Hamilton Art Gallery - Hamilton
Direct Phone Number : (03) 5573 0460
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Hamilton Art Gallery, one of the finest galleries in Australia, is famous for its outstanding international collections of fine and decorative arts.
* The fabulous Shaw Bequest featuring 800 items of exquisite English and European silver, glass, porcelain, miniatures and oriental ceramics reflects the collecting interests of Herbert and May Shaw of 'Kiama' near Hamilton. This generous bequest made in 1957 was the beginnings of a collection that is today vast, fascinating, diverse and unique.
* The Gaussen collection of paintings by Paul Sandby (1731-1809), considered to be the father of English watercolour, is unrivalled in Australia and second to the Queen's collection. Still in their original frames they are beautifully displayed in an elegant recreation of an English drawing room with William Morris wallpaper.
* Indian and Nepalese artefacts and outstanding oriental ceramics from the major dynasties are on permanent display in the Barber Gallery.
* Australian paintings include important colonial art of the Western District by Louis Buvelot, 'Wannon Falls', Thomas Clark, 'Muntham' and Nicholas Chevalier, 'Mt Abrupt' painted soon after pastoral settlement. Recent artists represented include Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, Justin O'Brien, John Olsen, Tim Storrier, Howard Arkley, Tim Maguire and Kathleen Petyarre.
* William Hogarth (1697-1764) is represented in our extensive print collection by his well known satirical suites of amusing moral tales.
* Forty years on the collection has grown to over 7500 objects through acquisitions and gifts and includes fine international examples of 19th and 20th century decorative arts and a growing collection of Australian art.
* Hamilton is an important cultural and education centre. The Gallery's unique collection offers a stimulating experience for all visitors and is an excellent resource for students of art and history. The permanent collection is complemented with a program of temporary exhibitions.