Since 1972, the University of Melbourne has supported an art gallery dedicated to innovative exhibitions, public programs, publications and events. During its history, the University museum has presented over 450 exhibitions ranging from classical antiquities to contemporary international projects and important surveys of the work of Australian artists. Celebrating 40 years since the establishment of a university art gallery at Parkville, this exhibition presented a selection of the best known and most important highlights of the University of Melbourne Art Collection, revealing both the quality and the character of the collection.
The exhibition included significant works of art by Ralph Balson, John Brack, Pat Brassington, Lina Bryans, Rupert Bunny, William Dobell, Ian Fairweather, Ludwig Hirschfeld Mack, Norman Lindsay, Sydney Nolan, Margaret Preston, Thea Proctor, Hugh Ramsay, Vivienne Shark LeWitt, William Strutt, Fred Williams and many others.
Curated by Bala Starr and Joanna Bosse.
Ralph Balson, Untitled 1954, oil on board, 76.2 x 101 cm. The University of Melbourne Art Collection. Gift of Sir Roy and Lady Grounds 1955. © Courtesy of the estate of the artist.