Experimental Gentlemen exhibition

Discover colonial Australia through the eyes of the artists that were there. Experimental Gentlemen, is an exhibition at The Ian Potter Museum of Art, University of Melbourne, until 25 September 2011.

The 18th century term describing wealthy young virtuosi like Joseph Banks or Charles Darwin, who travelled the world in search of adventure and novelty were ‘experimental gentlemen. Artworks, books and photographs from the Sir Russell and Lady Mab Grimwade Collection of colonial treasures displayed at The Potter help to recreate wonder and awe that inspired explorers and adventurers from over 150 years ago.

Robert Havell and Robert Dale,

‘Panoramic view of King Georges Sound, part of the colony of Swan River’ (detail),

1834; steel engraving, aquatint and watercolour on three sheets; 18 x 271.4 cm.

The University of Melbourne Art Collection 

William Strutt

born Teignmouth, Devon, England, 1825; died Wadhurst, Sussex, England, 1915

Bushrangers, Victoria, Australia 1852 1887

oil on canvas

75.7 x 156.6 cm

The University of Melbourne Art Collection. Gift of the Sir Russell and Mab Grimwade Bequest, 1973

Goodman Teale artist

born 1819; died Kyneton, Victoria, 1885

Nathaniel Whitlock engraver

active London c. 1830–1860

The city of Melbourne, Australia 1855

engraving and watercolour

29.1 x 53.4 cm

The University of Melbourne Art Collection. Gift of the Sir Russell and Mab Grimwade Bequest, 1973