A vibrant place in the heart of the city, Canberra Museum and Gallery celebrates the region's social history and visual arts with dynamic exhibitions and unique community programs and events.

Housing a permanent collection, Reflecting Canberra, and a variety of local, national and international exhibitions, CMAG provides a refreshing insight to the integration of social history and the visual arts.

Exhibitions

 

 

 

 

Pursing Up: Rae Harvey’s Handbag Collection

31 May - 14 September 2008
Open Collection Gallery

Pursing Up continues Canberra Museum and Gallery’s Cabinets of Curiosities series which showcases the private collections of Canberra and the region.

Rae Harvey has a passion for beautiful attire. To create her distinctive style, Rae re-examines past fashion trends and finds inspiration in vintage fabrics. She designs and makes many of her own clothes. Rae’s Lucite (acrylic)
handbag collection began with a gift from her daughter in 2004. Since then Rae has acquired over fifty handbags, mostly purchased on e-bay.

For Rae these handbags are not simply an accessory; the finishing touch to a special outfit. Rae also appreciates them as the creative work of fine craftspeople. She delights in their bizarre shapes and “shining embellishments”. Their film star association adds a glamorous dimension, suggested in the names of the manufacturing companies: Patricia of Miami, Lewsid Jewel, Florida Handbags, Tyrolean, Rialto, Wilardy, Maxim, Majestic, Charles S Kahn, Myles Originals & Dorset Rex.

Exhibition Opening Images