EXHIBITION OPENING ADDRESS: Sarah Courtney

OPENING ADDRESS

Sarah Courtney MP

Sarah Jane Courtney is an Australian financial analyst, viticulturist and politician. She was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly for the Liberal Party of Australia in the Division of Bass at the 2014 state election. ... She unsuccessfully stood for the Senate in the Australian federal election, 2013 prior to her entry into state politics....[LINK] – [FACEbook]

Exhibition opening at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery  – The World Inside 

Friday 29 April 2016 

Speech notes: 

• It is a pleasure to be here this evening representing Premier Will Hodgman to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.
• The museum was officially opened on 29 April 1891.
• Now, 125 years on, I have the honour of officially opening an exhibition that celebrates one of the most significant individuals in the museum’s history – Mr Herbert Hedley Scott.
• Herbert Scott was the full first time curator of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
• While some believe he was the first curator, he actually followed in the footsteps of Alexander Morton who was, at the time, the curator of Tasmanian Museum and Botanical Gardens, or as we now know TMAG.
• It wasn’t, however, until Herbert Scott succeeded Alexander Morton as curator in May 1897 that QVMAG, genuinely prospered.
• Herbert Scott went on to devote his life to the museum - serving in the role of curator for over forty years; the longest serving curator of the QVMAG. 
• I have had a fascinating time researching the history of QVMAG and, in particular, that of Herbert Scott. While I’m sure my still-quite-limited knowledge pales in comparison to many in the room I would like to touch on the important role Mr Scott played in QVMAG’s development.
• The original building consisted of a gallery to display mineral specimens with an art gallery on the next level. The first of many extensions began in 1907 with the addition of a zoological gallery. 
• Scott performed a variety of tasks during his time as Curator including research, lecturing, preparing exhibits and displays, preparing labels and even cleaning. He saw the value of education and published a series of important reference materials throughout his career, including articles in the Royal Society of Tasmania’s Papers and Proceedings. 
• He was the only employee for many years and worked seven days a week, with no annual holidays, to ensure that the facilities were open to the public
• Scott had a keen and enquiring mind and used the best ideas from America and Europe to develop and grow the QVMAG collections. He had a vast knowledge and love of natural science which began before he came to Australia and continued throughout his life. This led him to build a comprehensive collection of local flora and fauna. Indeed his obituary in the Mercury stated “his fund of knowledge relating to flora and fauna was unrivalled in Northern Tasmania” 
• The obituary continued to read; “His work was untiring, and varied in scientific matters. In one branch alone, he assisted in compiling a work on the geology and mineralogy of Tasmania. He took a keen interest in the Launceston Microscopical Club. He was a frequent lecturer and recognised authority on scientific subjects. 
•  Despite his personal interests, he did not neglect art, history or education. Scott was instrumental in securing approval to relocate the important Beattie Collection of convict history from Hobart to the QVMAG in 1927.
• During Mr Scott’s time as curator the QVMAG grew significantly and has continued to flourish in to a first-class institution that draws visitors from across Tasmania and indeed across Australia and further. The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is now, proudly, Australia’s largest regional museum. 
• I am pleased to note that the Scott family have an ongoing relationship with the museum, many of whom have joined us this evening • Members of the Scott family worked alongside QVMAG staff to develop this exhibition and indeed the exhibition showcases pieces from the museum’s extensive collection alongside artworks by Tasmanian artist Dr Mary Scott. 
• Dr Mary Scott herself an accomplished visual artist and educator based in Hobart, is the great grand-daughter of Herbert Scott. Dr Scott’s art practice includes painting, digital media and drawing. Her work has been exhibited locally, nationally and internationally
• Furthermore I would also like to acknowledge that this year represents another significant anniversary for the museum as it marks 30 years of volunteer gallery guides at the QVMAG. 
• The passion and dedication of volunteers has greatly enriched the museum experience for the general public. 
• I wish to pass on my congratulations to all those involved in the volunteer gallery guides program on reaching this significant milestone and thank each of you. 
• I strongly encourage anyone here tonight who might be interested in joining the volunteer gallery guides program to contact museum staff. .
• Finally, I hope you will all join me in congratulating the team at one of Tasmania’s cultural icons, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Dr Mary Scott and the Scott Family, on presenting such a captivating exhibition to mark the 125th anniversary of our museum. 
• It is my pleasure to now declare the exhibition open