1905

1905 proved to be another tough year for Geelong Gallery, with attendance in 1904 only reaching 13,593. Another year without a government grant was not possible for Geelong Gallery, so the Geelong Art Gallery Association pushed hard for the government to reinstate the art gallery grants. 

In addition, Geelong Gallery requested assistance from more established galleries, Bendigo Art Gallery and The Art Gallery of Ballarat. Geelong Gallery was in dire need of a grant to improve the collection, as their annual revenue only just covered the costs of maintenance. 

In June 1905, Geelong Gallery received a grant of £25 from the Treasury thanks to Mr. Colechin, a member for Geelong who pushed for the State Treasurer to consider Geelong Gallery for a grant. 

After securing the grant, they acquired a host of new paintings by September 1905, including several works loaned by local Geelong artist, Helen Peters. They purchased Peters’ work The breadwinners in December 1905, which quickly became a favourite among visitors.