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Maitland Regional Art Gallery 2022

Model Train Station

Our visit to the Maitland Regional Art Gallery in January 2022 was a chance to see the galleries’ latest exhibitions. Three of the four will stay until February, but one is due to be replaced by the Archibald Prize paintings. An unusual display was the models used for a stop-motion production, Lost Property Office, which contained some amazing hand-built models.

Artwork on display:

A Conspicuous Object

A tribute to soon-to-be closed Maitland Hospital, A Conspicuous Object aims to bring its stories to life through art. Having existed since 1840, a lot of history and people have passed through its doors. Because the artists used different styles the displays were very interesting.

National Art (Part One)

National Art was a selection of artworks by 50 Australian artists who studied at the National Art School in Sydney. This exhibition celebrates some of the extraordinary artists it has trained over the past seven decades.

Storylines

Using drawing, the artists in Storyline examine Australian History and how we interpret it. Australia’s greatest racehorse Phar Lap looks totally different drawn as a skeleton rather than a full horse. A nearby metal sculpture of his heart shows what powered this magnificent horse.

Lost Property Office – Daniel Agdad

Our favourite exhibition, Lost Property Office is a stop-motion production. Produced by Daniel Agdad over 18 Months, the meticulously made models are simply amazing because of their detail. The 1,258 hand-made cardboard models are artworks and deserve a display as well as the film viewed.

This was a fun visit, with some very interesting artworks to see, particularly the Lost Property Office. Not only were traditional paintings on display, but the cardboard models were amazing.

Grossmann House Maitland

Grossman House

Grossmann House Maitland

Located in Maitland opposite St Mary’s Anglican Church, Grossmann House is a heritage-listed former residence and Maitland Girls’ High School premises and now house museum. Built in 1870 by local businessman Isaac Beckett, the house represents the success of his business with Samuel Owen. The adjacent Brough House built by Owen is an identical but mirror image design.

In 1893 the first Maitland Girls’ high School was established when both Brough and Grossmann House were purchased and converted to a school. The name is derived from the first headmistress, Jeanette Grossmann who was principal at the school from 1890-1913.

Managed by the National Trust since the mid-1960s and decorated with artefacts from the 1860s.

With the interior restored to 1870s Victorian Grossmann House is open for tours on Sundays, with tickets available online.

We enjoyed our tour, finding the guides friendly and very knowledgeable on the house, which was great when we asked questions.

Hallway

Decorated with period furniture, the hallway leads to the main living area of the house, but its most interesting feature is the restored gas lights. Although stored to working order, they were not operating during our visit.

Dining Room

Furnished with a set-dining table, the dining room looks just like it would in the 1870s. The decorations are great, although the portraits on the walls are not of the original owners, but contemporary paintings.

Wallpaper

As part of the restoration undertaken by the National Trust, the original wallpaper was recreated from fragments discovered in the house. This has added to the presentation of the house, as it looks authentic.

Reproduced Wallpaper
Reproduced Wallpaper

Ladies’ Sewing Room

Containing the furnishings expected in a ladies’ drawing room, the windows overlook the garden, giving the room a relaxed atmosphere. The wallpaper here is also recreated from fragments found during the restoration.

Georgian Crystal Exhibition

Several rooms had an exhibition of Georgian crystal, which although not related to the house, made an interesting addition to the tour.

Old School Room

One room was furnished as an old school room to show how the building looked during this period. The photo on the wall is of Jeanette Grossmann the first headmistress.

Kitchen

The kitchen contains an old oven and other nineteenth century fittings, which suit the age of the house.

The Oven
The Oven

Grossmann House Garden

Wet weather during our visit prevented a good look around the gardens, but they look nice and would be great to walk around, if it wasn’t raining.

Grossmann House Back Garden and Laundry Building
Back Garden and Laundry Building

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Les Darcy Monument Australian Boxer

Les Darcy Statue

Australian Boxer Les Darcy Monument

Dedicated in August 2000, the Les Darcy Monument celebrates the achievements of one of Australia’s greatest boxers. Set back from the New England Highway in a grassy park in front of the East Maitland Bowling Club, the statue can be easy to miss.

The statue stands on a marble platform, surrounded by plaques which show his achievements. A great place to relax on your way through town because of the grass and shady trees.

Sir Paul Edmund de Strzelecki Memorial

Located near the Les Darcy Memorial, the Sir Paul Edmund de Strzelecki Memorial celebrates Strzelecki, a famous explorer, scientist, and philanthropist. Erected by the local Polish community, because of his contribution to early exploration work in the area. It’s interesting to see because of Strzelecki’s contribution to early Australia.

Strzelecki Memorial East Maitland
Strzelecki Memorial East Maitland

Old Land and Survey Office

Opposite the Sir Paul Edmund de Strzelecki Memorial is the old Land and Survey Office. Placed on a corner in a prominent position, makes the building stand out, because of its size and red brick construction. Built in the Federation Free Classical style and designed by W.L Vernon, it’s an interesting building to see if you are in the area.

Old Land and Survey Office East Maitland
Old Land and Survey Office East Maitland

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.