Distant Lines

Distant Lines: Queensland Voices of the First World War is SLQ’s major 2015 exhibition featuring the fascinating, untold and intimate stories of Queenslanders in World War 1, from the home front to the war front.

Spread over the galleries, studios and spaces within the SLQ, the immersive exhibition (which marks 100 years since the Great War) highlights the unique experiences of Queenslanders, before during and after the war was over.\

With more than 57 700 Queenslanders out of a (1915) population of 685000 serving in World War I, i.e. around 8.5% of the state’s populace, the impact on everyday lives of residents was enormous and far-reaching.

In this important commemorative exhibition, visitors can take time out to explore the collections-rich exhibits, take in the extraordinary personal tales and reflect on how one of the deadliest conflicts in the history of Queensland affected its residents and helped shape what and where we are today.

For the duration of Distant Lines, the main program of events takes place as follows:

SLQ Gallery – Distant Lines in the SLQ Gallery highlights the notion of distance - geographical, emotional and ideological - during the war and how loved ones stayed in communication, with stories told via a collection of personal diaries, letters, belongings and digital stories, all with a striking backdrop of dramatic imagery. Add to the immersive experience by taking a seat in the gallery to watch the historical TV mini series Apocalypse World war One (by Isabelle Clarke and Daniel Costelle). Level 2 Until Nov 15

Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery – Distant Lines in Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery highlights the notion of home and how the repercussions of a faraway war impacted the home front. Here’s the chance to follow the first stages of war via recruitment and conscription campaigning along with the darker underbelly of patriotism, censorship, racism and propaganda: and about women’s contribution. And learn the disenchantment and disunity that ensued via letters, photos, records, posters and programmes. Level 4 Until Nov 15

Talbot Family Treasures Wall – This tucked away treasure wall takes visitors on a pictorial trip through history to commemorate 100 years since the Gallipoli landing, with SLQ photographs and collection items that explore the origins of Anzac Day in Queensland. Level 5 Until Nov 15 Free

Infozone – Here information and imagery focusses on 2 Australian conscription referenda in 1916 and 1917, opening the age-old debate for discussion: for or against war. Compare how Queensland voted then and how you would vote today. Level 1 Until Nov 15

Postcards to a Loved One – Visitors can put themselves in the shoes of those who were separated by loved one/s by the war, by writing their own postcard, the postcard was of utmost importance during WW1 as a tool of communication for people and SLQ has a significant collection from the time. Infozone Level 1 Until May 31

War and Peace: Opening Event – The official opening of Distant Lines is celebrated with a day of ceremony and reflection, with a range of events including performances by the Queensland Orchestra, community bands playing music from World War I, workshops such as poppy crafting and crochet, curators tours, commemorative activities, talks and family focussed educational activities. Free  Apr 11 9.45-4 Some Workshop and Talks Bookings req. BOOK HERE

Emotional Frontiers – As part of the Opening Event celebrations, the QSO will be performing a unique curated program of contemporary and classical works in response the exhibition. Free SLQ Auditorium Level 1 Apr 11 2-2.40, 3-3.40 Bookings req. BOOK HERE