A new exhibition at City Gallery promises to tell the story about Melbourne’s coat-of-arms, seals, and crests. Melbourne Authentic – A curatorial and creative approach to the heraldry of Local Government be on exhibition at the City Gallery in the Melbourne Town Hall from 19 July 2006.
Melbourne Authentic is curated by Marcos Davidson – a famed goldsmith and jeweller who has been working in Melbourne since the 1970s. Davidson has exhibited in Germany, the UK, Japan, and locally at the National Gallery of Victoria.
This exhibition explores the fine craftmanship involved in the creation of three dimensional heraldry and examines how these symbols have come to express sentiments of love and endearment.
According to Lord Mayor John So, Melbourne Authentic provides the opportunity for Melburnians to reconsider their mark in the world.
“I encourage all Melburnians to come and experience first hand the rich history of heraldry in the City of Melbourne.
‘Heraldry is an important link from our medieval past and reveals something of the spirit of contemporary Melbourne in the 21st century,” he said.
The rules of heraldry were formalised in medieval times when kings heralds were sent in the English and Scotytish countryside.
Melbourne’s coat-of-arms reflects the components by which ealry Melbourne prospered – whaling sheep, cattle, and shipping.
Davidson has traulled through the City of Melbourne’s Art and Heritage Collection to unearth a number of intriguing heraldry artifacts for this exhibition.
Included in the collection is a ninteenth century gift from France – a vase originally displayed as part of the International Exhibition of 1880 at the Melbourne Exhibition Buildings.
Melbourne Authentic explores how marks take many forms and operate as symbols of ownership or belonging. The exhibition also features extensive orginal artwork by the renouned heraldist Horris K Hall.
Melbourne Authentic – A curatorial and creative approach to the heraldry of Local Government will be at the City Gallery from 19 July to 30 September.
