Collector Michael Elliott has gifted 198 ceramic artworks from his private collection to the museum, growing SAM’s already significant display of Australian ceramics while expanding its international artists’ collection.
Amassing his clay cluster over the past 50 years, Dr Elliot found his passion for porcelain during his youth when he bought works from studio potters in Melbourne.
These potters would go on to develop personal relationships with the young aficionado, naturally progressing from ‘customer’ to ‘friend’.
SAM artistic director Danny Lacy described Dr Elliot’s works as deeply personal, living and full of warmth.
“This extraordinary bequest from Dr Elliott is a rare and generous gift,” he said.
“We hope that whenever these objects are out on display, we can convey Michael’s joy of collecting and being surrounded by these artworks to our visitors.”
The collection features an extensive list of acclaimed artists currently represented in the SAM Collection, including Stephen Benwell, Gwyn Hanssen Pigott, Milton Moon, Vipoo Srivilasa and Greg Daly.
Additionally, it showcases 28 artists who are not yet represented, such as Enrique Tochez Anderson, Barbara Swarbrick and Dawn Ngala Wheeler.
“With the growth of representation of artists in our collection, this acquisition expands our storytelling capacity to truly reflect practices and trends of Australian and international ceramic artists,” Mr Lacy said.
A selection of works from the bequest is now on display at the ceramics showcase on level three of the Shepparton Art Museum, 530 Wyndham St, Shepparton.
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