rooms surrounding a central courtyard. Within the next five years the gallery's reputation grew and more established artists were exhibiting.In 1984 Mark Widdup was able to purchase the adjacent property and develop that into offices, a private gallery showing room, a major gallery room ,which was the focus of the overall gallery, the space being attractive to all professional Australian artists.
Noteable artists to visit the gallery include Sir Sidney Nolan, Brett Whiteley, Charles Blackman, Tim Storrier, John Olsen. Other VIP's who have visited include the Queen's Purser from HMAS Britannia, Directors of BHP, State Gallery Directors, Janet Holmes a Court to name a few.
In 1983 a Fine Art Consulting business was formed dealing with clients across Australia and overseas, whereby the highest collectable quality artwork was sought. Today one room within the gallery specialises in this area, which has acted as an education area for many novice collectors.
The gallery has a permanent stable of exhibiting artists who exhibit monthly. With the advancement of communication the gallery now sources clients widely and with the quality of invitations, illustrating examples of the artist's work, it has brought the distant client much closer.
A comprehensive computer system has improved processing of art information and streamlined the gallery procedures.
During the past decade the gallery director has been able to give advice and offer artwork by artists of the highest reputation. Since the new millennium art market continues to become more specialised, the gallery is in a good position to both monitor and market the movement.
Directors Profile
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Owned and managed the Hunter's Region premier commercial art gallery in for over 30 years.
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Valuer to Insurance companies, Assessors, Business and Private clients. Nationally.
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He advises on both Private and Corporate collecting.
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Appointed Australian Commonwealth Government-Valuer for the Cultural Gifts Program.
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