Ellis Rowan in the National LibraryHow the Ellis Rowan Collection came to be part of the National Library of Australia's collection is an interesting tale. In 1921, the Australian Government agreed to purchase several hundred of Ellis Rowan's paintings from her sister Blanche Ryan. However, critiscism in Parliament and disagreements over the price caused delays. It would take another two years before the purchase of 952 paintings was finalised.
Exclusive to the National Library, 8 looks from fashion label Zimmermann’s Spring 21 collection,
Wild Botanica, will be on display alongside the Ellis Rowan paintings that inspired their creation. The installation will be in the Library’s foyer for two weeks from 25 February until 11 March.
Zimmermann’s Creative Director Nicky Zimmermann was instantly taken by the beautiful botanical artwork of the 19th-century Australian artist and wanted to bring the artworks to life – laying the seed for the creation of
Wild Botanica.
I’ve always been drawn to botanical art - for a few seasons I’ve wanted to work with it but struggled with the scientific aesthetic and what we could do with it. I came across a book called The Flower Hunter which had works from a trailblazing Australian artist and explorer from the turn of the last century, Ellis Rowan. It really resonated with me - it was emotive art and very Australian - I recognised the plants and birds and I loved the way sh