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Portrait of Vice-Chancellor unveiled

12 March 2008

A portrait of Vice-Chancellor Richard Larkins has been unveiled as part of an exhibition of past and present Monash Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors at Robert Blackwood Hall.

A recently completed portrait of Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins is one of 12 paintings of past and present Monash Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors on long-term display at Robert Blackwood Hall, Clayton Campus.

An initiative of Monash's jubilee celebrations, the exhibition was timed to coincide with the first round of graduations in early March.

Monash University Museum of Art Director Max Delany said the display of portraits represented the University's leadership over the past 50 years, as well as the changing face of portraiture.

"Among the portraits are significant works by Fred Williams, William Dargie, Clifton Pugh, John Scurry and Wes Walters," Mr Delany said.

"We are also especially pleased to unveil the recently commissioned portrait of Monash's current Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Richard Larkins AO, by Melbourne artist Juan Ford.

"Ford's portrait has been completed in a heightened realist style, whilst also referencing the process and research involved in the making of the portrait itself."

Mr Delany said Monash's first Vice-Chancellor, Sir Louis Matheson, championed the acquisition of artworks for the University.

"Four decades on and the Monash University collection, now numbering over 1,500 works, is considered of national significance," Mr Delany said.

"The portraits currently on display in Blackwood Hall are an intriguing aspect of this collection."