The life and work of photographer John Gunn

Foster Museum Saturday 9 March 2019 until the end of 2019.

This exhibition displays the extraordinary work of local farmer, builder and electrician turned photographer John Gunn. He recorded the people, places, events and industry in Toora and the surrounding district in the early years of the 20th century. Photos include the Peace celebrations at the end of the First World War and the development and construction of the Toora Tin Mine.

The exhibition shows a selection of his photographs, early glass plates and albums.  A mock-up of a darkroom has been created and a range of cameras spanning the period of his work from 1900 to 1945 are shown.

 A rolling ‘loop’ of his work can be viewed on a computer screen.

Photo: John Gunn self portrait on his motor bike in Gunyah as he travelled round the country taking photos.

Exhibition opening

Saturday 9^th March 2019:  the formal opening of the exhibition was performed by two of John Gunn’s great-great grandchildren, Chris and Leonard, cutting the ribbon at the door of the museum. The President of the Foster and District Historical Society, Meg Rogers, had previously welcomed a small crowd of guests and members including several descendants of John Gunn. 

Richard Jones, speaking on behalf of Jennifer Jones, Curator, explained how John Gunn’s photos had featured in a number of the Society’s previous exhibitions and thus it was felt appropriate to create an exhibition devoted solely to his work.

Working as an amateur photographer from his home at Mt Best and later in Toora, John Gunn recorded numerous features, activities and personalities of the local area. He used a motorbike and sidecar to get around the district and the exhibition features an old bike and sidecar as a central focus.