Exhibition from a private collection

This is a must-see exhibition from the collections of John and Peter Perry that beautifully highlight the works and influences of Max Meldrum (1875–1955).

Featured artists include: A M E Bale, Clarice Beckett, Colin Colahan, Archie and Amalie Colquhoun, Polly Hurry, John Farmer, Alma Figuerola, Justus Jorgensen, William Frater, Carl Hampel, Percy Leason, Max Meldrum, Jim Minogue, A E Newbury, Arnold Shore and others.

The exhibition has been professionally and thoughtfully curated – with the exhibition spaces looking beautiful and engaging.

One big reason this is a must-see is that it is a part of private collection and therefore nobody knows when any of the works will be exhibition again.

Another reason for getting along to experience this exhibition is that the works are to be seen in the context of the selection on show.  Even if a public collection were to purchase some of these works, they will not be shown as a whole body of work. Single items would be included in a curated exhibition staged for other reasons than to highlight the works and influences of Max Meldrum.

And a third reason, from a person who till recently had paid little attention to this era of Australian painting, these works collectively and individually demonstrate the impact of change that happened in Australian painting in the early years of the 20th century. Since then there has been a constant flow of art groups doing massive amounts derivative versions based on the originals. You need to put these out of your minds when viewing this Tonalism collection – and appreciate the times when these artworks were created and how much of a change it was to how people interpreted the Australian society and its environments.

I am looking forward to reading the catalogue that was not available on the day we visited, but I have just ordered online (link below). It looked to be a well written and well illustrated book – and good value for $50.

Here’s a selection of photographs – but they are an introduction only – you have to see this exhibition for yourself. It is on till 27th July 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

here’s a link about the exhibition – click here

a link to the catalogue – click here

 

As we left, we noticed the beautiful tree trunks outside. And nearby, there were wattle trees in bloom – in May.

I rated this exhibition at 9 out of ten stars.