The Museum of Brisbane is currently hosting “New Light: Photography Now + Then,” an exhibition that masterfully intertwines historical and contemporary photography, offering visitors a captivating journey through Brisbane’s visual history from 1890 to 2024.
Central to this exhibition is the rediscovery of the Elliott Collection, the work of amateur photographer Alfred Henrie Elliott (1870–1954). Elliott’s extensive black-and-white photographs, which lay dormant for decades, were unearthed in 1983 within cedar cigar boxes beneath a residence in Red Hill. The collection provides a rare and intimate glimpse into Brisbane’s past, capturing moments of family life, local events, and the city’s evolving landscape over a span of 50 years.
Building upon Elliott’s legacy, seven Brisbane-based photographers have been commissioned to create new works inspired by different facets of the Elliott Collection. These contemporary artists—Marian Drew, Jo-Anne Driessens, Joachim Froese, Tammy Law, Carl Warner, Nina White, and Keemon Williams—bring fresh perspectives, enriching the narrative of Brisbane’s photographic heritage.
In addition to the commissioned works, “Viewfinders” features contributions from Brisbane’s photography community. This segment showcases how local photographers engage with the archive, offering diverse interpretations and fostering a deeper connection with the city’s history.
Exhibition Details
- Dates: Saturday, 17 August 2024 – Monday, 6 October 2025
- Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Admission: Free
- Location: Level 3, City Hall, Brisbane
- Access: The Museum is fully accessible; a touch trolley is available upon request.
For a visual insight into the exhibition, you may find this video helpful:
