Paperbark Merchants: New book by Albany local Tony Davis to launch at Town Hall this weekend

Local art collector and Noongar art enthusiast Tony Davis has been collecting indigenous artworks for decades.

Tony has an impressive collection of pieces that tell an intimate story of time, place and country.

Most of the pieces in Tony’s collection are from the late Noongar artist Bella Kelly.

Tony first came across Bella’s work in the 60s while working at the Cranbrook Shire, acquiring his first piece of her work in 1967.

From that moment on, a series of coincidences and shared circumstances pulled Tony and Bella together and saw the development of a lifelong friendship.

Tony’s new book, White Sails & Charcoal — Stories of Coincidence, Bella Kelly and Carrolup: A portrait of the social history of Southern Western Australia, through the evolution of Noongar Art and the influences of European Settlement, shares not only the story of Tony and Bella Kelly, but also offers readers a unique insight into the history of the Great Southern as told through the works of Bella Kelly.

Tony Davis, along with local Noongar art collector Trevor Garland, is exhibiting his collection at the Albany Town Hall on Saturday 1st July.

Join Tony and Trevor as they discuss the history of their impressive combined collection.

A book launch will follow the discussion.

Paperbark Merchants will be the exclusive stockist of Tony’s book following the launch.

Billie-Jo Whitbread is the events co-ordinator and box office manager at Paperbark Merchants in Albany.