NGV | French Impressionism.
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is renowned for curating world-class exhibitions that elevate public art appreciation in Australia. French Impressionism charts the rise of one of art history’s most influential movements, featuring more than 100 masterworks by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Édouard Manet, Mary Cassatt, Berthe Morisot, Paul Signac and Alfred Sisley.
Drawn from the MFA Boston’s world-renowned collection, the exhibition captures the bold innovation and radical experimentation that defined Impressionism and Post-Impressionism in late nineteenth-century France. Through vivid brushwork, colour, and depictions of everyday life, these artists broke from convention to create something entirely new.
Presented across ten thematic sections, the exhibition not only showcases the visual hallmarks of the movement but also shares the thoughts, letters and observations of the artists themselves - offering a deeply personal and intellectual lens into the avant-garde spirit of the time.
A Creative Partnership Rooted in Local Design
To support the NGV’s immersive vision, the gallery’s design team sought a bespoke flooring solution that would subtly reinforce the exhibition’s refined aesthetic. GH Commercial was engaged to provide custom-designed carpet, bringing both technical expertise and local manufacturing capabilities to the project.
The partnership began with a visit to GH Commercial’s Mill in Geelong, where the NGV team previewed our Designer Jet® technology – using precision dye injection, delivering intricate patterns and rich, saturated colours. The collaboration was built on shared values of craftsmanship, design integrity, and Australian-made excellence.
The NGV’s concept drew from French Aubusson carpet styles, with their ornate floral motifs and deep hues - referencing both the period and the grand interiors of American collectors’ homes, where many of these works once hung. This historical inspiration, combined with the need for durability under high foot traffic, shaped the design direction.
Translating Artistry into Carpet
Led by our Product Development team and lead Designer Jet® designer Karoline Halloran, we worked closely with the NGV to develop custom designs tailored to the exhibition experience. The process involved:
- Selecting colour poms to match the NGV’s references.
- Exploring multiple design and pattern options simultaneously.
- Developing hand trial samples for review and refinement.
- Selecting a low pile construction to ensure pattern clarity under high foot traffic.
The result was a beautifully detailed custom carpet that elevated the gallery experience and seamlessly integrated with the NGV’s spatial design.
“Watching the NGV team witness their design come to life on the Designer Jet® loom was a highlight. Their excitement captured the spirit of our collaboration—it was a truly rewarding partnership. ” – Karoline Halloran - Product Development, GH Commercial
Supporting Local Manufacturing and Design Excellence
This collaboration highlights the value of Australian-made solutions in cultural design projects. By partnering with GH Commercial, the NGV was able to access both advanced manufacturing capabilities and agile, collaborative design support - all underpinned by our commitment to sustainability and regional production.
