A Feast for the Senses: Morley Grainger Exhibition 'Well Preserved'

Sep 7, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Join us at the Inn during September for this striking exhibition, "Well Preserved" by Morley Grainger, which invites you to reconsider the everyday. It presents hyper-detailed, stitched still lifes that pay tribute to a cherished Australian household tradition — bottling fruit and vegetables using the Fowlers Vacola system.

Once a staple in kitchens across the country, this method was passed down through generations of Australian women who used it to nourish their families and make the most of seasonal produce.

At its heart is a humble pine cupboard, resting on a patch of aged linoleum, its doors flung open to reveal a vivid display of hand-crafted, lifelike produce.

The scene offers a fresh perspective on domestic life and the quiet rituals that shaped it.

About the Artist: Morley Grainger

Morley Grainger is recognised for her distinctive artistic voice, using fabric and stitching with the same expressive depth that other artists might find in paint or clay. Her work is often described as conceptually rich and visually compelling, exploring themes through meticulously crafted series that speak to both personal and shared histories.

Critic and writer Fran Kenneley has drawn comparisons between Grainger and American artist Judy Chicago, noting that while both artists explore historical and political subject matter through varied materials, Grainger’s approach is marked by a more understated, nuanced message. She is among a small number of Australian artists exploring these ideas through textile-based media.

Over the past fifteen years, Grainger has created nine self-contained exhibition series that have toured extensively across regional art galleries and museums throughout Australia. Each series reflects her deep commitment to storytelling through texture, colour, and composition.

Although she began her professional art practice later in life, Grainger brings an urgency and dedication to her craft, eager to make the most of every opportunity. Her role as an artist extends beyond the studio; she is passionate about sharing her skills and knowledge through lectures, workshops, and commissioned works.

Based in Queensland, Morley Grainger welcomes inquiries and feedback, and invites audiences to explore her exhibitions and artistic journey.