By ALESHA CAPONE
A VISIONARY couple from Williamstown have turned a historic building into a haven of for art-lovers and seafarers alike.
Greg and Karen Murray are the owners and managers of the Customs Wharf Galleria, which they established in the former Customs’ House Building from around 1870.
As well as selling maritime objects and souvenirs the former customs building houses an art gallery and speciality shops Artifice Store, SIMPLE by Deb and OSKAR Clobber.
“It’s a perfect fit for us as I have an interest in the nautical side of the business and my wife’s interest is in the art,” Mr Murray said.
They set up the gallery around five months ago in the Customs’ building which had been closed for a decade.
“Here we have this magnificent huge historical building with many rooms and there’s an absolute lack of public art space in the West,” Mr Murray said.
“So we thought, ‘What a great idea, we’ll turn 14 rooms into gallery space’,” and that’s what we’ve done.”
“We’ve spent lots of money to bring the place up to standard and two of Australia’s best-known artists, Mark Hanham and Charles Billich, as our signature attractions and the rest of the rooms are taken up with local artists who are just so talented.
Mr Murray said he has been in touch with the National Gallery of Australia to be in included in their rotation for travelling exhibitions in the future.
Prior to opening the gallery, the couple ran a nautical shop in Williamstown and the city.
“There’s so much maritime history in this area which needs to be harnessed and is a story which needs to be told,” Mr Murray said.
The Customs Wharf Galleria is open for free seven days per week at 126 Nelson Place, Williamstown. See http://customswharf.com.au for details.
