Reconnect with our land, culture and heritage through the National Wool Museum’s exciting new exhibition, On the Land: Our Story Retold.
All about change, this exhibition is a fresh look at the Australian wool story, replacing the Museum’s 30-year-old Wool Harvest exhibition.
The museum takes you on a journey by exploring Wadawurrung Country, a history of farming, land management practices and innovations in the industry.
Stories are shared through contemporary displays which help you find your own connection to the region.
Listen to the stories of Wadawurrung elders and local farmers, see amazing imagery of Geelong created by local artists and be intrigued by the city’s extensive object collection.
On the Land incorporates parts of the museum’s extensive collection, charting tools of the trade from the early nineteenth century to present day. On public display for the first time is an 1820 cloth fragment made from John Macarthur’s first wool clip.
Greater Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher commended the scope and ambition of the exhibition and encouraged visitors to enjoy the compelling storytelling.
“On the Land takes a modern look at Geelong’s heritage and is told through a creative lens with contributions from leading Geelong artists and heritage researchers,” Cr Asher said.
“This new exhibition will really draw visitors in with its emphasis on stories, the human impact of wool production over generations and stunning artistic responses.”
National Wool Museum Director Padraic Fisher said the new core exhibition is inspired by collective history, the land and this place we call Geelong.
“On the Land is an exciting, highly accessible new contemporary museum experience for audiences. Visitors will feel a connection to the land, the lives and the achievements of generations of those who live on these lands, wool growers, textile manufacturers, craftspeople, artists and innovators,” Mr Fisher said. “The exhibition features contributions from leading Geelong artists including a new sculpture by Mary-Jane Walker, immersive sound installation from Vicki Hallet, Wadawurrung art from Deanne Gilson, photography from Nicole Marie and Pete James and Andrew Chapman as well as painting by Richard Weatherly. Even our taxidermy sheep have had a makeover courtesy of Melbourne illustrator Ashley Ronning.” Mr Fisher said.
What to expect
On the Land takes visitors into the wool sheds and into the future, celebrating new innovations in the industry. Using the National Wool Museum’s extensive object collection, On the Land charts the tools of the trade from the early nineteenth century to today.
For the first time, the National Wool Museum will put on public display an 1820 fragment of cloth made from John Macarthur’s first wool clip.
On the Land begins with ‘Wadawurrung Country’ – a significant new installation in recognition of the importance of the Traditional Owners of the Geelong region. Created by Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles, elder Bryon Powell and Wadawurrung artist Deanne Gilson, ‘Wadawurrung Country’ includes stories from traditional owners, traditional language and artistic motifs.
The exhibition also features contributions from leading Geelong artists including a new sculpture by Mary-Jane Walker, immersive sound installation from Vicki Hallet, photography from Nicole Marie, Pete James and Andrew Chapman as well as painting by Richard Weatherly.
On the Land at the National Wool Museum, 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong. Admission for adults is $10, concession $8, child $6 and $30 family (two adults and up to four children). Also on display and included in admission price, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and How Cities Work. Details: www.nwm.vic.gov.au
