Douglas Mawson: Polarities
Douglas Mawson: Polarities marks the second time the University Library has partnered with students from the Curatorial and Museum Studies program to present an exhibition in the Barr Smith Library’s Ira Raymond Exhibition Room.
The collaboration offers a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable hands-on experience across all aspects of exhibition development and delivery, elevating their learning from theory to real-world practice and providing a strong foundation as they move into professional careers.
This exhibition highlights the multifaceted identity, life, and legacy of Sir Douglas Mawson. Celebrating not only his groundbreaking achievements and heroic Antarctic expeditions, but the many roles he occupied over the course of his life - geologist, teacher, family man, and explorer.
Drawing primarily from the University Library Special Collections, the exhibition brings to light little-known stories and anecdotes that broaden our understanding of Mawson, his work, and his legacy.
Highlights include a portrait of Lady Francisca Adriana (Paquita) Mawson, painted by her nephew Paul Delprat and exhibited in the 1966 Archibald Prize. Standing almost two metres high, the painting places Paquita prominently in the foreground - both compositionally and symbolically - underscoring her importance within this exhibition and within the broader conversation surrounding Douglas Mawson.
A series of photographs taken by pioneering Australian photographer James (Frank) Hurley during his Antarctic expeditions with Mawson also feature prominently, along with quotes from figures such as Reg Sprigg - arguably Mawson’s most notable and successful student during his tenure as Professor of Geology and Mineralogy at the University of Adelaide. Together, these moments offer insight and glimpses of a person who was passionate, inspirational, relatable, and above all, human.
Douglas Mawson: Polarities is a free exhibition and will be open to the public until Friday 6 March 2026.
Exhibition details
Exhibition dates: 7 November 2025 - 6 March 2026*
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am – 4 pm (excluding public holidays)
Location: Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, Level 3, Barr Smith Library, University of Adelaide, Kaurna Yerta
FREE admission
*Please note: the exhibition will be temporarily closed over the summer break, between 23 December 2025 - 5 January 2026.