While the Students’ Club Brack Collection of art has long included Indigenous works, the College itself began collecting Aboriginal paintings in 2017 with a bequest from Robin Sharwood.

A distinguished scholar who also made significant contributions to the Anglican Church and public life, Professor Sharwood was a senior tutor at Ormond from 1959-63. He retained a strong connection to the College after moving on to roles including Professor of Law at the Australian National University and Warden of Trinity College. 

Above: Maringka Baker, 2017m 17-244 Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa (Two Sisters Dreaming) (detail), acrylic on canvas. 

The Sharwood Collection includes works from all over Australia, reflecting Ormond students’ diverse geographic origins. In another echo of the Ormond community, there are paintings in the collection by young and emerging artists as well as more established painters, many of whom mentor younger members of their communities.

Above: Ray Ken, 2017, Tali – Sand Dune (detail), acrylic on canvas.

The paintings were all purchased from ethical sources and Ormond hopes to continue to grow this collection of Indigenous art. 

Share your Ormond story

Every Ormondian has their own unique experience of College life, and their own story to tell. What Ormond moment stands out in your memory? Whether on the sporting field or the stage, in the JCR, Dining Hall or on Picken Lawn, share your favourite story of life at Ormond College.