Showing 1412 items
matching sculpture
-
Darebin Art Collection
Sculpture, David Ray, Broken, 2015
earthenware -
Darebin Art Collection
Sculpture, Dianne Selby, Spotty, 2012
dog -
Lilydale RSL Sub Branch
Sculpture, "Silent Soldiers Mateship"
Bronze figurine of Australian soldier carrying wounded comrade on his shoulders mounted on plastic base.Collectors Limited Edition - Silent Soldiers Mateship. -
Darebin Art Collection
Sculpture, Hannah Gartside, 'Wall Kisser', 2022
Wall Kisser is a kinetic sculpture that is hand-cranked by the viewer. On turning the handle the wall receives the repetitive, kiss-thud, kiss-thud of the leather and velvet hearts which have been padded out with dried lavender and rosemary from the artist's garden (a version of an 18th Century pot pourri recipe commonly used to ward off disease and disguise bad smells). The sculpture's rotating form is loosely based on the design of a vibrator that the artist saw online: an electromechanical wheel of 10 plastic ‘tongues’. This sculpture was part of a body of work entitled Gorgeous, first presented at the inaugural Ellen José Art Award at Bayside Gallery in 2022. Gorgeous was an exhibition that imagined the physical gallery (walls, floor space), as if an abstract version of a lover’s body. Gartside explains, "I am curious about the potential connections between a viewer and an artwork... What could we ask of viewers beyond their attention, and as artists, what can we offer? What is possible when both artwork and viewer have skin in the game? In this work I am teasing out possibilities for eliciting surprise, delight, humour through art, and offering my gratitude for the 'lover' type relationship that I have with my art practice." -
Darebin Art Collection
Sculpture, Hootan Heydari, 'Your Place is Empty (Gold)', 2024
Your Place is Empty is an expression used in Iran as a way of saying ‘you were missed’. The works in this show are like spaces left behind when someone or something is gone, temporarily or permanently. They are disjointed, fading memories of a long time ago. They have become unreliable fragments, manifesting like floor plans of a childhood home drawn from memory. But the lines are disjointed, no longer connecting enough to make any discernible maps. They are fading trails. -
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
Sculpture - Porcelain figurine of a doctor holding a newborn baby
This piece was made in Japan and bears an export mark associated with Arnart Imports (N with a stylised crown). Arnart was an importer and distributor, rather than a manufacturer.Porcelain figurine of a male doctor holding a newborn baby. The doctor has brown hair and a moustache and is in surgical attire, with a white gown and white surgical hat. The cuffs of his blue trousers, and his brown shoes, are visible below the gown, and a blue jacket is visible through the gaps in the back of the gown. The doctor is holding the baby upside down by its legs, with his left hand around its calves, and is holding his right hand as if to tap the baby on the bottom. The figurine is standing on a white base decorated with green and black stripes, and is supported by a rectangular block which sits behind the figure. There is a gold coloured, floral decoration at the front of the base. There is a stamp on the underside of the base of the figurine consisting of the initial 'N' below a stylised crown. The number '3446/2' is handwritten on a sticker on the underside of the base. A second, oval shaped sticker is printed with the text 'Made in Japan'. -
Wyndham Art Gallery (Wyndham City Council)
Sculpture, Karen Casey, CodeX, 2006
Since our early ancestors first glimpsed their reflection in water the mirror has served as our most immediate means of personal identification. While our sene of self is intricately linked to our physical image, the discovery of DNA and subsequent mapping of the human genome has introduced a new mode of observation and level ofperception, on the one hand acutely defining out personal differences, while at the same time extending our awareness beyond the bounds of individualism and enabling us to witness our undeniable bonds with the rest of the natural world. This work has multiple levels of meaning, drawing on DNA sequencing patterns as living code, while high lighting the very fluidity created between extremes of biological distinction and our shifting states of identity and perception. public art, australian first nations art -
Wyndham Art Gallery (Wyndham City Council)
Sculpture, Bill Perrin, Conundrum, 2005
Conundrum was made to provide a landmark for the local community and in particular to provide a gateway to the Grange Community Centre. The conceptual framework for the sculpture revolves around the symbolic interpretations of the sphere which can be viewed universally as a celestial body or microscopically as atomic particles. The sphere can also be seen as an essential element in the science of motion, as in bearings, wheels, and the use of balls in sport, etc. The three vertical stainless steel poles give the sculpture height and verticality. They provide a supportive framework for the linear configuration which exists as a fluid ethereal linear composition which fixes and suspends the sphere in a buoyant state. It is intended that the viewer will respond and engage with the many associations evident within the sculpture. The sculpture also reflects the unseen forces of nature such as magnetic and electrical force fields, sound waves, clouds, smoke, etc. This energy is released from the top of the three vertical elements connecting with the sphere. The viewer engages with the physicality of the suspended sphere and interacts with the various associations which it may provide. public art -
Wyndham Art Gallery (Wyndham City Council)
Sculpture, Kirsteen Pieterse, Fossil, 2007
My sculpture, Fossil, is a ‘skeleton’ of a tree trunk, constructed in stainless steel. Depicted in a ruined state, the trunk has been ‘broken’ from the top. While Fossil acknowledges architecture through the use of the constructed cross-bracing motif, its primary reference is to the Romantic artists’ use of the solitary ruined tree in the Sublime landscape. The heroic decay of mighty trees is a subject explored by painters and photographers of the mid nineteenth century who were searching for the ‘picturesque’. A solitary, damaged tree stands as evidence of the physical power of the landscape and natural forces such as storms and lightning strikes. It is trying to suggest itself to be an archaeological artifact of the future, a fossil of the future that speaks of how we view the world’s natural resources at this point in time. public art -
Wyndham Art Gallery (Wyndham City Council)
Sculpture, Brigit Heller, The Guardians, 2004
In my work I normally use forms that occur in nature (nests, plants, trees etc.). Lately having used steel wire that is going to rust I have been able to become more ambitious with the scale of my work but also to create a contrast between the use of steel and its fragile, organic look. The shapes should evoke the viewers curiosity, invite him/her to explore the different aspects of the work close up. Part of the challenge with "the guardian" was to create an artwork that is going to belong to a very new environment and at the same time looks as though is has been there for a long time (which is hopefully going to happen after the landscape is going to settle down a bit). I felt that I wanted to create a somewhat organic, natural space in an urban environment - not only a visual but also a spiritual experience. (March 2004). public art, female artist -
Wyndham Art Gallery (Wyndham City Council)
Sculpture, Helen Bodycomb, Untitled (Fountain), 2000
“The tree is a universal symbol of life and knowledge. As such, its root system is the primary channel for its strength and very survival. The root system was chosen as the subject for this artwork because of these meanings and because it is an aesthetically pleasing form that is simultaneously familiar and unfamiliar. It takes the form of a tree but it obviously not a tree. “public art, fountain, mosaic -
Horsham Regional Art Gallery
Sculpture, Vic GREENAWAY, Sergeant Major, 1973
Purchased through the Horsham Art Gallery Trust Fund, 1973 -
Horsham Regional Art Gallery
Sculpture, Vic GREENAWAY, Courtier, 1973
Purchased through the Horsham Art Gallery Trust Fund, 1973 -
Horsham Regional Art Gallery
Sculpture, Vic GREENAWAY, Colonel, 1973
Purchased through the Horsham Art Gallery Trust Fund, 1973 -
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
Sculpture - Porcelain figurine of a doctor holding a newborn baby, Pucci
This piece bears an export mark associated with Arnart Imports. Arnart was an importer and distributor, rather than a manufacturer. It is likely that this is a Pucci porcelain piece, distibuted and sold by Arnart.Porcelain figurine of a male doctor holding a newborn baby. The figure has grey hair and is wearing an unbuttoned white surgical gown. Beneath the gown the figure is wearing brown, striped trousers, a blue shirt, a red tie and black shoes. The buttons on the shirt and his belt buckle are golden coloured. The figure is wearing gold framed glasses with round frames, and is smiling. The figure is standing with his left hand in the pocket of his surgical coat, while holding a baby in his right hand by its left leg. The baby is head down and facing away from the doctor figure. The figurine is standing on a oval shaped base and there is a gold coloured, abstract, decorative embellishment at the front of the base. There is a stamp on the underside of the base of the figurine consisting of the initial 'A' below a stylised crown. The number '44/768' is printed on the base below this stamp. A retail sale tag is tied to the right arm of the doctor figure with a small piece of orange ribbon. The tag reads 'TREASURES/TODAY/HEIRLOOMS/TOMORROW'. -
Darebin Art Collection
Sculpture, DAMP, Victoria's Secret, 2014
collective -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Book, Michael Wilson, Michael Wilson: Eltham Goldsmith +Sculptor; My Journey, 2023
Michael and Wendy Wilson have been living in Eltham for fifty years. Recently Michael decided to write what is an engaging and entertaining journey through Michael and Wendy’s life. He recounts his love of Wendy, his family, friends, and his many acquaintances, as well as his love of Eltham and district. Kate Palmer AM, wrote the forward for this book saying, “…it is a window into the world of a true craftsman, an award winning master goldsmith - an artisan who can transform precious metals, wood and gold into exquisite sculptures, jewellery and works of art”. Kate also says “This book is a tribute to Michael Wilson. A man who is fascinated by the world around him and who is inspired by his experiences in that world. Every piece tells a story – about emotion, about a man and his dreams and his fascination for all things engineering.” Michael also recounts his extensive love affair with things with four wheels, from billy carts as a boy, to the various cars he has enjoyed, particularly his favourite Lotus 7, which he states is “a sophisticated billy cart”. He also shares many memorable experiences with others pursuing automotive escapades. It is well written, informative, and just an amazing life story, a very personal record of a life well explored and well lived. - EDHS Newsletter Feb 2024."For the Eltham District Historical Society, Best Wishes, Michael"autobiography, eltham, goldsmith, jeweller, michael wilson. biography, artists, memoir -
Duldig Studio museum + sculpture garden
Prototype, Slawa Horowitz-Duldig, Flirt Umbrella Prototype by Slawa Horowitz-Duldig 1928, 1928
Slawa built the umbrella using existing and modified umbrella parts purchased from manufacturers and other sources with the idea to develop a more practical umbrella. At the time Slawa was a student studying sculpture at the Akademie der Bildenden Kunste Wien (Academy of Visual Arts). She spent many months developing the prototypes in secret before she applied for and received a patent on 19 September 1929. The patent documentation for Flirt noted that although foldable umbrellas with telescopic shafts were not new, the inventor's umbrella was a significant improvement as it was smaller and more practical as the folding mechanism had been considerably simplified. The umbrella was included in the Inventors’ pavilion at the Vienna Spring Fair in 1931. In a contemporary newspaper report it was described as ‘the magic umbrella of the sculptress’. After the design was granted a patent, it was contracted to the firm Basch and Braun, which authorized its manufacture under licence by the largest Austrian umbrella manufacturer in Austria Bruder Wuster and a German firm Kortenbrach und Rauh. It was called Flirt. In the first year of production sales reached 10,000. This number increased steadily each year as sales spread throughout Europe and the Flirt umbrella was still being produced in the post-war period. Slawa was paid royalties till 1938, the year that she left Vienna and fled to Switzerland. In 1939 with pressure from the Nazis she sold her rights to the company Bruder Wuster. Ann Carew 2016The umbrella prototypes have national and international aesthetic significance as examples of technological innovation in industrial design. The archive has national and international scientific and research potential – detailed records concerning the development of the design, patent and its manufacture are held in the studio. The archive demonstrates the links between the realms of fine art, industrial design and manufacturing in Vienna in the early twentieth century. The sale of Slawa Horowitz-Duldig’s rights to the umbrella under duress from the Nazis makes this archive historically significant. The provenance is excellent, and the prototypes and accompanying documentation have national and international interpretative potential. Ann Carew 2016Three handmade compact foldable umbrella prototypes. The prototypes have black silk covers, a metal shaft, handle, ribs and ferrule. The shaft has a telescopic mechanism. The top and the end of the handle are metal disks. The related documents, designs, patent documentation, a hand written record of her inspiration for the design, and other archival material are also held in the Studio’s Collection. -
Federation University Art Collection
Ceramic, Dry Glaze Bottle by Alan Peascod, c1980
Alan PEASCOD (1943-2007). Born England. Arrived Australia 1952. Alan Peascod was one of Australia’s most highly acclaimed ceramic artists. For over 35 years his work has been at the forefront of the Australian ceramics movement, developing radical techniques previously unexplored with his developments in unusual glazes and firing methods. His creative repertoire includes dry glazed vessels, alkaline glazes, majolica, saturated metals, and many post firing finishes. Alan's work with the very difficult reduced lustre technique is highly regarded. He was taught the method by Professor Said El Sadr in Cairo, Egypt in 1972 and this led to lifelong research of the technique throughout the Middle East and Europe. His work in the field led to the completion of his doctoral studies at the University of Wollongong in 1994. This study also led to satirical figurative sculpture themes dealing with the human condition. This work is part of the Jan Feder Memorial Ceramics Collection. Jan Feder was an alumna of the Gippsland Campus who studied ceramics on the campus. She passed away in the mid 1980s. Her student peers raised funds to buy ceramic works in her memory. They bought works from visiting lecturers who became leading ceramic artists around the world, as well as from many of the staff who taught there.Blue and green dry glaze bottle. alan peascod, ceramics, gippsland, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, gippsland campus, visiting artist -
Federation University Art Collection
Work on paper - Artwork - printmaking, Lytlewode Press, A suite of limited edition prints by Paddy Fordham Wainburranga, 2003, 2003
Paddy Fordham Wainburranga (1932-2006) Area: Arnhem Land Country: Bamdibu (Bumdubu) near Bulman Station As a child, Paddy grew up in Maningrida an Aboriginal community on the top end of the Northern Territory. He started working as a boy around cattle yards, which finally led him to working as a stockman for 20 years. Before this, he spent much of his time hunting and learning culture and customs from his father and uncles. He could remember being taken to a sacred location where he was told many Dreamtime stories of how customs came to be and why Aboriginal people practice them. Paddy was part of the movement for equal rights for all Aborigines, actively involved in claiming Bumdibu as his traditional land for his clan. He resided over this land as Jungai (caretaker, policeman). Paddy was taught to paint by his father but did not begin to paint seriously until the early 1970s. He was also recognized as a story teller, bark painter, sculpture, dancer, singer and musician. He was familiar with Central Arnhem Land rock and bark painting traditions; however he developed an idiosyncratic style which fused the figurative schema of western Arnhem Land with the narrative capacities of the north-east producing dense pictorial paintings divided into sequential segments. A suite of seven limited edition prints using the sugar lift aquatint technique. .1) Yalk Yalk Woman Sugar Lift Aquatint Plate 75.0cm (H) x 49.0cm (W) Paper 1110cm (H) x 76.0cm (W) 2003 Edition: 73/100 .2) Walga Walga Sugar Lift Aquatint Plate 75.0cm (H) x 49.0cm (W) Paper 1110cm (H) x 76.0cm (W) 2003 Edition: 73/100 .3) Nammooroddoo Sugar Lift Aquatint Plate 75.0cm (H) x 49.0cm (W) Paper 1110cm (H) x 76.0cm (W) 2003 Edition: 73/100 Nammooroddoo Sugar Lift Aquatint Plate 75.0cm (H) x 49.0cm (W) Paper 1110cm (H) x 76.0cm (W) 2003 Edition: 73/100 .3) Nammooroddoo Sugar Lift Aquatint Plate 75.0cm (H) x 49.0cm (W) Paper 1110cm (H) x 76.0cm (W) 2003 Edition: 73/100 .4) Mun Gruk Gruk Woman Sugar Lift Aquatint Plate 75.0cm (H) x 49.0cm (W) Paper 1110cm (H) x 76.0cm (W) 2003 Edition: 73/100 .5 Mun Gruk Gruk Man Sugar Lift Aquatint Plate 75.0cm (H) x 49.0cm (W) Paper 1110cm (H) x 76.0cm (W) 2003 Edition: 73/100 .6) Mun Gruk Gruk Sugar Lift Aquatint Plate 75.0cm (H) x 49.0cm (W) Paper 1110cm (H) x 76.0cm (W) 2003 Edition: 73/100 .7) Lightning Man Sugar Lift Aquatint Plate 75.0cm (H) x 49.0cm (W) Paper 1110cm (H) x 76.0cm (W) 2003 Edition: 73/100 Donated through the Australian Government Cultural Gifts Programme by Katherine N. Littlewood, 2014artist, artwork, paddy fordham wainburranga, paddy fordham, wainburranga, printmaking, aboriginal, indigenous, churchill, dreaming -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Australian Antarctic Research Expedition Cloth Badge, Betty L. Barberis, 1982
This item was donated to Wodonga Historical Society by the artist, Betty L. Barberis. Betty Barberis nee Barton was one of 12 children born to Roderick Barton and Myrtle Ann Hore of Gundowring in the Kiewa Valley. She was born in 1927 and attended Upper Gundowring Primary School. Betty was encouraged to enter a project for the "Young Farmers" by illustrating a book. She won first prize for Victoria and the book was exhibited at the Royal Melbourne Show. This resulted in Betty attaining a Manual Art Teacher's Studentship which she completed at Wangaratta Technical School. Here she learned many new skills ranging from garment design to ceramics. She also attended Melbourne Teachers College. Betty created many decorative banners, the first being for the Australian section of the World Scout Jamboree in 1948. Over her long career she was to create many other banners and commissioned work including these badges for the Australian Antarctic Research Expedition in 1982. Betty’s great body of work included landscapes, millinery, ceramics, and a bronze sculpture of her husband Vern Barberis who was a fellow schoolteacher and represented Australia as a weightlifter, winning a bronze medal at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. She also illustrated several books and had exhibitions in many galleries including in Albury. Betty passed away at The Grange, Wodonga on 26 November 2013.This item represents an important research organisation in Australia and was created by an highly recognised artist from Northeast Victoria.A framed montage of 2 cloth badges designed for the Australian Antarctic Research Expedition in 1983, a pin featuring a penguin, a business card and a note written by the artist and donor Betty Barberis nee Barton.On sign above badges:' THESE BADGES WERE DESIGNED FOR THE -/ AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC / RESEARCH EXPEDITION 1982/ By BETTY L. BARBERIS In the top left corner: "It is with very great pleasure I give these treasures to Wodonga Museum/ Betty Lorraine Barberis (Barton) 1927 / 2 -1-2011"betty barberis, anare, australian antarctic research expedition -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Banner - Wodonga Historical Society Banner, Betty L. Barberis, 2009
This item was created for Wodonga Historical Society by the artist, Betty L. Barberis in 2009. Betty Barberis nee Barton was one of 12 children born to Roderick Barton and Myrtle Ann Hore of Gundowring in the Kiewa Valley. She was born in 1927 and attended Upper Gundowring Primary School. Betty was encouraged to enter a project for the "Young Farmers" by illustrating a book. She won first prize for Victoria and the book was exhibited at the Royal Melbourne Show. This resulted in Betty attaining a Manual Art Teacher's Studentship which she completed at Wangaratta Technical School. Here she learned many new skills ranging from garment design to ceramics. She also attended Melbourne Teachers College. Betty created many decorative banners, the first being for the Australian section of the World Scout Jamboree in 1948. Over her long career she was to create many other banners and commissioned work, including this banner created for Wodonga Historical Society and featuring the Wodonga Water Tower. Betty’s great body of work included landscapes, millinery, ceramics, and a bronze sculpture of her husband Vern Barberis who was a fellow schoolteacher and represented Australia as a weightlifter, winning a bronze medal at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. She also illustrated several books and had exhibitions in many galleries including in Albury. Betty passed away at The Grange, Wodonga on 26 November 2013.This banner was created by a renowned and highly regarded artist from Northeast Victoria.A large velvet banner created for the Wodonga Historical Society by noted local artist Betty L. Barberis. It is mounted on a pine rod and features an image of the water tower in Wodonga, Victoria. The majority of the banner is hand stitched.Around the edge of the central image: "Wodonga Historical Society Victoria.wodonga historical society, betty l. barberis -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting - Watercolour, Mitchell, John, [Scottish Scene] by John Mitchell
John MITCHELL (1837 - 14 July 1926) Born Woodside, Donside, Scotland John Mitchell attended evening classes under James Giles in Aberdeen, and was also taught by his uncle the Peterhead artist John Mitchell. After an apprenticeship at a local lithographic company (Keith and Gibb) John Mitchell went to London to study at the Slade under Legros. Returning to Aberdeen he painted many scenes around the city and Aberdeenshire, including Balmoral, under the patronage of Queen Victoria. John Mitchell gave lessons in painting to the Royal Family. His landscapes are highly coloured with dominant blues and purples in the hills and with vivid greens and yellows in the foreground, subtly fused and never garish. He lithographed sketches for John Stewart's 'The Sculptured Stones of Scotland', 2 vols 1856-57, illustrated 'Under Lochnagar' 1894. His landscapes of Aberdeenshire are highly prized especially in the area in which he lived. His painting in the Mearns is regarded by some as his best work. In 1875 he painted an interior of Culter Castle and its Chapel which was subsequently purchased by the owner and in 1883 showed a portrait of his mother. Lived latterly at 10 Gladstone Place, Queen's Cross, Aberdeen. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed watercolour of a Scottish Scene by John Mitchellart, artwork, john mitchell, mitchell, scotland, scottish, art, artwork, john mitchell, mitchell, scotland, scottish -
Federation University Art Collection
Painting - Watercolour, Mitchell, John, [Scottish Scene], 1981
John MITCHELL (1837 - 14 July 1926) Born Woodside, Donside, Scotland John Mitchell attended evening classes under James Giles in Aberdeen, and was also taught by his uncle the Peterhead artist John Mitchell. After an apprenticeship at a local lithographic company (Keith and Gibb) John Mitchell went to London to study at the Slade under Legros. Returning to Aberdeen he painted many scenes around the city and Aberdeenshire, including Balmoral, under the patronage of Queen Victoria. John Mitchell gave lessons in painting to the Royal Family. His landscapes are highly coloured with dominant blues and purples in the hills and with vivid greens and yellows in the foreground, subtly fused and never garish. He lithographed sketches for John Stewart's 'The Sculptured Stones of Scotland', 2 vols 1856-57, illustrated 'Under Lochnagar' 1894. His landscapes of Aberdeenshire are highly prized especially in the area in which he lived. His painting in the Mearns is regarded by some as his best work. In 1875 he painted an interior of Culter Castle and its Chapel which was subsequently purchased by the owner and in 1883 showed a portrait of his mother. Lived latterly at 10 Gladstone Place, Queen's Cross, Aberdeen. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed watercolour of a creek in Scotland.art, artwork, art, artwork, john mitchell, mitchell, scotland, scottish -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Audio - Audio Recording, Jim Connor - Eltham Lower Park, 8 Feb. 2023
EDHS Newsletter No. 268 February 2023 Prior to the extension of European people into the lands of the Nillum-bik in the late 1830s the Wurundjeri people had been meeting in the area now known as Eltham Lower Park for thousands of years. Waterway junctions had a particular attraction as tribal meeting places and the junction of the Diamond Creek with the Yarra River (Birr-arung to the Wurundjeri) was one such important location in terms of aboriginal culture. The sculpture “Not Just a Pretty Place” by Aleks Danko, located near the junction of these two watercourses pays tribute to this important cultural location. The first European settlers were squatters or leaseholders and itinerants such as timber workers. Records of their early occupation are sketchy but the Eltham Lower Park area was probably included within the pastoral run established in 1841 by Henry Foley. He sold his leasehold in 1845 to Joseph Wilson who in turn sold it to Frederick Faulkner soon after. From this early history the Eltham Lower Park area has undergone many changes and has been developed to provide residents and visitors with a range of passive and active public open space, including even being used for various horse racing events. At our next meeting, Jim Connor will explore the history of Eltham Lower Park and touch on various individuals and groups involved along the way.1:05:19 duration Digital MP3 file; 22.4MBaudio recording, eltham district historical society, meeting, society meeting, jim connor, eltham, eltham lower park -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Liz Pidgeon, Alan Marshall by Marcus Skipper (1995) outside Eltham Library, Panther Place, 21 May 2014, 21 May 2014
A sculpture of local author Alan Marshall welcomes visitors in the grounds of Eltham library. Alan loved telling stories and talking to children and his own story overcoming the legacy of polio has been an inspiration to generations of Australians. Marcus Skipper, the sculptor, knew Alan well and the sculpture is said to capture his spirit and appearance perfectly; the jumper was even cast from one of Alan’s own. A realistic depiction (almost life size) of Alan Marshall (1902-1984) cast in bronze with green patination. Dressed in a jumper and slacks, Marshall is shown perched on a crutch, holding a book to his heart, gesturing to his audience to come and listen to his words. It was scupluted by local artist Marcus Skipper (b.1950 Melb. died 2011). HISTORICAL INFORMATION Alan Marshall was an author of more than fifteen books, and lived much of his life in Eltham. He became a central figure in the area's arts community of writers, artists, sculptors, film makers, actors and musicians . He is shown stroking a book to his heart, perched on a crutch, which references his disability (contracted polio when he was young), and his status as one of Australia's most successful and loved authors. His most famous book, 'I Can Jump Puddles' is based on his life story and the obstacles he faced as a child in trying to overcome his disability. Marcus Skipper submitted the idea for the work to the first 'Art in Public Places' Awards in 1990. The selectors at the time recommended that the work would be more suitably placed near the Eltham Library. It was commissioned and installed for the new Eltham Library, which was designed by Greg Burgess in 1994. It was partially funded by the then Shire of Eltham's Art Development Fund (Eltham Arts Council) and the rest donated by the artist Marcus Skipper. - Highlights from the Nillumbik Public Art Collection. "The setting and location are ideal and Marcus has really captured the typical Marshall character. It has attracted much favourable comment since its completion. .. Alan Marshall, A.M., O.B.E., Hon.LL.D. (1902-1984) was born at Noorat, Victoria and became one of Australia's most famous authors. His association with the Eltham area began in 1920 when he started his first job as a junior clerk at the Eltham Shire Offices, Kangaroo Ground. In the 1940s he spent some time living at Research. From 1955 he lived in Eltham for nearly 20 years. Disabilities resulting from polio as a young child did not prevent a wide range of experiences. Alan's occupations have been listed as clerk, night watchman, fortune teller, freelance journalist and author. He has been patron of many disadvantaged Children's Societies. Alan's books are numerous and include novels, short stories, children's books, history and travel. Among the best known are his autobiographies "I Can Jump Puddles" and "This is the Grass". Others include "These are My People", "Ourselves Writ Strange", "People of the Dreamtime", "The Gay Provider" and "Wild Red Horses". In 1971 he wrote the Centenary History of the Shire of Eltham, "Pioneers and Painters". -EDHS Newsletter No. 104, September 1995This work has significance for its reference to two well known names associated with Eltham and its history. The sculpture is a realistic statue of the famous Australian author Alan Marshall who wrote "I Can Jump Puddles". He lived and worked in the Shire. The artist Marcus Skipper represents a highly recognised family of artists associated with Monsalvat . The sculpture 'Alan Marshall' has been classified as of regional significance by the National Trust of Australia. - Highlights from the Nillumbik Public Art Collection.Born Digitalart in public places, alan marshall, marcus skipper, sculptures, eltham library -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph
A death mask is a plaster or wax mould made of a human face shortly after death (around 30 minutes after the execution). The intention was to capture the likeness of the individual and maintain their facial expression and features before these became distorted in death. They differ from their counterparts the life masks which were made to preserve the likeness of an individual while alive. Death masks were often replicated and sold to various institutions and private buyers. Death masks were created for a variety of reasons. Organisations like museums and scientific institutes collected these masks to support the study of phrenology. Phrenology is the study of the conformation of a skull in an effort to understand the mental faculties and traits of an individual. This was undertaken in a period in which it was argued that the shape of a head could provide detailed knowledge into personality. In addition, death masks were also created to aid effigy making, as tools for sculpture and as objects of veneration. Death masks were often placed on display as objects of curiosity. Edward “Ned” Kelly was convicted of murder on the 29th of October 1880 and executed by hanging on the 11th of November that same year. In the 1800s it was common practice for authorities to make a death mask of an executed criminal. In Kelly’s case, there were multiple copies made of his death mask, one of which is in the collection of the Burke Museum. Copies of the official death Mask (attributed to Maximilian Kreitmayer) have been made by artists including Max Meldrum (1875-1955). It depicts the head, neck and partial right shoulder of Ned Kelly. Whilst generally considered to be a ‘pseudoscience’ today, phrenology and the study of the reception and use of artefacts like Ned Kelly’s death mask, can provide valuable insight into a past era’s views of personality and the human body. This mask presents a unique three-dimensional depiction of Ned Kelly shortly after his execution which is unlike any other depiction of him. It can provide vital information as to the use of death masks in Victoria and their popularity in the 1800s. These masks were mostly done of criminals and used for exhibition purposes alongside phrenological study. Phrenologist AS Hamilton used Kreitmayer’s replication of the mask (displayed in Kreitmayer’s Bourke Street waxworks the day after Kelly’s death) to report a detailed phrenological analysis on Ned Kelly and concluded from his research that the deceased had an “enormous self-esteem”. Portraits of living people represent the way they themselves and/or the artists wished themselves to be remembered. The death mask contrasts this and therefore, creates a likeness of a person in their entirety and not just an ideal representation. Therefore, the study of such artefacts and their history of use and disuse can provide interesting information valuable to understanding the past. Colour rectangular photograph printed on gloss photographic paper.Obverse: Reverse: AGFA kelly album, ned kelly, death mask, kreitmayer, old melbourne gaol, phrenology, craneology, 1800s, pseudoscience, burke musuem, max meldrum -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Daryl Morrow, Redevelopment of former site of Hassall's Roadside Gallery, Main Road, Eltham, 10 July 2023
This historic site of Australia’s first open-air gallery is being redeveloped in 2023 for multi-housing fronting the Research Creek. In 1955, Ian and Joan Hassall moved to Eltham. They took a property on the corner of Zig Zag Road and Main Road, Eltham, north of the township (later known as 1215 Main Road). In July 1962, they opened their open-air gallery. Hassall’s Roadside Galley, “…cradled in the fold of hills to the north of Eltham” inspired by Ian’s own experience of exhibitions along the Embankment in London. The property included remnants of a stone quarry, paintings were hung on screens and removed at night. Various pedestals, that looked like giant mushrooms displayed sculpture, pottery, and jewellery. It had a small natural amphitheatre at the foot of a little sandstone cliff that fall away to the bed of a stream. To enter the gallery, a visitor crossed a small freestone bridge of oriental design, built by Hassall from local stone. The bridge spanned the stream flowing beneath great willow trees. Near the entrance wooden figures were displayed formed from pieces of local wood, said to speak to Ian Hassall’s sense of fun. Hassall’s Gallery was the first gallery of its kind in Australia. Ian became a full-time artist and when it first opened, he exhibited paintings he had made while touring the outback with writer and fellow Eltham resident Alan Marshall. He also exhibited other Australian artists over time including locals Lindsay Edward and Peter Glass.daryl morrow collection, eltham heights luxury living, hassalls roadside gallery, housing development, real estate development, research creek, 2023-07-10 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Daryl Morrow, Redevelopment of former site of Hassall's Roadside Gallery, Main Road, Eltham, 13 July 2023
This historic site of Australia’s first open-air gallery is being redeveloped in 2023 for multi-housing fronting the Research Creek. In 1955, Ian and Joan Hassall moved to Eltham. They took a property on the corner of Zig Zag Road and Main Road, Eltham, north of the township (later known as 1215 Main Road). In July 1962, they opened their open-air gallery. Hassall’s Roadside Galley, “…cradled in the fold of hills to the north of Eltham” inspired by Ian’s own experience of exhibitions along the Embankment in London. The property included remnants of a stone quarry, paintings were hung on screens and removed at night. Various pedestals, that looked like giant mushrooms displayed sculpture, pottery, and jewellery. It had a small natural amphitheatre at the foot of a little sandstone cliff that fall away to the bed of a stream. To enter the gallery, a visitor crossed a small freestone bridge of oriental design, built by Hassall from local stone. The bridge spanned the stream flowing beneath great willow trees. Near the entrance wooden figures were displayed formed from pieces of local wood, said to speak to Ian Hassall’s sense of fun. Hassall’s Gallery was the first gallery of its kind in Australia. Ian became a full-time artist and when it first opened, he exhibited paintings he had made while touring the outback with writer and fellow Eltham resident Alan Marshall. He also exhibited other Australian artists over time including locals Lindsay Edward and Peter Glass.daryl morrow collection, eltham heights luxury living, hassalls roadside gallery, housing development, real estate development, research creek, 2023-07-13 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Liz Pidgeon, Hassall's Gallery Bazaar, 1215 Main Road, Eltham, 25 March 2014, 25 March 2014
This is the site of the first roadside art gallery - Hassall's Roadside Gallery created by the artist son of an artist. Ian Hassall was the son of John Hassall who was among and may have been the first of the British poster artists. The gallery opened Saturday July 14, 1962 at 1215 Main road, Eltham by the director of the National Gallery of Victoria, Eric Westbrook. Situated on the left hand side of the main road, about a mile and a half beyond Eltham, towards Research, near Coleman's Corner at the intersection of Wattletree Road. The property has remnants of a stone quarry, probably for the purpose of gaining stone for local road making. Paintings were hung on screens and removed at night for safety. Large pedestals displayed sculpture and jewellery. All types of hand made art work was displayed. Access to the exhibition and grounds was slightly lower than the level of the road. They were encircled by a narrow little moat formed by a small tributary of the Diamond Creek accessed by a small well built stone bridge built by Ian Hassall with local stone. The Gallery later became known as Hassall's Gallery Bazaar antiques, furniture, curios bought and sold. It operated through to the early 1990s. The property has been derelict and neglected for some years. At one stage a shipping container sat near the entrance. This series of ten photographs illustrate the extent of the vegetation which has taken over the land, evidence of rubbish and a possible fire. In July 2017, planning permission was sought from the Shire of Nillumbik for buildings and works to construct a dwelling and associated vegetation removal. (source planningalerts.org.au)Born Digitaleltham, main road, hassall's gallery bazaar