The Society had its beginning as long ago as 1870 when a small group of artists and lay persons met in magistrate James Robertson's house at Blessington St., St.Kilda, to form the Victorian Academy of the Arts - the direct ancestor of the VAS. Among the founders were Louis Buvelot, J A Panton, Thomas Clark and Hubert de Castella. This heavyweight group were instrumental in not only securing the Crown Land Grant on which our building now stands, but in the early establishment of the Society as a legal entity.
Immediately following the grant of land in Albert St. (1873) a small blue stone building was erected which although almost totally subsumed by the present building, still serves both as a studio and a reminder of our colonial past.
In 1886 the professional artist members led by Streeton, Roberts and Charles Conder broke away and formed the Australian Artists Association. This split did not last long and in 1887 talks commenced to reunite the two groups and in 1887 the Victorian Artists Society was born of this union.
The Building is on the Register of the Historic Buildings Council and listed with the National Trust of Victoria.
The Victorian Artists Society building was designed by Richard Speight Jnr., who won the competition for its design. The building incorporated the original studio built by Corben and Stuart for the Victorian Academy of Arts in 1874. The winning tender was submitted by William Massey and the building completed in 1892.
The facade of the building owes much to the American Romanesque tradition, pioneered by American architects Richardson and Sullivan. The detailing of the interior is more Victorian in character. The building is essentially intact apart from minor 20th century alterations.
The building and the Society are historically significant because they have been associated with the early career of almost every eminent Australian artist of this and the last century.
The Facade was completely restored to original scale by - Architect Allan Willingham.
For further information relating to the history of the Victorian Artists Society you may contact Joyce McGrath artsinfo@labyrinth.net.au or the secretary vicartists@vicnet.net.au