 The artist and key member of the Heidelberg School , Tom Roberts spent some time on a sheep station near Brocklesby prior to and during the painting of his most celebrated artwork , Shearing the Rams . The painting was criticised in its time for the depiction of strong manual labour rather than the common " high art " themes of the day . It is seen now as reflecting Australia 's largest industry at the time and the work of ordinary Australians . The painting is now in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria . 
