’I am deeply appreciative and grateful for the research that AIATSIS is undertaking to reconnect these objects with the communities they came from. It's a wonderful, rewarding feeling to know that the items will once again be part of cultural and ceremonial life for the next generations.’
Mark Kelton, Trustee, Administrative Trust Under the Richard Kelton Living Trust.
Kelton return
| Number of objects | Return destination | Institution | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
|
116 cultural heritage items |
Not yet determined | Richard Kelton Foundation, Los Angeles, USA |
Request submitted: Return celebration: |
Richard Kelton collection
Richard Kelton was a passionate and enthusiastic collector of Aboriginal art from the 1970s onwards. His collection is part of his estate in the Richard Kelton Foundation. After his passing in 2019, his son Mark Kelton and the then Kelton collection manager Miriam Grundy were offering this collection for unconditional return.
L to R: Tanya Bennet, Leonard Hill, Mark Kelton and Miriam Grundy holding the signed certificates following the handover ceremony. Photo: Jkreative.
L to R: Tanya Bennet, Leonard Hill, Mark Kelton and Miriam Grundy holding the signed certificates following the handover ceremony. Photo: Jkreative.
‘It is a great privilege to work with the AIATSIS team and help guide the Kelton Collection in repatriating these important objects back to community. Initiating the return of these items back to community reflects Richard's forward-looking philosophy is a fitting bookend to the Collection. There is no better outcome than knowing that these objects will be returned to their custodians and vivified once again.’
Miriam Grundy, Kelton Collection Manager
The 116 cultural heritage items were handover to AIATSIS in a ceremony on 24 July 2024 in Los Angeles. This marks the largest return of cultural heritage material from a private collection under the Return of Cultural Heritage program.
‘This return underscores the importance of building respectful, productive, and collaborative relationships with collectors to ensure that cultural material is returned to those that can best care for it.’
Leonard Hill, Chief Executive Officer, AIATSIS
