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McDouall Stuart marks 150 years with a trip to Alice Springs

McDouall StuartA replica of a stunning 19th century, 2.7 metre high John McDouall Stuart oil painting will begin its journey to Alice Springs next week to help commemorate the 150th anniversary of McDouall Stuart’s crossing of the continent. Adelaide City Council has donated the replica to the Alice Springs Town Council to form the centerpiece for the Lifting the Veil art exhibition held in the Museum of Central Australia next month.

McDouall Stuart who led the successful expedition in 1860 along with expeditioner Thring and nine other party members, was renowned for never losing a man in his travels. Lord Mayor Michael Harbison said the Adelaide City Council is happy to support the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of McDouall Stuart’s expedition.
“Adelaide City Council responded to a request from the Alice Springs Town Council to borrow the original painting, which is valued at $77,000, by commissioning a special replica for Alice Springs Town Council to keep.”
“The replica looks fantastic, and I’m very pleased to be able to help mark this important anniversary. It is impossible to tell the difference between the original painting, which hangs above one of the 1880s marble fireplaces in the Adelaide Town Hall Council chambers, and the replica,” said the Lord Mayor.

The Lifting the Veil exhibition will also feature 15 original objects used by John McDouall Stuart and his expedition party in their attempts to travel from south to north Australia. The History Trust of South Australia Historical Relics Collection has lent the items for the month-long anniversary celebrations.
Alice Springs Town Council Mayor Damien Ryan enjoyed working with Adelaide City Council on commemorating the anniversary.
“Our two local Councils working together is very much in character with the sense of cooperation and pioneering spirit of the 1860 expedition,” said Mayor Damien Ryan.
The Lifting the Veil exhibition begins at the Museum of Central Australia on 9 April and runs through to 27June.

Museum of Central Australia Address:  Alice Springs Cultural Precinct Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs

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