Billy Gould: The Biography of a Book

The fish that convict William Buelow Gould painted are not just part of the UNESCO Memory of the World collection – they are interwoven in a visual understanding of what it means to be Tasmanian.

It has been 25 years since Richard Flanagan published Gould's Book of Fish: A novel in twelve fish.

This year Australia Post is releasing a series of stamps to celebrate the distinct images that were painted by Gould during his incarceration on Sarah Island in 1832.

The original sketchbook is held in the Allport Collection at State Library and Archives of Tasmania. We are excited to have it on display on the day of this event. In 2011 it was inscribed on the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Register, the equivalent of a World Heritage listing.

Flanagan’s novel is partly to thank for this inscription. The novel is also behind the inspiration for Australia Post’s new release of Gould’s fishes.

To celebrate we are hosting a short talk from writer Richard Flanagan about ‘Billy Gould’.

Allport Librarian Caitlin Sutton will discuss some of the little known facts about Gould and his art.

Australia Post’s Philatelic Researcher Dr Hilary Maddocks will speak about the new stamps.

There will be time for audience questions.

A digitised version of Gould’s original sketchbook can be found at this link.

Spaces are limited, registrations are required.

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Thank you for helping keep our spaces safe and respectful for everyone.

Richard Flanagan image credit: Penguin Random House