Frank Harding Gallery

Description

Frank Harding (1935 - 1990) served in the South Australia Police until 1975 when he left to pursue a career in painting and art for a living, building a studio and gallery in Renmark. A self-taught artist, his works in pen, ink, oils and egg tempera have been exhibited throughout Australia and overseas.

The gallery is located at a central Renmark site and features two exhibitions. The first has a focus on Australiana paintings and memorabilia with the stand-out display being a ceiling mural depicting Australia's bushranger heritage. To save your neck, the mural is viewed using a mirror with audio commentary that narrates the many escapades of the bushranger era including those of Ned Kelly.

You would be forgiven for thinking that many of Harding's paintings are reminiscent of Broken Hill artist, Pro Hart. In fact, Harding collaborated with Hart only to later discover they were distantly related.

The second exhibition, "They Flew for the King" features over 70 paintings of World War II aircraft. Each painting depicts an actual event and has been authenticated and signed by the pilot who flew the plane. Also included in this exhibition is a collection of clothing and war paraphernalia that compliments the paintings and happenings of this time in history.

Today the gallery is maintained by Harding's family and is open by appointment. Group bookings are also welcome. Entry is $5 per person to view the gallery.