Former Gawler Institute committee member John Clift, Director of the State Library of South Australia Geoff Strempel and Gawler Mayor Karen Redman at the official launch of the Fire the Cannon exhibition last Wednesday evening. PHOTO: Sara Gilligan
THE birth of the iconic Gawler Institute building was celebrated last Wednesday evening with the official launch of a new heritage exhibition.
Free to the public, the ‘Fire the Cannon’, exhibit celebrates150 years since the institute foundation stone was laid by Governor James Fergusson in 1870.
Director of the State Library of South Australia Geoff Strempel officially launched the exhibition and spoke on the history of the mechanics institute and the importance of local libraries.
“The mechanics institute, going back to the roots of the word mechanic, were actually people who worked with their hands like craftsman and people part of the industrial revolution,” Mr Strempel said.
“It’s an absolute honour to see how far the institute has come today and, as part of the exhibit, items that haven’t been viewed by the public for a number of years.”
Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said she was pleased to represent a council that invests in arts and culture.
“We have a really wonderful history and the exhibition tells our story to the community,” she said.
“Fire the Cannon is about that time when people were fundraising for the institute… and includes some interaction and audio.
“I am really proud of the exhibition and I feel staff have done an amazing job and I encourage everyone to come and see it.”
Designed by artist Richard Browning, Ms Redman said the display incorporated many exciting pieces, including Dr Popham’s illustrious cannon and the restored Gawler Institute silk banner.
“There’s quite a number of Gawler Heritage Collection artefacts, in particular a flag that was made in 1857… that has been restored by Artlab,” she said.
“In the exhibit is Dr Popham’s cannon and he was one of the founding members of the Humbug Society, which is precursor to The Bunyip.
“He used to fire the cannon when the mail came in or when there was an important event and we also believe this particular cannon was on the (HMS) Buffalo ship, so it goes to the beginning of modern South Australia.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank all the sponsors of the exhibition.”
The Fire the Cannon exhibit will run until the end of the calendar year/Christmas period at the Gawler Civic Centre.
