If you’ve ever stepped foot into the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), you know it’s a place for art lovers of all kinds. With new exhibitions to explore, beautiful displays and delicious brunch waiting just around the corner, NERAM is a must for locals and visitors alike. Looking for things to do in Armidale? Look no further – come and check out the latest addition to the museum’s collection.

On 21 March 2023, The Artist’s Mount – nicknamed Tully – arrived in Armidale in a large box in the back of a truck. Having made the trip all the way from the Southern Highlands, his adventure wasn’t over yet. Fast forward to being crane lifted and placed at the front doors of NERAM, you can now see The Artist’s Mount for yourself, welcoming you as you enter the gallery.

Donated to the museum by Artist Tim Storrier, the Equine Impedimenta Series follows the Impedimenta Series (a walking figure whose progress is impeded by the weight of a ludicrous amount of baggage).

“I started the process of looking for an older mount with a gentle demeanour to use as the basis of my design, but had no luck in my district as all the horses were equestrian poseurs,” Storrier says.

“I then asked Gai Waterhouse if she could help. Immediately, Gai introduced me to Tully – a 16-year-old gelding, an old grey horse she stabled with her volatile runners to keep them calm. It’s an old practice, the calming effect of a grey horse on its flighty companions.

“Coincidentally, after completing a group of works from this series, I was alerted to a small drawing by John Sell Cotman (probably completed between 1800 and 1830), of an alert, slightly mythical pony loaded with the equipment used by an artist: palette, easel, canvases, brushes and paper portfolio.”

After numerous studies, drawings, paintings and collaboration with master sculptor Liao Shengxiang, the Equine Impedimenta bronzes led to the production of an initial maquette, followed by the large statue and finally a life-size work that now greets guests at the museum’s entry.

To observe the beautiful statue that is The Artist’s Mount, all you have to do is head on down to NERAM’s front doors – you can’t miss him!

106-114 Kentucky Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 5255 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am–4.00pm