Hugh Reskymer (Kym) Bonython AC, DFC, AFC, died at age 90 in early 2011. Kym had numerous strings to his bow including a life long passion for art. He began collecting in 1945. He opened Bonython Art Gallery in 1961 and in 1966 Hungry Horse Gallery in Paddington. He returned to Adelaide in 1976 and continued to run his gallery until 1983. Sadly, most of his collection was destroyed in the Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983 and so the bulk of what hangs in his North Adelaide home was acquired since 1985. Some earlier works had been in storage in town during the fires and those were the first to be hung in the current home.

Kym authored and published a number of art books including:

• Modern Australian Painting & Sculpture: A survey of Australian Art from 1950 to 1960, Rigby, Adelaide, 1960
• Modern Australian Painting 1960-70, Rigby, Adelaide, 1970
• Modern Australian Painting 1970-75, Rigby, Adelaide, 1976, Kym Bonython & Elwynn Lynn
• Modern Australian Painting 1975-80, Rigby, Adelaide, 1980
• Modern Australian Painting 1950-75, Rigby, Adelaide, 1980.

Kym’s collection is eclectic, he bought from the heart without regard for investment or status. He and
his wife Julie surrounded themselves with artworks that held a special meaning and memory to them and can now give joy to others.

Greenaway Art Gallery is honoured to host this special event as we remember our friend Kym Bonython with affection and admiration.

Auctioneer on the night will be James Bruce.

Press links:

Kym Bonython's life in art for sale

The arthouse sale of a lifetime

View the video of the collection