What we collect
Art Works
There are
Over 40,000 works of art in the Pictures Collection - of documentary nature - highlighting Australia and Australian life from 1700s to 1990s, predominantly dated 1800-1920
Comprising
Drawings, watercolours, oils, lithographs, engravings, etchings and sculpture/busts, realia (eg handkerchiefs, medals)
With
Over 25,000 items online at : http: //www.nla.gov.au/catalogue/pictures
To order copies of any of the Library's art works :
- order online through the Pictures Catalogue: http://www.nla.gov.au/catalogue/pictures
- or contact us: pictorial@nla.gov.au Fax: (61) 02 6273 5763 Phone: (61) 02 6262 1370
Copyright is still current in art works where the artist is still alive or died less than 70 years ago. Please check with Pictures to see if you need to clear copyright before you order copies. We can help you locate the copyright holder in most instances.
Artists include
- William Hodges
- Marian Ellis Rowan
- Conrad Martens
- William Hardy Wilson
Subjects include
- portraits
- voyages and ships
- topographical landscapes
- architecture of 19th century
- natural history
See Collection Development Policy for further information.
Acquisition
The National Library acquires art works of a documentary nature by purchase or donation, particularly through the Cultural Gifts Program. If you wish to sell or donate to the collection please contact us at: pictorial@nla.gov.au
More details about the collections
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Library in 1901 began the practice of acquiring documentary art works to record Australia and Australian life. Major contributors to the collection were: Rex Nan Kivell, E A Petherick and John Ferguson.
The works on paper are stored in mylar in map cabinets and oils are hung on screens. Storage for art works is in secure stacks in the NLA building with humidity and temperature control.
Works are featured in
- publications eg Remarkable occurrences (2001)
- exhibitions - In a new light (2004, 2005)
