POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

'Composition' painting by Gordon Andrews

Object No. 2007/30/8

This painting, an early example of Australian abstract painting, was created by Australian designer Gordon Andrews. It was exhibited in the 'Gordon Andrews: exhibition of design and craftsmanship' exhibition which included paintings, jewellery, dress accessories, furniture, hand-printed fabrics and buttons made of beaten copper coins, sheet metal and wire. This was the first time Andrews' furniture had been displayed as part of his professional practice. One piece, the high-backed rocker was later published in The Architectural Review journal (UK) in 1951. Andrews was later best known for creating striking examples of 20th century Australian graphic design - the bold, colourful designs for Australia's first decimal currency notes released in 1966. For these notes, Andrews drew hundreds of unique abstract 'step and repeat' security 'wave' patterns which he worked up in close consultation with the Reserve Bank of Australia's engraver. Anne-Marie Van de Ven, Curator, 2018

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Summary

Object Statement

Painting, 'Composition', ink and watercolour on paper, painted by Gordon Andrews, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1946

Physical Description

Painting, 'Composition', abstract composition in black, grey and greens on cream ground, signed 'Andrews', under glass and framed white gloss painted timber frame, ink and watercolour on paper, glass, timber and paint, Gordon Andrews, 1946. On the back, title, Gordon Andrew's name and address, 15GN, framer's company address and "Dahl and Geoffrey Collings, Killcare Heights, 2256".

DIMENSIONS

Height

285 mm

Width

290 mm

Depth

40 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

The painting was painted by Gordon Andrews in Sydney in 1946.

HISTORY

Notes

Exhibited Margaret Jayes, Rowe St Sydney, 1946 (framed). Photographs of this exhibition are in Gordon Andrews' archive eg. 89/735-34/28. From the collection of Dahl and Geoffrey Collings, donated to the Museum in 2007.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Donna Rath and Silver Ware, 2007

Acquisition Date

13 March 2007

Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.

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