The University of Western Australia Art Collection is one of the most important collections of paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture in Western Australia.

The UWA Art Collection originates from the acquisition of books and art works by Professor Walter Murdoch whilst on a trip to Europe in 1927, with funds provided by the Hackett Bequest. The purchase of art works began in earnest in the late 1940s with funds from a number of generous bequests, including The Tom Collins Memorial Fund. This fund enabled the purchase a series of nine important paintings by Sidney Nolan from the late 1940s, inspired by the artist’s outback tour of north Queensland in 1947.

The UWA Art Collection also houses significant mid-twentieth century Australian art by figures such as Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, Ian Fairweather and Fred Williams. In addition, the UWA Art Collection holds a rich selection of works by Western Australian artists, such as Howard Taylor, Guy Grey-Smith and Elise Blumann, which focus on a Modernist vision of the Western Australian landscape.

The UWA Art Collection continues to acquire works and is committed to purchasing contemporary art. Focus on the acquisition of art of the present day has been in evidence from the beginning of its collecting history in the mid-twentieth century. In the past ten years major acquisitions have included works by Julie Dowling, Susan Norrie and Imants Tillers. pp. 146 colour illusts #0817D #0821/041221