Meet May Gibbs’ bush babies
The bush fantasy world of May Gibbs (1877 – 1969) illustrator, artist and children’s author has created a unique Australian folklore that holds a special place in the heart of our nation.
Having emigrated from the UK at the age of four, May spent many impressionable years observing the beauty of the Australian bush, including during the time following her family’s move from Adelaide to a farm in Harvey, WA.
She enjoyed exploring the bush riding her pony, and began to paint and write about the bush at this time.
May Gibbs’ famous illustrations are on show at the State Library of Western Australia in the May Gibbs – Gumnut Babies exhibition, as part of the 2020 AWESOME International Arts Festival.
The free exhibition features a selection of artwork from May Gibbs’ children’s books, including Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, that will delight visitors of all ages.
Visitors to the 2020 Awesome International Arts Festival in the Perth Cultural Centre (28 September – 2 October) can also enjoy free performances of The Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by the Western Australian Ballet.
On her much loved characters, May Gibbs is quoted as saying : “I don’t know if the bush babies found me or I found the little creatures’.
