Born in London, John William Lewin (1770-1819) had a passion for natural history. He left England to travel to Australia to document the country’s plants and animals. Lewin was a printmaker, a natural history artist and author. He had the thrill of painting koalas when they were first described in 1803.
This exhibition is a collaborative effort between the State Library of New South Wales, the National Library of Australia and others who have loaned items to the show. Their joint effort has created an exhibition featuring over 150 works created by John Lewin. Exhibition items can be viewed online at the Lewin: Wild Art website. Also available on the website are an exhibition brochure, educational kits for teachers, and a short PowerPoint presentation teachers can use to introduce students to Lewin and his work.
During this special event, artists Paula Church, Sally Gibbs, Beverly Allen, Deirdre Bean, Rebecca Holmes, and Susannah Blaxill will conduct botanical art demonstrations. Each artist will work in a studio setting four hours at a time. Special presentations and a 2-day botanical art workshop with Beverly Allen are also scheduled.
Lewin: Wild Art
Library of New South Wales
Sydney, Australia
March 3 – May 27, 2012
ArtPlantae Today 