Collecting for the Nation

Overview

From ceramic cockatoos and hand-painted china to splendid silverware and historic paintings, Collecting for the Nation illustrates a broad sweep of Australian history and culture through the stories of the artworks in The Australiana Fund's unique collection. Written by Australia's most respected authors on architecture, art, and decorative arts and design, Collecting for the Nation opens the doors of Australia's four state houses – the vice-regal residences of Government House and Admiralty House and, the prime ministerial residences of The Lodge and Kirribilli House. The Australiana Fund's collection is a 'working collection' selected to be both beautiful and useful – and all objects highlight an aspect of Australia's cultural heritage, and bring to life the intertwined stories of the houses and the people who lived in them.

Reviews

"This wonderful collection is itself a work of history which shows great sensitivity to the simple truth that our 'things' really do matter." —Dr. Mathew Trinca, Director, National Museum of Australia 

"Collecting for the Nation is a visual feast and a fascinating story about Australia's four national homes." —Anne-Marie Schwirtlich AM, Director General, National Library of Australia

Author Biography

Jennifer Sanders is currently a Councillor and Deputy Chair with The Australiana Fund. She was Deputy Director at the Powerhouse Museum (2001–2009), after being appointed curator in 1978. This was followed by positions as senior curator, decorative arts & design, and Assistant Director Collections in 1988. Awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 1981, she attended the Museum Management Institute, Berkeley, USA, in 1987. Jennifer was a member of the National Cultural Heritage Committee (2000–2008) and was awarded a Centenary of Federation medal in 2003.