Series Series D - Original artworks

Identity area

Reference code

UQFL386-Series D

Title

Original artworks

Date(s)

  • 1974-1979 (Creation)

Level of description

Series

Extent and medium

20 paintings ; 25.4 x 48 cm + 3 drawings ; 26 x 50 cm.

Context area

Name of creator

(1924-1985)

Biographical history

Dick Roughsey was born near Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1924. His name is translated from his tribal name Goobalathaldin, meaning 'water standing on end'. Brought up within the tribe, he was educated at a Presbyterian mission, subsequently returning to his people. Roughsey was assisted in his painting career through the encouragement of an Ansett pilot, Percy Trezise, and has successfully exhibited bark paintings and oils. Roughsey and Trezise collaborated for many years producing picture books which retold traditional stories. These were among the first to introduce Aboriginal culture to children. The stories include The Rainbow Serpent (1975), Banana Bird and the Snake Man (1980), about how the birds outwitted the snakes, The Magic Firesticks (1983) a legend from the Yalanji people and The Flying Fox Warriors (1985). Roughsey's richly illustrated autobiography Moon and Rainbow: the Autobiography of an Aboriginal was published in 1971. He was the first chairman of the Aboriginal Arts Board in 1973.

Name of creator

(1923-2005)

Biographical history

Pilot, painter, explorer, and writer. Born 28 January 1923 in Tallangatta, Victoria, he spent most of his life in Far North Queensland and was active in identifying Aboriginal rock art. He wrote numerous children's picture books, many in collaboration with artist Dick Roughsey; Trezise became Roughsey's brother in a traditional Aboriginal ceremony and was given the name 'Warrenby' (sometimes spelt 'Warrenbi'). He died in Cairns, Queensland on 11 May 2005.

Archival history

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Twenty paintings, synthetic polymer paint on paper, by Dick Roughsey and Percey Trezise. Many were proposed illustrations for The rainbow serpent (1979). Three of the paintings are accompanied by explanatory drawings.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Unrestricted access.

Conditions governing reproduction

Copyright applies: Contact the Copyright Agency for licencing.

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

Language and script notes

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

Finding aids

Allied materials area

Existence and location of originals

Existence and location of copies

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Related descriptions

Notes area

Note

Parcel 1 [Box 4 on the solander box]

Alternative identifier(s)

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Description control area

Description identifier

Institution identifier

Rules and/or conventions used

Status

Level of detail

Minimal

Dates of creation revision deletion

Created, Linda Justo, 28-Aug-2023.

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Physical storage

  • Parcel: UQFL386 Parcel 1