Travelling May Gibbs display visits Narooma

Narooma Library will host a travelling State Library of NSW display featuring May Gibbs’ iconic artwork this month.

Celebrating 100 years since May Gibbs’ characters found their way into the homes and hearts of Australians, the display explores her early work, including the characters Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, Ragged Blossom and Little Obelia, as well as her creative process and examples of the influence of war.

May Gibbs was Australia's first full-time, professionally-trained children's book author and illustrator. The gumnut babies became an instant hit when they first appeared on 5 December 1916 in a booklet published by Angus & Robertson, and the gum-blossom babies soon followed.

“Generations of Australians have fond memories of growing up with the gumnut babies and their friends, and passed the books they read as children down to their own children,” State Library of NSW Senior Curator Alison Wishart said.

“May Gibbs was a keen environmentalist and was also fiercely patriotic. Not many people know that during the First World War she designed a series of postcards and bookmarks featuring her popular characters to send to the soldiers overseas.”

Eurobodalla Council’s Manager of Libraries and Culture Linda Heald said Eurobodalla Libraries was proud to host this quality exhibition in Narooma.

“We’re pleased to be able to bring some nostalgia for those who grew up reading May Gibbs, and also hopefully introduce new generations to the gumnut babies,” she said.

“The display will be available to view from Friday 7 September to Friday 21 September 2018 during library opening hours.”

Narooma Library will host a special opening night for the display, which will include presentations around May Gibbs’ life and her famous characters, on Wednesday 12 September, from 5.30-6.30pm.  RSVP is required for catering purposes to Narooma Library on 4476 1164 or by emailing [email protected]