Gallery exhibition is a feast for the senses

Partnering with the British Museum, The Botanical World of Mary Delany features 21 high-resolution reproductions of Delany’s exquisite “paper mosaiks” of plants and flowers.

Delany, aged in her 70s at the time, invented a unique papercutting technique, carefully cutting and layering paper to create detailed images.

Visual artists Savannah Matthews and Samuel Beilby, poet Lucy Dougan and aromatherapist Donna Cochrane have created art, poetry, soundscapes and a scent scape, inspired by Delany’s artistic practice and life.

Perth artist Savannah Matthews created a series of watercolour and textile mixed media works that offer an insight into Delany’s personal relationships. 

Matthews said she was inspired by Delany and shared her love of collage.

“I really wanted to capture the most important people in Delany’s life and mesh together textile pieces that combine elements of her practice: collage,” she said.

“I worked from historical references of the people closest to Delany, reimagining an old oil painting or sketch into watercolour.

"I was inspired in each piece by how she might have spent time with these people, whether that was with the duchess on her property or in the garden with her husband.

“I used doilies I sourced at second hand shops – beautiful textile pieces that link to ‘women’s work’ and a perfect tie into the historical period that Delany existed.”

Delany went on to produce 985 intricate works of botanicals. Often mistaken for watercolours, her works are finely constructed paper collages.

Don’t miss out on this fabulous exhibition, on now at Wanneroo Regional Gallery until Saturday 9 May.