Previous Exhibition ...
UNDALYA
OVER THE BRIDGE AND UNDER THE RADAR

Suzanne Laslett and James Parker

Opening on Friday 1st March until Sunday 24th March 2019


Undalya Bridge is of historical significance.  Crossing the River Wakefield a few kilometres South of Auburn in the mid-North of South Australia, it once carried the Main North Road through the township of Undalya. But more importantly, Undalya bridge was once the longest single span iron bridge in Australia.
 
A riveted wrought iron bowstring truss type girder bridge, spanning 38.1m, with top bracing.

Locally known as The Basket Bridge, it was built in 1879-80 by J Hooker from steel supplied by Hopkins and Co. of Middlesborough, England, under the supervision of Mr William Morris of the Road Board.  It is the longest of five such bridges in the Northern Districts, the others being at Redruth (Burra), Kooringa, Merriton and Balaklava reflecting 'the expansion and development of the road system in South Australia and the use of iron as an alternative to masonry or timber in bridge construction.' (Heritage SA, 2/2000)

However the beloved Basket Bridge is now in danger of falling into disrepair.

This exhibition is part of a campaign by Undalya residents and local supporters to raise awareness of The Basket Bridge.  The restoration of this bridge is now a National Trust SA Project.

With supporting historical exhibits and paintings by original settler

Mervinia Masterman
Suzanne Laslett is a former resident of Undalya. 

She has been exhibiting as a creative photographer since 1991 and her work has been represented in numerous group and solo exhibitions in South Australia and interstate including solo shows at the State Library of Queensland, Daylesford Foto Biennale, Shimmer Photography Festival, Naracoorte Regional Gallery and in group exhibitions at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, Magnet Galleries, Melbourne.  Her photographs are featured in three books - Portraits of Life, Faces of the Smelter and Pictures from the Port.  Suzanne is a Fellow of the Royal South Australian Society of Arts, a life member of Kapunda Gallery and a member of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.


James Parker grew up in Undalya

He is a former lecturer in printmaking at Adelaide Central School of Art and has worked as Artist in Residence at many schools throughout South Australia. James has exhibited widely both solo and in groups. His work has been awarded significant prizes including  Out of home Production Award “CIBO Bambino Billboard” Advertising and design; 2011 Education and Arts Ministers Award; 1st prize, Drawing inspiration Award, Big Draw London; Production design for short film “Zoom” Awards “Brushstrokes”.
James states "I have had 6 exhibitions about this town (Undalya) mostly about the bridge, being a long standing Pontist. It is a part of me, who I am Artistically and who I am in full.
I would not like to see it fall."

As James also says "The Basket Bridge is not Undalya but it holds .... the memory and stories of grief, joy, love, nature and art of Undalyians.
Picture
Undalya Bridge with Figures
Photograph by Suzanne Laslett
Picture
Wet Night and Car Lights
iPad drawing by James Parker.
Picture
Rocky Mouth, Kangaroo Island
Watercolour by Mervinia Masterman

Opening Hours

10.00am - 4:00pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. 

Please Note:
Summer Closure from 18th December 2018 until 24th January 2019

Location

13 Main North Road
Auburn, South Australia, 5451

​We are on the corner of Port Road and Main North Road (Horrocks Highway) opposite the BP Service Station. 
90 minutes drive north of Adelaide, Auburn is the historic gateway to the Clare Valley.