Deans Art 170 Years
Deans Art is Australia's first and most experienced art supply service with a rich history of supplying Australian artists with quality art materials since 1854.
W&G. DEAN, 65-67 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 1887
1852 Willian Dean travels to Australia on the Rip Van Winkle
1854 W & G Dean & Co is established by William Dean at 65 - 67 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
Adjoining The Age newspaper's office they would eventually expand into the Age building. W & G Dean had an extensive business in brushes, paints, wallpapers and artists materials and serviced the soon to be hub of the art trade in Melbourne.
Their range included materials designed to "fulfill the ambition of every man, to gratify the sense of beauty, and to elevate the intellect" wrote George Dean.
.png)
Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Melbourne : Ebenezer and David Syme 1863
December 24, 1887 Print : Wood engraving published in The Australian news for home readers. State Library of Victoria
.png)
Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Sept. 1864. London Tavern Hotel, Age Office, W. & G. Dean, Robertson & Mullens
CA 1906 1 postcard : printed, b&w ; 8.8 x 13.8 cm. approx State Library of Victoria
1880 W & G Dean & Co. was one of the first businesses in the new Edison-Bell phone directory in constant use in Melbourne at the time.
Edison Bell Telephone Registry Melbourne 1882
1887 The completion of a new cable tramway brought the opportunity to expand into the inner suburb of Fitzroy.
Mid 1980's The amalgamation with the Camden Art Centre (est 1946) saw Deans become one of the largest retailers of art supplies in the southern hemisphere.
2006 Opening of Deans Art's Brunswick store.
2007 An amalgamation with Natart; a Footscray based supplier of art, craft, technology and stationery materials to schools, childcare, and business; strengthening an already successful commercial and education division within Deans Art.
2024 & Beyond
Deans Art is still an Australian owned & operated business, supplying expert advice and products to artists, designers & craftspeople from all spectrums, be they professional, student or hobbyists alike.
We are also keen to hear from you - so don't hesitate to give us your thoughts on how we can be of assistance to you in your next creative pursuit, as your work is our priority. Don't forget to tag us in your instagram or facebook posts as we love seeing what you're creating!
Notes
