The Art Society of Tasmania

The Art Society of Tasmania was founded as the Tasmanian Art Association in 1884 by Louisa Swan and Maria Evans as a means to cultivate artistic culture and practice in the Colony of Tasmania.[1]

The Art Society of Tasmania
Formation1884
FoundersLouisa Swan
Maria Evans
Founded atHobart, Tasmania
Purposeartistic culture and practice
HeadquartersLady Franklin Gallery
268 Lenah Valley Road
Lenah Valley
Tasmania, Australia
Websiteartstas.com.au

History

Two young artists, Louisa Swan, a landscape painter and enamellist, and Maria Evans, founded the Society as the Tasmanian Art Association. Swan served as the society's first Treasurer and Evans its first Secretary, with Sir James Agnew its founding President, serving for seventeen years. The Society gained impressive early membership, which included renowned Australian artists including William Piguenit, Arthur Streeton and Gother Victor Fyers Mann. The society's events attracted interstate talent including Julian Ashton, Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin and Blamire Young. Through Swan and Evans' dedication, the society gained notoriety in the Australian arts world through its annual exhibitions of paintings, drawings, sculptures and wood carvings, showcasing Tasmanian artists including Lucien Dechaineux, Curzona Allport, Florence Aline Rodway, Edith Holmes and Dorothy Stoner.[2] Historical council members have included Mildred Lovett and Violet Vimpany.

In its early years, exhibitions were held in locations including the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the Hobart GPO, town hall and arbitrary locations such as the Lord Mayor's Court Room, department stores, and a Masonic Hall.[3] The society has operated from the Lady Franklin Gallery since 1949.[4][5]

Legacy

The Art Society of Tasmania was the first of its kind in Australia to be founded by women.

References
  1. "Louisa Swan". Tasmanian Government - Honour Roll of Women. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  2. "History of the Lady Franklin Gallery". The Art Society of Tasmania. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  3. "ART SOCIETY OF TASMANIA". Centre for Tasmanian Historical Studies. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  4. Rääbus, Carol (17 October 2017). "Lady Franklin Gallery: Why there's a Greek-style building at the back of Lenah Valley". abc.net.au. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  5. "Re-opening of the Lady Franklin Museum (1949)". Libraries Tasmania. 27 March 2020. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
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