S.H. Ervin Gallery
The S.H. Ervin Gallery is one of Sydney ’s leading public art institutions housed in the historic National Trust Centre on Observatory Hill, The Rocks in Sydney. The Gallery’s exhibition program is designed to explore the richness and diversity of Australian art, both historical and contemporary, and present it in new contexts. The Gallery is renowned for encouraging research and promoting scholarly appraisal of artists from all periods of Australian art history. In addition, the S.H. Ervin Gallery has developed an excellent name for presenting important exhibitions and programs that recognise the valuable contribution made by Australian women artists.
Background 
The Gallery building dates from 1856, when it was designed by Henry Robertson as additional classroom accommodation for the expanding Fort Street School (which later became Fort Street Girl’s School in 1916).The school operated on the site until the early 1970s. Around this time, philanthropist and collector, Samuel Henry Ervin offered a bequest for the establishment of a public art gallery committed to the display of Australian art. The National Trust secured the lease of the former Fort Street Girls’ School buildings from the NSW Department of Public Works. Following restoration of the buildings, the S. H. Ervin Gallery was officially opened in May 1978, by NSW Premier Neville Wran, with an exhibition of works by Conrad Martens.
Collection
The Gallery's collection includes the S. H. Ervin Bequest, the Alan Renshaw Bequest, the Mavis E. Cope Bequest, as well as many other gifts and acquisitions. Among the artists represented are many significant figures from the 19 th and 20 th centuries, including Conrad Martens, Eugene von Guerard, Arthur Streeton, Donald Friend, Nora Heysen, Thea Proctor, Margaret Preston, Lloyd Rees, James Gleeson and Jeffrey Smart.
Exhibitions
The S.H. Ervin Gallery hosts seven exhibitions each year, including travelling exhibitions, which focus on the work of Australian artists. The Gallery has presented major survey exhibitions of artists including Clarice Beckett, Albert Tucker, Violet Teague, Kathleen O'Connor, Margo Lewers, Jean Bellette, William Robinson and John Coburn. The S.H. Ervin Gallery also hosts popular annual shows including the Salon des Refusés : The alternative Archibald and Wynne Prize, and the Portia Geach Memorial Award for women artists.
Public Program
The Public Program of guest speakers is hosted each Sunday at 3pm in the gallery exhibition space. Exhibition floortalks are held on Tuesdays at 12 noon . Talks are free with exhibition entry. Special group bookings and school tours (see school programs) as arranged.
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WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY ART WORKSHOPS 10th July - Abstract Painting 11th July - Mapping the Hill 17th July - Eco-Art Collage Click here for more information on the July workshops Cost: $33 or $30 NT members per workshop. Booking Essential. P: (02) 9258 0122 or email: evenables@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au |
ACCESSIBILITY
Click here to download an accessibility guide
Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility
A wheelchair ramp allows access to the Cafe and Gallery. A wheelchair is available on request for the duration of your visit. Printed information on exhibits is at wheelchair height.
Blind and visually impaired
Braille and audio tours are not currently available.
Guide/hearing dogs
Guide dogs are welcome. Please contact the Gallery for handling requirements.
Deaf and hearing impaired
No induction loops are fitted in the Gallery.
Parking
A designated parking space is available in the National Trust car park, next to the wheelchair ramp.
Accessible toilets
Available inside the National Trust Centre, next to the wheelchair ramp.
HOW TO FIND US
Watson Road (entry from Argyle Street )
Observatory Hill, The Rocks
ON FOOT
From Circular Quay : Walk to George Street , The Rocks. Turn left into Argyle Street and walk under the famous Argyle Cut to climb the stairs opposite the Garrison Church. Turn left at the top of the stairs and follow Watson Road past the Sydney Observatory to the National Trust Centre.
From Kent Street : Follow the historic Agar Steps (opposite the Observatory Hotel) up to the National Trust Centre.
From Wynyard and the city : At No. 1 York Street walk through the expressway underpass. Follow the tunnel, keeping to the right, until you come up on Kent Street . Walk along Kent Street to the Agar Steps, or follow the approach to the Bridge, which will take you past the National Trust Centre on your left.
BY CAR
Drive down Kent Street , right into Argyle Street , right again into Watson Road and follow it around past the Sydney Observatory to the National Trust Centre.
Parking on site available.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Bus: routes, 308, 339, 343, X43 & X39, 431, 432, 433, 434 all terminate at Argyle Street . Walk up Watson Road , Observatory Hill and follow the signs.
Train: to Wynyard or Circular Quay
Ferry: to Circular Quay and proceed as above
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