A 2016 National Trust Heritage Festival Event ‘Discoveries & Rediscoveries’

Exhibition Launch 1-2pm 16 April 2016

Exhibition Dates 16 April, 21 May, 18 June 2016

The Woodford Academy Management Committee invite you to rediscover the intricate botanical art of Isobel Bowden – a pioneering conservationist who significantly contributed to raising awareness, appreciation and protection of the unique flora of the World Heritage lited Blue Mountains National Park. Curated by the Woodford Academy Management Committee, the exhibition features a selection of watercolours from the extensive collection donated to the Springwood and Mitchell libraries by the Bowden family.

Born in Woodford, Blue Mountains in 1908, Isobel Bowden spent much of her life in this small historic village, where she developed an abiding interest in local and natural history, bush walking and conservation. Isobel also had a long-standing association with the Woodford Academy, her three brothers having attended the school in the early 1900s, and in the mid 1900s Miss Bowden herself lived and for a time operated a tea and craft shop at the Woodford Academy. Through this association, Isobel developed a lifelong friendship with the school rector’s daughter Gertrude McManamey, who bequeathed the Woodford Academy to the National Trust in 1979.

Active in the local community, Isobel was a foundation member of the Blue Mountains Flora and Fauna Association and maintained an active membership of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society. In 1985 she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of her services. The Woodford Academy Management Committee extend our sincere gratitude to the Bowden family for their support in presenting Isobel’s botanical artworks and her passion for conservation through this exhibition.

Museum Entry & Exhibition

Adults $6, Concession/Child (4-16yrs) $4, Family $15 (2 adults, 2 children), National Trust members $2 Guided Tours –  $2/Person (4+years) Woodford Academy 90-92 Great Western Highway, Woodford (on street parking available on Woodford Ave) Email woodfordacademy@gmail.com<http://woodfordacademy@gmail.com/> for more information