Museum of the Great Southern to host exhibition by Susie Vickery inspired by 18th century French botanist

An exhibition inspired by the journey of an 18th century French botanist who visited WA will open at the Museum of the Great Southern on Saturday. Peregrinations of a Citizen Botanist, by WA embroidery artist Susie Vickery, is displayed as a cabinet of curiosities which charts the journey of French botanist Jacques-Julien Houtou de Labillardiere. Labillardiere came to WA in 1792 aboard the ship Recherche where he collected botanic samples. Vickery presents an alternative history of his journey in which he sheds European preconceptions about the land he is exploring. She said the view of history she presents reflects what the environment might have been like if it had not been modified to fit a European model of agriculture. “Making this exhibition led me to a greater understanding of our history and our precious and fragile environment,” Ms Vickery said. “I hope that the visitors will join me in appreciating our responsibility in caring for the world around us.” Museum of the Great Southern regional manager Catherine Salmaggi said the exhibition would captivate visitors. “The enchanting collection of automata, intricately dyed and stitched garments and puppetry, complemented by sweeping hand painted backdrops, audio and digital projections, will captivate the viewer, transporting them to a different time and place, all set within the spaces of the historic residency building,” Ms Salmaggi said. Vickery will also be holding a free two-day portrait stitching workshop on May 14 and 15 at the Co-op Building. Peregrinations of a Citizen Botanist runs from May 14 to July 24.