Explore how the koala and the waratah were first depicted over 200 years ago and how they have evolved over time to quickly become national icons in a new travelling display from the State Library of NSW.

The display will open at Kempsey Shire Library from Tuesday, October 4 to Thursday, October 13.

According to Australian Inspiration curator Sarah Morley, the koala was so unique that early colonists found it difficult to draw. 

“In 1803, Australian artist John William Lewin (1770-1819) was the first person to draw a koala, from a specimen that was brought from Mount Kembla to Sydney,” Ms Morley said. 

“Dorothy Wall brought the koala to life in 1933 with her cheeky little character called Blinky Bill and by the 1960s it was used by Qantas to promote Australian tourism.” 

The waratah has had a similar journey that helped establish an Australian national identity and gave NSW its state flower.

The earliest known drawing dates back to 1794 and it continues to be a source of inspiration for fashion designers, artists and creatives.

“Australian Inspiration will not only tell the evolving story of our national icons, but also showcase the role of the State Library’s extraordinary collections in arts and design,” Ms Morley said.

For more information, please contact Kempsey Shire Library on 6566 3210 or www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au