Old Government House

Old Government House 2022

Old Government House at Parramatta has assembled a fantastic program of events to celebrate convict artisans in the early years of the colony.

MAKING GOOD: CONVICT ARTISANS IN EXILE

5 MARCH – 27 NOVEMBER, TUESDAY – SUNDAY, 10AM – 4PM Explore the lives of convict artisans who used their ingenuity, skill, perseverance, and entrepreneurship to transform their place of exile into a thriving modern settlement. From convict love tokens to beautifully detailed silverware, this exhibition tells their stories through a range of expertly crafted objects, including furniture, clocks, art and pottery, as well as textiles made at the Parramatta Female Factory. Also on display is an exciting multimedia artwork created by a Western Sydney artist, Kenneth Lambert, exploring the convict labour system, industry, and the impact of colonisation on Indigenous Australians. Tickets: Members free, general admission $15, family $35, concession $10, children under five free Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw MAKING GOOD – MEMBERS VIEWING

10 MARCH, 10AM – 12PM Join Anna Ridley, Old Government House Curator, for this exclusive members-only event. View Making Good: Convict Artisans in Exile and hear firsthand about the development of the exhibition and the many exciting discoveries that accompanied it. Afterwards, enjoy a lovely morning tea in the courtyard and reflect on the stories of the skilled convicts connected to Old Government House. Tickets: Free, members only Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw

MAKING GOOD – CURATOR'S TOUR

24 MARCH – 24 NOVEMBER, FOURTH THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 2PM – 3PM Old Government House Curator, Anna Ridley, will take you deeper into the lives of the early Australian artisans featured in Making Good: Convict Artisans in Exile. Explore the lives of James Oatley, Laurence Butler, Alexander Hart, Joseph Lycett, and James Bloodsworth. Discover how their works contributed to the colony’s growth and the development of a rich decorative arts history. This tour will appeal to anyone with a thirst to learn more about the process of exhibition creation and the remarkable stories uncovered along the way. Tickets: Members $10, general admission $25, families $45, concession $20, children under five free Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw

GHOST NIGHT

18 MARCH, 7:30PM – 10:30PM What’s that chill in the air? Take a ghostly tour through the candlelit corridors and rooms of Australia’s longest-standing public residence – if you dare! Learn of our colonial past as you retrace the steps of those who once walked the halls of World Heritage-listed Old Government House and hear tales of the unusual happenings that took place there. Tickets: Members $32, general admission $35 Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw

ART IN THE PARK – STILL LIFE PAINTING

2 APRIL, 10AM – 2PM Join the Parramatta Art Society at Old Government House for a unique workshop combining art and history. Using items from the Old Government House collection that aren’t usually on display, curators will arrange a special composition for you to capture on canvas. Enjoy a practical demonstration of basic drawing techniques before moving on to sketching and painting your artwork. At lunch, view some of the works created by convict artisans on display in the Making Good exhibition upstairs. Tickets: Members $70, general admission $90, concession $80. Spaces strictly limited. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw

CHALK AND SHADOW ART FOR KIDS

9 – 24 APRIL, TUESDAY – SUNDAY, 10AM – 4PM One of the mysteries of Old Government House is the identities of the convicts who built it. While we know some of their names, no portraits or images of them have survived. To honour these early artisans, children are invited to create their own portraits using their shadow outlines and chalk. Afterwards, families can enjoy the Making Good exhibition and learn more about the lives of convict artisans. This is a great day out for families, parents and grandparents searching for Easter school holiday fun with a historical twist. Tickets: Members free, general admission adults $15, families $35, concession $10, children under five free Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw SPOON CARVING WORKSHOP

7 MAY, 10AM – 4PM Spend a satisfying hands-on Saturday crafting your very own wooden spoon in Nordic Edge’s guided workshop. You’ll learn the process of selecting sustainable materials before trying your hand at axe work, carving and whittling. You’ll leave with your own spoon as well as all the skills to continue your journey as a spoonsmith! You can also view some of the fine woodworking pieces created by convict artisans in the Making Good exhibition on display upstairs. Tickets: $249. Spaces strictly limited. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw

CLAY PIPE WORKSHOP – DISCOVERING LOCAL CLAY

4 JUNE, 10AM – 4PM Archaeological digs in Parramatta have uncovered many clay smoking pipes, a popular accessory among all social classes in the early colony. Now you can make your own using historical techniques in this exclusive workshop from Parramatta Clay and Arts. All the materials to help you mould and decorate your handmade creation are provided. Afterwards, explore the convict-made pottery on display in the Making Good exhibition. Tickets: Members $45, general admission $65, family $205, concession $55. Spaces strictly limited. Visit nationaltrust.org.au/whats-on-nsw