Charles le Brun (after), The Triumphal Entry of Alexander into Babylon, c. 1700-25, wool and silk, Herbert and May Shaw Bequest

THE GALLERY AND ITS COLLECTION

The world-class collection at Hamilton Gallery was founded by the Shaw Bequest – a gift of 781 objects from Herbert and May Shaw – and has since been developed into one of the strongest in Victoria. Comprising of approximately 10,000 artworks, the collection’s strengths lie in its diversity. Hamilton Gallery has collected significant works including a tapestry woven by Judocus de Vos after Charles le Brun entitled the ‘Entry of Alexander into Babylon’ (Entrée d’Alexandre dans Babylone), a Gui (bronze bowl) from the Western Zou dynasty (1046 – 771 BCE), and exceptional examples of German Baroque Silver including a 16th century Muntzkanne (coin tankard). The Gallery also has an internationally-significant collection of works by the founder of the Royal Academy, Paul Sandby (1731 – 1809).

Hamilton Gallery has a European decorative arts collection, an East Asian collection, and colonial Australian paintings, as well as notable contemporary Australian artworks. Artists who are represented in the collection include Eugene von Guérard, Louis Buvelot, Albert Namatjira, John Olsen, Howard Arkley, Patricia Piccinini, Sidney Nolan, among innumerable others. Hamilton Gallery is also the caretaker of the largest collection of Gunditjmara objects held on country, acknowledging and celebrating the history and traditions of the continuous culture of First Nations people in the area.

The impressive growth and continual expansion has laid the foundation for a new chapter in Hamilton Gallery’s story. We are drawing closer each day to the realisation of a New Hamilton Gallery - a transformative cultural institution for regional Australia. Situated at the heart of a revitalised civic precinct in Hamilton’s CBD, it will be more than just a gallery; it will be a vibrant space for connection, creativity, and community. This bold vision will not only enrich the cultural life of the city but also create a legacy for future generations.

For all research and collection-based enquiries, please email info@hamiltongallery.com.au

Building on over six decades of collection growth and community support, NHG will reimagine what a regional gallery can be: a vibrant centre for creativity, education, and cultural exchange.

Bernardino Licinio,The Adoration of the Shepherds, n.d. oil on panel, Herbert and May Shaw Bequest

The Collection

10,000 Works of Art

Tim Storrier

Approach II, 1976 acrylic on canvas Gift of the City of Hamilton Gallery Society (Friends of Hamilton Gallery) 1977

Margaret Preston

Blue Orchid, c.1936 woodblock print, hand coloured with gouache Gift of Mr & Mrs R. Taplin 1975

Patricia Piccinini

Shoeform (sprout), 2019 fibreglass, resin, automotive paint Purchased by the Hamilton Gallery Trust Fund 2020

Howard Arkley

Australian Home, 1993 acrylic on canvas Purchased by the Hamilton Gallery Trust Fund with assistance from VRGAFTF to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Trust Fund

Albert Namatjira

Areyonga James Range, c.1945-50 watercolour Gift of Anne Galway in memory of her mother

John OLSEN

Sacred Monkies & Sphinx, 1979 lithograph, Gift of Mr K. O'Shannessy 1980

Thomas Clarke

The Wannon Falls, c 1860 oil on canvas on board Purchased by the Hamilton Gallery Trust Fund

Sidney Nolan

St Kilda, c.1940 oil on board Gift of Mr J. Brown 1980

John Wolseley

Fire and Water - Moths, Swamps and Lava Flows of the Hamilton Region, 2011 wool weft, cotton warp Purchased by the Hamilton Gallery Trust in conjunction with the Myer Foundation and the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust

Bonaventura Gottlieb Häuer

Meissen Porcelain Factory, Meissen Germany Part coffee, tea and chocolate service, c.1745 porcelain, hard-paste Herbert and May Shaw Bequest

Troy Emery

Pink possum, 2022 oil stick on paper Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program

Paul Sandby

A scene in Windsor Forest, 1801 gouache and wash on paper on canvas Purchased with the assistance of a special grant from the Government of Victoria 1971

Bow Porcelain Works England

Garniture, c.1750 porcelain, soft-paste Herbert and May Shaw Bequest

Eugene von Guerard

Mount Arapiles towards the Grampians, 1870 oil on board Purchased by the Hamilton Gallery Trust Fund 2022 through the Lacey Bequest - to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Hamilton Gallery Trust Fund

Nora Heysen

Dedication, 1941 oil on canvas Purchased for Hamilton Gallery by Dr Samuel and Moree Fitzpatrick 1963

A Timeless Collection, Curated for Now

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