New book explores the history of Melbourne’s international art exhibitions

The forthcoming July release, Visions of Colonial Grandeur (Museum Publishing, $39.95) explores the history of Melbourne’s international exhibitions through the stunning art collection of 19th-century businessman John Twycross.

Known locally as Top Hat, John Twycross was a merchant and art collector who lived and worked in ‘Marvellous Melbourne’. In this boom period of the 1880s, the city hosted two international exhibitions and the best and latest in trade and culture was seen by millions in the newly-built (Royal) Exhibition Building. During his time Twycross purchased hundreds of exquisite fine art objects and paintings, building a collection that had been treasured by his family for four generations before being generously gifted to Museum Victoria.

Released to coincide with 10th anniversary of UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton gardens, Visions of Colonial Granduer provides a fascinating insight into historical Melbourne and the thriving art trade of the nineteenth century, and features a variety of archival and colour photographs of the most significant art works in the Twycross collection.