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tapestry titled St Francis when young turning aside, created in 1972 by Australian artist Arthur Boyd |
Running from 20 June to 18 October 2026, this free exhibition offers visitors an extraordinary journey through the creative vision of Arthur Boyd, whose powerful interpretation of the life of Saint Francis of Assisi has been transformed into an awe-inspiring collection of woven masterpieces.
Presented for the very first time in its entirety, the exhibition is set to become one of Australia's must-see art experiences, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world to the nation's capital.
A Landmark Exhibition Unlike Any Other
Arthur Boyd remains one of Australia's most celebrated painters, renowned for creating deeply emotional works inspired by the Australian landscape, mythology and the human condition.
Now, visitors can witness one of his most ambitious artistic achievements in an entirely new form.
The exhibition showcases all 20 monumental tapestries commissioned by Boyd and woven by the renowned Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre in Portugal. Purchased by the National Gallery in 1975, the complete series has never before been displayed together, making this exhibition a genuine world first.
Each tapestry measures an impressive 2.5 metres by 3.4 metres, creating an immersive visual experience that allows visitors to appreciate Boyd's remarkable storytelling on an epic scale.
The Story of Saint Francis Woven in Millions of Stitches
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| Arthur Boyd: Tapestries |
Originally conceived as paintings and drawings, Boyd's compositions were painstakingly transformed into magnificent tapestries by highly skilled Portuguese weavers.
Every artwork contains between four million and 8.5 million individual stitches, expanding Boyd's original images to more than twenty times their original size.
The result is a breathtaking fusion of painting, textile craftsmanship and artistic collaboration that demonstrates extraordinary technical precision and creative vision.
From Sketch to Masterpiece
Arthur Boyd: Tapestries offers much more than a display of finished artworks.
Alongside the woven masterpieces, visitors can explore an extensive collection of Boyd's original lithographs, pastels and drawings, revealing how his initial concepts evolved into monumental textile works.
These companion pieces provide fascinating insight into the creative process, illustrating the close collaboration between artist and master weavers that brought Boyd's vision to life.
The exhibition highlights not only Boyd's extraordinary imagination but also the remarkable craftsmanship required to translate delicate brushstrokes into millions of meticulously woven threads.
A Celebration of Australian Art
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tapestry titled St Francis when young turning aside by Arthur Boyd |
His lifelong exploration of spirituality, humanity and the Australian landscape helped shape the nation's artistic identity, inspiring generations of artists.
This exhibition celebrates one of the defining achievements of his career while reinforcing the National Gallery's commitment to preserving and sharing Australia's rich artistic heritage.
For visitors unfamiliar with Boyd's work, the exhibition offers a perfect introduction to one of Australia's greatest creative minds.
For longtime admirers, it presents an unprecedented opportunity to experience the complete tapestry cycle as Boyd intended.
A Must-See Cultural Experience in Canberra
Located in the heart of Australia's capital, the National Gallery provides the ideal setting for this internationally significant exhibition.
Visitors can easily combine their gallery visit with nearby attractions including the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery and the picturesque shores of Lake Burley Griffin, creating a rewarding cultural itinerary in Canberra.
With free admission, Arthur Boyd: Tapestries makes world-class art accessible to everyone, from dedicated collectors and students to families and international travellers seeking unforgettable cultural experiences.
As Arthur Boyd once reflected: "Art is a journey to unknown destinations. The more you embrace the unknown, the richer the journey becomes."
This remarkable exhibition invites visitors to embrace that journey through twenty monumental masterpieces that stand among the greatest achievements in Australian art.
National Gallery of Australia
Website: https://nga.gov.auArthur Boyd Foundation Website: https://bundanon.com.au
Visit Canberra Website: https://visitcanberra.com.au
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