Author(s): Charlotte Smith

Australian Studies

Visions of Colonial Grandeur explores Melbourne's international exhibitions through the art collection of 19th-century businessman John Twycross. John Twycross, also known as Top Hat, was a merchant and art collector who lived and worked in 'Marvellous Melbourne'. In this boom period of the 1880s, a confident Melbourne hosted two international exhibitions and the best and latest in trade and culture was seen by millions in the newly-built (Royal) Exhibition Building. Twycross was an enthusiastic participant in the growing Melbourne art market and, during his frequent visits to the international exhibitions, purchased hundreds of exquisite fine art objects and paintings, building a collection that was treasured by four generations of the Twycross family and is now part of the Museum Victoria collection. This unique book features both archival photographs and colour images of some of the beautiful and significant art works in the Twycross collection. It is also an insightful study of the development of a collection, exploring the world of the international exhibitions and the thriving art trade in 19th-century Melbourne.