Curator Matt Jones considers how we choose material for an exhibition and the decision of here and how work is displayed, by comparing two images of Government House from our upcoming exhibition, Australian Dreams: Picturing our Built World.

Through these historical depictions, Matt also explores how we can gain valuable insight into Australia's early built environment.

Artworks mentioned in this video are:

  • William Bradley, View of the Governor's house at Sydney in Port Jackson, New South Wales, 1791, nla.cat-vn1291412
  • Augustus Earle, Government House and part of the town of Sydney, New South Wales, 1828, nla.cat-vn2316026

You can also explore more of Australia’s early European architecture online.

The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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