University of Queensland Art Museum facts for kids
University of Queensland Art Museum in 2020
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| Former name | Darnell Collection, Mayne Hall |
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| Established | 1976, refurbished April 2004 |
| Location | University of Queensland St Lucia Campus James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre (Building 11) |
| Type | Art museum |
| Collections | Australian artists from the colonial period to the present |
| Collection size | 3,000 artworks |
| Owner | University of Queensland |
| Public transit access | UQ St Lucia ferry wharf Boggo Road railway station |
The University of Queensland Art Museum (also called UQ Art Museum) is an art museum and public gallery. It is part of the University of Queensland at its St Lucia campus. The museum is located in the James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre. The University of Queensland Art Collection is now the second largest public art collection in Queensland. The building was once known as Mayne Hall.
Contents
History of the Art Museum
The University of Queensland Art Collection started in the 1940s. It was first known as the Darnell Collection. This collection began thanks to a generous gift of money from John Darnell. The money was first meant for a special library. However, the university decided to use the rest of the funds to create a fine art library.
At that time, the University of Queensland did not have an art museum. So, the collection was displayed in the main geology lab. This was at the university's first home in George Street.
The first public display of the collection happened in 1945. This was also in George Street. About 30 years later, in 1976, the University Art Museum was officially opened. It was located in the Forgan Smith Tower on the St Lucia campus.
Early Directors and Growth
The first director of the art museum was Nancy Underhill. She was also the head of the Department of Fine Arts. Nancy Underhill focused on buying artworks by important modern artists. She especially liked artists from Queensland. She wanted her students to use the museum as a "laboratory." This helped them learn how to manage art collections and exhibitions.
Ross Searle took over as director in 1996. He was in charge when the art museum moved to its current location in 2004. This new home was the Mayne Centre. Ross Searle also started a special collection of artists' self-portraits. He also created a prize for self-portraiture that happened every two years.
The art collection grew a lot over the years. By the time Ross Searle left in 2007, it had more than 2,500 artworks.
Nick Mitzevich became director in July 2007. He stayed for six years. After him, Campbell B Gray became director. Under their leadership, the museum kept adding works by important Queensland and Australian artists. They also encouraged people to donate artworks. By June 2018, the museum had over 3,900 artworks. The museum holds many exhibitions and public events. It also publishes books about art and culture. This helps it serve its role as a university art museum.
History of the Mayne Hall Complex
People at the University of Queensland wanted a Great Hall for the St Lucia campus. This idea came up as early as the 1940s. Such halls were common at universities in the UK.
Work began in 1971 to build what became Mayne Hall. Funding came from the government and donations. Companies like Myer and BP helped. The UQ Alumni Association also gave $20,000. Mayne Hall officially opened in March 1973.
Design and Purpose
Sir Zelman Cowen, who was the Vice Chancellor, asked for the building to be made. Brisbane architect Robin Gibson designed it. The hall was named after the Mayne family. They had helped a lot in setting up the University at St Lucia.
The building was designed for many different events. It hosted graduation ceremonies for students. It also held concerts by the Queensland University Musical Society. Other popular concerts, career fairs, and important lectures also took place there.
A special organ was added to the building in the mid-1970s. Its design was similar to an organ in a church in Berlin. This organ was used for teaching music for twenty years.
In 1993, Mayne Hall was updated by Wilson Architects. It was changed to become the home of the UQ Art Museum and its exhibition spaces.
Performers at Mayne Hall
Many famous musicians played at Mayne Hall before it became the Art Museum. Here are some of them:
- Bo Diddley (1974 and 1975)
- Split Enz (1976 and 1977)
- Richard Clapton Band (1976)
- Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee
- Margaret RoadKnight
- Stephane Grappelli (1976)
- Alan Stivell (1977)
- Larry Norman (1977)
- Little River Band (1977)
- Cliff Richard (1978)
- Tom Waits (1979)
- Bruce Cockburn (1983)
- Michelle Shocked (1991)
See also
- University of Queensland
- University of Queensland Business Association
- University of Queensland Union (UQU)
