19/05/2026
Vale Denyse Spice
Today we farewell one of the Art Gallery of NSW’s most unwavering and dearest supporters, Denyse Spice, who passed away Sunday, 17 May 2026. A volunteer guide at the Art Gallery for close to two decades, Denyse spent much of her life in pursuit of understanding, appreciating and supporting art.
Born in Brisbane, Denyse worked as a flight attendant for Trans Australian Airlines after the second world war before moving to England in the late 1950s, where her passion for art began.
For seven years, she lived and worked in London, painting and exploring culture throughout Europe. In 1964, on her return to Australia, while working as an immigration officer on a migrant ship, she met her husband, Sydney lawyer Charles Spice. They bonded over a mutual love of the fine arts.
After Charles's sudden death, Denyse devoted herself to education and service, becoming one of the Art Gallery’s most dedicated volunteer guides, while also serving a similar role at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia for a decade.
In the 1980s, Denyse pursued studies in fine arts and languages at the University of Sydney, with her studies in religion proving invaluable in her role as an Asian art guide.
Before Covid disrupted normal operations, Denyse visited the Art Gallery up to five times a week for over two decades and was a consistent supporter of the Art Gallery of NSW Foundation.
Denyse’s enduring contribution to the Art Gallery and its Foundation was driven by her belief that the arts are ‘the finer things’ and should be accessible to every generation from childhood onward.
Denyse was a for over 50 years and also served as the trustee on the Foundation board.
Art Gallery of NSW Director Maud Page said, “Denyse’s life was a testament to the power of art to shape and enrich us. Her passion, gentle wisdom and contributions will nourish generations to come.
All at the Art Gallery send our deepest sympathies to Denyse’s family and friends. She will be dearly missed and much loved and remembered here."
Denyse recently said, 'I think it behoves everyone to leave something for those that follow. Sure, give to the family, but there are those not so well looked after to consider and it's important to leave something that makes life better for future generations.'
Art Gallery NSW Foundation Chair Bella Church said, “Denyse embodied the very spirit of giving. She believed profoundly in the importance of access to art, and through her generosity she has helped the Art Gallery realise its vision of making art accessible to all.”
Image: Denyse Spice at the 2023 Bequest Club lunch, photo Liz Cartwright
