Original piece returns home to Bunbury

An original drawing of Lieutenant Henry Bunbury from 1870 has been donated to the City Art Collection after an art dealer in England discovered it in a box he bought at auction.

The dealer contacted the Bunbury Historical Society to notify them of the discovery.

Historian Phyllis Barnes, who recently launched a book based on Lt Bunbury’s letters and journals, connected the dealer with captain Charles Bunbury – the great, great grandson of Lt Bunbury.

“I think the dealer wanted us to bid amongst ourselves, ” Mrs Barnes said.

“But I wouldn’t be involved in that.”

Mr Bunbury bought the drawing at an undisclosed price and donated it to the city.

It was originally a part of Mr Bunbury’s cousin David’s estate.

Mrs Barnes said she believed the dealer would have bought the piece for ‘a steal’.

“I don’t know exactly how much and I wouldn’t say if I did, ” she said.

“The family wanted it to be seen – but you don’t just have a piece like this hanging up in a house, it needs to be preserved.”

The family had the drawing sent by the Agent General to ensure it wasn’t damaged en route from England.

The portrait was drawn by British artist Eden Upton Eddis, whose portraits were regularly displayed at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said he was honoured by the family’s donation and acknowledged the role Mrs Barnes played in securing it for the city.

“It is a real privilege to have this remarkable find added to the city’s already impressive and extensive art collection, ” Mr Brennan said.

“It is not just a drawing, it tells a tale of our city.”

Once it is restored the original drawing will be preserved in the collection and a copy of it displayed in the Bunbury City Council function centre.