Gordon Elliott and Michael Eyes: On a Shoestring

When Gordon Elliott and Michael Eyes open their Victorian terrace in Erskineville to the public, they’re sharing more than just their 470-work art collection—they’re demonstrating the generous spirit that has driven their collecting practice for over two decades. The couple, who got together twenty-one years ago, began building their collection when Gordon moved into the house on Gadigal Country six years prior to their relationship. Their approach to collecting mirrors their approach to hospitality: it’s built on sustained support, trust, and nurturing long-term relationships with artists. Gordon teaches line dancing while Michael owns the Woollahra Bookshop, and together they’ve created something remarkable.

Gordon explains, “We have worked on a limited budget, managing to amass the collection by paying works off slowly thanks to acts of grace from artists and galleries. We are interested in sustained support for artists, allowing our collection to show the realisations that happen over a career. The first major artist we collected was James Gleeson, and we now have over thirty of his works.”

Michael is from Aotearoa/New Zealand and Gordon is Australian. Reflecting their origins, the collection represents their homelands, with a smattering of international pieces. With conviction in “buying what we love,” they have collected Michael Zavros, Rick Amor, Euan Macleod, Todd Fuller, Alex Seton, Nell, Jess Johnson, Gregor Kregar, Noel McKenna, Adam Stone, Robert Fielding and Terry Stringer among others. Many of the works in the collection focus on the male figure. Gordon explains, “We like the idea of the figure being in the landscape. This gives the landscape reference.”

Gordon notes, “We always make the effort to try to get to know artists. We invite them to the house so they can see their work in relation to the collection. We try to help artists where we can. If we go on holiday, we invite an artist to stay.” In a further act of generosity, they have considered how their contributions can be sustained. A bequest has been set up with Maitland Regional Gallery, that will receive work by ten artists from the collection. The rest of the collection, the house, and personal belongings will be sold put into a trust that Maitland will administer. Twenty per cent of the interest will be retained to cover administrative costs; 10% will remain in the account; and 70% will be given to one artist per year, selected by Maitland. He explains, “They can travel, create, study, party. The artist will probably get a stipend for the year that’s more than our salary! At the end of twelve months, they need to create a major work for Maitland’s collection. We picked Maitland because we feel regional galleries are vital in providing access to the arts for local communities.”

Several works have been commissioned, including two major sculptures by Terry Stringer, a security door by Michael Snape, and works by Michael Zavros, Euan MacLeod and Rick Amor. Many of the commissions are tied to major events the couple have shared, such as anniversaries and milestone birthdays. Gordon explains, “Art marks special events in our lives. To collect on a limited budget, we have contacted galleries and artists ahead of time and paid off works in advance. We wanted to commission one of Alex Seton’s works but could only afford three letters… Alex made us the word ‘ART’.”

It was upon Terry Stringer’s advice that Gordon and Michael decided to open to the public. Stringer suggested they do so to be included in Skadi Heckmueller‘s book Private: A guide to personal art collections in Australia and New Zealand. This was the impetus to formalise, facilitate private viewings and build a website. As Gordon explains, “We are low-budget people who just happen to love art. We end each tour of the collection by asking people what their favourite work is. The results are tallied, and we present an annual ‘People’s Choice Award’ to one artist, marked by the gift of a commissioned bronze medallion by Adam Stone. We believe that philanthropy is vital for ensuring the public can experience fresh, accessible and engaging work.”

9.5 The Elliott Eyes Bequest is showing until 2 November at Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Bo-un/ Maitland.