Pressing donation

August 2010

The family of late Australian artist Robert Grieve has donated his personal printing press to the Faculty of Art & Design.

The cast iron Japanese etching press was purchased new in Japan in the 1970s by Grieve, who then had it shipped to Australia.

Born in Melbourne in 1924 and among the first Australian abstract artists, Robert Grieve’s work – painting, printmaking and collage – was particularly influenced by his early studies as a scientist and long association with Japanese art and culture.

He exhibited regularly throughout Australia and his work is represented in the National Gallery of Australia and many state and regional galleries.

Robert Grieve’s daughter Anna (BA (Hons) 1981) visited the faculty recently to see the restored printing press in action.

Anna, a documentary film producer, studied visual arts and cinema studies at Monash.

“We really wanted Dad’s press to continue as a working press,” she said.

“He had a strong involvement with the Print Council of Australia so we contacted them and they identified the need for the press at Monash.

“It seemed like a great tribute to dad that it would be used and be useful to students because he often worked as an art teacher and was so supportive of student learning.

"It’s a beautiful piece of machinery and I’m absolutely ecstatic that it’s found its way to Monash.”

Marian Crawford, Studio Coordinator of Printmedia Programs in the Department of Fine Arts, said the press was a significant piece of equipment for the printmedia studio.

“It provides greater access to printing etchings for our growing and busy student body and because it’s a smaller press than our other two machines, it is the perfect size for some of our student’s smaller works,” Ms Crawford said.

“It is a welcome addition to the studio and will build on the professionalism and learning experiences of our students.”