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Image from Royal Botanic Gdns Vic
The
Beckler's Botanical Bounty: The Flora of Menindee Exhibition at the
Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat, from Saturday 24 February to Sunday 27 May 2018 (10am to 5pm) features works by 20 Melbourne based botanical artists. Entry is free. Inspired by the 150th anniversary of the Burke and Wills Expedition, this has been
8 years in the making, with the artists spending the past 8 years in Beckler's collecting grounds around Menindee.
The work of pioneer botanical collector
Dr Hermann Beckler has proven invaluable, with his original specimens reaping the status of national treasure. In charge of the VEE (Victorian Exploring Expedition) Supply Party, Beckler remained in the outback area of Menindee on the Darling River in south-west New South Wales for some three months. He collected 120 plants species between 1860-61. Intrigued by these specimens held by the
National Herbarium of Victoria at the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne, the artists have so far found over 60 of
Beckler's plants.
Image from website
The contemporary artworks at the exhibition are a result of said specimens being located, collected, preserved and illustrated, and are an accurate representation of the plant subjects, while revealing the diverse styles of the artists. Integral to the project, additional materials, as well as working drawings and diaries will be on show, portraying the artistic process and experiences in the outback. This is a must-see unique expression of art, science, history and country.
