Robert Edwards has played a crucial role in museums, Aboriginal art and culture, and the visual arts in Australia. At this tribute, friends, colleagues, protégés and admirers celebrate Bob’s contribution over more than seven decades of public life.
Bob Edwards: A tribute 22 Mar 2011
A tribute to Dr Robert Edwards AO: welcome and keynote address
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.
Bob Edwards: A tribute 22 Mar 2011
Early curatorial career at the South Australian Museum
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.
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Presenters:
Philip Jones
Bob Edwards: A tribute 22 Mar 2011
Bob Edwards: from orchardist to ethnographer
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.
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Presenters:
Dick Richards
Bob Edwards: A tribute 22 Mar 2011
Bob Edwards: museums and archaeology
An esteemed panel discusses Bob Edwards’ impact in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, museums and museum management.
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Presenters:
Robin Hirst, Philip Jones, Dick Kimber, John Mulvaney, Nic Peterson and Mike Smith
Bob Edwards: A tribute 22 Mar 2011
Foundation of the Aboriginal Arts Board
Former members of the Aboriginal Arts Board describe the years of its establishment under the directorship of Bob Edwards.
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Presenters:
Chris Fondum, Jenny Isaacs, Carole Johnson and John Moriarty
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Bob Edwards: A tribute 22 Mar 2011
Bringing the world’s heritage to Australia
Former National Gallery of Australia director Betty Churcher and art scholar Caroline Turner discuss Bob Edwards’ contribution to persuading overseas gallery directors to allow exhibitions of masters to come to Australia.
Bob Edwards: A tribute 22 Mar 2011
A portrait of Bob Edwards
Doug Hall discusses 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.
Bob Edwards: A tribute 22 Mar 2011
Contributions from friends and colleagues
The man of the moment, Bob Edwards, responds to messages from friends and colleagues who paid tribute to his work.
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Presenters:
John Bannon, Bob Edwards, Howard Morphy, Peter Stanley and Michael Treloar