SOME rare works by one of Australia's greatest artists, the late Sir Arthur Streeton, can now be seen at the Queenscliff Gallery and Workshop in Victoria.
Descendants of the artist had several plates of etchings that had never been printed. They were in such poor condition they were uncertain whether impressions could be made from them.
The plates were taken to Theo and Soula Mantalvanos at the Queenscliff gallery who, with the assistance of local printmaker Graeme Peebles, were able to clean the plates and bring the prints to life.
Art-lovers are now flocking to Queenscliff, less than two hours from Melbourne, to see the small gallery with a big reputation, which is hosting an exhibition of the previously unpublished prints.
Print Council Australia manager Marguerite Brown said such treasures were rarely unearthed.
The gallery and workshop, housed in an old church at 81 Hesse St, Queenscliff, is open six days (closed Tuesday). Interestingly, Streeton spent some of his early childhood in Queenscliff.
The exhibition runs until April 30 and admission is free.
Each week during the exhibition the gallery hosts a different artist-in-residence whose work has been influenced or inspired by the great artist.
