Shire of Plantagenet Art Collection

As well as producing wine, wool, timber and grain, the Shire of Plantagenet has been fertile ground for many creative endeavours. A mural project, involving international and local mural artists, has transformed the walls of many buildings in the picturesque town of Mount Barker. Each mural depicts a story of a fascinating aspect of the region’s history. To the east of the town is the majestic Porongurup, or ‘Borrongup’, Range which is one of the most sacred cultural sites for the Menang Noongar people. The forest at the foot of the ranges becomes a sculpture gallery when the popular outdoor sculpture competition, Art in the Park, is presented each Easter. This Shire is another local government area which has benefitted from the generosity of Claude Hotchin, the philanthropist and arts patron. In 1956 Hotchin donated 36 paintings to the Shire. This was the first of several donations that he made to the Shire, with a total of 57 being donated by the time of his last donation in 1972. Most of these are now displayed on the walls of the Mt Barker Library, the Community Resource Centre and in the Shire Offices.