A powerful discovery has been made, shedding light on a dark chapter in Australia's history. An Indigenous artwork, created by a young boy named Claude Kelly, has resurfaced after being lost for decades. This artwork, a testament to the resilience of the Stolen Generation, was found in a regional museum in Western Australia, far from its original home.
Claude, just 12 years old when he drew this piece, was a part of the Carrolup Native Mission School near Katanning. The museum where it was discovered is over 200 kilometers away, a stark reminder of the separation and displacement endured by Indigenous children during this tragic era.
The artwork's journey is a fascinating one. It was donated to the museum around 25 years ago, but sadly, the curator who received it passed away, taking any potential insights with her. The piece remained untouched, hidden away in a trunk, for most of that time.
But here's where it gets controversial... hundreds of Carrolup artworks have ended up scattered across the globe, thousands of kilometers from their origin. Englishwoman Florence Rutter played a role in this, exhibiting and selling these pieces in London after her visit to Australia in 1949. Meanwhile, an American collector, Herbert Mayer, held a private collection of 127 pieces, which eventually found its way back to Australia and is now housed in the John Curtin Gallery in Perth.
Claude Kelly's artwork has now found a safe haven at the same gallery. Patricia Ryder, the senior Carrolup adviser, emphasizes the significance of this discovery, especially for the families of the artists. She believes these artworks provide a tangible link to their heritage, a connection that might otherwise be lost.
"The Carrolup artworks offer a unique perspective on history," Ryder explains. "We must view them through the eyes of those children, not through our modern lens."
Lisa Liebetrau, the Carrolup collections officer, highlights the fragility of these works, many of which were created with substandard materials due to the government's neglect. Paper conservators are assisting in restoring these damaged pieces, a delicate and important task.
The search for more Carrolup artworks continues. Only 17 of the artists have been identified so far, and with the Herbert Mayer collection containing 127 pieces, the need for further research and education is evident. In 2022, an exhibition in the UK aimed to locate more of these lost treasures.
"While we hope to reunite all these artworks, the reality is that some may never return," Ryder acknowledges. "Our focus is on attributing these pieces to their rightful artists or families, ensuring their stories are told and remembered."
This discovery and the ongoing search for Carrolup artworks highlight the importance of preserving and sharing Indigenous history and culture. It's a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity of the Stolen Generation, and the ongoing efforts to right historical wrongs.
