May 28, 2013
The National Museum of Australia is launching a call-out in South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia for four historic bicycles and pre-1945 bicycle-riding outfits to enhance its collection, ahead of an upcoming bicycle exhibition that will tour nationally next year.
In mid-2014, the National Museum of Australia, based in Canberra, will launch a travelling exhibition, which will explore the place bicycles have occupied in hearts of Australians over the last 100 years.
As the Museum is looking to extend the range of its collection to represent each of the states and territories, it is focusing its current call-out in South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia.
The Museum’s wish list includes:
- A bicycle from the late 19th century or early 20th century, that might have been used for racing or commuting.
- An ‘Oppy’ model Malvern star, used for touring or racing during the 1920s or 1930s.
- A track-racing bike.
- A child’s bicycle from the 1960s or 1970s.
- Riding outfits for men and women pre-1945.
A bike suitable for the National Museum of Australia’s collection must have provenance.
‘That means that the Museum must be able to demonstrate and document the origin and history of the bicycle; be able to recall stories about the object; and have photographs of the object being used,’ said National Museum senior curator, Daniel Oakman.
Anyone who believes that they have a bicycle or riding outfit that would be suitable for the Museum’s collection should email or call the National Museum’s Duty Curator: curator@nma.gov.au or 02 6208 5019.
While the Museum would welcome donations, it will consider purchasing the bicycles.
For media interviews, please contact Tracy Sutherland on 02 6208 5338, or 0438 620710, or media@nma.gov.au