Founder of the William Fletcher Trust (1985), Trevor Andersen, with Ken Tribe, first Chairman and Patron of the Trust/Foundation since 2003,

at Australian Galleries Exhibition 2006.

The Foreword – Kenneth W Tribe AC, Patron and first chairman (retired 2003)

THE RANGE OF WILLIAM FLETCHER'S WORK was indeed wide, from his circus studies and Woolloomooloo landscapes to the meticulous, delicate and imaginatively arranged flower paintings, mostly bush specimens.

There is a real need for all art lovers to revive and stimulate their interest in Fletcher's work. This new book being published by the William Fletcher Foundation will do much to remind us all of the quality and wide appeal of his paintings.

Credit is due to Trevor Andersen, who inherited the artist's paintings and created the William Fletcher Trust, his helpmeet Robin and other supportive Trustees for their years of work preserving and furthering interest in the artist's boundless gifts.

This book, and the associated exhibition sponsored by Australian Galleries, celebrates 20 years of the William Fletcher Trust, recently incorporated as a Foundation. That Trust has given support ($175,000 up to 2006) to numerous young artists, especially gifted ones in need, over those two decades.

The Foundation has become substantially endowed by a bequest from the late Dr M. Matheson Lines. It will further the careers of more young people with the kind of encouragement so effectively given since Fletcher's death, as well as spreading the appeal of William Fletcher's own work.

As a former Trustee myself, I can give testimony to the devoted effort of all members of the Trust.

Kenneth W Tribe