Alan McCulloch’s World of Art

Join us for an engaging conversation at Beleura House and Gardens with Rodney James, the author of "Letters to a Critic” and MPRG Director, Danny Lacy.

Rodney James, renowned art historian, consultant, and former curator at the MPRG, has recently unveiled his latest work, 'Letters to a Critic', a thought-provoking exploration into the life and legacy of Alan McCulloch.

Alan McCulloch, an esteemed artist, advocate, and longstanding art critic for The Melbourne Herald, left an indelible mark on the Australian art scene. He was also the visionary behind the founding of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery. Through James’s rich narrative, McCulloch's persona is revived, shedding light on his relationships with prominent artists such as Arthur Boyd, Fred Williams, and John Perceval, both locally and nationally.

This discussion promises to offer invaluable insights into the vision and unwavering resolve of the man behind the establishment of the original gallery on Vancouver Street in 1971. McCulloch's enduring influence paved the way for the inception of the current gallery, which proudly opened its doors in 1990.

Afternoon tea will be served at the conclusion of the conversation.

There is no parking at Beleura, so guests are asked to park at the Mornington Golf Club where a minibus shuttle will be waiting to take you onto the grounds, from 1pm.

1pm - 1.30pm - Bus transfer to Beleura
1.30pm - 2.30pm - Conversation
2.30pm - 3pm - Afternoon tea
3pm - Buses return to Golf Club

Rodney James is a highly regarded art consultant and valuer who specialises in providing quality and affordable collection valuations, research, writing and strategic advice for galleries and museums throughout Australia. Accredited through the Australian Government Cultural Gifts Program to value Australian paintings, watercolours, prints, drawings, photographs, and sculpture from 1850 to the present and Australian ceramics, cartoons and political ephemera, Rodney has played a leading role in managing, reporting on and valuing many public and private collections of Australian art since 1985.

Image: Rod James and Danny Lacy