Burke and Wills expedition (1948) by Sidney NolanCanberra Museum and Gallery
The paintings of Sidney Nolan draw on folk tales, legends, and founding myths of Australia, most famously, the outlaw Ned Kelly, but also of the explorers, Robert O''Hara Burke and William John Wills who, between 1860-1861, endeavoured to cross Australia.
Nolan emphasises the heroism and stoicism of the two intrepid but ultimately tragic explorers of this story. Against a sparse desert landscape, Burke and Wills are portrayed on their camel and horse, boldly staring out at the viewer as they remain oblivious to their fate.
Theodolite, tripod (1884) by manufactured by Carl Bamberg, BerlinCanberra Museum and Gallery
Canberra, the federal capital, is unusual in Australia for being a planned city. And this theodolite was instrumental in its design. It was used in the Federal Capital Territory survey of 1908, carried out under Charles Scrivener, which established the site of the new city.
A later report stated that this particular theodolite, manufactured by Bamberg in Germany, 1884, wasn't highly rated, but performed the job satisfactorily. The theodolite joined the museum in 2001, along with 150 artefacts donated by the Office of the Commissioner for Surveys.
Brick barrow (c.1913-50) by Unknown makerCanberra Museum and Gallery
Once the plans were drawn up, building began. In 1912 Frederick Campbell allowed 38 acres of his property Yarralumla to be used as the site of a quarry and kilns for the production of bricks for the new capital city; 4 million of which built the Old Parliament House.
The Canberra Brickworks is of major historical interest because of its integral role in providing the base material used in the construction of the city's buildings, and is significant as one of the few surviving early industrial and engineering sites.
Self-government promotional T-shirt (1989) by manufactured by Woodrim, AustraliaCanberra Museum and Gallery
Until 1989, Canberra, as part of the Australian Capital Territory, lacked local government. This T-shirt promoting the cause of 'self-government' recalls some of the key debate points, with self-deprecating humour, through facsimiles of newspaper headlines.
Self-government eventually allowed for more direct representation of the community in policy formation for the Territory, while also prompting greater participation by local residents in the legislative process and public debate on contemporary issues.
Dishwasher, fire damaged (c.1990, damaged 18 January 2003) by manufactured by MieleCanberra Museum and Gallery
In 2003, devastating bushfires struck Canberra and the wider Territory region. Up to 70% of the Territory was burned to the ground. 500 houses were destroyed, as were numerous historic sites. Tragically, four Canberra residents died, and many others were severely injured.
The fully loaded dishwasher is a striking symbol of the ferocity and speed of the firestorm that sweep across Canberra’s western suburbs. Amongst the debris on top of the dishwasher are the charred remains of a mobile phone that was charging on a shelf.
Interior 192 (Jason) (2005) by Jude RaeCanberra Museum and Gallery
Jude Rae is an established and celebrated painter of portraits and still lifes. Currently living and working between Sydney and Canberra, Rae has established herself as an important contemporary artist in Australia and New Zealand.
Rae's Interiors series depicts Canberra residents and artists, mainly fellow tenants at the Australian National Capital Artists studios. Her subjects' eyes are closed, focusing our thoughts on their interior world.
Now you see me, now you don’t (1998) by Ante DabroCanberra Museum and Gallery
Ante Dabro was born in Croatia, and arrived in Canberra in 1968, where he taught at the Canberra Technical College, before lecturing at the Sculpture Workshop of the ANU School of Art. Dabro specialises in the traditional European medium of figurative sculpture.
Dabro made this playful bronze casting, entitled Now you see me, now you don't, in 1998. The work recalls childhood games of hide and seek, while toying with the idea of human and abstract forms in a single sculpture - the distinctive human form collapses into crumpled fabric.
