Lot 16

Private collection, Brisbane
Thence by descent

First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work, Exhibition Building, 23 October - 20 November 1907

In 1906 the Governor-General's wife, Lady Alice Northcote announced the intention of holding an 'Australian Exhibition of Women's Work', and at the time few people realised how the movement would expand, becoming greatly important to the whole continent.

Progressing the movement, Lady Northcote formed strong general committees in appointing each state Governor General's wife to form bodies in their state, ensuring that the exhibition was given every possible publicity until the attention of Australian women as a whole country was attracted. Special efforts were made in involve country and suburban women in the exhibition plans, to give these women the same opportunities for showing their work. Each state selected the best works to be shown in Melbourne.

The 'Australian Exhibition of Women's Work' officially opened in 1907 at the Exhibition Building in Melbourne, bringing together thousands of visitors. The exhibition was divided into various categories, including fine art, photography, needlework, musical, cookery, amongst others. The Fine Art selection was further sub-categorised into genres and mediums, making it available to all artists to exhibit.

Among the notable participants was Miss F. V. Lahey, a prominent Queensland artist, who entered multiple Fine Art categories, including, Flower Painting, Still Life Painting, and Australian Landscape. Vida Lahey's entries, particularly her still life painting, garnered high praise. Her celebrated work, a meticulously detailed portrayal of an overturned kitchen basket brimming with pumpkins, onions, and other household vegetables, captivated judges, and audiences alike.

"Miss F. V. Lahey has had three placed - "Niphetos Roses" whose white petals look sufficiently lifelike to possess a delicate perfume (this work has received great praise from all the artistic members of the different committees); a "Shady Pool", a cool and quiet spot for lovers on a hot sunny day; and last, but not least, a very domestic kitchen basket filled with pumpkins, onions, and other serviceable vegetables, which reminds one of the family's weekly supply from "John", and which on no account could belong to a small family."
(Australian Women's Exhibition in Melbourne, The Queenslander, Brisbane, 2 November 1907, p. 7)

The 'Australian Exhibition of Women's Work' not only showcased the artistic talents of women from across the nation, but also underscored the growing importance of women's contributions to the cultural landscape of Australia. In celebrating the exhibitions centenary, the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum developed a significant exhibition and catalogue to highlight the 'Australian Exhibition of Women's Work' event, bringing together a selection of pieces across all mediums and emphasise the historical significance of once was in 1906.

Hannah Ryan
Art Specialist