Historical information

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.

Physical description

7 images - born digital