Badger and Fox Gallery

A Heritage Sanctuary for Art in Surry Hills

Badger and Fox Gallery occupies a heritage-listed, convict-built terrace house in the heart of Surry Hills, Sydney, creating an intimate and relaxed environment for viewing original fine art and photography. The gallery's distinctive setting—housed within a carefully preserved 19th-century building—offers collectors and art enthusiasts a memorable experience that combines architectural character with curated contemporary and historical artworks. Operating by appointment only, the gallery provides a personal, unhurried viewing space that stands apart from conventional retail art venues, emphasising quality engagement over foot traffic.

The gallery is founded and directed by Peter Maddison, an accomplished photographer and longstanding art collector with decades of experience supporting both Australian and international artists. Beyond Badger and Fox, Peter is also a partner at Filter Fine Art, which specialises in works by internationally renowned contemporary artists including Damien Hirst, Julian Opie, Howard Hodgkin, and Antony Gormley. This dual commitment to emerging talent and established masters reflects a philosophy centred on sharing genuine passion for art with like-minded collectors and fellow enthusiasts.

Eclectic Range: From Historic Masters to Emerging Voices

The gallery's collection spans five centuries of artistic practice, featuring works by artists from the 17th through 21st centuries. Visitors will discover an expansive range of mediums and movements—including contemporary and abstract pieces, figurative works, landscapes, portraiture, realist and expressionist painting, surrealism, photography, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, minimalism, prints, drawings, and works on paper. This curatorial breadth ensures there is something for every collector and budget, whether seeking a postcard-sized drawing by a living artist or an investment-grade photograph by a canonical master.

The gallery has developed particular strengths in Australian photography and emerging contemporary practice. Peter's personal collecting journey began with photographs by celebrated Australian photographers whose works he published for the National Gallery of Australia and Art Gallery of NSW—figures such as Max Dupain, David Moore, Harold Cazneaux, and Bill Henson. His collection has expanded to include Irving Penn, André Kertész, Brassai, and Gary Winogrand, alongside a remarkable private archive of Japanese photography from the Edo and Meiji periods (1860–1899). The gallery actively champions emerging artists from Australia and overseas, maintaining an off-site collection of significant works not yet displayed online.

Diverse Acquisition Pathways and Flexible Collecting

Badger and Fox Gallery makes art acquisition accessible through multiple pathways tailored to different collector needs. The gallery operates an ArtMoney scheme offering ten interest-free monthly payments across ten months, removing financial barriers to acquiring meaningful works. Additionally, Peter regularly highlights the investment potential of art purchases, including eligibility under the Australian Taxation Office's Instant Asset Write-off scheme for workspace acquisitions—information resourcefully shared through the gallery's blog to educate prospective buyers about the financial benefits of collecting.

The gallery maintains an active online presence, with regular blog updates featuring newly acquired works, artist profiles, and curatorial notes. Recent additions have included pieces by Garry Shead, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Jean Cocteau, while thematic presentations such as 'The Soft Flow of Time'—a feature on three significant Australian photographers—demonstrate thoughtful curation beyond simple inventory display. This publishing approach positions Badger and Fox as an educational resource as much as a sales venue, inviting collectors to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the artists and movements represented.

Institutional Credibility and Industry Partnerships

The gallery's credibility extends well beyond its Surry Hills storefront through sustained partnerships with major Australian cultural institutions. Flash Graphics, Peter's large-format production facility, is a sponsor of the National Gallery of Australia and has collaborated on landmark exhibitions including 'James Turrell – A Retrospective', 'Mudmen' by Ramesh Nithiyendran, Fiona Hall's 'Wrong Way Time', and 'Light Moves: Contemporary Australian Video Art'. These institutional associations reflect the gallery's genuine engagement with contemporary art discourse and its commitment to supporting significant artistic projects.

Beyond institutional work, the gallery has built a reputation for meticulous service and authenticity. Customer testimonials underscore the care taken in artwork description, secure courier transport, and responsive communication with collectors purchasing from overseas. This emphasis on integrity—ensuring artworks arrive in perfect condition and match their descriptions precisely—builds trust with serious collectors and casual buyers alike, reinforcing that the gallery operates with the same rigour expected of institutional partners.

Visiting and Getting in Touch

Badger and Fox Gallery operates by appointment, a model that prioritises meaningful conversation and personalised curation over casual browsing. Prospective visitors are encouraged to contact the gallery by email at info@BadgerandFoxGallery.com or by phone on +61 416 199 313 to arrange a viewing that suits their schedule and interests. This appointment-based approach allows Peter and the team to prepare the viewing space, discuss collector preferences, and share contextual knowledge about specific artworks—transforming a visit into an educational and bespoke experience rather than a transactional encounter.

The online gallery extends access to collectors worldwide, with an expanding digital inventory regularly updated with newly acquired works across all collecting categories. Whether seeking a specific artist, exploring a particular movement, or browsing within an accessible price range, collectors can engage with the gallery remotely before deciding on an in-person appointment in the Surry Hills heritage space.