Presented by the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, together with the National Trust S. H. Ervin Gallery, State of the Waratah provides a colourful look at the New South Wales floral emblem; its history, cultivation and application as an image in art, design, fashion and architecture.

Curator Rosie Nice has brought together an eclectic range of waratah-inspired art and craft on loan from major galleries, museums and libraries throughout Australia. State of the Waratah will explore the Aboriginal story, display wartime memorabilia, include paintings, drawings and photographs from artists such as Ellis Rowan, Margaret Preston and Bruce Goold, and showcase waratah-inspired fashion. From private collections there will be pieces never exhibited previously such as a bowl and jug featured in RT Baker's famous book, Flora in Art in 1916.

The Royal Botanic Gardens will present a botanical perspective including early prints and drawings plus a display of fresh and potted waratahs, while the S.H. Ervin Gallery will present the historical and fine art component of the exhibition.

A lively program of public events will be held at both the Gardens and S. H. Ervin Gallery to coincide with the exhibition, and a self-guided 'Waratah Walk' will link both venues, visiting places in the city that feature hidden waratah motifs, such as The Garden at Darling Park and the terrazzo waratah at Skygarden in Pitt Street Mall.

An official event of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Arts Festival, State of the Waratah will be an inspirational experience for both Sydneysiders and tourist alike: vibrant, attractive, informative and with a hint of nostalgia!

Media enquiries: Prue Davidson, S.H. Ervin Gallery  9258.0150