Perseverance, passion and ambition of two Aussie scientific greats on display in Wagga

The invaluable works of two of Australia’s most prominent 19th century natural history illustrators are on display at the Museum of the Riverina (MoR).

Transformations: Art of the Scott Sisters by Harriet and Helena Scott will be on exhibition until 28 August.

On loan from the Australian Museum, the exhibition will allow locals to view the pioneering works of the Scott sisters and delve into the tale of these extraordinary women’s love of nature and their exemplary artistic skills.

The sisters distinguished themselves in the male-dominated world of 19th-century science, becoming pioneers in illustrating the life histories and immature stages of Australian butterflies and moths.

They were meticulous, understood their subjects’ biology in great detail and kept detailed diaries and notebooks, which gained them recognition in their field.

The Scott sisters were taught drawing by their father, Alexander Walker Scott, and later by neighbour and friend S.T. Gill, an English-born Australian artist.

They lived on Ash Island near the Hunter River in NSW and wandered the landscape collecting and observing its insects and plant life.

The sisters’ illustrations were credited with seeming much more alive than the dead European specimens they were drawn from.

The Entomological Society of NSW gave the sisters an honorary membership; their advanced illustrations are still used by scientists today.

MoR manager Luke Grealy said it was a pleasure to bring the work of pioneering women like Harriet and Helena Scott to Wagga.

“Not only are the artworks beautiful, they tell a story of perseverance in the face of adversity, ambition and lifelong passion,” Mr Grealy said.

The exhibition features reproductions of 39 of the original watercolours by the Scott sisters.

The paintings of caterpillars are considered some of the finest examples of the sisters’ work for featuring life-like poses, stunning landscapes, beautiful butterflies and native flowers.

MoR is also offering a range of workshops based on the exhibition including embroidery, adult finger-painting, watercolour painting and more.

There is also a children’s activity zone with an origami butterfly station, 3D puzzle making and stencil art with prizes for young entomologists.

In collaboration with the Wagga City Library, the exhibition has two microscopes for visitors.

A micro-eye discovery microscope allows visitors to get up close and personal with real specimens showing the butterfly lifecycle.

Visitors are encouraged to bring anything they want to see on a microscopic level under the Dino-Lite Digital microscope.

Transformations: Art of the Scott Sisters is on until 28 August 2022 at the Museum of the Riverina, 243 Baylis St, Wagga Wagga. Visit the museum website for more information.