Art Almanac: National Art School Archives and Collection

Art Almanac: National Art School Archives and Collection

2022-08-09

Sydney’s National Art School (NAS) is the custodian of a rich historical archive brimming with thousands of student artworks across a variety of media, objects, photographs, and documentation related to both the current art school and former gaol site, which are organised across three collection categories.

The Student Collection is the largest, comprising works created on site by NAS students, teaching aids, and plaster casts; The Art Collection consists of a range of artworks by students and teachers in their later careers who are celebrated in the art world; and The Archive Collection boasts over 700 historical items, among them are photographs, gaol plans, manuscripts, film, rare student files, diplomas, catalogues, snapshots of students and staff from the 1920s, and more.

Art Almanac goes behind the scenes with NAS Archivist and Collections Manager, Deborah Beck, to find out how the items are acquired, preserved, and managed, and the ways in which the historically important material is shared with students and the wider-reaching public.

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Article by: Kirsty Francis. Image: Debora Beck in the NAS Archives with paintings from the NAS Collection including Untitled (male model) c. 1947 by Tony Tuckson

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We’re looking for an Event Manager - Application Deadline Sunday 29 June

The Event Manager will have strong experience in hospitality, licensed venue operations, and event delivery. This role delivers a wide range of internal and external events, including Graduate Shows, Gallery Openings, Public Programs, Fundraisers, and Open Day. NAS also operates as a commercial venue, hiring the Cell Block Theatre for weddings, corporate events, and product launches.

Apply at the link in bio.

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Jun 22

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We’re looking for an Event Manager - Application Deadline Sunday 29 June

The Event Manager will have strong experience in hospitality, licensed venue operations, and event delivery. This role delivers a wide range of internal and external events, including Graduate Shows, Gallery Openings, Public Programs, Fundraisers, and Open Day. NAS also operates as a commercial venue, hiring the Cell Block Theatre for weddings, corporate events, and product launches.

Apply at the link in bio.

Call out for all National Art School alumni and staff: There are only 8 days left to apply for two international residency opportunities for 2026: The Onslow Storrier NAS Residency La Cité Internationale Des Arts, Paris and The British School at Rome.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scenes of two iconic European cities, Paris and Rome, and further develop your artistic practice in an enriching cultural environment.

Visit our website for more information and apply before Sunday 29 June 2025 (link in bio).

—
Sophia Lee Georgas BSR Open Studio, 2023, image courtesy and © The British School at Rome; Harry de Vries BSR Open Studio, 2024, image courtesy and © The British School at Rome

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Jun 21

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Call out for all National Art School alumni and staff: There are only 8 days left to apply for two international residency opportunities for 2026: The Onslow Storrier NAS Residency La Cité Internationale Des Arts, Paris and The British School at Rome.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scenes of two iconic European cities, Paris and Rome, and further develop your artistic practice in an enriching cultural environment.

Visit our website for more information and apply before Sunday 29 June 2025 (link in bio).

—
Sophia Lee Georgas BSR Open Studio, 2023, image courtesy and © The British School at Rome; Harry de Vries BSR Open Studio, 2024, image courtesy and © The British School at Rome

Today is ‘Take Your Dog to Work’ day! And we`ve brought the whole kennel, courtesy of the National Art School Collection.

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Frank Pearson (Captain Starlight), ‘Two dogs, a white donkey and sailing boats’, 1890, watercolour on paper, Gift of Allan Harding to the NAS Archive & Collection; Margaret Woodward, ‘Dog (Bull Mastiff)’, 1997, watercolour and ink on paper, Gift of Britt Clapson to the NAS Archive & Collection; Bruce Latimer, ‘Gardens full of dogs’, 1973, screenprint on paper edition AP, Gift of Bruce Latimer to the NAS Archive & Collection; Lorna Nimmo ‘Sleeping dog’, pencil on paper; Vivienne Littlejohn, ‘It’s a Dog’s Life’, 1983, woodcut on paper, Gift of Joy Dandie to the NAS Archive & Collection; image courtesy the artists and National Art School © artists.

From the National Art School Collection. The Collection performs a major role within the National Art School, both as a teaching resource and historical record. Visit our website to find out more about the works in our collection.

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Jun 20

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Today is ‘Take Your Dog to Work’ day! And we've brought the whole kennel, courtesy of the National Art School Collection.

—
Frank Pearson (Captain Starlight), ‘Two dogs, a white donkey and sailing boats’, 1890, watercolour on paper, Gift of Allan Harding to the NAS Archive & Collection; Margaret Woodward, ‘Dog (Bull Mastiff)’, 1997, watercolour and ink on paper, Gift of Britt Clapson to the NAS Archive & Collection; Bruce Latimer, ‘Gardens full of dogs’, 1973, screenprint on paper edition AP, Gift of Bruce Latimer to the NAS Archive & Collection; Lorna Nimmo ‘Sleeping dog’, pencil on paper; Vivienne Littlejohn, ‘It’s a Dog’s Life’, 1983, woodcut on paper, Gift of Joy Dandie to the NAS Archive & Collection; image courtesy the artists and National Art School © artists.

From the National Art School Collection. The Collection performs a major role within the National Art School, both as a teaching resource and historical record. Visit our website to find out more about the works in our collection.

Last days to make a tax deductible donation and support the next generation of artists through the Pathways Program.

Your donation this EOFY is vital to help us build a more inclusive and vibrant arts community. Your donation supports a range of programs such as the Student Hardship Fund, Scholarships and Residencies. Help create crucial pathways for talented artists.

Visit link in bio to donate now.

`I think when you walk into the campus, it feels like a sanctuary for a lot of people.` (Samuel Chan, NAS Alumnus 2024)

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Jun 19

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Last days to make a tax deductible donation and support the next generation of artists through the Pathways Program.

Your donation this EOFY is vital to help us build a more inclusive and vibrant arts community. Your donation supports a range of programs such as the Student Hardship Fund, Scholarships and Residencies. Help create crucial pathways for talented artists.

Visit link in bio to donate now.

'I think when you walk into the campus, it feels like a sanctuary for a lot of people.' (Samuel Chan, NAS Alumnus 2024)

We are seeking candidates with strong experience in the areas of extensive audit, governance or philanthropy experience, and strong art and education sector knowledge to join the National Art School Board of Directors.

Our mission is to be a centre of excellence for the provision of higher education and research, scholarship and professional practice in the visual arts and related fields. Members of the Board play a vital role in long-term strategic planning and providing expert advice and support to the shareholding members and Director (CEO) on any matter relating to the school.

Visit I work for NSW website to express your interest (link in bio).

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Jun 18

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We are seeking candidates with strong experience in the areas of extensive audit, governance or philanthropy experience, and strong art and education sector knowledge to join the National Art School Board of Directors.

Our mission is to be a centre of excellence for the provision of higher education and research, scholarship and professional practice in the visual arts and related fields. Members of the Board play a vital role in long-term strategic planning and providing expert advice and support to the shareholding members and Director (CEO) on any matter relating to the school.

Visit I work for NSW website to express your interest (link in bio).

A new student-led, artist-run initiative joined our campus!

‘Pinpoint’ student collective (@nas_pinpoint) reactivates the notice boards outside Building 27 printmaking facility with micro-exhibitions of student work, offering students a chance to share their practice in a low-pressure, highly visible way within the student community.

Artwork by @jubohlephoto
Supported by @nas_src_official & @cafe.nas

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Jun 17

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Art Almanac: National Art School Archives and Collection