New Acquisitions

Two important works of art have recently acquired with Miegunyah Fund support. An 1860s view of Merri Creek by Henry Gritten, depicting its rocky watercourse, aged red gums and grazing cattle, has been purchased to complement the colonial prints and drawings that Russell collected to document the changing environment and impact of development in and around early Melbourne.

Henry Gritten, ‘Merri Creek near Dights Falls’, c. 1863, oil on canvas, The University of Melbourne Art Collection. Purchased through the Russell and Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Fund, 2023

A major addition to the Grimwade Collection, and the University Art Collection, is a rare c. 1890 drawing by Aboriginal artist Yakaduna Tommy McRae. This pen and ink depiction of cloaked and bearded Aboriginal warriors preparing for to engage in a form of dispute resolution balances depictions of Indigenous ritual combat by European artists already in the Collection. The national significance of this drawing is such that its acquisition was jointly funded by the National Cultural Heritage Account.

The Potter acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we work and create. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded and pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.