Caulfield art collecting couple put private collection on display

MELBOURNE architect Charles Justin is sharing his art collection with the wider community at the Glen Eira Council Gallery.

Glen Eira Council has an exhibition of works from the private collection of Melbourne architect Charles Justin who with his wife Leah share a desire to make their art collection accessible to the wider community. 'Perceptions of Space: Justin Collection'. Charles Justin pictured with some of the work in his collection. Picture: Sarah Matray

“PRIVATE collectors rarely display their works publicly.’’

Melbourne architect and Caulfield resident Charles Justin should know — he has been collecting art for decades.

Mr Justin and his wife Leah have bucked that trend by working with Glen Eira Council on an exhibition currently on display in the Glen Eira town hall gallery.

‘Perceptions of Space: Justin Collection’ blurs the notion of private and public and showcases almost 50 works by leading and emerging Australian and international artists.

The theme is ‘space’ — from urban to contemporary, virtual, architectural and beyond — and it is curated by the gallery’s Diane Soumilas.

The Justins share a desire to make their art collection accessible to others and they were surprised when they saw the finished result.

“This is the first time we’ve seen the collection displayed this way ourselves, in one place like this, and the first time we’ve seen it curated in a sequence that reflects the intent of the collection,’’ Mr Justin said.

“It’s a collection of museum quality and curation of an international standard.’’

Perceptions of Space: Justin Collection is at the council gallery at the corner of Glen Eira and Hawthorn roads, Caulfield, until June 15.

The gallery is open 10am-5pm weekdays and 1-5pm weekends.