Royal Society of Tasmania Brings Hidden Treasures to Life at Oatlands Festival

The Royal Society of Tasmania made a significant impact at the recent Oatlands Heritage and Bullock Festival, presenting their Hidden Treasures exhibition in two of the town’s most historic venues. The Court House and Gaol House were transformed into temporary galleries, displaying high-quality digital prints from the Society’s extensive Art Collection.

Strong Community Response

The exhibition proved to be a major drawcard over the festival weekend, with recording devices showing that over 2,500 visitors explored the displays. The strong attendance generated substantial sales and sparked animated discussions about the paintings and their historical significance.

Many visitors commented on the rare opportunity to view these works in person, with some traveling considerable distances after hearing RST President Julie Rimes discuss the exhibition during her ABC Radio interview on Saturday morning. Attendees came from across Tasmania, including the East Coast, Launceston, Devonport, and Hobart.

Connecting Past and Present

Festival-goers were particularly engaged in identifying buildings and landmarks depicted in the artworks, attempting to match historical scenes with present-day structures and locations. The collection offered fascinating glimpses into Tasmania’s past, showcasing historical landscapes, daily life scenes, and introducing visitors to artists and works they had never encountered before.

The exhibition featured works with strong connections to the Oatlands district, adding local relevance to the broader collection and helping visitors connect with their regional heritage.

Educational Programming

Sunday’s program included an informative presentation about the Royal Society of Tasmania and its Art Collection, delivered by Marley Large, the organization’s new Honorary Art Coordinator. This talk provided valuable context for the exhibition and deepened visitors’ understanding of the collection’s significance.

Visitor Feedback

The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with comments including:

• “Beauty to behold. Tasmanian history of the past, keep for future generations – Please!”
• “Great. Well worth the visit. Fantastic display.”
• “Fantastic! Hidden no longer and a pleasure to see!”
• “Wonderful! A fabulous insight into the collection.”

Thanks to our Volunteers and Distinguished Prof Ross Large

The exhibition’s success was attributed to the dedication of volunteers working under the guidance of Distinguished Professor Ross Large AO. His vision, planning, and execution brought together numerous contributors in a coordinated effort that ensured every aspect of the event was carefully managed.

The Hidden Treasures exhibition at Oatlands represents more than just a successful community event. It demonstrates the Royal Society of Tasmania’s commitment to sharing its collections with broader audiences, celebrating Tasmania’s rich heritage, and building connections across the state. The overwhelming response suggests strong community appetite for access to these historical treasures, reinforcing the importance of making such collections visible and accessible to the public.