By Peter Douglas
The Yarra Ranges community is getting the chance to gain rare insight into one of its most-loved icons, Dame Nellie Melba.
Specifically, the incredible generosity and fund-raising efforts of this internationally renowned export.
The Melba Gift Book of Australian Art and Literature exhibition features some of the nation’s most important and well-known artists and authors, and how they helped Dame Nellie Melba create the book.
Melba’s Gift Book of Australian Art and Literature formed part of a fund-raising initiative to help the war effort.
Published in 1915, the book showcased original works and was a highly successful fund-raising tool.
Museum program director for creative communities, Patrick Watt, said many might not know Dame Nellie Melba was recognised widely for her fund-raising efforts, as well as her singing.
“All this (the exhibition) came about from a book. To put it in perspective, the book today would be like Kylie Minogue putting together a fund-raiser and featuring the work of Tim Flannery, Tim Winton, Paul Kelly and Nick Cave,” he said.
“She raised 100,000 pounds, which, in today’s terms, would be around $8 million.
“There is plenty at the exhibition for all ages. So if you’re not usually the type to visit an exhibition, this may be the exception. There has been some really positive feedback.”
Mr Watt said the exhibition helps to keep alive Dame Nellie Melba’s legacy and offer another perspective on her life.
One of the integral themes of the exhibition is the exploration of charity, what it means in wartime and what it means today.
Guests will get the opportunity to take part in ‘curator floor talk’, which will enable them to learn more about the exhibition and some of the items.
The exhibition includes 15 original artworks from the book, as well as rare pieces form Dame Nellie Melba’s estate.
Sculptures and artworks are also a highlight.
The Melba Gift Book of Australian Art and Literature exhibition runs until Sunday 4 February. Free event.
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum is located at 35-37 Castella Street, Lilydale.
For more details, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
