EKKA SERIES
The Ekka series 1-20 by William Robinson AO was a major 2009 acquisition for the John Oxley Library as it marked its milestone 75th anniversary. With the support of the Queensland Library Foundation Partners, the State Library of Queensland purchased these 20 drawings of the 'Ekka' to add to its ever growing collection of materials in various formats that document contemporary Queensland life.
The series of sketches depicts an important and abiding Queensland institution - the Exhibition - first presented to the people of Queensland in 1876. The Exhibition or Show is affectionately known by Queenslanders as the 'Ekka".
William Robinson, a significant Queensland artist, drew these sketches while observing the 2007 Exhibition and featured in the 2008 Museum of Brisbane exhibition "10 days in August: Memories of the Ekka." The sketches record and interpret the experience of the Ekka with warmth and wit, capturing both individual stories and the frenetic atmosphere of the 'Show'.
The artworks complement the wide variety of material in the John Oxley Library, particularly the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association Records which consists of letter books, minutes and catalogues.
How do I access items in this collection?
Access at the State Library of Queensland
- Find items in the collection via our One Search catalogue.
- Browse Level 4 or request items from on-site ‘Closed Access’ storage with your e-services card. If you order Closed Access items via the One Search catalogue ahead of your visit, items should be waiting for you when you arrive. You can order up to 3 days in advance. See delivery times for more information.
- Use our e-collections computers on level 2 to search the library’s catalogue; to search our databases for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles and to view images and manuscripts from our collection. These e-collections computers do not need to be booked and have no time limits on their use.
- You can also access our electronic resources via the State Library’s free wireless service if you have a laptop. Check our Info Guide on how to access wireless for details.
Access offsite
You can access selected offsite databases to search for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles. You will be prompted to login with your e-services card or QPL account.
Some State Library items are available for loan to other libraries. Contact your local library for information about interlibrary loan and copy services.
Search our collections:
Related links
- Discover our Ekka resources
- Collections - Australian art
- Discover William Robinson resources
- View the Ekka series works of art
External resources
Last updated: 11th November 2011
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