Women in Natural History: Art, Science and Rare Books
Part of Melbourne Rare Book Week
- What
- TALK
- When
- General information
- Museum Theatre
- Tickets
This panel discussion explores the vital roles women have played in natural history, highlighting their work as illustrators, scientists and stewards of knowledge.
Discover stories of trailblazing women from the past and present who have blended art and science to inform, inspire and influence the field of natural history.
Artist Mali Moir joins Museums Victoria experts Rebecca Carland, Senior Curator of History and Collections, and Hayley Webster, Library Manager, to investigate how women have helped document the natural world through art, often for scientific publications.
This event will be followed by Rare Book Viewing: Women in Natural History and is proudly presented as part of Melbourne Rare Book Week.
Moderator
Hilary Harper
ABC Journalist
Hilary Harper has a degree in English Literature and Cultural Studies, a Graduate Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing, and 30 years’ experience in radio. In her time at the ABC, including local, state and national programs, she's covered everything from news and current affairs to traffic reporting, arts, health, gardening, science, finance, education, relationships, parenting, and much discussion of food.
Hilary is curious about everything that affects us through the different stages of our lives. Her own life goal is to one day own enough bookshelves. She is now the voice of ABC Radio National on weekday afternoons.
Presenters
Mali Moir
Artist
Mali Moir works extensively in the field of scientific illustration and field naturalist projects. A Botanical, Scientific and Natural History Artist and teacher for 20 years at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, with award-winning work held in many collections.
Mali’s field experience includes Expedition Artist with Museum Victoria, French Natural History Museum PNG, ‘Beckler’s Botanical Bounty’ a 10 year project encompassing Art, Science, History & Country, Kauai Florilegium and Genestreaming Sculpture Project.
Mali’s interest in threatened species contributes to her belief that ‘artists make science visible’. Co-founder of Art of Nature School developing online teaching programs in nature journaling to promote the value of engaging in our rich natural world. In the Accurate Realism style, Mali combines her fascination for the natural sciences with an active desire to render works of art with beauty, character and scientific integrity.
Rebecca Carland
Senior Curator History of Collections, Museums Victoria
Bec is a dynamic history curator with over 20 years' experience in collections, exhibitions, programs and publication within the museum sector. She collaborates across history, science and creative networks to keep historical practice energised and relevant. She strives to engage with and address the colonial legacy within museum practice and methodology. She is an advocate for the promotion of women in the sector through mentoring in the workplace and is energised by executive positions on various committees and boards.
Hayley Webster
Manager, Library, Museums Victoria
Hayley manages the library at Museums Victoria, where she oversees a rare book collection with a strength in 18th and 19th century natural history titles. She is fascinated by the old books that she works with and is especially interested in highlighting the female naturalists who contributed to them. Through her role as Convenor of ALIA Rare Books & Special Collections Hayley advocates for professional development and networking for special collections librarians and promotes the visibility of Australian rare book collections.
Accessibility
We can assist with any access requirements you may have for this program, please contact our team on 13 11 02 or email us at [email protected] to discuss how we can support your Museum visit.
