Historic Exhibition Brings 18th Century Botanical Art to Perth
In a significant cultural partnership, the City of Wanneroo has collaborated with the prestigious British Museum to present a remarkable collection of 18th century botanical art in Australia for the very first time. This groundbreaking exhibition is set to captivate audiences at the Wanneroo Regional Gallery, offering a unique glimpse into the intricate world of pioneering artist Mary Delany.
The Botanical World of Mary Delany
The Botanical World of Mary Delany exhibition will run from February 4 through to May 9, showcasing twenty-one meticulously reproduced works from this innovative 18th century artist. Born in 1700, Mary Delany gained renown for her exquisite paper mosaics depicting plants and flowers with astonishing detail and precision.
What makes Delany's work particularly remarkable is her inventive technique, which she developed during her seventies. Rather than using traditional painting methods, Delany pioneered a unique papercutting approach, carefully layering and assembling colored paper to create vibrant, detailed botanical illustrations. Throughout her artistic career, she produced nearly one thousand of these finely crafted works, each demonstrating her exceptional skill and botanical knowledge.
International Collaboration Brings Art to Australian Audiences
Francesca Kaes, curator of British Prints and Drawings (1500–1774) at the British Museum, expressed enthusiasm about this international partnership. "We are delighted to partner with Wanneroo Regional Gallery for this exhibition of Mary Delany's 'paper mosaiks'," Ms Kaes stated. "Delany's collages depict plants and flowers from across the globe. Using high-resolution photography enables us to share these remarkable works with Australian audiences for the first time."
This innovative exhibition approach allows visitors to explore Delany's creative process in unprecedented detail, something that has traditionally been challenging due to the fragile nature of her original artworks. The high-resolution reproductions provide an intimate viewing experience that preserves the integrity of Delany's delicate creations while making them accessible to contemporary audiences.
Local Artists Respond to Historical Inspiration
Complementing the historical exhibition, the Wanneroo Gallery has commissioned contemporary responses from several Perth-based creative professionals. Professional artists Samuel Beilby, Lucy Dougan, and Savannah Matthews will present new works inspired by Delany's botanical creations, alongside aromatherapist Donna Cochrane, who will contribute her unique perspective on the botanical themes.
This blending of historical and contemporary artistic practices creates a dynamic dialogue between 18th century techniques and modern creative expression, offering visitors a multifaceted cultural experience.
Community Engagement and Cultural Enrichment
Wanneroo mayor Linda Aitken has enthusiastically endorsed the exhibition, encouraging residents and visitors of all ages to experience this cultural offering. "By collaborating with the British Museum, we're able to give residents and visitors the chance to experience world-class art close to home," Ms Aitken remarked. "This not-to-be-missed exhibition strengthens our local arts scene, supports creative expression and reinforces the role of Wanneroo Regional Gallery as a place where people can connect with ideas, history and culture."
The exhibition represents a significant milestone for Western Australia's cultural landscape, bringing internationally significant artwork to local audiences while fostering creative connections between historical techniques and contemporary practice. Visitors to the Wanneroo Regional Gallery between February and May will have the rare opportunity to engage with this unique intersection of botanical science, artistic innovation, and cultural heritage.
