Historic portraits find a new home at His Majesty’s Theatre
The Museum of Performing Arts (MOPA) has recently received a donation of two significant artworks by renowned Western Australian artist Elizabeth Blair Barber, generously gifted by the Bunning family.
Elizabeth Blair Barber (7 January 1909 - 9 November 2001), celebrated for her contribution to WA’s artistic heritage, was married to Charles Bunning of the iconic Bunnings franchise.
Her granddaughter, Dr Jess Bunning, approached MOPA with the proposal to donate portraits of two prominent figures in WA’s performing arts history:
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James Penberthy OAM – Oil on canvas, circa 1960s (90 x 65 cm)
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Madame Kira Bousloff OAM – Oil on canvas, circa 1970 (90 x 62.5 cm)
James Penberthy was instrumental in establishing the Western Australian Opera in Perth in 1967, along with being co-founder of the West Australian Ballet Company with his then wife Kira Bousloff. Kira also established the Kira Bousloff Ballet School which continues to thrive today.
The Bunning family felt that the Museum of Performing Arts, where the artworks could be publicly displayed within His Majesty’s Theatre, was a fitting home for the portraits given their connection to our resident companies.
“These paintings are important in promoting the proud Western Australian history and ongoing legacy of the Western Australian Opera and the West Australian Ballet Company,” Jess said.
“Our family wanted these works displayed where they can honour their legacy and inspire future generations.”
The portraits are now temporarily displayed in the Dress Circle Foyer, Level 1 of His Majesty’s Theatre, offering staff and visitors a chance to see the work of a gifted artist whose career helped forge an appreciation for female artists.
Last year, Elizabeth Blair Barber’s works were featured in a successful exhibition at Holmes à Court Gallery, drawing significant interest and placing her art in historical context alongside contemporaries such as Guy Grey Smith and Henri van Raalte.
This generous donation not only celebrates Elizabeth Blair Barber’s artistry but also honours the enduring legacy of Penberthy and Bouslof, two visionaries whose influence continues to resonate in WA’s cultural life.
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