Our History
Five decades in the Australian art market, from a purpose-built gallery in North Caulfield. The story of Lauraine Diggins OAM, the gallery she built, and the work that continues.
1974
Beginnings
Lauraine’s professional involvement in Australian art commenced in 1974 with her acquisition of Bartoni Gallery in South Yarra, where she flourished and developed into a highly respected dealer. The early 1980s saw Lauraine compiling expansive exhibitions of Australian art from her home in North Caulfield, building the reputation for scholarship and integrity that drew the attention of collectors, institutions and artists alike.
1988
A purpose-built gallery
In 1988 Lauraine established a purpose-built gallery for Lauraine Diggins Fine Art, designed by architect Graeme Gunn to provide an environment of discretion, contemplation and warmth. It opened with the exhibition The Antipodeans: Another Chapter, a statement of intent that positioned the gallery at the forefront of serious Australian art dealing.
The gallery’s philosophy is about establishing long-term relationships with clients, focusing on their interests, assessing their needs, and meeting their objectives.
Lauraine Diggins OAM
Founder and Director, 1974 to 2019
Lauraine’s confident, engaging manner, matched with an extraordinary work ethic, paved her success in securing and placing a great number of significant artworks in both private and public collections. Her support of artists encompassed relationships and exhibitions from those just starting their careers to others firmly established in the canon of Australian art history, and her concern for a rounded experience for private, corporate and institutional clients led many to become lifelong friends.
Her involvement in the arts extended well beyond the gallery walls. Lauraine was an approved valuer under the Australian Government Cultural Gifts Program and an expert assessor for the Protection of Moveable Cultural Heritage Act, and served as honorary valuer for a number of State funded touring exhibitions. She was a regular guest lecturer at the University of Melbourne and an Industry Partner with the Ian Potter Museum of Art on the authentication of Australian art, and supported universities including Deakin and Melbourne through lecture series and board positions.
Scholarship
Catalogues and education
From the outset the gallery placed scholarship at the centre of its work. Fully illustrated, well-documented catalogues accompanied many exhibitions, and the gallery engaged expert writers and speakers to grow public understanding of Australian art. This passion came partly out of respect for the integrity of each artwork, and partly from Lauraine’s desire to provide an educational focus.
In 1989 Lauraine curated the landmark exhibition A Myriad of Dreaming: Twentieth Century Aboriginal Art, which toured interstate with a fully illustrated scholarly catalogue. The publication did much to explain the visual language of Aboriginal art and was used by the Melbourne Olympic bid in its presentation to each of the Olympic delegates. In 1992 Lauraine developed the first comprehensive private course on the study of Australian art. Her carefully curated Collectors’ survey shows drew perhaps the highest acclaim of all.
Aboriginal Art and Culture
A deep and ongoing commitment
Over many decades the gallery cultivated strong relationships with Australian Aboriginal communities. From 2000 to 2004 Lauraine represented the community of Ampilatwatja, and the gallery continues to work with select artists from Utopia in Central Australia, the region from which the internationally celebrated Emily Kam Kngwarray came, and an area of particular passion for Lauraine.
The gallery’s promotion of Utopia artists through exhibitions in Australia and abroad brought their work to wider international attention. It led to the commission of Gloria Petyarr’s design for a scarf by the fashion house Hermès, the only Australian artist honoured in this way. Lauraine wore one of these scarves to her OAM investiture.
International Profile
Australian art on a world stage
The gallery has participated in major international art fairs and exhibitions across four continents, introducing Australian art to collectors who might not otherwise encounter it. Past engagements include two exhibitions at the China Club in Hong Kong (1994), SOFA Chicago, Australian Modern in Milan (2001), Memory as Landscape at the October Gallery in London (2005), ArtParis (2004, 2005, 2006), and the Moscow World Fine Art Fair (2008). The gallery continues to consult with international collectors and institutions upon request.
Notable Placements
Works placed in major institutions
Lauraine placed significant works into all the major Australian public institutions, as well as many regional and university collections Australia-wide and private collections here and overseas.
- National Gallery of Australia
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
- National Gallery of Victoria
- Queensland Art Gallery
- Art Gallery of South Australia
- Art Gallery of Western Australia
- Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
- Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
- Museums and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- National Library of Australia
- State Library of Victoria
- + many regional and university collections
Recognition
A Medal of the Order of Australia
In 2019 Lauraine was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours for services to the museums and galleries sector. Beyond her reputation in the commercial art world and her relationships with numerous artists, Lauraine enriched the visual arts in this country through her support and philanthropic contribution to many public institutions, particularly her passion for placing artworks in public collections for all the nation to enjoy. You can read her OAM citation here.
The gallery remains a member of the Australian Antiques and Art Dealers Association, the Art Consulting Association of Australia, the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia, and CINOA.
In Memoriam
Vale, Lauraine Diggins OAM
Lauraine Diggins OAM passed away in April 2019. It was her long cherished hope that the gallery she created would continue to provide the same knowledge, passion and integrity for which she was so long admired and respected.
A public memorial service was held on Monday 17 June 2019 at The Pavilion, Arts Centre Melbourne. Tributes were given by:
- Ms Lin Oke — Reflections from the OT Group (Occupational Therapy)
- Dr Daniel Thomas AM — Director Emeritus, Art Gallery of South Australia
- Ms Antonia Syme — Director, Australian Tapestry Workshop
- Mr Adrian Newstead OAM — Founding Director, Cooee Art
- Mr Steve Dimopoulos MP — MLA for Oakleigh
- Dr Gerard Vaughan AM — former Director, National Gallery of Australia
- Ms Anne-Marie Schwirtlich — former Director General, National Library of Australia
Today
The gallery continues
The gallery continues under Gallery Co-Directors Michael Blanche and Nerida Blanche, with Gallery Manager Ruth Lovell, maintaining the philosophy, standards and relationships that Lauraine built over a lifetime. The collection changes constantly as new works arrive and exhibitions are curated, and clients are advised with the same care and scholarship the gallery has always offered. Visitors may still be greeted by the gallery dogs, a long-standing and much-loved part of the Diggins experience.
Visit the Gallery
North Caulfield VIC 3161
Boonwurrung Country
Sat – Sun Mon by appointment
Closed Public Holidays
ausart@diggins.com.au
Work With Us
Enquire about the collection
Whether you are beginning a collection, looking for a specific work, considering a consignment, or simply curious about a particular artist, the gallery welcomes all enquiries.