NGV's Special Keeper - Michael Varcoe-Cocks
Michael Varcoe-Cocks had a special connection with Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). It felt like a second home to him, as he spent most of his time there working in the gallery and as the Head of Conservation.
Source: YouTube/7NEWS Australia
It was no small task, but Michael had an additional title that made him the gallery’s special keeper. From restoring priceless works of art to preserving the NGV’s rich heritage, Michael worked hard to ensure that the Gallery’s priceless artifacts were kept in the best condition.
Unveiling the Beauty of Art - Even in Lockdown
With a passion for art, and expertise in paintings from the 19th century, he was the go-to person at the National Gallery of Victoria. He could tell you everything about the paintings adorning the walls, and he was determined to keep the gallery alive, even through lockdown.
Source: YouTube/7NEWS Australia
But how could he, with the doors closed? He found a way – by taking his knowledge online and creating virtual tours for the public to enjoy. He was determined to keep the beauty of art alive, no matter the circumstances.
Protecting Art from Dust
After months of darkness, the gallery was in desperate need of protection. Dust, an unsuspecting enemy, had the potential to cause significant damage to the paintings. Without proper maintenance, tiny insects, drawn to the dust particles, would slowly eat away at the paint, causing them to fade or or erasing paint.
Source: The Age
To ensure the artworks remained safe, diligent cleaning and preservation was required. With the right care, the gallery’s masterpieces could be kept safe from dust’s destructive force.
Unveiling a Spectacular Masterpiece in the Gloom
Exploring the winding hallways with a flashlight in hand, Varcoe-Cocks was awestruck by what he discovered. Despite the huge undertaking it would require to clean the hallways, he was determined to uncover the hidden masterpieces. As he shone his light around the corner, a striking painting was illuminated.
Source: Frederick McCubbin/Public Domain
It felt as though something dark was embedded within the brush strokes, beckoning Varcoe-Cocks to take a closer look. He was amazed by the beauty of the artwork, and it was a moment he would never forget.
A Masterpiece Unveiled - The Pioneer by Frederick McCubbin
Frederick McCubbin’s The Pioneer is a three-panel oil painting that has captivated viewers since it was created in 1904. Impressionist by style, its beauty has been seen and admired countless times, yet Varcoe-Cocks had a unique encounter with the artwork.
Source: Frederick McCubbin/Public Domain
Under the strange contrast of the flashlight, he noticed an odd texture in the middle panel – a detail that had gone previously unnoticed. This masterpiece has now been unveiled, giving everyone the chance to discover its hidden beauty.
A Hidden Discovery Unveiled
Varcoe-Cocks felt his heart racing as he studied the painting. The tranquil depiction of a husband and wife living off the land with their infant son was painted in beautiful green, brown, and faded purple hues. But what he hadn’t noticed before was the hidden lines within the brush strokes.
Source: YouTube/7NEWS Australia
This discovery sent a wave of excitement through him as he realized the painting was even more complex than it appeared. He wondered what other secrets the painting held and couldn’t wait to uncover them.
A Notable Discovery: Michael Varcoe-Cocks Uncovers Hidden Artwork
Michael Varcoe-Cocks’ curiosity was piqued as he moved closer to the painting, illuminating it with his torchlight. He noticed an unusual texture that he couldn’t find in the other two paintings by Frederick McCubbin.
Source: Tumblr
Immediately, he knew he was onto something special. Varcoe-Cocks was determined to find out more and hastily set out on his mission. After all, no one had told him about this strange texture before. Could it be a hidden artwork, waiting to be uncovered? He was about to find out.
Uncovering a Shocking Discovery in the Archives
Michael Varcoe-Cocks hastened to the archives, a place he was privileged to have access to due to his esteemed role in the gallery. He hurriedly scanned through the x-rays of the items they displayed.
Source: Pixabay
His heart pounded with anticipation while a thrilling discovery was within his reach. He could feel it! Every file he looked through increased his eagerness to uncover the truth. Would he find something extraordinary?
Uncovering a Hidden Treasure: Michael Varcoe-Cocks' Astonishing Find
Michael Varcoe-Cocks carefully examined the documents before him, uncertain of what he might find. With the recent surge in the value of old paintings, uncovering a hidden treasure could be the biggest discovery of his lifetime.
Source: Pixabay
On the other hand, he feared that his efforts could be in vain. Would his research be rewarded, or would it be a wasted effort? Whatever the outcome, one thing was certain: Michael Varcoe-Cocks was determined to uncover the truth.
The Dread of Deception: Uncovering a Dark Secret
As Varcoe-Cocks approached the canvas, his heart started to pound. Could this be the discovery of a lifetime or the biggest nightmare for the gallery? While examining the masterpiece, he noticed something strange. Could this famous painting be a fake or even a smuggling container?
Source: Pixabay
Despite his fear of the truth, Varcoe-Cocks continued his investigation. He knew he had to uncover the truth, no matter what the outcome may be. Could this be the end of the gallery, or would the painting prove to be the real deal?
Unearthing a Forgotten Memory
Michael Varcoe-Cocks had made a startling discovery. He had stumbled upon an x-ray that contained a series of mysterious lines that he had never seen before. Intrigued, he ran his fingers over the image, trying to decipher its meaning.
Source: The Global Herald
Something about it seemed strangely familiar, as if he was trying to remember a memory that had been lost in the depths of his mind. As he was about to grab a copy of McCubbin’s scrapbook, a noise startled him. What would he find out about this long-forgotten memory?
Terrified of What May Come: Michael Varcoe-Cocks' Narrow Escape
Michael Varcoe-Cocks was startled by an unexpected sound, panic quickly settling in as he realized he was not alone in the gallery. He heard hurried footsteps coming closer, a sense of determination in the air.
Source: Public Domain
Not wanting to be caught, he hastily stowed McCubbin’s scrapbook away in his bag. Before he could think of an escape, the door burst open – and he was left trembling with fear, not knowing what he may face.
The Search for the Truth: A Thrilling Encounter
Michael Varcoe-Cocks was determined to discover the truth, but he didn’t want anyone to know about it – not until he had worked out exactly what he was dealing with. His mind raced as he came up with a cover story, but soon his search for the truth was interrupted by the sound of a security man’s voice, demanding to know who was there.
Source: Pixabay
Would Varcoe-Cocks be able to uncover the truth he was looking for, or would he be caught in the act?
Two Minds, One Mission
Michael Varcoe-Cocks was relieved to see Colin the guard standing in the office – it seemed they had the same idea. “What are you doing here?” he asked. “Phew, I thought we had a break-in. I’m just making sure everything is as it should be,” Colin replied. “You too? I’m sorting through these files. I meant to organize them ages ago,” Varcoe-Cocks said.
Source: Public Domain
It was clear that the two were on the same mission – to make sure the office was secure and organized.
"Investigation in the Dark: Michael Varcoe-Cocks Takes a Risk"
Michael Varcoe-Cocks was determined to investigate the mysterious office space he had been assigned to. But when caught off guard by Collin he had to think on his feet and explain why he was working in the dark “the main switch isn’t on right? So I have no electricity”, Collin simply chuckled and flipped the light switch on.
Source: Herald Sun
Surprised and embarrassed, Michael continued his nerve-wracking investigation, determined to uncover the secrets of the dark office. Will his risk pay off, or will it be in vain?
Uncovering a Hidden Gem: The Mystery Behind McCubbin's Painting
As Michael Varcoe-Cocks stared at the painting, he felt certain he had seen these lines before. It had an undeniable charm, and the third panel featured a Melbourne cityscape that had been carefully repainted by McCubbin to make it more attractive to buyers.
Source: Public Domain
Art enthusiasts everywhere were enthralled by this, but it seemed the painting was still concealing something else – something even more remarkable. Michael was determined to uncover the hidden gem and uncover the mystery behind McCubbin’s painting.
Source: Unveiling a Mystery
Michael Varcoe-Cocks had a hunch that there was more than what meets the eye. So, he grabbed the scrapbook and started turning its pages, looking for something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.
Source: Public Domain
His intuition paid off when he stumbled upon the answer he had been searching for – the secret resting under the paint on the second panel. As he peeled away the layers, he was finally able to unravel the mystery he had been so eager to solve.
The Unforgettable Portrait: A Discovery that Changed Everything
Michael Varcoe-Cocks paused, gazing intently at the portrait sketch. He ran his fingers over the rough lines, feeling the emotion of each and every curve. His heart began to pound as he put the clues together; the date of the sketch and the familiarity of the figure.
Source: Public Domain
Could it really be that he had stumbled upon the discovery of a lifetime? He was filled with anticipation as he wondered what this find could mean.
Uncovering a Masterpiece: The Mystery of the Lost Painting
For over a hundred years, “Found” – a heartbreaking painting of a bushman finding a lost girl in the forest – was thought to be lost forever.
Source: Public Domain
Until one day, its outlines were discovered to match exactly with a painting in a scrapbook. The masterpiece had been in the gallery the entire time – but why underneath?
Unbelievable Circumstances of Reused Canvases!
It was not uncommon for artists to reuse their canvases, especially in the past due to the expensive cost. Even Picasso did it! Michael was astonished by the circumstances, wondering how such a precious art form could be completed with a reused canvas.
Source: Public Domain
The concept of reusing canvases has been around for a long time, and Michael was rediscovering its rich history.
A Rare Mix of Events Leads to an Explosive Art Discovery
Michael Varcoe-Cocks had no idea that a rare mix of events would result in such an explosive discovery. It all started with a lockdown and a security walk in the dark. Luckily, he had a flashlight and the expertise to recognize that something was off.
Source: Public Domain
Quickly printing out a digital overlay, he sent it to everyone who needed to know. Within moments, the art world was abuzz with the news. It was an incredible find that would never have happened without a unique combination of circumstances.
A New Wave of Interest in Michael Varcoe-Cocks' Masterpiece
Michael Varcoe-Cocks was overjoyed to see the public’s newfound interest in his masterpiece. The painting had been admired for its beauty and intricacy for years, but now its reputation was reaching new horizons.
Source: The Border Mail
As guests marveled at the artwork, Varcoe-Cocks was reminded of the thrill he felt when he first discovered something truly special in the art world. Unfortunately, the surge of interest came with some bad news.
Unveiling the Hidden Beauty of a Masterpiece
McCubbin had a unique painting method; he would finish the base of a masterpiece and then add oil hues to it until he was satisfied with the look. But when the time came to recover the old work, there seemed to be no way to do it without destroying the new one.
Source: The Australian
All that remained were the outline, texture, and scrapbook image of the painting.
Michael Varcoe-Cocks: A Lucky Man
Varcoe-Cocks was fortunate to have made such a significant discovery in his field. He was thankful he had gotten the chance to be associated with something so extraordinary, and never forgot the moment.
Source: The Wheeler Centre
He felt privileged and every time he saw those three panels that stood as a reminder of the breakthrough, he smiled with joy and pride.