Fed: PM's interest in gallery "encouraged" by Mrs Howard

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2006
Fed: PM's interest in gallery "encouraged" by Mrs Howard

CANBERRA, Aug 9 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard acknowledged the influence of his
wife Janette today as he launched construction of a new home for the National Portrait
Gallery.

Accompanied by his wife, Mr Howard unveiled a plaque to mark the start of construction
of the new gallery in Canberra.

It will be the gallery's third, and hopefully final, home and is scheduled for opening
in December 2008.

Mrs Howard is chief patron of the gallery and Mr Howard acknowledged that she, among
others, had encouraged his interest in the project.

"I have taken a great interest in this gallery. I have been encouraged to do so by
a number of people," he said, to laughter from guests.

"Yes, it is true Janette has taken a great interest, but so have so many others. She
would be the first to acknowledge that."

Mr Howard said today was a significant day in the life of the gallery.

"It has been a stunning success in the eight or nine years of its existence. It has
captured the imagination of the Australian public," he said.

"It is only the fourth in the world and it takes its lead from the other great portrait
galleries.

"It puts on display those images in whatever form they may be of Australians from every
walk of life. That's its compelling simplicity.

"This is showing Australians to Australians in a wonderful way and it has added enormously
to the patronage of our national capital."

The National Portrait Gallery rapidly outgrew its original home in Old Parliament House
and moved to temporary premises on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin.

In 2004, the government gave the go ahead for construction of a dedicated building,
which will be located next door to the High Court.

The new gallery has a projected budget of $73.6 million, of which some $4.25 million
comes from public donations.

Mr Howard said he looked forward to it opening on time and more or less within budget.

"I am sure the finance minister will be quite understanding about the odd dollar or
two we might need along the way.

"I know that would be inadvertent and I know every effort will be made to make certain
that it is," he said.

The proposed new gallery will feature a total floor areas of 14,000 square metres with
ample space for display of the ever expanding collection of portraits as well as for special
exhibitions, functions and storage.

AAP mb/sb/sp/jt/sd

KEYWORD: PORTRAIT (PIX AVAILABLE)

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