Historical information

This item was donated to Wodonga Historical Society by the artist, Betty L. Barberis. Betty Barberis nee Barton was one of 12 children born to Roderick Barton and Myrtle Ann Hore of Gundowring in the Kiewa Valley. She was born in 1927 and attended Upper Gundowring Primary School. Betty was encouraged to enter a project for the "Young Farmers" by illustrating a book. She won first prize for Victoria and the book was exhibited at the Royal Melbourne Show. This resulted in Betty attaining a Manual Art Teacher's Studentship which she completed at Wangaratta Technical School. Here she learned many new skills ranging from garment design to ceramics. She also attended Melbourne Teachers College. Betty created many decorative banners, the first being for the Australian section of the World Scout Jamboree in 1948. Over her long career she was to create many other banners and commissioned work including these badges for the Australian Antarctic Research Expedition in 1982.
Betty’s great body of work included landscapes, millinery, ceramics, and a bronze sculpture of her husband Vern Barberis who was a fellow schoolteacher and represented Australia as a weightlifter, winning a bronze medal at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. She also illustrated several books and had exhibitions in many galleries including in Albury.
Betty passed away at The Grange, Wodonga on 26 November 2013.

Significance

This item represents an important research organisation in Australia and was created by an highly recognised artist from Northeast Victoria.

Physical description

A framed montage of 2 cloth badges designed for the Australian Antarctic Research Expedition in 1983, a pin featuring a penguin, a business card and a note written by the artist and donor Betty Barberis nee Barton.

Inscriptions & markings

On sign above badges:' THESE BADGES WERE DESIGNED FOR THE -/ AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC / RESEARCH EXPEDITION 1982/ By BETTY L. BARBERIS
In the top left corner: "It is with very great pleasure I give these treasures to Wodonga Museum/ Betty Lorraine Barberis (Barton) 1927 / 2 -1-2011"