Wellington Shire Council, Media Release, 14 July 2025
The Turner & Australia exhibition at Gippsland Art Gallery has entered its second month and continues to deliver on expectations, drawing steady and growing numbers of visitors from across the region and beyond.
Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the exhibition as “transcendental,” “superbly presented,” and “a major exhibition as good as you would see at the NGV.” The exhibition showcases eleven original works by J.M.W. Turner, alongside a selection of artworks by key Australian artists including Frederick McCubbin, Eugene von Guérard, Clarice Beckett, Tom Roberts, Jessie Traill, Tracey Moffatt, Tony Smibert and Valerie Sparks, who have each drawn influence from Turner’s example in some way.
Gallery Director Simon Gregg said the emotional engagement from audiences has been deeply rewarding, and that the exhibition’s success reflects both the calibre of the works on display and the powerful narrative they collectively tell.
“Visitors are not only spending time with the art, they’re taking that experience with them. The interest in our publications and merchandise has been remarkable, and it’s clear that people want to hold onto the memory of what they’ve seen and felt.”
To meet this demand, the Gippsland Art Gallery has released a selection of beautifully curated memorabilia, now available through the Gallery Shop and online. This includes the Turner & Australia companion publication in both softcover and hardback editions. The hardback version is a 292-page volume presented in a matte hardshell cover with gold foil lettering, featuring full-colour reproductions of the exhibition works and thirteen essays that explore Turner’s enduring impact on Australian art. The softcover edition offers the same rich content in a more casual format, ideal for everyday reading.
A limited-edition T&A Greeting Card Box is also available, containing twelve blank greeting cards and envelopes packaged in a sleek magnetic box. The cards showcase a curated mix of six Turner works and six pieces by prominent Australian artists featured in the exhibition.
For a more practical keepsake, the Gallery is also offering a T&A Tea Towel featuring Frederick McCubbin’s Arrival of the Duke and Duchess of York, Melbourne, 1901, combining functional design with artistic value.
Wellington Shire Mayor Cr Scott Rossetti said the exhibition continues to deliver significant benefits to the region. “The numbers so far have been strong and consistent, and we know from previous exhibitions such as last year’s Annemieke Mein show and the 2021 Archibald Prize that momentum often builds over time.
We expect Turner & Australia to contribute meaningfully to local tourism and economic activity, while further strengthening our position as a cultural destination.”
As the first exhibition to survey the influence of J.M.W. Turner on Australian art, Turner & Australia offers an immersive experience that bridges continents and generations.
From colonial vistas to contemporary interpretations, the works on display illustrate the enduring relevance of Turner’s vision and techniques.
The exhibition runs until 24 August 2025 at the Gippsland Art Gallery, 70 Foster Street, Sale. Tickets and merchandise are available at www.gippslandartgallery.com or by calling 03 5142 3500.
For those yet to visit, now is the time and for those who have, the opportunity remains to return, revisit, and take a piece of the experience home.
