Robert Ingpen presentation: Ian Clunies-Ross mural
Sir Ian Clunies Ross Memorial Foundation Mural, CSIRO AAHL Geelong – 18 October 2018
By Michael Batson
On the 18 October 2018 Robert Ingpen gave a lecture to AAHL staff and guests on the Sir Ian Clunies Ross Memorial Foundation Mural which hangs in the auditorium / theatre of the AAHL Facility at Geelong.
The mural is an important part of CSIRO history, and depicts the life and work of the veterinary scientist Sir Ian Clunies Ross (1899-1959) who during a highly distinguished career, with his many notable responsibilities and achievements, was CSIRO chairman from 1949 to his death in 1959.
The Australian Veterinary Association commissioned Robert Ingpen to paint this mural to present to the Ian Clunies Ross Memorial Foundation in 1968. The art work found its way into the custody of CSIRO, and was installed at the AAHL Facility during the mid-1980s.
It was an honour to be able to listen to the actual artist who created this marvellous piece of art. Robert provided many interesting insights into the production of the mural, about Clunies-Ross, and about some of his contemporaries. The audience were very impressed with Robert’s knowledge and comments about Sir Ian Clunies Ross, about CSIRO, and science in general.
Robert Ingpen also has the Land Research Mural (c1963) situated within the Christian Building at the CSIRO Black Mountain site. Many staff have now suggested that we should invite him to do a similar event for that art work.
Robert, who lives at Barwon Heads, actually worked for CSIRO from 1958 to 1968. He has fond memories of CSIRO and of many of the luminaries associated with Clunies-Ross. Further information can be found about Robert Ingpen and his works on the internet.
Credits to:
- Eric Weckmann for his expert webcast camera work and recording.
- Dr Ken McColl for being the AAHL lecture moderator.
- Liz Middleton for the after lecture hors-d’oeuvres.