A private collection of artwork, furniture and objects belonging to the late Garth Barnett, one of Sydney’s most celebrated interior design specialists, will be auctioned to fund the education of deserving UTS Design, Architecture and Building students.
Sixty-four items from Garth’s private collection including a Sidney Nolan will go under the hammer, with all proceeds going to the newly established Garth Barnett Scholarship Trust. Long-time friend and colleague, Jean Wright explained that Garth was very passionate about his work and wanted to encourage and help future students to start a career in design or architecture.
As principal of his well-established boutique agency, the self-taught designer was particularly touched by his experience of mentoring UTS students during the later stages of his career, which led to the establishment of the trust by his close-knit circle of friends.
According to Wright, Garth’s experience working with students highlighted to him the importance of a university education. To honour his memory, his friends came together to set up a trust for students who would otherwise not be able to go to university.
The trust will fund six annual scholarships valued up to $108,000 for students enrolling in Interior and Spatial Design or Architecture degrees at UTS, plus prizes to the value of $25,000. The inaugural winner will be announced at the auction and will receive a cash prize of $20,000 for a portfolio of work of unique and innovative excellence.
UTS Professor Desley Luscombe who helped set up the trust, added that Garth had employed some of their students who had really impressed him and also inspired him to become an education philanthropist.
Open to the general public, the auction will be held on 19th October 2016 at Level 8, UTS Business School, Dr Chau Chak Wing Building (Building 8), 14-28 Ultimo Rd, Ultimo.
RSVP is essential and more information is available here: www.garthbarnettauction.com
