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The University of Western Australia community is saddened to hear about the passing of Sir James Cruthers at the age of 90.

The Cruthers family had a strong connection with UWA over many years, with Sir James receiving an Honorary Doctorate from UWA in 2005.

Sir James and Lady Cruthers also donated Australia’s largest specialist collection of women’s art, The Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art (CCWA), to the University. Exhibitions are hosted year-round in the Lady Sheila Cruthers Gallery, a dedicated space within the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery.

That was just one of their donations to UWA, with the Cruthers family providing generous support to the University over a number of decades.

Acting UWA Vice-Chancellor Robyn Owens said that Sir James was a valued member of the UWA family.

“Sir James was a real part of the University,” she said.

“He was genuinely involved in the life of UWA - his children studied here, he took a keen interest in University life and of course his family leaves a timeless legacy in the form of the magnificent Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art.

“The University extends its deepest sympathies to family and friends of Sir James.”

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Media and Public Relations Manager)  (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716