THE COLLECTION
“The Fund continually looks at ways to enhance the décor of the official residences with often museum-quality artworks, whilst remaining mindful that these are ‘working homes’ and the Collection is in constant use”
Excerpt from Collecting for the Nation - The Australiana Fund, page 4
Overview - Collection Themes approach
The Collection themes work within a broad historical framework, placing key objects as signifiers of distinctive aspects of the Australian story: the long history of Indigenous peoples living in Australia; the continent’s unique story as an island continent in oceans crisscrossed by explorers and traders from across the globe; the powerful influence of migration and settlement over the last 200-odd years in shaping Australia; the very practical hurdles faced by people as they grappled with the challenges of surviving and thriving on the far side of the globe; the coming of age in 1901, when Federation of the colonies as a nation brought a heady sense of achievement and a love of country expressed in the celebration of Australia’s unique flora and fauna; the increasing prominence of women in public and artistic life; and the maturing of a modern Australia, taking its place on the world stage and seeking the best from its distinctive cultural diversity.
The Collection contains objects that have added significance in the overarching sweep of history: for example, representing key artists, designers and makers; with provenance to public figures – in some cases, rogues; illustrating new artistic movements; recording important events and reflecting societal changes; and as exemplars of Australia’s links with the wider world.
The focus on Australian native timbers used in cabinetmaking is one of the strengths of the Collection. This is unsurprising: the official residences require furniture for the public spaces, and Australia has a distinctive cabinetmaking tradition based on the need, from the colonies’ earliest days, to use locally sourced timbers as the primary material for making the essential objects of daily life.
Jennifer Sanders, Chair of The Australiana Fund
RECENT ACQUISITIONS AND COMMISSIONS
A bronze sculpture by Ante Dabro, Croatia/ Australia, born 1938, arrived Australia 1967, 'The Right Honourable Sir Robert Gordon Menzies PC KT AK CH FAA FRS QC', from a series of twelve castings (12) 27 x 16.5 x 10 cm. Provenance: One of twelve commissioned c.1990 by the Liberal Party of Australia and awarded to Mrs Gillian Storey AM, in recognition of distinguished service. Gift of Mrs Gillian Storey AM, former Vice-President of the Australian Liberal Party, 2022. 2022.2 © Ante Dabro
‘VAJRASANA meditation’ by Margaret Worth, born 1944, Clayton South, Victoria, 2018, corten steel, painted steel, stainless steel, 400 x 110 x 140cm. Gift of the artist, 2021. 2021.1 © Margaret Worth
Digging stick, Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia, 1982, timber (species tbc), with silver metal plaque, inscribed “ Wana nyangatja yungani Prime Minister / Malcolm Frasernya Ulurula nguru / 6 June 1982
Provenance: presented to The Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL PC, Prime Minister of Australia (1975 – 1983) by tbc at Uluru National Park, 6 June 1982. Gift of Mrs Tamara Fraser AO, Victoria, 2023. 2023.1
CONSERVATION AND CARE
Before Conservation - Games Table
Games table, Tasmania, c.1880, Kauri pine, blackwood, paint,
71 x 50 cm. Acquired in 1999. 1999.4
After Conservation - Games Table
After conservation in 2008