Local creatives to draw inspiration from silent benefactor of the arts

Published on 01 December 2021

Female-identifying artists working in any creative artform are invited to create new works inspired by the life of Hilda Elliott nee Fink for inclusion in the Hilda Elliott: a conversation exhibition.

The opportunity to gain this inspiration will be an all-day facilitated workshop with local artist and educator Prue Hobbs this Saturday 4 December, entitled Portraits of Hilda.

The eldest daughter of the prominent Melbourne politician and publisher Theodore Fink, Hilda grew up in an environment in which the arts were valued and supported.

It is an experience that Hilda took with her into her marriage to RD Elliott who came to be an avid collector of Australian and international art in his own right.

While much has been written about the lives of Theodore and RD, little is documented of Hilda’s life.

For this reason, the collection of works she bequeathed to Mildura Arts Centre (MAC) upon her death in 1969 are important.

Among the collection are paintings by many of Australia’s celebrated artists, including Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton, William Blamire Young and Sydney Long.

Without doubt, the standout is the portrait of Hilda Elliott by Mary Cecil Allen, which was exhibited in the Archibald Prize of 1925. This oil painting is a rare delight that reveals something of the sitter’s character.

Female-identifying artists are invited to immerse themselves in Hilda's story and the artwork she bequeathed by taking part in this weekend's all-day workshop.

They will be able to explore the exhibition in the ground floor galleries, drawing inspiration from the Hilda Elliott Bequest works and archival material to create their own works that will form part of the Hilda Elliott: a conversation exhibition, which will run from December this year to February 2022.

Responses can be in any creative medium or form, however, the works must respond to, suggest or express who Hilda was and recapture her voice. 

To participate in the workshop or to obtain more information and how you can contribute to the exhibition, please contact Luci Marcuzzo or Heather Lee to discuss your ideas and involvement by emailing [email protected].

ENDS