The pieces in this exhibition are a representative selection from the Tasmanian Wood Design Collection. This museum collection of contemporary Tasmanian wood design is housed in a stunning contemporary building built by David Travalia and Richard Leplastrier, the Design Centre – Tasmania. The structure, which was recently listed in the top 1000 contemporary buildings in the world, one was purpose-built to house the Wood Design Collection and overlooks the tranquil spaces of Launceston’s City Park. The cascade of five galleries built of concrete, plaster and sandstone provides a space for the quiet contemplation of the work of Tasmania’s leading designers.

Other exhibitions of art, craft and design are also held at the Design Centre when space is available. Thematic and spatial interactions between these exhibitions and the Wood Design Collection pieces are encouraged.
A large retail gallery is housed in a historic building annexed to the complex. This is the former Design Centre of Tasmania, a successful retail art and craft gallery established in 1976. Its founder, Gary Cleveland, has been a significant figure in the history of Tasmanian wood design and was instrumental in the formation of the Tasmanian Wood Design Collection. In 2002 the retail gallery became a not-for-profit trust, the proceeds of which directly fund the operation of the Design Centre galleries, including the Wood Design Collection.

The Tasmanian Wood Design Collection itself was established in 1991 as a not-for-profit organisation administered by a voluntary Board of Directors. Its aims are to sustain the wood design industry in Tasmania, to further the cause of Tasmanian identity, to create an identity for Tasmania as a place of excellence in the world and to inspire the world community with the potency of design.Acquisitions for the Collection must meet strict criteria, including the use of wood as an important feature of the piece, quality, innovation in design and the identification of the designer as Tasmanian or a resident of Tasmania. Every two years a Grand Biennial Exhibition is held, at which an independent panel of judges awards prizes in several categories. Some pieces are then selected for the Collection. In November 2004 an Acquisitions Advisory Panel was formed to assist the Board of the Wood Design Collection with accessions. The Tasmanian Wood Design Collection has undertaken a number of successful international tours. In 1996 it was the sole invited participant at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York, where it won the ICFF Editors’ Award for Craftsmanship.

In 1998 the Collection was taken to Europe where it toured to the Einsteinhaus, Germany, Göteburg, Sweden and the Design Museum, Finland. In 1999 an Arts Council tour was undertaken and in November that year some pieces toured to China. In January 2003 selected pieces went to Seoul, Korea, to support an Australia Day furniture and trade mission at the Grand Hyatt. Hitherto the Wood Design Collection has not toured widely within Australia (although a selection of pieces was sent to Object Galleries, Sydney in 1998 and to Parliament House, Canberra in March and April 2000). This tour of regional venues in Victoria and South Australia is, therefore, the first opportunity for the wider Australian community to experience the Wood Design Collection first-hand. I hope you enjoy Aspects of the Tasmanian Wood Design Collection.


Dr Astrid Wootton
Exhibition Curator