About the exhibition
Queensland to a T dishes the dirt on the qualities that made tea towels desirable Queenslandiana and how we see them now. Featuring the Glenn R. Cooke Souvenir Textile Collection, this is a unique look into Queensland’s culture and identity.
So, soak up history and all things nostalgic and memorable while you reminisce, remember and see what comes out in the wash.
Destination Queensland explores the role of these tea towels in shaping, promoting and preserving the relationship between culture, place and tourism. Popular coastal holiday spots, local regional heritage, landmarks and experiences present Queensland as a tourists’ paradise.
Attractive by Design looks at the tea towel after the mid 20th century move to commercial textile printing and its shift from a utilitarian dish cloth to a canvas of affordable and functional souvenir art. Trends in their colours, patterns, motifs and iconography tell us what we thought best expressed a visual identity of Queensland through the years.
Domestic Threads explores the kitchen as the natural home of the tea towel. Tea towels featuring depictions of women, designs created by Queensland women, politics and recipes all relate to this space as a traditionally feminine sphere.
Discover learning resources and ideas for featuring the Glenn R. Cooke Souvenir Textile Collection in your lessons.
Kalkatungu Country
Aussie Summer Classics
Exotic Paradiso Vol.2
Bob & Barb Camping
Celebrating the first 120 years of State Library of Queensland
Explore the social and emotional foundations of our houses through the incredible legacy of Frank and Eunice Corley.