Founded in 1913, 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. 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, A.M.E. 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.
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....