Cultural Collection

Glenelg Shire Council is custodian of over 10,000 items valued at over $7 million and manages the presentation and preservation of this treasured cultural collection on behalf of the community.

Under the ARTefacts banner, exhibitions of the collection support a connection to the region’s history, environment and people.

The unique collection contains artworks, domestic objects, photographs and records relating to the social, maritime and civic history of the Shire, some of which are of state-wide and national significance.

We encourage you to visit and explore the many fascinating objects and artworks that form part of the Cultural Collection on display across the Shire.

Celebrating the stories of Glenelg Shire's Women and Children

Glenelg Shire Council is inviting submissions from artists who are interested in responding to an Expression of Interest to create a new piece of art which will be acquired into the Cultural Collection. The artwork is to be inspired by and respond to the stories of women from the region. For more information about the brief and how to respond please see:

Download Artist Brief Women's History(PDF, 385KB)

History House, Portland

The museum displays documents and artefacts relating to the history of Portland and explores many different themes. The exhibition contains some of the collection's most significant items such as Eliza Bermingham's early 1800s wedding dress, a type of accordion which belonged to the step-son of Captain James Fawthrop as well as several beautiful artefacts relating to domestic life.

Portland Saddler, Bert Vivian

A black and white picture of the saddler

Bert Vivian (1893-1974) was a second generation Portland saddler. His father William had operated a saddlery in Rosebery in the Victorian Mallee before relocating to Portland in the late 19th century.

Bert began work as a saddler at W. H. Vivian, at 58-60 Percy Street Portland, continuing in the business after his father’s death in 1928. The exhibition includes saddlery and leatherwork tools, photographs and other items belonging to Bert Vivian.

These items were donated to the Cultural Collection by Bert’s daughter, Miss Betty Vivian, in 2012.

Seafarers Wall Portland

If you would like to make an application to Erect a Plaque on the Seafarers Wall in Portland, please complete the below form.

Apply Online

History House

More information can be found at our dedicated page.

Make a Donation to the Cultural Collection

If you would like to make a donation to the Glenelg Shire Council's Cultural Collection, please complete the form below.

Donor/Vendor Questionnaire

H5N1 avian influenza (Bird Flu)