Screen Australia: Hidden Treasures NLA

PREMIERES TUESDAY 3 JUNE 2008, 6:50PM ON ABC1

Hidden Treasures compile featuring Augustus Earle and his Dog, Jemmy (ep 1), First Fleet Sketches (ep 8) and John Olsen’s Opera House Mural (ep 10)

The National Library of Australia is the country’s largest reference library with over nine million items in its collection, including a surprising number of art works. Yet visitors to the library glimpse only a fraction of the collection with many fragile items unable to be placed on permanent display.

Former director of the National Gallery of Australia, Betty Churcher, presents an insider’s guide to some of the library’s art treasures, which are rarely on public display. From her unique vantage point, Churcher makes intriguing historical connections between paintings and engravings, photography, manuscripts and artefacts, illustrated journals and diaries.

This series of short documentaries tells the story of Omai, the first South Sea Islander to visit London; investigates the mystery surrounding the death of Captain James Cook in Hawaii; reveals the exquisite paintings of 18-year-old colonial painter George Raper and Victorian flower hunter Ellis Rowan; and speaks with artist John Olsen about his struggle to paint the biggest commission of his career, the Sydney Opera House mural.

These are fascinating tales about the creative process and the works themselves that offer a tantalising insight into Australia’s culture and heritage.

A Film Australia National Interest Program in association with Early Works. Produced in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. With special thanks to the National Library of Australia.

EPISODE 1: Augustus Earle and his Dog, Jemmy –Tuesday 3 June 2008, 6:50pm on ABC1

EPISODE 2: The Flower Hunter –Tuesday 10 June 2008, 6:50pm on ABC1

EPISODE 3: The Photographer and the Painter –Tuesday 17 June 2008, 6:50pm on ABC1

EPISODE 4: A Passionate Collector –Tuesday 24 June 2008, 6:50pm on ABC1

EPISODE 5: Captain Cook in Hawaii –Tuesday 1 July 2008, 6:50pm on ABC1

EPISODE 6: Captain Cook’s Tragic Death –Tuesday 8 July 2008, 6:50pm on ABC1

EPISODE 7: South Sea Islander in London –Tuesday 15 July 2008, 6:50pm on ABC1

EPISODE 8: First Fleet Sketches –Tuesday 22 July 2008, 6:50pm on ABC1

EPISODE 9: Figure in the Landscape –Tuesday 29 July 2008, 6:50pm on ABC1

EPISODE 10: John Olsen’s Opera House Mural –Tuesday 5 August 2008, 6:50pm on ABC1