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At the turn of the twentieth century, when Australia’s first permanent orchestras were beginning to emerge, the University of Melbourne employed Walter Barker as Victoria’s first university level harp teacher. Barker established himself in Melbourne…

Watercolour, ink and graphite on paper. Illustration of instrument (a modified sewing machine) with handwritten explanations and instructions. 14.2 x 25.7cm
Excerpt from Percy Grainger's daybooks 1944-1960: Thursday 25 October 1951
‘Red Letter day…

Watercolour and ink on paper.

Chinese ceramic ware is an art form that has been developing for thousands of years and prospered in various forms. Prior to the seventh century, monochrome wares dominated the ceramic production and favoured by the aristocracy class. It is not until…

Newspaper clippling

During his years living in the United States, Grainger performed for three presidents: Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge and Theodore Roosevelt. Grainger received this memento from the First Lady of the United States in recognition of his performance…

Audience interest in the compositions of Australia’s celebrated composer-pianist Percy Grainger was immense, and his tours in Australia in 1934 and 1935 are typical. His 1934 tour included performances of In a Nutshell Suite, To a Nordic Princess,…