Sharing the National Collection: Masterpieces travel back to Heidelberg

A collection of eight works of art from Australia’s famed Heidelberg School will travel back to their area of inspiration in northeast Melbourne thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.

Gallery 275, part of the Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub in Melbourne’s northeast suburbs, will host the works of art for two years. During that time, they will feature in the exhibition: Early Impressions – Bringing the Heidelberg School back to Heidelberg.

The loan includes paintings by some of Australia’s eminent artists, including Tom Roberts, Clara Southern, Louis Buvelot, Charles Conder and Arthur Streeton. 

These figures were among the pioneers of the Heidelberg School, which developed in the area from the late 1880s to 1890s. Often working “en plein air” outdoors in campsites, the artists created a distinctly Australian impressionist style inspired by local landscapes. 

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said this loan was demonstrative of the continued success of Sharing the National Collection. 

“These artists’ names are instantly recognisable to many Australians and now, through the Sharing the National Collection program, audiences have a chance to view these works near the locations in which they were created.

“Previous loans have had great success in driving visitors to see significant artworks in their local galleries that they may not have had the chance to see in the National Gallery. 

“This program is proving that there’s a want for people to experience and appreciate great art in their own community.”

Dr Nick Mitzevich, National Gallery Director, said the loan was a rare viewing opportunity.

“The Sharing the National Collection program provides the chance for a collection of paintings from the Heidelberg School of painters to return to the region they were created in and inspired by.  

“The partnership between the National Gallery and Gallery 275 at Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub shares Australian Impressionist works of art by Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, Charles Conder, Louis Buvelot and Clara Southern that will inspire a series of diverse educational programs and artistic responses to these nationally significant works of art.”  

Federal Member for Jagajaga, Kate Thwaites, said the loan is an exciting opportunity for the local community.

“It is wonderful to see these artworks return to our region, where their artists took inspiration so many years ago.”

“These pieces showcase our beautiful local landscape; I know many in our community will take pride in having them home.”

Banyule Council Mayor, Cr. Elizabeth Nealy, said the loan was a great win for the local community.

“These are popular, nationally significant artworks and are adored by locals. It's truly remarkable that these Heidelberg School artworks are finally coming home to where they were painted; the area which lent the name to this important Australian art movement. 

“We're bringing them back to Heidelberg and the surrounding suburbs, where they will be on display in Gallery 275 at the Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub.”

Regional galleries can register their interest in the loan program here.

Works can be viewed via the National Gallery’s website.