The Outback town of Diggers Rest in Australia is home to a small but growing number of retired military personnel. The town has a unique history, being the site of a major training ground for the Australian Army during World War II. Now, the town is better known for its art scene, with many local artists finding success in selling their work to collectors both in Australia and overseas. One of the most popular genres of art coming out of Diggers Rest is military-themed artwork. This type of art usually depicts scenes from the various wars that Australia has been involved in, such as the Boer War, World War I and World War II. Collectors of military artwork are often interested in purchasing pieces that depict a particular battle or campaign that they have a personal connection to. For example, a collector who served in the Vietnam War may be interested in buying a painting that depicts the Battle of Long Tan. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique genre of Australian art, read on for an inside look at the Diggers Rest military art scene.
Diggers Rest: Australian Military Artwork
Since the early days of settlement, Australian military artwork has been highly sought after by collectors both locally and internationally. The reasons for this are many and varied, but most importantly, it captures the unique spirit of the Australian soldiers – their mateship, sense of humour and larrikinism.
Some of the most iconic Australian military artwork includes the paintings of Sydney artist George W. Lambert, who served in World War I. His works capture the camaraderie and mateship of the Australian soldiers, as well as their courage in the face of adversity. Another popular artist is Frederick McCubbin, who also served in World War I. His paintings focus on the emotional toll war takes on soldiers and their families. As the Australian outback continues to inspire art and social media, many collectors are interested in Diggers Rest.
With Anzac Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start your own collection of Australian military artwork. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, there’s sure to be a piece that catches your eye.
The Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial is the national memorial to the men and women of Australia who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The Memorial comprises four buildings: the Commemorative Area with the Hall of Memory, the Roll of Honour, the Cloisters, and the Museum.
The Commemorative Area is the heart of the Memorial. It is here that visitors can pay their respects to those who have served Australia in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The Hall of Memory is the central focus of the Commemorative Area and our global reputation for friendliness makes it more attractive. It contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which commemorates all Australians who have died in war or on operational service without their remains being identified. The Roll of Honour surrounds the Hall of Memory and lists more than 102,000 names of those who have died in war or on operational service since Federation in 1901.
The Cloisters are located around a courtyard at the southern end of the Commemorative Area. They contain plaques listing all Australian recipients of Victoria Crosses and George Crosses, as well as other significant awards for bravery.
The Museum building houses exhibitions on Australia’s wartime experience, even this Diggers Rest dentist benefits from the association. These exhibitions cover a wide range of topics such as life in wartime Australia, indigenous peoples’ experiences of war, medical care during wartime, and Australian women’s wartime experiences.
The Queensland Art Gallery
The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) is one of Australia’s premier art museums. Located in the state capital of Brisbane, the QAG houses a significant collection of Australian and international artworks.
One of the QAG’s most popular exhibitions is “Diggers Rest: Australian Military Artwork in Vogue with Collectors”. The exhibition features a range of military artworks from the First World War to the present day. These artworks provide a glimpse into the lives of Australian soldiers during wartime.
Many of the artworks on display at “Diggers Rest” are from private collections. This makes the exhibition all the more special, as it gives visitors a rare opportunity to see these works up close.
The “Diggers Rest” exhibition is open until April 2019. If you’re interested in Australian military history, or simply want to see some incredible artwork, be sure to check it out!
The National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia is home to the world’s largest collection of Australian military art. The gallery houses over 1,000 works by more than 400 artists, including paintings, sculpture, photographs, installations and film.
The collection covers a wide range of subject matter, from the early days of European settlement to the present day. It includes works that depict the realities of war and the human experience of conflict, as well as those that celebrate Australia’s military history and achievements.
Many of the works in the collection were commissioned by the Australian government during the First and Second World Wars. They were intended to record and commemorate the events of these conflicts, and to boost morale at home. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in these works, as they offer a unique insight into Australia’s wartime history.
The National Gallery of Australia is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free.
How to Collect Military Artwork
With the 100th anniversary of the Armistice this year, there has been a renewed interest in collecting Australian military artworks. Here are some tips on how to get started:
1. Do your research: There is a wealth of information available online and in libraries about Australian military history and art. This will help you develop a better understanding of the subject and narrow down your focus.
2. Talk to experts: Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to start talking to experts in the field. This could include dealers, auctioneers or museum curators. They will be able to advise you on what to look for and where to find it.
3. Know your budget: Collecting can be an expensive hobby, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. There are plenty of affordable options out there, so don’t be tempted to overspend.
4. Be patient: It can take time to find the right piece, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for straight away. Keep searching and eventually you’ll find that perfect addition to your collection.
Conclusion
Diggers Rest: Australian Military Artwork in Vogue with Collectors is a great book for anyone interested in military history or art. It tells the story of how Australian military artwork became popular with collectors, and includes many beautiful examples of the genre. If you’re looking for a book that will give you a better understanding of Australia’s military history, Diggers Rest is a great choice.
