The Arts Society of Tasmania
Molten Light
An exhibition of works by Members of the Society. Continues until 28th February 2010.
About Us
The charming little sandstone building, in the style of a Greek temple, was erected in 1842 by Jane Franklin, wife of then Governor of Tasmania, Sir John Franklin.
This brilliant and gifted woman was appalled at the lack of appreciation of the Arts in the raw penal colony. So she sought the plans of a suitable building of Greek architecture to house sculpture, paintings, prints and books for appreciation by the people of Hobart.
At the opening on 16th March 1842 the foundation stone was laid including a document signed by each of those present and written on parchment in six languages.
With the return to England of the Governor of Tasmania and Lady Franklin in 1843 the building fell into neglect until an Act of Parliament handed over the building to the Hobart City Council. (link)
More than a century passed before the building was again used in the spirit intended by Lady Franklin. In 1948 the Art Society of Tasmania Inc was given a lease of the building as headquarters for the Society and as a gallery for displaying art.
This historic building is now referred to as the Lady Franklin Gallery as the original contents of the Lady Franklin Museum are no longer housed there. At the Gallery there is an album of photographs recording the Hobart Art Society's occupation of the building.
The Art Society of Tasmania Inc dates from 1884 when it was founded by two art students Misses Louisa J Swan and Maria Evans.
Membership steadily increased over the next 20 years but difficulty was experienced in securing suitable rooms and the Society had many moves. Exhibitions were held in various places including what is now Harris Scarfe in Collins Street Hobart and the Tasmanian Museum.
Early members include W.C. Piguenit, Haughton Forrest, Arthur Streeton, Dorothy Stonor and Jack Carrington-Smith.
A pamphlet about the Society, researched by Patricia O'Keeffe and edited by John O'Keeffe, covering the years from 1884 to 2000, is available at the Gallery. The Art Society also has in its possession a number of works by its past and Life Members, as well as an extensive reference library made up of books from the mid 19th century.