Fine Arts Exhibition 1869

The Fine Arts Exhibition of 1869 was an exhibition to celebrate the opening of the new front portion of the BMI including the four floors, basement and lookout tower on the roof.

The new building cost 12000 pounds, with a debt of 6000 pounds.

This was an extensive event, running over an extended period, with most of the rooms in both the early and recently erected portions having exhibits. There were music events, and a special train from Melbourne with Governor of Victoria H.C.Manners-Sutton and two carriages of guests on board.

The BMI before the new 1869 four level frontage was built. Note the Mining Exchange next door, the existing BMI Heritage and Reading room at the rear. The room with the single window in front of the Mechanics Institute sign is where the steps went up to the theatre level.(Max Harris photo)

Exhibitors included Mr. Eugene Von Guerard and also a painting of the previous Governor of Victoria, Sir Henry Barkly, by Thomas Clark, which incidentally, was sold in 2007 for $90,000.

The provenance was, by the seller, shown in the “Fine Arts Exhibition, Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, 21 July 1869, cat.9, as ‘Sir Henry Barkly’, (remnants of label attached verso), exhibited first by the artist and then the Melbourne art dealer, G.H. Powis, who was responsible for the exhibition’s presentation. 

Sir Henry Barkly (State library)

There were to be many events and performances of great note to follow the Fine arts Exhibition opening event, including many dinners, the Christy minstrels, Mark Twain, Barnham and Bailey, and after 155 years, still continuing.

Governor Sir Henry Barkly Farewell Dinner

Click here for an in depth look at the BMI archives for 1869.

From the BMI archives…

Letter from Mr. W.H. Batten, secretary of the BMI May 1869”.

Advising that the Committee intends to celebrate the opening of the building by an exhibition of Fine Arts, and soliciting  the loan of any works of Art or objects of interest. Also advises that the building cost twelve thousand pounds, they have 1100 members and 20,000 volumes were circulated last year. Debt was six thousand dollars 

Letter to star newspaper 27 01 1869 from the BMI.

 A handwritten item for inclusion in the Star Newspaper giving details of the progress on the decorating of the BMI Hall.   Gives details of the colours used, mouldings of the ceiling radiant in gold and blue, pilasters from floor to cornice are marble veined and the mouldings that run around the hall beneath the windows a ruddy brown hue.  (A comment is made that “the elegant hall in the Inter-Colonial Exhibition in Melbourne now looks a little seedy ……… but the hall of the BMI promises to be visible soon as a bright clean room radiant in colour and with excellent proportions”)

Letter to Mr. Eugene Von Guerard Esq., Melbourne 1869

Letter of thanks for loan of valuable paintings for exhibition and consenting to conditions stipulated.

Letter to Commissioner of railways 15 7 1869

Expressing the thanks of the Institute for the liberal manner in which the Railway department has assisted them in the preparation of the Fine Arts Exhibition. As His Excellency, the Governor intends travel by Special Train to visit the Exhibition, the Institute requests that one or two carriages be added to accommodate their invited guests.

Letter from.  H.C.Manners-Sutton, private secretary, Governor of Victoria.

Answering four questions: 1. 3pm is an appropriate time to start the Opening Ceremony. 2.  His Excellency requests a private viewing before the opening.  3.  There is no objection to extra carriages being attached to his train.  4.  The time he leaves Melbourne will be communicated as soon as it has been decided..