There’s more than one teacher at Bendigo Senior Secondary College who would like to take the credit for teaching the National Gallery of Victoria’s new director.
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Tony Ellwood (pictured), who took up his new role with the gallery on August 1, is still remembered by several of his former teachers including Marg Standen.
Of the many students Ms Standen has taught over the years, she says Mr Ellwood stood out.
“Tony was a mature student for his age and showed enormous enthusiasm for his art ,” she said.
“As a student, he took every opportunity to extend his knowledge and skills.”
With his twin brother, Deane, Mr Ellwood attended BSSC in 1984 and 1985.
Both brothers started degree courses at La Trobe University Bendigo.
Tony studied art history and painting in fine arts and completed a masters in museum management at Deakin University.
From there he was appointed the Waringarri Aboriginal Arts Co-operative in the Kimberleys, the Bendigo Art Gallery director, the NGV deputy director, the Queensland Gallery director and, finally, to his current position of director at the NGV.
Meanwhile, his brother is currently the director of Southern Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation.
When contacted by the Bendigo Miner, Mr Ellwood said he was very excited to be back at the NGV and back in his home state of Victoria.
“We are lucky to have so many significant cultural institutions in this region and I look forward to making my contribution to the next phase in our state’s great cultural history,” he said.
“We already have an exciting and ambitious program of exhibitions and events planned over summer and we are looking at new ways of engaging regional audiences through touring exhibitions.
“And I hope to see some of my old friends from Bendigo here at the NGV.”
n For exhibition information, visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au