Mavis Phillips (nee Walley) collection - satellite exhibition

The Perth Centre for Photography in partnership with CAN, and the State Library of WA are proud to present a unique collection of Aboriginal photographs taken by one of Australia's earliest photographers - Mavis Phillips (nee Walley). Through her box brownie camera, Mavis captured the everyday moments of her community in Goomalling, Western Australia from the 1930s. Her photographs capture joy, spontaneity, pride and hope from the thriving Wheatbelt Aboriginal community. The photos are extremely rare in that they capture daily life from a Noongar perspective. In 2015 Mavis’ daughter Dallas Phillips brought a collection of old negatives stored in a chocolate tin to a photo sharing session run by Community Arts Network. The photos were taken by her late mother and bequeathed to Dallas. She was unaware of their historical and cultural value until they were viewed by State Library staff. This exhibition at the Perth Centre for Photography is curated by Mavis' daughter Dallas Phillips and presents more than sixty of her mothers photographs. The Nook at the State Library will show a smaller selection of images from May 21 - Sunday 25 July 2021 during Library opening hours. You can see the full exhibition at the Perth Centre for Photography (357 - 365 Murray St, Perth WA 6000) from 15 May - 31 July 2021. FREE - No bookings required Image: A group of children including Norma Phillips (middle back) standing in field of cape dandelion. Dallas Phillips is the baby being held, Around 1958, Goomalling, Mavis Phillips (nee Walley) collection, BA2666/84. Storylines Ref: NR-0005117