Deakin's Art gallery celebrates the collection of Etta and Emmanuel Hirsh

The exhibition celebrates the recent gift and long-term loan of artworks from the family to Deakin University and gives a historical snapshot of the post-war art scene in Naarm/Melbourne.

Etta and Emmanuel Hirsh were avid art collectors in Melbourne throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. After fleeing Poland from German invasion in the 1930s, Etta and Emmanuel's families established a new home in Melbourne before creating successful textiles businesses.

Following their marriage, the Hirsh's became trailblazers for post-war modern art and were dedicated, art collectors. Supporting new and emerging artists became a passion for the family.

"As well as supporting artists and galleries through acquisitions, the Hirsh's gave an annual grant directly to artists to help support their fledgling careers," Deakin University Art Gallery curator James Lynch said.

"The cultural legacy of Etta and Emmanuel Hirsh lives on with many works from their collection have been donated to institutions such as the National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia as well as Monash Health and the Peter McCallum Cancer Institute."

In 2021, Etta and Emmanuelss son Irwin, daughter Anouk and grandson Adrian donated 39 pieces of their parents' private collection to Deakin University, including pieces by Peter Corlett, Guy Stuart, Geoffrey Proud and Janet Dawson.

The collection also features a rarely-seen piece by Bill Henson.

The generous donation by the family will help continue the cultural legacy of Etta and Emmanuel and will continue to support new and emerging artists.

Interviews with members of the Hirsh family and Deakin curator, James Lynch, are available by request.

WHAT: A leg through the ceiling: the art collection of Etta and Emmanuel Hirsh. Free entry.

WHEN: Monday to Friday 2 November to 16 December 2022.

WHERE: Deakin University Art Gallery, Building FA, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood. Gallery hours: Monday to Friday, 11 am to 5 pm.