During the 1950’s, Emmanuel & Etta Hirsh were dating, marrying, starting a family, and developing a fledgling interest in art. By the 1960’s they had discovered contemporary art, purchasing their first pieces of pottery in 1960 and their first paintings in 1966. By 1968 they were already serious collectors. Their steep learning curve parallels the growth and acceptance of contemporary art and craft in Australia and puts them at the centre of the excitement of the time - gallery openings and parties, art theories and experimentation. They loved the scene, they loved the art, but especially they loved the people. As they befriended artists and dealers and collected work which challenged and excited them, trusting only their own judgment and never motivated by financial or curatorial concerns, they formed a unique collection and moved from being a self-described "ordinary couple" to being a couple that was quite extraordinary.