Giving

Do you love what we do and want to see more great exhibitions and hear from expert speakers that bring the collection to life? If so, please support our programming as every contribution, large or small, makes a difference. All gifts over $2 are tax deductible.

Our Current Project

Conserving a rare waistcoat

DRG is actively conserving its collection for future generations to enjoy. This year Kristin at Artlab Australia has been working on a rare and fragile textile acquired by David Roche from the Dalva Brothers in New York, in 2007. This Louis XVI period embroidered waistcoat made in the 1780s required extensive stabilising treatment and a new mount for display. Kristin has been reducing staining, adding another support lining and silk grounds to larger areas of loss, as well as making copies of missing buttons.

The rich embroidery on this waistcoat depicting palm trees and monkeys are recorded in a preparatory design drawing known as ‘Les Macaques’, found in a pattern book at the Musée des Tissus et des Arts décoratifs, in Lyon, France. Just one other waistcoat of this finished design is known; and it resides in Victoria and Albert Museum, London. This makes the waistcoat pretty special, and very deserving of conservation.

The conservation treatment costs $8000, plus the creation of a new bespoke frame for display in Fermoy House. We seek your help in raising money toward its conservation. Donations over $500 can be acknowledged on the credit line as well having the opportunity to view the work with Kristin, the textile conservator. All gifts over $2 are tax deductible.

Your contribution, large or small, will make a difference to saving this rare waistcoat, and will ensure many more people may marvel at its beauty for years to come. Thank you for your generosity.

Gifts and Bequests

Would you like to support an acquisition or donate a work of art? Visual and decorative arts may be donated to the collection directly, or through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, which may entitle donors to a tax deduction for the market value of donated works. Bequests specified in your Will of works of art, shares, property or other assets contribute to the future of David Roche Gallery. They can honour your generosity or memory of a loved one and will be appropriately acknowledged. All gifts of works of art are assessed against David Roche Gallery Acquisition Policy and Acquisition Strategy. For further information about supporting David Roche Gallery, contact Robert Reason, Director on (08) 8267 3677.

DRG Major Development Plan – Stage 1 Approved

David Roche Gallery will cement its position as Australia’s pre-eminent house museum through the delivery of a major 2 stage development plan; and henceforward, will rank alongside some of the finest, worldwide. It is a continuous program delivering benefits to the State and its community, in perpetuity. We invite philanthropic support and sponsorship from individuals, trusts and foundations, corporates, and government to realise David Roche Gallery’s bold vision to evolve into a unique cultural and world renown destination. First opened to the public in 2016, David Roche Gallery, through the delivery of the plan, will significantly expand and enrich all that The David Roche Collection can offer to reach its full potential and enhance the cultural life of South Australia.

Stage 1 is now approved and includes an enhanced welcome and retail offering, a new café situated in the central courtyard, and significant operational upgrades which together offer a broader visitor experience. Further improvements will see the historical facades of 231-237 Melbourne Street reinstated, and the gardens linked to the David Roche Gallery. We now seek philanthropic support for this project which is due for completion in May 2026.

Donations can be made at any time and all donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Donations over $100K will be appropriately recognised in consultation with the donor. If you would like to know more about contributing to our future vision please contact David Roche Gallery, Robert Reason, Director on (08) 8267 3677.