Vale: Glenn R Cooke

Glenn Cooke with Sidney House stained glass window c.1882 acquired for the QAGOMA Collection in 1988 / Collection: QAGOMA Research Library

Glenn Cooke with Sidney House stained glass window c.1882 acquired for the QAGOMA Collection in 1988 / Collection: QAGOMA Research Library / View full image

The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum and State Library of Queensland are pleased to jointly announce a memorial service for the much-loved, long-term QAGOMA staff member Glenn R Cooke (1946–2025).

Glenn commenced with the Gallery as Curator of Decorative Arts in 1981, just as the Queensland Art Gallery building at South Bank was being finished. Over the ensuing decades, he single-handedly built an outstanding Australian and international decorative arts collection, curated and wrote for many excellent exhibitions. He later became the Gallery’s Research Curator, Queensland Heritage. Even after retiring in 2013, Glenn generously volunteered in the QAGOMA Research Library right up to the present.

Glenn was a trusted friend of State Library of Queensland as a researcher, collector and donor, his enthusiasm for Queensland's unique stories inspiring many in the State Library family. Over many years, he also worked closely with the Queensland Museum, donating many objects and helping curate a number of exhibitions.

He was, of course, a generous donor and significant benefactor to the collections of the Gallery, Library and Museum.

Glenn’s enthusiasm and knowledge of decorative arts and Queensland history was infectious; his reputation and network were both local and national. He remained a long-term friend and supporter of Brisbane’s collecting institutions and was an active member of the local arts scene, the West End community, the Australian Garden History Society and the Australiana Society. Known for his colourful view on life and his love of gardens, ceramics, history and bold Hawaiian attire, Glenn was always happy to engage on any topic of conversation and was a mentor to many.

Please join us for a public memorial for Glenn at the State Library’s Auditorium on Thursday 6 February.

Memorial service

  • Date: Thursday 6 February 2025
  • Time: 9.30am for 10.00–11.30am, followed by morning tea to 12.30pm
  • Location: State Library of Queensland Auditorium
  • Dress code (optional): Hawaiian shirt or other colourful garb

The service will also be livestreamed.

In lieu of flowers, friends who may wish to donate in memory of Glenn to the QAGOMA Foundation can contact the Foundation on 3840 7262 or give online. To ensure donations are directed appropriately, when completing the online form please type ‘Glenn R. Cooke Memorial Fund’ in the text box under the heading ‘Acknowledgment name/s’.

Glenn Cooke with Jardiniere c.1890 acquired for the QAGOMA Collection in 1986/ Collection: QAGOMA Research Library

Glenn Cooke with Jardiniere c.1890 acquired for the QAGOMA Collection in 1986/ Collection: QAGOMA Research Library / View full image

Jardiniere c.1890

J L Watts, Australia 1849–1925 / James Campbell & Sons, Australia 1885–1948 / Jardiniere c.1890 / Earthenware white clay body. The neck modelled with ivy leaves within arches, the swelling body with four sunflowers and leafy branches and the handles modelled as two grotesque masks. Glaze splashed clear brown, green and deep cobalt / 61 x 49 x 32.2cm / Gift of Miss Alison Campbell 1986 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art

J L Watts, Australia 1849–1925 / James Campbell & Sons, Australia 1885–1948 / Jardiniere c.1890 / Earthenware white clay body. The neck modelled with ivy leaves within arches, the swelling body with four sunflowers and leafy branches and the handles modelled as two grotesque masks. Glaze splashed clear brown, green and deep cobalt / 61 x 49 x 32.2cm / Gift of Miss Alison Campbell 1986 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / View full image

Sidney House stained glass window c.1882

Unknown, Ireland / Sidney House stained glass window c.1882 / Coloured and stained glass window in two panels; the upper (arched) panel depicting a kangaroo hunt and the lower a farming scene / 204 x 88cm / Gift of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Brisbane 1988 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art

Unknown, Ireland / Sidney House stained glass window c.1882 / Coloured and stained glass window in two panels; the upper (arched) panel depicting a kangaroo hunt and the lower a farming scene / 204 x 88cm / Gift of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Brisbane 1988 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / View full image

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