The Return of Marion Menzies Gibb

26 October 2021

Welcome back to the Alexander Turnbull Library, Marion!

Funded through a donation to the Paintings in Perpetuity programme, this portrait of Marion Menzies Gibb by an unknown artist, has received remedial treatment required to make it stronger and more protected than upon its arrival at the Turnbull, late last century.

Chosen as a reflection of today’s circumstances, it quietly tells of a mother mourning her children through another pandemic, scarlet fever. In Victorian times hair of the deceased was frequently braided into jewellery and worn in commemoration. And so it is for Marion, whose bracelet keeps her daughters close.

Hours of work has been undertaken to remove finishes and grime that layered the surfaced, hiding the quality and vibrance of the workmanship beneath. Repairs to the frame and the addition of museum quality glazing now covers the portrait. It enables her to be studied and displayed with other institutions who seek to share her story, whilst remaining well protected. And the difference is clear:

ATL Ref: G-238, Mark Beatty, Imaging Team, ATL

She is soon to be housed publicly within the Alexander Turnbull Library reading rooms, so that all can see the impact of the portrait of this stoic Scottish woman. Should you wish to view her, please visit during reading room hours (Mon to Fri 10am to 5pm | Sat 9am to 1pm), complying with National Library Covid restrictions.

Through Paintings in Perpetuity, several other paintings have been funded for treatment -  and we will keep you updated on their journeys - so that they too can be shared more widely in the future.

Paintings in Perpetuity is an active programme and we are very happy to discuss opportunities further - we are currently embarking on assessments of further works that require treatment and will share the outcome in future communications.

Paintings in Perpetuity is an initiative from the Turnbull Endowment Trust.