Beauty from Nature: the art of the Scott sisters

Museum event: Beauty from Nature: the art of the Scott sisters

Audience Type:: General
Event Type:: Special exhibition
Opens:: 3 September 2011
Closes:: 27 November 2011
Location:: Level G, Special Exhibition Space

Coming soon from the Archives for the first time in 100 years!

Experience the colourful world of butterflies, moths and plants through the eyes of two of Australia’s finest 19th century female scientific illustrators.

The Scott sisters produced exquisite watercolours over a 20-year period for their father’s scientific publication on moths and butterflies. These rarely seen artworks are on display from the Museum’s Archives for the first time in over 100 years!

Take a personal journey into 19th century life with Harriet and Helena by viewing their notebooks, observational drawings, handwritten manuscripts, letters and real insect specimens, and inspecting the sisters' achievements – over 55 delicate watercolour illustrations.

The Scott family possessed a strong connection with the Australian Museum specifically with the Directors (known then as Curators) and through their father’s years as a Museum Trustee. Their father produced The Lepidoptera (a book scientifically describing the relationship between moths and butterflies) while Harriet and Helena illustrated the publication.

Harriet and Helena are interesting personalities as it was unusual at the time for middle-class women to undertake commercial work, particularly in male-dominated occupations.

‘I tremble to think of the awful responsibility I am putting on my paint brush.’ Harriet Scott

Don’t miss this opportunity to view work by these remarkable 19th century artists who also illustrated Australia’s very first Aussie-themed Christmas card. This beautiful exhibition is suitable for art, history, science and nature lovers of all ages!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Celebrate the wonderful scientific illustrations of Harriet and Helena Scott, with these special activities for visitors
of all ages. Get drawing!

The Drawing Room
Try different drawing methods to create your own scientific illustrations. Be inspired by a range of real Museum
specimens or create your own beautiful butterfly using our handy step-by-step guides in our Search & Discover space.
When 24 September – 9 October
Time 10 am – 2 pm
Cost Free with general paid Museum entry (bookings not required)

Seeking Science Workshop: Butterflies
Butterflies are spectacular insects. They are found around the world and display an amazing range of colours .
The Museum looks after a vast collection of butterflies. Come and explore the world of these fascinating insects.
Ages 5 – 9 years
When 27, 28 September & 4, 5 October
Time 3 – 4.30 pm
Cost Members $18, non-Members $20 (per child after general paid Museum entry)
Bookings essential 02 9320 6163

On the Scott sisters trail
Follow the themed question trail around the Museum and enter a draw to win prizes. Ask at the Information Desk.
When 3 September – 27 November
Time 9.30 am – 5 pm
Cost Free with general paid Museum entry (bookings are not required)

Butterfly Dances
Enjoy a contemporary dance performance, inspired by the movement, colour and flight of the butterfly.
The performance is suitable for all ages.
When 27, 29 September & 4, 6 October
Time 12 pm, 1 pm & 2 pm
Cost Free with general paid Museum entry (bookings are not required)

Face Painting
Fancy a butterfly on your cheek or a caterpillar on your forehead? Face painting to delight every child!
When 26 – 30 September & 3 – 7 October
Time 12 – 3 pm
Cost $3 after general paid Museum entry (bookings not required)

Learn to draw
Create your own beautiful butterfly drawing in Search & Discover.
When 3 September – 27 November
Time 9.30 am – 5 pm
Cost Free with general paid Museum entry (bookings are not required)

Scientific illustration workshop: Butterflies – more than beautiful wings!
This intensive two-day weekend workshop for adults is presented by scientific illustrator Anne Musser with
participants producing their own illustration.
Age 18+ years
When 10 & 11 September or 12 & 13 November
Time 10 am – 4 pm
Cost Members $150, non-Members $200
Bookings essential 02 9320 6163

Admission

$12 Adult
$6 Child (5 –15 years)
$30 Family (2 adults + 2 children)
$18 Family (1 adult + 2 children)
$3 Additional child (each)
$8 Concession
- Senior Cardholders (Australian & international)
- ISIC (all tertiary students)
- Language and international school students including groups
- Australian Government cardholders (eg unemployed, healthcare cards) with the exception of "Blue" Pensioner Concession Cardholders (see below)
Free Children under 5 years
Free Australian Government DVA Gold Cardholders
Free Australian Government "Blue" Pensioner Concession Cardholders
Free Australian Museum Members
Free ICOM Members
$6 Pre-booked Australian school groups (per child)
$3 Pre-booked preschool groups (per child)