27 September to 17 November 2012
The magic lantern brought lectures to life. Sadly, few of the fragile glass slides survive from that time, which makes this recently rediscovered collection all the more important.
Originally made as teaching aids at the Burnley School of Horticulture, these fascinating photographs show Carlton and Fitzroy Gardens as they were a hundred-or-more years ago, with happy picnickers and strollers enjoying the tree-lined avenues, sweeping lawns, lush herbaceous borders and a wealth of classical statuary.
Together they illustrate the school’s interest in naturalistic landscaping, dense perennial plantings and the use of Australian native plants. As this country’s first school of horticulture, Burnley was hugely influential, setting garden design trends for generations to come.
Peter Timms' catalogue essay was commissioned by the Art and Heritage Collection Writing sub-panel.
Curated by Peter Timms
Peter was for many years the editor of the journal Art Monthly. He is particularly well known for his cross-disciplinary writing on art, landscape and gardening. Australia’s Quarter Acre: The Story of the Ordinary Suburban Garden was published by Melbourne University Press in 2006, and Private Lives: Australians at Home Since Federation was published in 2008. In 2008 Peter completed a book on history of Hobart, In Search of Hobart, for the University of New South Wales Press.