A Gleam of Light reflects emerging, Edwardian, approaches to landscape painting. While not a NSW image, it is an important representation of the way Australians could conceive of, and engage with, their environment which was not all about harsh lights and blue skies. The Library has strong collections of artists’ papers, early art periodicals and exhibition catalogues from this period and this painting helps illuminate many of the issues they raise.

A family’s generosity has continued to the second generation with Mrs Helen Selle (nee McIlrath) bequeathing her art collection to the State Library. Mrs Selle passed away in September 2012 at the age of 93, leaving a gift to the Library of 16 works by such artists as Conrad Martens, Frederick McCubbin, George Lambert, Russell Drysdale, Sali Herman and Hans Heysen.

Helen Selle was the younger daughter of William McIlrath, who migrated to Australia from Ulster in 1890, aged about 12. He joined his two brothers in Sydney and together they became successful businessmen, founding a large chain of grocery stores which was eventually sold to Woolworths.

Helen Selle’s father, William McIlrath, became a generous benefactor, giving support to hospitals, the CSIRO and Knox Grammar School among other organisations.