GA052 | Australian & International Art

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Sir Andrew deeply regarded Lady Marsha’s
counsel on matters of Indigenous art. In 2007,
Lady Marsha and Sir Andrew embarked on a
remote journey ‘...my wife Marsha persuaded me
to travel with her camping down the 2,000km
of the Canning Stock Route. It opened my eyes
to the Indigenous art of the Far Western Desert.
So much credit behind the scenes is due to
[Marsha] providing me with the passion to drive
the acquisition process of the Far Western
Desert Art. We felt a special relationship with
Kunawarritji, Well 33, and its community,
which has been the fountainhead of much far
Western Desert art.’ 4
It is incredible how adventure can foster lifelong
friendships. Author and explorer Andrew
Dwyer guided Lady Marsha and Sir Andrew
on their Canning Stock Route journey in 2007
and remained firm friends. During a second
expedition with Lady Marsha, who travelled
solo this time down the mouth of the Cooper,
Dwyer recalls visiting Walaryirti Artists at Balgo,
where Marsha spoke with Eubena Nampitjin,
Boxer Milner, Sunfly Tjampitjin and Helicopter
Tjungurrayi. ‘She told me then that she already
owned one of Helicopter’s works and was
pleased to meet him in the flesh.’ 5 When visiting
Willuna, Lady Marsha talked Dwyer into buying
one of Clifford Brook’s paintings. ‘It remains one
of my most cherished paintings. I remember
Marsha saying to me that you don’t choose the
paintings – the paintings choose you!’ 6
The Collection of Lady Marsha and Sir Andrew
Grimwade CBE represents a rich tapestry of
cultural and visual languages within Indigenous
art, a practice that has been, and remains, at the
forefront of contemporary art. Lady Marsha and
Sir Andrew Grimwade respected a culture that
has remained resilient and strong. The plethora
of works in this collection traverses the country
in a way that reflects their genuine desire to
engage with Indigenous communities in a
meaningful way. The authenticity of this passion
presents itself in each piece they have collected,
and undoubtedly, their legacy will be one of
generosity and a deep appreciation for art.
Sarah Garrecht
1 Andrew Grimwade, Storied Windows: Reflections on
Indigenous Art, Miegunyah Press, Victoria, 2012, p. 110
2 In conversation with Toby Evans, Marsha
Grimwade’s son, email correspondence 2023
3 Ibid.
4 Andrew Grimwade, Storied Windows: Reflections on
Indigenous Art, Miegunyah Press, Victoria, 2012, p. 119
5 In conversation with Andrew Dwyer, email correspondence 2023
6 Ibid.