History

Of Australian Wildlife Arts

The discovery and exploration of Australia and the birth of interest and exploration of the enviropnment are intimately entwined and all of it was recorded by artists.

Aboard the “Endevour” with Cook and Banks was Alexander Buchan, aboard the “Beagle” with Darwin was Conrad Martens and with the French explorer Baudin aboard the aptly named “Geographe” was Charles LeSueur. Their work was widely celebrated in the 18th and 19th centuries but now languishes in the basements of libraries and museums across the country. Drawings, etchings, early photographs and film from then through to the 20th century until now, reflect both our nation’s history and that of humanity’s awakening to the environment with which we share our planet.