Gift of Francis Reiss 2009
Sarah Engledow writes about Gordon and Marilyn Darling and their support for the National Portrait Gallery throughout its evolution.
This exhibition showcases portraits acquired through the generosity of the National Portrait Gallery’s Founding Patrons, L Gordon Darling AC CMG and Marilyn Darling AC.
Gordon and Marilyn Darling talk about the origins of the National Portrait Gallery and some of their favourite portraits.
Marilyn Darling AC (b. 1943), a Founding Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, was Chair of the Board of the Gallery from 2000 until 2008.
2 portraits in the collection
Marilyn Darling talks about the creation of her portrait, and the photographic process.
Commissioned with funds provided by Tim Fairfax AC 2010
Portraits of philanthropists in the collection honour their contributions to Australia and acknowledge their support of the National Portrait Gallery.
Marilyn Kong is a Worimi doctor who grew up in Port Stephens, New South Wales.
1 portrait in the collection
Marilyn Rowe AM OBE (b. 1946), former prima ballerina, was the first graduate of The Australian Ballet School to become its director.
2 portraits in the collection
Gift of the family of Graham Thorley in his memory and in tribute to Marilyn Rowe 2010
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2017
Ian Darling AO is an award winning documentary filmmaker. He has made two films about adventurer and explorer Jon Muir; Alone Across Australia and Suzy & The Simple Man.
1 portrait in the collection
L. Gordon Darling AC CMG (1921-2015), former company director, was the Founding Patron of the National Portrait Gallery.
2 portraits in the collection
The Chairman, Board, Director and all the Staff of the National Portrait Gallery mourn the loss of our Founding Patron, who died peacefully in Melbourne this morning. He was 94.
The Darling Prize is a new biennial prize for Australian portrait painters, painting Australian sitters. The winner receives a cash prize of $75,000.