The Cairns Art Gallery is currently hosting a delightfully quirky and nostalgic exhibition that is weaving its way into the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Titled simply "Tea Towels", the display presents a vibrant collection of over 100 vintage and contemporary tea towels, transforming everyday domestic items into a canvas of cultural memory and Australiana.
A Fabric of Australian Life and History
Curated from the gallery's own extensive collection and supplemented with loans from the community, the exhibition is far more than a display of linen. It is a textured timeline of Australian life. The tea towels on show date from the 1950s through to the present day, each one telling a unique story. Visitors can find towels commemorating royal tours, promoting long-gone airlines like TAA and Ansett, and celebrating iconic Australian brands and products such as Vegemite, Arnott's Biscuits, and Aeroplane Jelly.
The exhibition opened on April 26 and will run until July 14, 2024, giving plenty of time for people to take this unique trip down memory lane. As one of the gallery's most popular temporary displays, it taps into a powerful sense of shared history and personal recollection.
From Souvenirs to Social Commentary
Beyond commercial advertising, the collection showcases tea towels as travel souvenirs and pieces of social history. There are towels featuring maps of Australia, illustrations of native flora and fauna like koalas and gum leaves, and scenes from specific towns and regions. This highlights how these humble items served as affordable souvenirs and educational tools, spreading awareness of Australian geography and identity.
Curator Jenny has emphasised that the exhibition is designed to be interactive and evocative. "It's about sparking memories and conversations," she notes. The display is arranged thematically, allowing visitors to easily find towels that resonate with their own experiences, whether it's a towel from a childhood home, a forgotten holiday destination, or a discontinued product.
A Celebration of Local Stories and Everyday Art
A significant portion of the exhibition is dedicated to the rich history of Far North Queensland and Cairns itself. Tea towels depicting the Kuranda Scenic Railway, the iconic Reef Casino building, and local sugar mills anchor the collection firmly in its regional context. This local focus reminds attendees that history is not just about grand events but is also woven into the fabric of daily life.
The Cairns Art Gallery, located at 40 Abbott Street, is open from 10am to 5pm daily, making this accessible exhibition a perfect daytime activity. By elevating the simple tea towel, the gallery invites people to reconsider the objects that surround them and the stories they hold. It's a celebration of kitsch, memory, and the often-overlooked art of the everyday, proving that sometimes history is best told through the threads of a well-woven cloth.
