The – Volume I

1 March – 27 May 2013 The Celia Rosser Gallery, Fish Creek

Presented in association with Museum of Art | MUMA

Renowned botanical artist Celia Rosser is most celebrated for , Rosser has been recognised with awards from the Linnean Society of Lon- a three-volume series of exquisite watercolour paintings depicting every don (1977), the Order of Medal (1995) and an honorary PhD from known species. Dedicating over 25 years to the project, Rosser’s Monash University (1999). Fittingly, the most recently discovered specie, life work was undertaken when she was appointed by the Vice Chancellor as , was named in her honour. Monash University Botanical Artist in 1974. The Banksias demonstrate Celia Rosser’s dual commitment to scientifi c The Celia Rosser Gallery are pleased to present this exhibition of twenty accuracy and art. Painted at life-size scale Rosser would build the complex three watercolours from Volume 1 in association with Monash University Mu- tonal qualities of Australia’s iconic wildfl ower layer by layer. With some 77 seum of Art, custodians of The Banksias and the stunning tapestry, Banksia species of the Banksia genus now formally identifi ed, Sir Joseph Banks was Serrata, which was completed in 1995 by the Victorian Tapestry Workshop the fi rst to collect specimens in 1770 as botanist on Captain Cook’s fi rst working in collaboration with Celia Rosser. expedition – the genus was named in honour of Banks. As the fi rst time The Banksias have been exhibited in Victoria since 2002, this is a rare opportunity for art and botanical enthusiasts alike. Celia Celia Rosser, (Wallum Banksia) 1979 Rosser’s passion for banksias is evidenced in every watercolour. Botanist watercolour and pencil on Aquarelle Arches paper William Stearn has described them as exquisite works of art, commenting 55.8 x 76.2 cm Monash University Collection that, “Their grace and accuracy entitle them to be placed alongside the Donated by the Botany Department, Monash University 1989 superb Australian wildfl ower paintings of the great Ferdinand Bauer.” Courtesy of Monash University Museum of Art The artist with her work at the Celia Rosser Gallery, 2010 Photo: Warren Reed Courtesy of Coast Magazine

The Celia Rosser Gallery, established in 2007 by the artist’s son, Andrew Rosser, with philanthropic support from the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, is a unique venue located in Fish Creek, South Gippsland. Now aged 82, Celia Rosser enjoys the opportunity to meet with visitors to the Gallery, often stopping to chat – explaining her techniques and recalling stories of her adventures collecting the samples for each painting. Rosser’s Banksias have been highly lauded and recognised internationally as a superb example of botanical illustration. Since completion The Banksia series has been exhibited widely, at esteemed venues including; the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew London, the Art Gallery of , the National Library of Australia in Canberra and the Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney. A survey exhibition of Celia’s work was also held at the State Library of Victoria, which toured to regional Victoria.

Celia Rosser Gallery Promontory Rd, Fish Creek, Victoria, 3959 Open hours: Thursday – Monday, 10am-4pm Entry: $5 www.celiarossergallery.com.au

Celia Rosser (Red Swamp Banksia) 1980 Celia Rosser Gallery in association with watercolour and pencil on Aquarelle Arches paper Monash University Museum of Art 76.2 x 55.8 cm Monash University Collection Donated by the Botany Department, Monash University 1989 Courtesy of Monash University Museum of Art