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Sir John Monash Centre tapestry – only display on Australian soil
The Shrine is currently home to one of the most significant tapestries ever produced in Australia—the Morning Star tapestry, woven at the Australian Tapestry Workshop and designed by prominent Australian artists Lyndell Brown and Charles Green.
Following its display at the Shrine the acclaimed tapestry will be permanently relocated to the Sir John Monash Centre, due to open in Villers-Bretonneux, France, in April 2018. The Centre will help visitors gain a better understanding of the experiences of ordinary Australians on the Western Front during the First World War. These stories are told in their own words through personal correspondence and images.
The tapestry was officially launched on Friday 12 January by Senator Jane Hume, with John Ridley (pictured), Chairman of the Australian Tapestry Workshop Board speaking at the launch.
The Morning Star tapestry will be on display in the Shrine Visitor Centre until 25 February.
The tapestry has been made possible with the generous support of: Tapestry Foundation of Australia, Australian Hotels Association, ANZAC Centenary Arts and Culture Fund, Marjorie M Kingston Charitable Trust, Calvert-Jones Family, Anne and Mark Robertson OAM, Baillieu Myer AC and Sarah Myer, Yulgilbar Foundation, Chasam Foundation and The Myer Foundation.
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Talks and Events
Friends of the Shrine can attend public programs for free. General admission is $5 per person. Bookings essential. |
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Curator’s talk: The Light Horse
Tuesday 6 February, 1pm
Meet in the Education Centre
Curator Neil Sharkey unravels the many myths and legends of the Australian Light Horse in the Middle East. This exhibition extends beyond the legendary attack on Beersheba and features paintings by Sidney Nolan, George Lambert and Susan McMinn.
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No Front Line
Wednesday 28 February, 6pm
Shrine Auditorium
Journalist Chris Masters goes to the heart of some of the fiercest combat in Afghanistan with the Special Forces. Chris gives a voice to Australia’s highly trained soldiers and examines what it is like to be a member of this country’s elite fighting forces.
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ANZAC Nurse at Villers-Bretonneux
Thursday 8 March, 12pm
Shrine Auditorium
Sister Florence James-Wallace was stationed at Villers-Bretonneux during the early stages of the 1918 German offensive. She described it as resembling Dante’s Inferno. The hospital overflowed with badly wounded men and hundreds more lay in the streets on stretchers needing her nursing skills. This is her story.
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2/21 Battalion Gull Force
Sunday 4 February, 12pm
Wreath laying in the Sanctuary
This service commemorates the Battle of Britain and the Commonwealth contribution to an Allied victory. Between July and October 1940 as a prelude to a German seaborne invasion of Britain, the German air force mounted daily attacks on British airfields, radar stations and cities; competing for air superiority and mass civilian damage (The Blitz).
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National Servicemen’s Association
Sunday 11 February, 12pm
Wreath laying in the Visitor Centre Western Precinct
‘Nashos’ served in Australia and overseas, including Vietnam, Borneo, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. This ceremony commemorates all those called up for National Service from 1951–59 and 1965–72.
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Darwin Defenders Commemoration
Monday 19 February, 10am
Wreath laying on the Forecourt and Memorial Tree D57
The Darwin Defenders Commemoration honours those who served and died in the attacks on Australia during 1942–1945. Veterans, dignitaries and local school children participate in this moving service aiming to remind us all of the cost of preserving peace and democracy.
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Exhibitions
Entry to exhibitions is by donation. All proceeds support the Shrine Education Program. |
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Recent Conflicts Gallery
Permanent exhibition
West Gallery
The Recent Conflicts Gallery is newly redeveloped, providing a place to remember the contributions of current service men and women and recent veterans. Photographs and video footage taken by these service men and women themselves show the wars through their eyes: the drama and tragedy, as well as the humour and comradeship.
More information
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The Soldiers’ XI
1 April 2017 – 2 April 2018
West Gallery
Eleven cricket bats, each tells a story of tensions in the twenty-first century. The exhibition reveals the resilience of the service men and women whose lives became a little bit easier due to the bonds forged through their shared love of cricket.
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Vietnam Medallion—Infantry
$49.99
This limited edition proof quality medallion features the painting Contact by Ken McFadyen, the official Australian war artist in Vietnam. The reverse of the medallion displays the Vietnam 50th anniversary insignia with the Vietnam campaign ribbons and the words Courage – Service – Mateship. Each medallion is packaged in a leatherette presentation box. Less than 1,000 medallions were released.
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Light Horse Tea Towel—Desert March
$24.99
Created exclusively for the Shrine to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Beersheba, these stunning tea towels are part of a limited edition range. Featuring the striking painting Desert March, by Australian artist Susan McMinn, these tea towels make a beautiful gift, or a perfect keepsake for yourself. Designed and printed in Australia on Russian linen.
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Australia’s Home Defence 1939-45
$11.99
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
In the early years of the Second World War a Japanese invasion of Australia seemed to be a distinct prospect. Our excessive reliance on Britain had led to a long period of neglect of Australia’s armed forces. A large volunteer force was raised for overseas service and at home thousands rallied in the defence of Australia. Everyone did ‘their bit’ from the Volunteer Defence Corps to the Australian Women’s Land Army. This book covers the preparations and actions in Australia with clear insight and imagery easily understandable for all audiences.
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