Matthew Hogan
27 April 2016: Canberrans will get the chance to view the largest and most significant collection of framed original artworks showcasing an important period in Australian children's literature at the University of Canberra from this Friday 29 April.
The 'Seeing Stories Exhibition of the John Barrow Collection' features 40 works from the 1980s through to the early 2000s.
Organised by the National Centre for Australian Children's Literature (formerly the Lu Rees Archives), based on campus, the collection features works by artists Ann James, Alison Lester, Julie Vivas, Bob Graham, Peter Gouldthorpe, Andrew McLean, Patricia Mullins, Terry Denton, Elizabeth Honey and Leigh Hobbs.
Director of the centre Belle Alderman said the unique collection reflects different styles of illustration, book design and publishing trends over the 25 years.
"It was an important era as Australian picture books were recognised as fresh, innovative and increasingly, world-class," Dr Alderman said.
"The 1980s in particular, were a boom time for publishers and creators of picture books, when many illustrators, well known today, were just beginning their careers," she added.
Appealing to multiple generations of readers along with artists, writers and publishers, the exhibition will conjure the earliest memories people have of books.
"All who are involved in any way with children's books will find these images speak to them of their childhood and the things they loved like dogs, cats, babies and so on," Dr Alderman said. "The stories are universal and memorable upon which these artworks are based."
The John Barrow Collection is the largest and most significant collection of its type, with only the National Gallery of Victoria and the State Library of Western Australia playing host to similar, smaller collections.
The exhibition also features floor talks, professional development sessions for teachers and librarians, and activities for children.
Watch our video story below:
The 'Seeing Stories' exhibition will be on display in the University of Canberra Hub Exhibition Space (opposite Mizzuna Café) from Friday 29 April until Friday 26 August. For opening times and campus map, click here.
