This engaging exhibition features the work of six Australian artists and illustrators, who were active during the ‘golden age’ of Australian children’s book illustration from the 1890s to the 1940s: Ida Rentoul Outhwaite, May Gibbs, Norman Lindsay, Ethel Spowers, Violet Teague, and George Lambert. The exhibition features original artworks from much loved Australian classics, such as Snugglepot & Cuddlepie, The Magic Pudding and Fairyland, and will introduce a whole new generation of audiences to this wonderful and formative period for Australian art and illustration.

Drawn from private and public collections Australia-wide, this charming exhibition—exclusive to Gippsland Art Gallery—is a unique opportunity for younger audiences to discover this wonderful period of Australian art and illustration, and for the young at heart to rediscover the innocence of childhood. Images of fairies and Australian native flora and fauna abound in these artworks that, while intended for children, are astonishing in their beauty and accomplishment.

Adventure, Elves & Gumnuts is the first exhibition to be developed for the Gallery by our Associate Curator Andrew Gaynor, who brings his extensive knowledge and passion for early twentieth century Australian art for all visitors to enjoy.