Soak up the history of Gympie as part of new exhibition

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Residents are being encouraged to rummage through their linen cupboard for their most unique household tea towels as part of a quirky upcoming exhibition celebrating the region’s rich heritage.**

Gympie Regional Gallery and Gympie Regional Libraries are joining forces to host a community exhibition featuring local tea towels, which is being held in conjunction with _Queensland To a T_ – a State Library of Queensland touring exhibition from November.

Mayor Glen Hartwig said the initiative was a fun and creative way to explore the region’s history and come together as a community.

“Our diverse region is made up of people from many different backgrounds, all with unique stories to tell about Gympie and its past,” Cr Hartwig said.

“The humble tea towel can mean so many things to people – decorative décor, cherished souvenir, or a reminder of a treasured time. This community exhibition will uncover the stories behind these household staples and explore what it means to be a Gympie local.

“Residents have until 19 October to submit their tea towels for consideration as part of the exhibition, before they go on show at the Goomeri, Gympie, and Tin Can Bay Libraries across November.”

This community exhibition is held in conjunction with _Queensland to a T_, which goes on display at the Gympie Regional Gallery from 22 November 2024 to 18 January 2025 and is the only one of its kind in the world.

More than 100 souvenir tea towels from the Glenn R Cooke Textiles collection held by the State Library will be on show at the Gympie Regional Gallery, sharing a unique look into Queensland’s culture and identity. The tea towels, which date back to the 1950s, were made by Australian and International merchandise manufacturers, including Gympie’s own Murray Views.

Cr Hartwig said it was fantastic to showcase such a unique exhibition right here in the region.

“Our Regional Gallery attracts fascinating, high calibre exhibitions throughout the year, and this unique exhibition is one not to be missed,” he said.

“We are delighted to host _Queensland to a T_ right here in Gympie, and I encourage everyone to get involved by submitting their tea towels as part of the community exhibition and checking out the State Library collection when it goes on display in November.”

Residents can submit their tea towels that share a story from within the Gympie region to the Gympie Regional Gallery by 19 October 2024 to be considered for the community exhibition.

The Gallery is open Tuesday – Friday 10am - 4pm and Saturday 10am - 2pm.

For more information contact the Gympie Regional Gallery or visit [Callout for Gympie region tea towels – Gympie Regional Council](https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/events/event/952/callout-for-gympie-region-tea-towels "‌")