1911

In 1911, the Geelong Art Gallery Association's proposal for a permanent site to be built next to the Geelong Town Hall was approved.

1911 was a year of stabilisation and growth for Geelong Gallery. Finances were steady, visitation was improving, and the permanent collection had significant acquisitions. 

At this time, the permanent collection consisted of 38 oil paintings, 18 watercolours and eight sculptures. Included in this early group of works is Old Australian giants by Henri Tebbitt, a striking image of our most recognisable native flora, the gum tree. Tebbitt’s painting represents the heart of the bush, motivating viewers to observe and admire the natural beauty of the Australian landscape.