Castlemaine Art Gallery And Historical Museum

The Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum is renowned for its collection of Australian art and for its unique assembly of historical artefacts relating to the Mount Alexander goldfields district in Victoria. The gallery enjoys strong support from artists and art patrons. Association with famous personalities such as Dame Nellie Melba enriches its collection. Founded in 1913, the gallery and museum are committed to specialising in Australian art through various displays of oil paintings, watercolours, prints and drawings. Its art deco building, designed in 1931 by Peter Meldrum, is noted for its elegant design. The collection is best known for major works from the late 1800's. Traditional landscape paintings are a feature of the holdings, including works by such artists as Louis Buvelot, Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts, E. Phillips Fox, Rupert Bunny, Max Meldrum, Margaret Preston, R.W. Sturgess, S.M.A. Bale and John Longstaff. Among the contemporary artists represented in the collection are William Frater, Arnold Shore, Russell Drysdale, Fred Williams, John Brack, Jeffrey Smart, John Dent and Wendy Stavrianos. Part of the gallery's policy is to support senior and mid-career artists, primarily through exhibitions and publications. The collection also includes the largest holding of original artworks and photographs pertaining to the district surrounding Castlemaine. These items fulfil the gallery and museum's commitment to collect, conserve and communicate issues of historical relevance to the region. A selection of fine decorative arts including china, glassware and silver are among other attractions on permanent display.