About the Book
Events & Appearances
“Descendants of a Local Pioneer Bush Artist Drawn to Athenaeum Opening”
Feature article by Coral Cooksley exploring the renewed interest in Alfred William Eustace and the involvement of descendants and local communities in the reopening of the historic Chiltern Athenaeum.
“Descendants of a local pioneer bush artist drawn to Athenaeum opening”
ABC Riverina Radio with Grant Luhrs and David Gilbey
Interview discussing Alfred William Eustace, gumleaf painting, regional art history and Booranga Writers Centre Event.
Booranga Writers Centre — Wagga Wagga NSW
Reading and Open Mic of The Gumleaf Artist, journey, including a short talk, readings, and discussion of Alfred William Eustace’s work.
View EventBooranga Workshop Notes
From Manuscript to Living Ecosystem: Publishing and the Digital Afterlife of Books, using The Gumleaf Artist Book and Website as Case Study
Chiltern Athenauem - 57 Conness St, Chiltern Victoria
Formal opening on Sunday, May 17, 2026, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony. After nearly five years of renovations, the museum reopened its doors for community viewing with the full, restored collection, including Alfred Eustace’s gumleaf paintings.
More DetailsDrawing on archival records, family histories, newspapers, and museum collections, the book traces Eustace’s journey from England to colonial Victoria in 1851, where he worked as a shepherd in the Chiltern district during the gold rush era. In this environment, he developed his distinctive practice of painting detailed landscapes directly onto eucalyptus leaves, alongside works on board and tin.
More than a biography, the book offers a broader portrait of regional life during a period of transformation, from the early gold discoveries through to Federation in 1901. Through Eustace’s paintings, poetry, and observational records, it reveals how creativity and cultural expression emerged within small communities across colonial Australia.
By restoring Alfred William Eustace to the historical record, The Gumleaf Artist highlights the significance of regional artists whose work captured the landscapes, wildlife, and lived experiences of nineteenth-century Australia.