Photographers Gallery & Workshop |
Photographers' Gallery and Workshop in South Yarra
Photographer brought excellence to gallery/
William Heimerman was the long-term director of the Photographers' Gallery and Workshop in South Yarra, where museum-quality exhibitions were held from the mid-1970 s.
The Photographers' Gallery was established in 1975 by Rod McNicol, Paul Cox and John Williams, then sold to photographer Ian Lobb. He convinced William to assist in running the gallery, from that point known as the Photographers' Gallery and Workshop.
They set out on a journey to exhibit Australian and international photographic work of the highest quality. After a few years of co-directorship , from 1977 until 2015 William was the sole director, energetically seeking out the finest work from Australia, the US and Europe.
Many renowned photographers have exhibited at the gallery over the years. Many more artists exhibited work in group and student exhibitions. Also offered were workshops in all aspects of photography, taught by Australian and international photographers.
In 1980 Tony Perry wrote: 'Today the Photographers' Gallery is run solely by Bill Heimerman... with an enviable record of exhibitions and workshops it is seen as the premier gallery in Australia; a show there is a genuine honour.'
William Lee Heimerman was born on January 13, 1950 in Appleton, Wisconsin, and grew up in Menasha, Wisconsin, attending St Patrick's grade school then St Mary's high school.
During his high school years he enjoyed and excelled in all sporting activities, receiving a scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Following his undergraduate studies he secured a Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. After university he taught English at Winneconne High School, Wisconsin, and coached both the football and the debate teams.
In 1974 William accepted a teaching position with the Victorian Education Department and taught English at Coburg Technical School. It was here that he met Ian Lobb and the late Carol Jerrems, both avid photographers, who initiated his interest in and appreciation of photography.
William subsequently moved to Brighton Technical College where he and other staff members established a photography program. Later William taught photography at Melbourne College of Advanced Education and the Council of Adult Education, inculcating students in the techniques of fine printing and the zone system.
William was himself an accomplished photographer, producing work in abstract, portrait and landscape veins. His work is art of great poetry that will be exhibited in a posthumous exhibition that is in preparation.
William passed away on October 1 at Hammond Care in Caulfield after a relatively short period of declining health. He was a brother to Patricia, Jeff, Kevin, Jane, Ted and Robert (deceased) and brother-in-law to John, Sarah, Diane, John, Paula, and Susan. Many nieces and nephews, extended relatives and friends, survive him.
He will be greatly missed by lifelong friend Barbara Derrick and the many artists and art collectors that he befriended.
Prepared with Barbara Derrick and Peter Leiss.
By Louise Bradley - Updated 30 January 2018 smh.com.au
❊ Address ❊
℅ Naarm
⊜ 344 Punt Rd, South Yarra 3141 View Map
✆ Telephone: (03) 9820 2497
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Photographers Gallery & Workshop
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