VPRS 19138 General Inward and Outward Correspondence of Leonard Cox, National Gallery of Victoria Trustee

Full description

This series comprises of inward and outward correspondence of Dr. Leonard Cox (1894-1976), who was a significant figure in the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV, VA 930) administration throughout the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. Professionally a Neurologist, Cox was an avid collector of art, in particular Chinese ceramics. Cox became a Trustee of the NGV in 1956, at first as treasurer, then as Chairman – a position he held until 1964. Cox remained a Trustee until the National Gallery of Victoria Act 1966 came into effect, which reformed the administrative make-up of the Gallery and formed the Council of Trustees. Cox sat on the Council until 1973.

Cox sat on the National Art Gallery and Cultural Centre Building Committee as a Trustee representative from 1961 to 1975, the Felton Bequests’ Committee from 1957 to 1976, and was the Oriental Arts Honorary Curator/Consultant from 1965 to 1976.

Much of the correspondence in this series relates to Cox’s work as Chairman and Building Committee member, particularly with fellow trustees Aubrey Gibson and William Ritchie. Cox’s correspondence also extended to artists, artistic organisations, Felton Bequests’ committee members, and NGV Directors. Included in Cox’s papers are various documents from previous Chairmen, including Keith Murdoch, along with working notes and personal correspondence.