Audio on demand

Curator Alison Wishart, together with food historian Dr Adele Wessell, has enjoyed researching the life and contributions of one of Australia’s pioneering and political cookery educators and authors, Flora Pell.

An esteemed panel discusses Bob Edwards’ impact in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, museums and museum management.

Former members of the Aboriginal Arts Board describe the years of its establishment under the directorship of Bob Edwards.

Former National Gallery of Australia director Betty Churcher and art scholar Dr Caroline Turner discuss Bob Edwards’ contribution to persuading overseas gallery directors to allow exhibitions of masters to come to Australia.

A discussion on John Elliott’s portrait of Bob Edwards at the National Portrait Gallery and how it portrays elements of Bob’s character, including his cultural diplomacy and advocacy for Australia’s Indigenous people.

Childhood friend Dick Richards provides an insight into Bob Edwards’ early years, from growing up on family farms on the Adelaide Plains, to market gardening, the Royal Geographic Society and his anthropological studies.

The man of the moment, Bob Edwards, responds to messages from friends and colleagues who paid tribute to his work.

A welcome by Andrew Sayers followed by Neil MacGregor’s reflections on Bob Edwards as museum curator, anthropologist and archaeologist, founding director of the Aboriginal Arts Board and exhibitions wheeler and dealer.

Highlights from Bob Edwards’ fieldwork, collecting Aboriginal stone tools and documenting rock art and engravings, and his time at the South Australian Museum in the 1960s–70s.

Author Tom Keneally officially launches the National Museum’s new exhibition about the Irish contribution to Australia. Includes a performance by the Alan Kelly Quartet and speeches by the Federal Arts Minister and new Irish children’s minister.