Albany 2026: Landmark exhibition displayed at Albany’s Old Gaol gives a glimpse into history for bicentenary

Albany’s Old Convict Gaol has marked the city’s bicentenary with a landmark exhibition revealing artworks that have never been seen before.

The exhibition celebrates the artistic legacy of Albany/Kinjarling through the works of significant local and regional artists.

The dozens of artworks displayed feature different styles such as watercolours, sketches, illustrations, postcards and early settler depictions, which together convey 200 years of artistic expression of Albany and the Great Southern.

Albany Historical Society chief executive Andrew Eyden said it’s the first time these artworks have been displayed to the public.

“The art is of national significance and the Maritime Museum in New South Wales wanted these pictures but we’ve refused to let them go, obviously they belong to Albany and that’s where they are,” he said.

“They are works that we hold within our collection which most have never been publicly displayed — they are all artists who had a connection with Albany or lived in Albany.”

The exhibition features paintings created by the Batelier Brothers whose works record Albany’s maritime history in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, along with Brenda Holland whose portraits reflect a sensitivity to character and place.

George Bourne, a maritime artist, and John Barker’s art that captures harsh realities and resilience of early colonial life were also among those featured in the exhibition.

Mr Eyden said it’s important for the public to view this exhibition and learn about Albany’s history in the bicentenary year.

“I think it’s important that as part of the whole bicentenary that every collection that has significance should be made publicly available for people to see during this particular year,” he said.

‘We’ve already had some school groups for instance which has been really good because it’s been a good opportunity for the kids to learn about these people they have probably never heard of but who have played a huge part in recording Albany’s history.

“It’s great for locals to see stuff that they’ve never had the opportunity to see before and also for tourists.”

The exhibition opened on January 21 and will run throughout the rest of 2026 and 2027.