The Library's love letter to late Sydney artist Peter Kingston
The State Library is staging a heartfelt tribute to iconic Sydney artist, Peter Kingston (1943–2022) with 70 of his original artworks — collected by the Library over 40 years — set to go on public display for the first time from Saturday 8 June 2024.
Peter Kingston the exhibition provides an intimate glimpse into the creative life of the prolific artist best known for his vibrant and joyful depictions of Sydney, its harbour, Luna Park and the Opera House.
According to State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon: “We’re fortunate to hold Australia’s best collection of Peter Kingston’s extraordinary artist’s books. It’s moving to know he was preparing a selection for the Library before his untimely passing, and we’re pleased to share these in this must-see exhibition.”
Peter’s interest in artists’ books can be traced back to his childhood love of comic strips and May Gibbs books. He believed a book had to have text and image, and loved collaborating with friends, fellow artists (including his sister Fairlie Kingston and Martin Sharp) printers, binders and box makers.
His richly illustrated ‘Shark Net Seahorses of Balmoral’ (2012) is one of 10 artists’ books on display. It includes stories by poet Robert Adamson who recalled childhood swims at Balmoral Beach and the seahorses watching blue gropers through the nets.
Co-curators Elise Edmonds and Mathilde de Hauteclocque sought to provide a more personal look at the artist whose work “brought so much colour, wry humour and nostalgia to the everyday aspects of our city.”
Visitors can hear Peter’s “spirited voice” through oral history excerpts recorded in 2018 where he talks about his love of the Opera House, battle with agoraphobia and his beloved home studio of 50 years in Lavender Bay.
Peter Kingston is a free exhibition at the Library from 8 June 2024 until 18 May 2025.