While in Bendigo in April we went to Castlemaine a couple of times. Here’s a view of the township from the hill on which the old prison is located – like cathedrals, prisons often command the best places in towns. The number of prisons built in Victoria in the early days of the colony is amazing.
My mother went to high school here but we didn’t find that building which is now a community centre of some sort. Here am I overlooking the garden that surrounds the old Castlemaine gaol which is being remodelled into a museum and art gallery but it was closed when we were there.
And here is Joe in front of the gaol. As grim a looking place you’re likely to find.
We were keen to see the art gallery which was open. Here is one of the paintings on display at the entrance. Betty Kuntiwa Pumani, Antara 2018. It depicts her mother’s country Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjatjara lands in South Australia. Antara means looking after the land.
I liked all of these paintings from the Gallery’s permanent collection chosen for a mini exhibition based on an Emily Dickinson poem. So the emphasis was on light and shade. What a lovely way to select a theme.
Many famous names and lovely examples of their work. This is Tom Roberts’ Reconciliation 1887.
And this is Frederick McCubbin’s Heath Paddock, Hawthorn 1886. Very different from current Hawthorn!
And another from Fred, Hillside Macedon 1892. Also very different from the Macedon celebrated today.
E. Phillips Fox, Bathing hour 1909.
I loved finding this Jeffrey Smart, Hide and Seek III 1969-70. I wonder where I and II are? Great colours.
This is a rather lovely Max Meldrum – teacher of Clarice and many others. I like his paintings a lot. Though I’m not sure this is representative of his work or his theories which I got to know a little bit about at an exhibition of the work of his school, including his own work in Ballarat which I’ve written about here. Interior 1950.
Clarice Becket was one of Meldrum’s pupils and I was pleased to see this work of hers. Which is a bit different to the more famous ones she is known for. I once had exactly the same green ginger jar! Marigolds c1929. Another of her paintings from Castlemaine was on loan to the Geelong Art Gallery which is hosting an expansive exhibition of her paintings.
I’d never heard of Polly Hurry but was impressed by this Portrait of Dr Ursula Hoff 1940.
Here is another painter from Meldrum’s school. Percy Leason Two of the artist’s children 1922. It’s very similar to another painting of his that I saw at the Meldrum exhibition. He loved his bright colours.
Another artist I had not heard of, but a very singular painting. May Vale, Sea Jewels 1894.
Another E. Phillips Fox, Moonrise Stanwell Park NSW c1914.
And one from his wife – whose career was rather overshadowed by her husband’s, largely her doing as she promoted him after his death. Ethel Carrick Fox, Venice c1907.
Castlemaine Art Gallery were doing their bit not to overlook Ethel with another two by her. This is, French beach scene c1910.
And this is Luxembourg Gardens 1909. Which still look like this!
I recommend a visit to the art gallery if you are ever in Castlemaine. Both for the paintings but also for the basement museum which is full of memorabilia from the early days of the town and surrounding region’s settlement. I didn’t take any photos but it was terrific. So also worth a visit.
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