The Art Series Hotel Group is headed by Will Deague, a fifth generation Melbourne property developer and self-confessed devotee of Australian art.

The idea for Art Series was conceived in 2001, when the philanthropic Deague family invited a group of Australian artists to undertake a painting expedition to remote William Creek, on the edge of Lake Eyre in the heartland of Australia. With a budget exceeding $1 million, no expense was spared.

The outcome was a series of spectacular artworks that helped revive the tradition of Australian landscape painting. It also provided Will Deague with a vision for a series of boutique hotels, each based on a prestigious Australian artist, specifically designed to showcase their art and reflect the essence of their style and character. This concept would provide guests with distinctive 5-star accommodation combined with the unique experience of ‘living with art’.

In 2006, the Art Series Hotel Group was born.

In November 2009, The Cullen was the first Art Series hotel to open its doors to much acclaim, followed by The Olsen and The Blackman in 2010. Three more Art Series Hotels are planned for Melbourne in the next few years.