Experimental Gentlemen exhibition

Discover colonial Australia through the eyes of the artists that were there. Experimental Gentlemen, is an exhibition at The Ian Potter Museum of Art, University of Melbourne, until 25 September 2011.

The 18th century term describing wealthy young virtuosi like Joseph Banks or Charles Darwin, who travelled the world in search of adventure and novelty were ‘experimental gentlemen. Artworks, books and photographs from the Sir Russell and Lady Mab Grimwade Collection of colonial treasures displayed at The Potter help to recreate wonder and awe that inspired explorers and adventurers from over 150 years ago.

Robert Havell and Robert Dale,

‘Panoramic view of King Georges Sound, part of the colony of Swan River’ (detail),

1834; steel engraving, aquatint and watercolour on three sheets; 18 x 271.4 cm.

The University of Melbourne Art Collection 

William Strutt

born Teignmouth, Devon, England, 1825; died Wadhurst, Sussex, England, 1915

Bushrangers, Victoria, Australia 1852 1887

oil on canvas

75.7 x 156.6 cm

The University of Melbourne Art Collection. Gift of the Sir Russell and Mab Grimwade Bequest, 1973

Goodman Teale artist

born 1819; died Kyneton, Victoria, 1885

Nathaniel Whitlock engraver

active London c. 1830–1860

The city of Melbourne, Australia 1855

engraving and watercolour

29.1 x 53.4 cm

The University of Melbourne Art Collection. Gift of the Sir Russell and Mab Grimwade Bequest, 1973

ISSUE # 4 COMPETITION GIVEAWAYS

Don't miss out on our giveaways! There are 2 great prizes up for grabs!

SO, WHAT CAN YOU WIN?!

[1]  Notorious Australian Women by Kay Saunders

Read about some of our famous (and infamous) women…

Bushrangers, cross-dressers and escaped convicts — Kay Saunders’ latest book Notorious Australian Women takes a look at some of the less than conventional ladies of Australia’s past. Resourceful, cunning, ruthless or ambitious, these gals snubbed the cultural norms of the colony and forged their own paths — for wealth, equal rights or even just their basic freedoms. Inside History is giving away five copies of this fantastic book to some of our lucky readers. As Saunders explains in her interview (see page 13), when researching your family history, context is everything. Don’t miss out on a tell-tale glimpse into the colonial conditions women, and quite possibly your own ancestors, were faced with.

To enter, send your name and contact details to Inside History, Notorious Australian Women Giveaway, PO Box 406 Erskineville NSW 2043 or email cass@insidehistory.com.au by 5pm, June 28, 2011.

[2]  Win one of five copies of Unlock the Past’s latest publication!

Unlock the Past has released the first Australian and New Zealand History and Genealogy directory — and to celebrate Inside History is giving away five copies to our readers! This inaugural annual edition features 300 beautiful colour pages jam-packed with fantastic resources, including a products, services and organisations directory, 66 new research articles and more than $700 worth of vouchers. Topics explored in this edition include practical tips for writing and researching family history, as well as a wealth of new and exciting sources available for you to access. This book is a must-have for any passionate historian’s bookshelf.

To enter, send your name and contact details to Inside History, Unlock the Past Giveaway, PO Box 406 Erskineville NSW 2043 or email cass@insidehistory.com.au by 5pm, June 28, 2011