The Heritage Highway has plenty to offer when it comes to the arts and crafts. From glassblowing studios to art galleries and sculpture trails, there is plenty to see and do to get your creative fix. If you’re a more into historic art and collective pieces, the Midlands is also home to some of Tasmania’s finest antique stores. On your next midlands voyage, drop into one of the villages, enjoy some art and check out some of the beautiful vintage pieces. If you have the time, stroll the streets and visit one of the quaint local cafes for a little pick-me-up.
Galleries & Art
Located in Breadalbane, just 10 minutes south of Launceston, Glass Manifesto is home to a collection of some of the finest contemporary glass in Australia. Artists Peter and Anne showcase an extensive and diverse range of handmade glassworks and offer hot glass workshops for those interested in learning the craft. Visitors are asked to call ahead to schedule an appointment to visit the gallery.
Blenheim Gallery and Garden in Longford showcases artistic works in a beautiful garden setting. The 10-acre gardens are available for visitors to wander and explore the unique artworks, while the gallery features painting, sculptures, prints and other media. Viewings of the gardens and gallery are currently available by appointment.
When visiting Campbell Town be sure to drop into Gallery 81 which features 81 paintings by local landscape artist, Luke Harvey. While the 81 paintings are part of a permanent collection, there are a range of other works available for purchase. The gallery is also a boutique cafe and wine bar.
If you have driven the Heritage Highway before you may have noticed the sculptures scattered along the side of the highway and in the surrounding hills. These Shadows of the Past Silhouettes tell a story of times gone by and are a tribute to the region’s colonial past. We encourage you to discover more about the sculptures stories and the artists who created the art so next time you can further understand the stories as you drive the highway.
The beautiful Eskleigh Estate in Perth hosts regular exhibitions of work by the artists of the Launceston Art Society. Be sure to keep an eye out on our social media pages for upcoming exhibitions.
Antiques
Located in the heart of Oatlands in the Southern Midlands, The Jardin Room and Provincial Interiors are an antique hunter’s delight. Here you will find a unique selection of French and European pieces handpicked from the owners’ travels around the world. The store is generally open daily but if you are making a special trip to visit, best to call ahead first.
While in Oatlands, visit Oatlands Antiques and Collectables which is located in the old General Store and houses a trove of antiques and collectables. Browse for a signature piece for the home, a gift for a friend or just enjoy perusing the treasures.
Located in a beautiful historic building on the main street in Campbell Town, Wildes Antiques is home to a beautiful collection of quality antiques, unusual collectables, and interesting treasures. The store has two sister antique stores, Anteiku in Evandale and Robur House Antiques in Perth, all offering a unique range of antiques from Australia and across the world.
A visit to Evandale is a must if you a seeking a spot of antique shopping. Head to Evandale Antiques for colonial style furniture or visit the town on a Sunday and enjoy a stroll through the Evandale Market where you might find some hidden treasures.
Events
The Tasmanian Midland’s is also home to many art events, competitions and exhibitions, including the prestigious Glover Art Prize. The annual Tasmanian Craft Fair, held in Deloraine will take place from the 30 October – 2 November 2020 and is Australia’s largest display, sale and working demonstration of arts and crafts.
While some events have been postponed for the short-term, be sure to keep an eye on our social media pages or events calendar for updates on the re-opening of these events.
Header image: @thejardinroom
We love it when you share your adventures with us! Tag @MidlandsTasmania and use @MidlandsTasmania or #HeritageHighway and we’ll share our favourite photos on @MidlandsTasmania, Facebook, and in our Blog.
RELATED POSTS:
25 Romantic Date Ideas in Tasmania’s Midlands
Launceston to Hobart: The Heritage Highway Road Trip
Free Augmented Reality Experiences in Tasmania’s Midlands
