Who is Rob Gould?
A Melbourne art dealer whose gallery is celebrating its 35th anniversary, who recently sold his house and hasn’t worked out where he’s going to live… so he’s out clubbing every weekend awaiting an epiphany.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Learn how to crochet??? Silly question, I thoroughly enjoy what I do.
Who inspires you and why?
Risk takers, be-it in business, life or art excite me. I find progressive thinking, determination, passion and creativity thoroughly stimulating.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Try to stop people from growing up! Keeping a childlike or youthful disposition perpetuates one’s sense of adventure and exploration and keeps prejudice at bay.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
For a hasty retreat, my apartment in Potts Point has a Sydney vista that never fails to invigorate me. There’s also a myriad of wonderful galleries, restaurants and good friends too. When I’ve more time, the lure of Parisian streets, culture, fashion and boys is irrepressible.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The breadth of their permanent collection and variety of temporary exhibitions makes the National Gallery of Victoria a must. Irrespective of anyone’s taste they’ll always find something thought provoking. I’m there so often it’s like a second home.
What are you currently reading?
Lights Out in Wonderland by DBC Pierre, an extraordinary, insane, slippery slide that has me captivated and wondering how it will end. There are about five art magazines on the go too.
What are you currently listening to?
I tend to channel surf on the radio, it’s a way of keeping current.
Happiness is?
Being comfortable in my own skin, and having time to engage with my friends.
What does the future hold for you?
More!
Rob Gould is one of Australia’s leading commercial gallerists. As Director of Gould Galleries in Melbourne for the past 35 years, he is an experienced and knowledgeable advisor to private, institutional, corporate, and international clients on the formation, development and management of their art collections. Rob’s governing philosophy and practice has been to exhibit the finest quality Australian and International art.
The Gallery handles an extensive range of works for sale by Australia’s most important 19th and 20th century artists including: Howard Arkley, Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, Rupert Bunny, Sir William Dobell, Sir Russell Drysdale, Rosalie Gascoigne, Norman Lindsay, Fredrick McCubbin, Sir Sidney Nolan, John Perceval, Tom Roberts, Jeffrey Smart, Sir Arthur Streeton, Albert Tucker, Fred Williams and Brett Whiteley.
The Gallery also represents a select group of Australia’s most dynamic contemporary artists. Gould Galleries has been located in the same exhibiting premises, 270 Toorak Road, South Yarra in Melbourne, for thirty-five years.
Major Art Institutions and State Museums have consulted with Rob for his specialist expertise, knowledge and insight on the development of particular exhibitions and related public programs. Recently, Heide Museum of Art collaborated and consulted with Rob on the Arthur Boyd: Brides exhibition, and he was invited to present a public floor talk education session.
Rob is an Approved Valuer under the Cultural Gifts Program, a member of the Australian Antique Dealers Association, Founder Benefactor of the National Gallery of Victoria Foundation, Member of the Art Gallery of New South Wales Foundation, and previously was a Foundation Board Member of the Victorian College of the Arts and the Jewish Museum of Australia’s Contemporary Art Committee.
To celebrate its 35th Anniversary, Gould Galleries presents The Director’s Choice exhibition (1 May – 13 June) – featuring iconic works by Australia’s most collectable artists. For more information, visit: www.gouldgalleries.com for details.
Image: Rob Gould, Director, Gould Galleries with painting from Director’s Choice 2015 exhibition – Charles BLACKMAN (born 1928), The Friends 1953 enamel paint and tempera on composition board 56.0 x 76.0 cm. Inscribed upper right: BLACKMAN / FEB 53. Inscribed verso: The Friends