An historical account of the Brisbane Exhibition has revealed much more about Queensland than its love of show bags, fairy floss and cattle displays.
Dr Ross Laurie, a lecturer in Australian History at UQ Ipswich, and co-author Associate Professor Joanne Scott from the University of the Sunshine Coast, delved into the event’s 132-year history to produce Showtime: A History of the Brisbane Exhibition, published by UQP.
The colourful 250-page publication explores everything from Ekka foods, like strawberry ice creams and dagwood dogs, to entertainment in the main ring to what it’s like to work at the Ekka, and provides a fascinating sense of the state’s development.
“We had always wondered why a comprehensive history of this iconic event had not been done, so when we had the opportunity we began the project,” Dr Laurie said.
“We were able to chart the development of Brisbane through the lens of the exhibition – changes in dress, behaviour, cuisine etc.”
Since 1876 the ten-day event, which was originally intended to showcase the state’s agricultural, pastoral and industrial resources, has attracted Queenslanders to their capital city.
And while the 2008 crowd may be more interested in the show bags than the showcase, the fact that the event has survived for more than 130 years suggests it must hold some clues to the state’s history.
“One of the themes we explore is ‘the country comes to town’,” Dr Laurie said.
“The impact of the bush ethos through ring events, wood chop, sheepdog trials and other rural events demonstrates that abiding connection, which does seem stronger in the case of the Brisbane Show than for other States, though more research on this needs to be done.
“Also, aspects of Queensland's tragic race relations history are visible at the Ekka, including the display of Aboriginal people early in the twentieth century, as an illustration of the government's 'enlightened' policies.”
In researching Showtime, the authors drew upon a wide variety of printed, photographic and oral history sources, including materials held by the RNA.
They conducted approximately 50 interviews on the Ekka experience, a highlight of the research, according to Dr Laurie.
As for the fate of the Ekka beyond 2008, Dr Laurie and Dr Scott chose not to speculate.
“Historians are notoriously bad at predicting the future,” Dr Laurie said.
“Clearly the RNA is at a crossroads and they have ambitious plans for the site of the show
“Ekka enthusiasts are staunch and it will have to be a fine balance between tradition and innovation to keep everyone happy.”
Showtime will be launched on July 24 at the Museum of Brisbane where, on the same day, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, the Governor of Queensland, will officially open a major social history exhibition, “10 days in August”.
The book is available from UQP at a cost of $39.95
MEDIA: Dr Ross Laurie (3381 1564, 0447 539 890, r.laurie@uq.edu.au) or Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (3365 9723, penny.robinson@uq.edu.au)
.jpg)
