Bunyips and dragons to take over the NGV

Melburnians have been given the chance to revisit their childhood with a close up look at some of the most loved children’s book illustrations at a new National Gallery exhibit.

Bunyips and Dragons features more than 80 original works that showcase the unique character of Australian children’s books and reflect the growth of Australian children’s literature over the past 40 years.

NGV director Tony Ellwood said the exhibit, at the Ian Potter Centre, has a distinctively “local bent” which will be recognised by Australians of all ages.

Bob Graham 
Illustration for Greetings from Sandy Beach by Bob Graham, published by Lothian Publishing Company, Melbourne, 1990, cover and pp. [13-14] National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Albert Ullin OAM, 2014
© Bob Graham

“Illustrations in children’s books are the first artworks we encounter as we grow up, guiding our imagination, stimulating our curiosity and opening up new worlds,” Mr Ellwood said.

Instantly recognisable pieces by Graeme Base, Shaun Tan and Ron Brooks are set to stir up nostalgia in their now grown-up fans, while younger attendees will enjoy original pieces by Leigh Hobbs featuring his cheeky cat Old Tom.

Leigh Hobbs 
Poster design for Old Tom 1994
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Albert Ullin OAM, 2014
©Leigh Hobbs

In spite of their diversity, nearly all of the featured works are inspired by Australia’s unique natural environment, engaging children and parents alike with stories of home, fantasy and adventure in the distinctive settings of the Aussie bush and the beach.

Bunyips and Dragons is drawn from a collection of illustrations donated to the NGV by Albert Ullin OAM, the founder of Australia’s first children’s bookstore, The Little Bookroom.

“Through Albert Ullin’s tremendous gift of this significant collection of illustrations, the NGV is able to present an insightful survey of Australian children’s picture books and literature,” Mr Ellwood said.

The majority of the works in Bunyips and Dragons are from the 1980s and 1990s, a period in which the Australian book industry flourished, and half of all children’s books published were illustrated.

The exhibition curator Petra Kayser says Picture books of the 1980s were quite experimental in comparison to books of today.

“I spoke to Graeme Base [at the gallery’s opening], and he said a picture book like Animalia wouldn’t be published now. People at that time were still taking risks.”

Graeme Base
1988 illustration for The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base, published by Viking Kestrel/Penguin Books Australia, Melbourne, 1988, p. 18
Gift of Albert Ullin OAM, 2014
© Graeme Base

Children’s literature of the 2000s reflected a new era Australia, as the country headed to the new millennium and celebrated 100 years of Federation. Multiple voices and perspectives were encouraged and the works in the exhibit reflect Indigenous and multicultural diversity.

“Picture books reflected the changing community… as society changes, children from all over the world want to see themselves and their stories reflected in [Australian] picture books,” Ms Kayser said.

Pat Torres
Wirnin, the Emu (1993)
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Albert Ullin OAM, 2014
© Pat Torres

Organisations including the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) have played a significant role in promoting children’s literature, collaborating with authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers to bring stories into the hearts and minds of children.

Debbie Hatswell, the Director of the National Board for CBCA, said it’s important for Australian children to read Australian literature as it allows them to better engage and understand.

“Children relate well to books in which they can see themselves, their environment and their daily lives. Children’s books help kids understand the world and their place in it,” Ms Hatswell said. 

Ms Hatswell encouraged parents to seek out Australian talent when you are choosing books for your children at the Bookstore, online or the Library.

The CBCA Book of the Year and the accompanying 2015 short list is a “great place to start.”

“Books are still being produced, but I don’t think there’s as much risk taking, publishers and marketing departments want to know that it’s going to be successful,” Ms Kayser of the NGV said.

“Nothing can really replace a picture book though. I remember as a child every stain every mark of wear and tear would make a book my own.”

Bunyips and Dragons: Australian Children’s Book Illustrations will be on display at The Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square until October 4. Open 10am-5pm, closed Mondays. Free entry.