Australian Galleries: Glenmore Road

Australian Galleries was established in Melbourne by Tam and Anne Purves in June 1956. Anne and Tam pioneered the professional exhibiting and marketing of contemporary art in Australia.  From the beginning, their gallery developed a reputation for representing prominent Australian artists such as John Brack, John Olsen, Fred Williams and Brett Whiteley.

Now under the sole directorship of Anne and Tam’s son, Stuart Purves, Australian Galleries continues to represent significant contemporary Australian artists including Jeffrey Smart, Inge King, William Robinson, John Coburn, Garry Shead, Colin Lanceley, John Wolseley, Peter Neilson and Lewis Miller. Stuart has expanded the business to include six galleries, four in Victoria and two in New South Wales. In recognition of the need to honour the status of prints, drawings, watercolours and photography, one gallery in each state specialises in works on paper.

The success of Australian Galleries is a reflection of the passion and commitment to the artists it represents. Stuart Purves’ personal dedication and enthusiasm to the promotion of the arts in Australia is indicative of his confidence in the important role visual art plays in the national and international psyche