Experts assess University's art works

The University of Queensland's 1700 artworks are invaluable both as an art collection and as a resource for teaching and research, according to University of Queensland Art Museum director Ross Searle.

Mr Searle conducted an audit of the collection, including 600 works previously not recorded.

His estimation was based on art auction records, and by comparing current market values.

The audit had led to a conservation survey of each work by three specialist art conservators from the privately-run International Conservation Service.

Peter Maxwell, a metals/objects conservator, is assessing sculptures and objects on the University's campuses and inside its buildings. Jo Cutler is assessing paintings and Caroline O'Rourke is assessing works on paper.

Mr Maxwell recently returned from a trip to the Antarctic for the New Zealand-based Antarctic Heritage Trust, looking at ways to conserve objects ranging from cans of food to beds found in explorers' huts.

At the University, Mr Maxwell's work has included assessing the extent of environmental damage to a Leonard Shillam sandstone carving of a mother and child, located at the entrance to the Student Union Complex. The University commissioned the work in 1959-60 to coincide with the opening of the complex.

He has also assessed corrosion damage to the Schonell Memorial Fountain, a bronze and stainless structure by Inge King, located outside the entrance of Central Library.

'Some works have been earmarked for restoration so the public can enjoy them once again,' Mr Searle said.

Mr Searle said the collection audit and conservation survey was done in preparation for the Art Museum's 21st anniversary in August.

To mark the event, a selection of major works from the Museum will be displayed in Time Frames - an exhibition at the Customs House Art Gallery from July 5 - August 17.

Mr Searle said a Senate art collections committee would soon be formed to oversee future direction and policy of the Art Museum.

He said the University received about $60,000 worth of paintings through gifts in 1996.

'The University has always attracted significant gifts including very important Australian paintings by Streeton and McCubbin - that's possibly because the University of Queensland was the first university in Australia to establish an art collection using its own resources,' Mr Searle said.

'The John Darnell bequest funds were used to establish the collection in the 1940s and acquire predominantly contemporary Australian works until the 1960s. The number of art bequests and donations peaked in late 1970s and early 1980s.'

For more information, contact Mr Searle (telephone 07 3365 3046).