Monet masterpiece to depart Murwillumbah gallery

CLAUDE Monet’s Meules, milieu du jour (Haystacks, midday, 1890) is preparing to leave the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre after almost two years on display.

The painting, on loan from the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, arrived in 2023 as part of the Sharing the National Collection initiative, which brings major works from the national collection to regional audiences.

The Tweed gallery was the first in Australia to host a loan under the scheme.

Gallery director Ingrid Hedgcock said the Monet had been central to the gallery’s programs over the past two years.

“We’ve been honoured to be the temporary custodians of this work from the national collection and are so grateful to the National Gallery for supporting us through this incredible initiative.

“The iconic nature of this work meant that it attracted locals and visitors that might never have considered visiting a regional gallery like ours — and they have enjoyed not only the Monet but many different parts of our regular collection, including the Margaret Olley Art Centre.

“I think this was especially the case when the work was accompanied by four others from the National Gallery in February 2024 — three by Margaret Olley herself and another painting (Natura morta) by one of Olley’s favourite artists, Giorgio Morandi. We’re pleased that those works will stay with us for a few years more,” she said.

National Gallery director Dr Nick Mitzevich said the Monet loan was a fitting beginning for the program.

“The Sharing the National Collection program has allowed the National Gallery to bring significant works by globally recognised artists to regional Australians. Since this exciting first loan to the Tweed Regional Gallery, over a million people have experienced the national collection closer to home, which is now spread across each state and territory of Australia.”

During its stay in Murwillumbah, Meules, milieu du jour attracted wide public and media attention, with local commentators noting the contrast between Monet’s soft, shimmering light and the vivid North Coast landscape.

The painting’s final day on display will be Sunday, October 26. Entry is free during public hours, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.