• Entry type: Organisation
  • Entry ID: AWE0325

The Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors

(From 1902 – )
  • Occupation Arts organisation

Summary

The Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors was founded in 1902 by women who had been students at the Art School of the National Gallery of Victoria, to provide a forum for artistic discussion and an opportunity to view and comment on each other’s work.

Originally named the Students’ Art Club, it became “Woomballana” (meaning either ‘everlasting beauty’ or ‘search for beauty’) Art Club, The Women’s Art Club, the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and finally, in 1954, the present title was adopted.

Published resources

  • Book
    • More Than Just Gumtrees: A Personal, Social and Artistic History of the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors, Peers, Juliet, 1993
    • The Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors, 1901 - 1980 : a survey of exhibiting members, 9 March - 20 April 1980, 1980
    • Brief history from 1901-1959 / [compiled from old minutes and reports], Mathews, Marjorie McChesney, 1959
  • Resource
  • Newsletter
    • News bulletin / Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors, 1966-
  • Pamphlet
    • Constitution, Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors, 1966
    • Society and exhibition rules, Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors, [1968?]
  • Catalogue
    • Annual exhibition / Melbourne Society of Women Painters & Sculptors, [?1902-]

Archival resources

  • State Library of Victoria
    • Records, 1904-1995. [manuscript].

Related entries


  • President
    • Cohn, Carola (Ola) (1892 - 1964)
  • Related Organisations
    • National Council of Women of Victoria (1902 - )
  • Related Women
    • Traill, Jessie Constance Alicia (1881 - 1967)
  • Related Concepts
    • Women at the National Gallery Art School, Melbourne