Art Gallery of NSW unveils Ashley Dawson-Damer as patron of brand new Children’s Art Library

One of Sydney’s wealthiest women has been revealed as the philanthropist behind Australia’s first-ever art library for kids, now open to the public.

One of Sydney’s wealthiest women has been revealed as the money behind Australia’s first-ever art library for kids, now open to the public for the final days of the school holidays.

The new library at the Art Gallery of NSW is dedicated to donor Ashley Dawson-Damer, a prominent philanthropist in the arts sector and former model. The children’s education space in her name will form part of the blue-blooded patron’s legacy as she ends her nine-year tenure on the gallery’s board of trustees.

A woman of a “conventional era”, Ms Dawson-Damer said her own interest in decorative art and its history began in her childhood, and bloomed when she became a mother of two and then grandmother of five.

Her patronage of the new facility was inspired by her own “gigantic” collection of children’s illustrations — and a casual conversation with head archivist Steven Miller.

“As a board director I have been on the ground floor of this plan, this ambition,” she said.

Ashley Dawson-Damer reads to Juno Ainsworth, 9, and her sister Queenie Ainsworth, 7, in the new children’s art library named in her honour. Picture: Damian Shaw

“I used to talk to Steven about this, and he said ‘we’ll have some exhibitions one day’. Then it evolved with the Sydney Modern building, which gave us the chance to create a bigger space (for the children’s art library) than perhaps was originally envisioned.

“I’ve always been interested in children’s learning, and I can see … the potential for children is unlimited.”

The newly unveiled Ashley Dawson-Damer Children's Art Library at the Art Gallery of NSW, featuring plenty of comfy seats for wriggling kids. Picture: Supplied

Tucked inside the gallery’s newly relocated and refurbished Edmund and Joanna Capon Research Library, the children’s area features soft cushion towers for reading and play and more than 1400 titles including foreign language books and books featuring illustrations by acclaimed Australian artists.

Soundproofing elements create a quieter environment at the other end of the large library, room allow serious study of the historical collections and National Art Archive next door to go largely undisturbed.

Mr Miller said the curation process helped unearth an mostly unexplored body of work.

“It has been surprising to us to find out how many artists actually have produced children’s books,” he said.

An illustration from Sydney modernist Grace Crowley, displayed in the new library.

A work by Australian still-life painter Margaret Olley on show in the new library.

The gallery’s deputy director Maud Page said even if some fuddy-duddy types kick up a fuss about the noise, it was important for the gallery to create a space that puts kids first.

“I always hate when I walk around the gallery and hear people shushing others, I discourage that,” she said.

“We had always really wondered ‘how do you build a museum in 2023 so that it’s built for the future’? We all know that without children there is no future, so how do you build spaces tailored to the different ages and interests?”

Cubby holes and secret spaces built into the bookshelves are the best bits of the art library, according to sisters Juno and Queenie Ainsworth.

Avid readers Juno and Queenie Ainsworth make themselves comfy. Picture: Damian Shaw

Nine-year-old Juno likes to read graphic novels, like those of Captain Underpants author Dav Pilkey.

“The library is very fun to look at, and most of the pieces are colourful and fun,” she said.

“I can relax in these chairs.”

Younger sister Queenie, 7, agreed and said the library would be a great place for her to read books by her favourite author, Ann M. Martin.

“My favourite part is the bit you can climb on,” she added.

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