Step into the captivating world of Ellis Rowan, a trailblazing 19th-century Australian botanical artist whose breathtaking watercolours and solo expeditions pushed the boundaries of art and exploration.

This exhibition highlights Rowan's remarkable travels from 1880 to 1910, taking you on a journey from Rockhampton to the Torres Strait and Papua New Guinea, through extraordinary paintings, sketches, diary entries, and photographs.

Experience the beauty and detail of Rowan’s work through 28 original watercolour paintings depicting plants and flowers, paired with objects from the Queensland Museum Collection that explore how First Nations peoples used these plants in everyday life.

The selection of artworks and objects invites viewers to consider Rowan’s encounters with First Nations people, Country, and Culture, and the circumstances that enabled her extensive body of work.

Exhibition highlights:

• 28 original watercolour works on paper
  • 15 First Nations’ objects 
  • Digitised interactive of Ellis Rowan’s diary
  • Royal Worcester ‘Ellis Rowan’ porcelainware 

This exhibition has been developed in partnership with Cairns Art Gallery.