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Gardenesque in bloom
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From State Library of Victoria News No. 27, November 2004 - February 2005
The exhibition, and the accompanying book by curator Richard Aitken, were officially launched on 6 October by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, AC, DBE. A passionate gardener, Dame Elisabeth spoke of the joys of gardening to a large and enthusiastic gathering in a marquee on the Library forecourt, and praised the evocative manner in which a wide range of material had been woven into the Gardenesque exhibition and book. Her remarks were echoed by State Librarian, Anne-Marie Schwirtlich, and Robert McKay, Chairman of Melbourne University Publishing. |
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Special viewings have already been conducted for groups as diverse as the Australian Garden History Society and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers. Volunteer guides will be conducting regular free tours of the show, and specialist groups are urged to book ahead for this service. School programs, involving a tour of the exhibition and a related illustration workshop, have been popular, with budding garden artists showing their skills.
Gardenesque takes a wonderful and often quirky journey through two centuries of gardening-making in Australia. The items on display are drawn from the State Library’s extensive collections in the area of garden history, and display the richness and diversity of the collections. Come and see how the use of Australian plants has changed over 200 years, trace the evolution of the Australian backyard, engage in debate over genetic modification of plants and changing attitudes to Aboriginal environmental management. Above all, come and be entertained by a brilliant showcase celebrating Australian gardening. |
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Illustrations
Left: Budding's lawn mower from JC Loudon, An Encyclopaedia of Gardening (London, 1834)
Centre: EE Pescott, Gardening in Australia (Melbourne, 1926)
Right: Ruth Maddison (photographer) Fleur Finnie, 72 (1991) |
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