From antivenom mavericks to mad inventors – meet our Magnificent Makers
When you think of the great inventors of history, odds are some famous names immediately spring to mind. Most of us are familiar with the Edison and Einstein-level creators from our high school textbooks, but there are so many more people throughout history who have improved our quality of life – and some of them are even from around our neck of the woods! Currently running until June 3 at the State Library of Queensland, Magnificent Makers shines a light on some of the canny creations, daring discoveries and imaginative inventions that all came about in our backyard.
If you are someone who likes to know the story behind everyday objects, pondered the first person to ever begin milking taipans for venom or just enjoy learning new things to casually drop into conversation at dinner parties, Magnificent Makers is right up your alley. The stories covered in the exhibition make up some of the most significant events in Queensland’s past as well as exploring the spirit behind great inventors – we’re talking all things trailblazing, inspired, risky and rewarding.
While they may not be household names, the inventors covered off in the Magnificent Makers exhibit have a played a crucial role in Queensland’s history and development. The exhibition plays homage to A.J. Hunting, the ambitious lad with a need for speed and the trailblazer behind Brisbane’s pioneering speedway, Richard Frank Tunley, who was hailed the fairy godfather of blind children for his educational creations such as braille globes, the man responsible for bringing electric light to Queensland (Edward Barton, FYI) and Ram Chandra, the maverick renegade who risked his life to develop taipan antivenom. It’s not just a boys club either – you can learn about fierce females Sarah Jenyns and Harriet Brims, a couple of trailblazing ladies across the fields of fashion and photography respectively.
Keen to uncover some of Queensland’s coolest stories and the people attached to them? You can check out Magnificent Makers at the State Library of Queensland (for free!) until it finishes up on June 3.
To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.
