Title

Antipodean prints: Joseph Burke and the development of the University of Melbourne's print collection.

Author

Lo Conte, Angelo

Details

Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 15 May 2020, pages 176-190

Publication date

15 May 2020

Type

Article

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Abstract

The Baillieu Library of the University of Melbourne hosts one of the finest old masters’ print collections in Australia, the equivalent of a state institution or national gallery. Begun with a donation made in 1959 by Dr Orde Poynton, it was enriched in the early sixties thanks to bequests and acquisitions orchestrated by Joseph Burke, Melbourne’s first Herald Chair of Fine Arts, and enhanced by the participation of key figures in the Australian art world. Prompted by new archival discoveries, this paper retraces how the print collection was created, highlighting the acquisitions made in the period 1960–1966. The paper highlights the collection’s teaching function and emphasises how its development was supported by an extraordinary synergy between art historians and local philanthropists.

KEYWORDS: Australia, prints, collection, Baillieu Library, University of Melbourne, art history [journal abstract]

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Last Updated

20 Oct 2024