Making HistoryCharles Blackman

A key figure in both Australian art and Heide history, artist Charles Blackman gained the support of John and Sunday Reed in the early 1950s and they were among the first collectors of his work. Sunday introduced him to the poetry of John Shaw Neilson, which informed his compelling Schoolgirl paintings, while his remarkable Alice in Wonderland series is infused with references to life at Heide. Through the generosity of donors the museum has been able to build on the collection of Blackman’s work acquired by the Reeds and this exhibition celebrates Heide’s substantial holdings. As well as a fascinating range of artwork it showcases original archival material from the Charles Blackman papers, a significant donation by the artist in 2013.