The Tamworth Regional Art Gallery have removed 12 artworks from display after becoming aware of his controversial nature of the artist.
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The gallery was recently bequeathed 64 pieces by Pat Rowley, with 12 of those works by renowned artist and diarist Donald Friend.
Friend died in 1989, although it has since been revealed in his diaries that he was a paedophile who preyed on underage boys in developing nations.
Tamworth Regional Council director of business and community, John Sommerlad, said the pieces were removed from display on Monday, noting that the Rowley family were unaware of the controversy surrounding the artist.
“We are honoured that Pat Rowley, one of Australia’s best printmakers, has bequeathed over 60 artworks to the gallery,” Mr Sommerlad said.
“The Gallery, in consultation with the family of the late Pat Rowley, made the decision on Monday to remove these pieces, to ensure that the focus of the exhibition is to honour Pat, and her life’s work and passion for printmaking, rather than the history of Friend.
“It is not for the gallery to make judgment on artists being exhibited, but rather to ensure that art and its history is available for the community to view, discuss and debate.”
In December the Tweed Gallery faced a backlash after displaying a portrait of Friend and a biography compiled from his diaries. They removed the pieces from public view.
