Now showing

11 July – 12 October 2008
First Australians Focus Gallery
Free

Imagine life in a different time with Herbert Basedow's photographs of early 20th-century expeditions into central and northern Australia.

A Different Time: The Expedition Photographs of Herbert Basedow 1903-1928 draws on the National Museum of Australia's rich collection of Basedow's photographic work.

Herbert Basedow — anthropologist, geologist, scientist, explorer and medical practitioner — was a remarkable Australian. He was renowned for the breadth of his work across central and northern Australia in the early decades of the 20th century. His extensive knowledge of the country and his opinions were highly valued by scientists, politicians and businessmen of his era.

Part of his great legacy is the National Museum of Australia's collection of more than 2200 negatives created during his many expeditions in remote Australia. His photographs reveal his diverse interests and provide poignant reflections of expeditionary and frontier life — a window into a different time.

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This exhibition is part of the Vivid – National Photography Festival 2008.

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Warning: This exhibition and website contain some images of nudity and people in distressing circumstances. Visitors should also be aware that the exhibition and website include names and images of deceased people that may cause sadness or distress to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Banner image: Herbert Basedow on a riding camel named Buxton, photographed near present-day Granite Downs station in north-western South Australia on 21 April 1903. Alfred Treloar took this photograph using Basedow's camera. © National Museum of Australia.