Treasures
Highlights of the Cultural Collections of the University of Melbourne
One of the most significant collections in Australia, comprising some 25,000 items and ranging over all artistic media, reflects the development of cultural taste over 150 years.
Opinion
'How many art collections in the world can boast the witty diversity of a Percy Grainger: a full-score manuscript composed for a ballet in 1916, a range of men's towelling-wear suits cut from stripey bath mats for teaching the piano in, in 1934?' (Age 5/7/2003)
'The University of Melbourne Archives and Grainger and Special Collections are among Australia'as finest cultural heritage resources. . . [Treasures] is one of a commemorative suite of new books celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the University.' (UniNews, 30 June - 14 July 2003)
About this Title
For 150 years the University of Melbourne has collected diverse cultural objects and works of art. These now form one of the most significant collections in Australia.
The combined University of Melbourne collections comprise some 25,000 items, encompassing paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photographs, textiles, video and digital media, decorative arts, furniture and ethnographical and archaeological artefacts. Works of the highest quality, by such renowned figures as Streeton, Burley Griffin and Grainger, ranging over all artistic media, are part of the University's history and the nation's cultural heritage.
Many of these previously hidden treasures are brought together in this delightful and fascinating volume, alongside authoritative descriptions by University of Melbourne experts. Presented thematically, with short descriptions and illustrations of specific art works, Treasures combines intellectual authority with a browsable, bite-size format. Essays presenting new research by staff and students of the University link cultural artefacts with new methods of interpretation.
While concentrating on works from the Ian Potter Museum of Art, Treasures also explores the collections of the Grainger Museum, the Baillieu Library Rare Books Collection, the Baillieu Print Collection, the Medical History Museum, the Classics Collection, and the University Archives, as well as the many important works of sculpture and architecture on campus.
From Greek antiquity through European Old Masters to modern art and architecture, Treasures reflects the development of cultural taste, telling the story of a major institution through the highest achievements in the arts.
About the Author
Dr Chris McAuliffe is Director of the Ian Potter Museum of Art. This position gives him key access to collections management staff of the museum, other collections directors and University development staff. Dr McAuliffe has an extensive background in art historical research and teaching.
Dr Peter Yule is a Research Fellow with the Department of History at the University of Melbourne. He is currently working on a biography of Sir Ian Potter and a history of the Warrnambool Agricultural Society.
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