PAST EXHIBITION
Bush Bounty
This exhibition celebrated Western Australia's extraordinary flora and the many ways it has been utilised in the everyday and commonplace.
Featured in the exhibition were floral objects and images that have been used and created by ordinary people – some over many thousands of years. These included food and medicine, linen and kitchenware, the kitsch and the elegant.
They all reiterate that wildflowers and the bush are fundamental to the identity and culture of all West Australians.
Wildflowers in Abundance
Showcasing WA's unique flora
From a massive kangaroo paw on canvas to tiny badges with floral emblems, this exhibition featured wildfower-themed items from a number of private and public collections, including the Royal Western Australian Historical Society, and the Embroiderers' Guild of WA.
Afternoon Tea Anyone?
With a few wildflowers
Tea cup, tea cosy, teaspoons, tea caddy, side-plate, table-cloth, doily holder and recipe book - all adorned with WA wildflowers. What more do you need for afternoon tea?
Wildflowers Everywhere!
Wildflowers and West Australian Identity
The appeal of WA's wildflowers to the tourist market was apparent from the beginning of the 20th century. In 1910, the Tourist Bureau bought the rights to print the paintings of wildflower artist Janie Craig (1876-1906) as postcards to attract tourists to the State (item 5). Wildflowers have since appeared on badges, tourist banners, matchboxes, bookmarks, salt and pepper shakers, calendars, and one or two tea towels!
Please Don't Pick the Flowers
Take a photo instead
Una Bell, local artist and native grasses expert, made these flowers from scraps of material, pipe-cleaners, and old paint brushes.
What flower is that?
And what are the different bits called?
Jenny Haynes, Director of Mundaring Arts Centre, made these lovely cardboard flowers so visitors could enjoy recreating the flowers in the photographs - or make their own amazing new flower.
