Melanie Barnes, Tarrangower Times

Stories about gold can be found in some beautiful pieces of jewellery currently on show at the Central Goldfields Art Gallery (CGAG). The exhibition is on loan from the National Gallery of Australia, through the ‘Sharing the Collection’ initiative, the pieces are on show from June 2024 until 28 June 2026.

Thanks to this groundbreaking initiative, CGAG is showcasing artworks from the collection of the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra and is the first Victorian venue to host artworks through this program.

This initiative, which has significance for regional and suburban Australia, allows local galleries to exhibit some of the national collection, making art more accessible to everyone regardless of their location.

The Mayor of Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC), Councillor Liesbeth Long, officially opened the exhibition. Guest speaker Leanne Santoro, Curator for Sharing the National Collection, travelled from Canberra especially for the occasion.

The cold weather did not prevent many people from attending the opening, where they enjoyed canapes served by the Zonta Club of Central Goldfields and drinks provided by the Gallery. The exhibition is a step back in time with nine artworks dating back to the mid-19th century gold rush in Central Victoria, known as Goldfields Jewellery. These items, including earrings, brooches, and a locket, were commissioned by miners to symbolise their success and to reflect colonial pride and advancement, adding a rich historical context to the exhibition.

Also on display is a necklace and two rings by Rowena Gough. Gough, born in Maryborough in 1958, is considered one of Australia’s most accomplished contemporary jewellers. Her work is a testament to the power of creativity and demonstrates how gold continues to evolve among jewellery makers and CGAG is thrilled to have the works on display.

A series of associated exhibitions and events exploring the many aspects of the loans and associated goldfields history will be presented at CGAG, which everyone is invited to attend. These events will continue for the duration of the exhibition over two years.

If you would like to find out more about Sharing the National Collection, visit the website: tinyurl.com/4v528v6w.

Upcoming events and exhibitions can be found on the Central Goldfields Gallery website: tinyurl.com/4vfe4997.

See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in the  Tarrangower Times, 19 July 2024.