mmg.com.au

Hilary Jankelson will present a free public talk this weekend on Tommy McRae, one of the first Aboriginal artists to record aspects of his life and times in Australia in the European manner.

The talk will take place at the Benalla Art Gallery on Saturday, February 25 at 2.30pm.

Born in 1835, he lived in north-east Victoria all his life, mostly along the upper Murray.

His early life was probably among his people in a tribal setting, but as the Aboriginal way of life adjusted to pastoral settlement of the lands, he moved across cultures, sometimes labouring on stations, sometimes living off the land.

His sketches have been known to curators and historians for decades.

They always command interest and, if on sale, a healthy price.

They are rare and quite a few found their way to England, as interesting colonial items.

Many of his sketches have become primary source material for historians as they include quite detailed dress for Aboriginals, settlers and Chinese, tribal activities and some humorous but telling observations of human character.

Art historian Ms Jankelson has been researching Tommy McRae in Australia and England for years and is a recognised authority on Tommy McRae, his life, art and times.

Her talk will be illustrated with Tommy McRae works and we will be able to hear some informative background to the Benalla Art Gallery work on paper, which is the Painting of the Month for February.

The public are welcome to attend this free talk and meet with Hilary following her presentation.

■For further information phone Benalla Art Gallery on 57602619 or gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au