Exhibitions:
- Modern times: the untold story of modernism in Australia
- Torres Strait Island Railway (Pamle) History exhibition
- Meriba Gidhal: Torres Strait Island Treasures of the Margaret Lawrie Collection
- Behind the Lines: The Year's Best Cartoons 2008
- Caring for the collections
All exhibition spaces are open from 10am to 5pm daily.
Exhibitions
Modern times: the untold story of modernism in Australia
Modernism is a major international movement that spanned design, architecture and art and continues to influence the everyday lives of us all.
Opening on 8 August, Modern times: the untold story of modernism in Australia explores the transformation of all aspects of modern life and focuses on our unique experience of modernism. Objects drawn from five decades - 1917 to 1967 - reveal how our cosmopolitan culture was shaped.
This exciting Powerhouse Museum travelling exhibition presented at the State Library showcases over 250 works spanning art, design, architecture, advertising, photography, film and fashion. Themes include the modern body, the city, and the Space Age, the mass culture of cars, skyscrapers and the new entertainment landscape of cinemas, swimming pools and cafes – all legacies of modernism.
For more information visit Modern times.
Venue slq Gallery, level 2 and Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery, level 4
Date Sat 8 Aug 09 - Sun 8 Nov 09, open daily 10am-5pm
Entry Free
Torres Strait Island Railway (Pamle) History exhibition
This photographic exhibition pays homage to generations of Torres Strait Islanders who worked on building Australia’s rail network and portrays the stories, songs, places, memories and reflections of these men and their families.
A mass migration from the Torres Strait Islands occurred from the early 1950’s when a tide of men left the islands and headed for the mainland of Australia after the pearling and trochus industry collapsed.
Many worked as cane cutters then found steady work as labourers, building and maintaining Queensland, and later, Australian railway systems which greatly contributed to the economic development of our nation. Islander tracklaying pioneers became legendary for their manual skills and hard work ethics, making ‘name’ as Torre Strait Islanders, setting new tracklaying records and remarkably, they still are the perpetual world record holders for remote area heavy haul track laying.
There are generations of Torres Strait Islanders who tell tales of working on the railway and look back at those days fondly. When singing, dancing and storytelling helped keep their culture strong during times of isolation and separation from community and loved ones. This exhibition presents photographs and stories from the Ailan men and their families.
Torres Strait Island Railway (Pamle) History exhibition is presented by the State Library of Queensland in partnership with Queensland Rail and the Torres Strait Railway History Group.
Venue kuril dhagun, level 1
Date Mon 24 Aug 09 - Mon 30 Nov 09
Entry Free
Behind the Lines: The Year's Best Cartoons 2008
Want to explore the satirical world of political cartoonists? Come and take a look at a new exhibition at the State Library of Queensland - Behind the Lines: The Year's Best Cartoons 2008.
Opening on 21 November, this exhibition showcases cartoons documenting political events throughout 2008, including Kevin Rudd’s first year in office, the apology, the 2020 summit, global warming and the world financial meltdown.
This National Museum of Australia travelling exhibition presented by the State Library features more than 80 of Australia’s leading political cartoonists including Bill Leak, Cathy Wilcox, John Spooner, David Rowe, Geoff Pryor, David Pope, Mark Knight and First Dog On The Moon.
Behind the Lines: The Year's Best Cartoons 2008 offers a rare insight into the humorous world of political cartoonists and is a great opportunity to experience political events through their eyes.
Exhibition visitors will be invited to choose their favourite cartoon for the People's Choice Award, a $1000 prize for the cartoonist with most popular work in the exhibition. View the virtual exhibition.
Venue Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery, level 4
Date Sat 21 Nov 09 – Sun 14 Feb 10, open daily 10am-5pm
Entry Free
Talbot Family Treasures Wall
Positioned at the heart of the Heritage Collection suite of galleries and reading rooms on level 4, the 25 metre glass-walled exhibition space provides an up close view of rare items from the Collections. View more information on the Talbot Family Treasures Wall.
Meriba Gidhal: Torres Strait Island Treasures of the Margaret Lawrie Collection
Opening on 24 October, Meriba Gidhal: Torres Strait Island Treasures of the Margaret Lawrie Collection takes one on a visual journey to Queensland’s most northern islands in the Torres Strait. These 120 or so islands are scattered like gems amid the aqua-blue waters where the Coral and Arafura Seas meet.
The selected watercolours, drawings, photographs and books from the diverse Margaret Lawrie Collection illustrate traditional Islander stories and children’s games. Most of the art has been created by Torres Strait islanders who worked closely with her when she was in the Torres Strait Islands between 1964 and 1973. View the virtual exhibition.
Venue Talbot Family Treasures Wall
Date Sat 24 Oct - Sun 28 Feb, open daily 10am-5pm
Entry Free
Caring for the collections
Ever wondered how the State Library cares for its old books, newspapers and photographs? Want to know how to look after your own precious heirlooms? Then come and look at the display Caring for the Collections.
Every cultural institution has a responsibility to safeguard the collections with which it is entrusted. At the State Library, this important task is undertaken by the Collection Preservation Unit. This display wall contains windows into the staff work areas so that you can look 'behind the scenes' to see staff at work.
Venue Talbot Family Treasures Display Wall, level 5
Date Permanent Display
Entry Free
More information
- Email: publicprograms@slq.qld.gov.au
- Telephone: +61 7 3840 7768
- Ask us
- Visit us
School groups are encouraged to book for exhibitions tours. Please contact:
- Email: schools@slq.qld.gov.au
- Telephone: +61 7 3840 7903
Last updated: 28th October 2009
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