Perc Tucker Gallery plays host to half a century of North Queensland memories

Townsville is invited to indulge in the rich history of North Queensland at a new exhibition celebrating half a century of memories.

Townsville is invited to indulge in the rich history of North Queensland at a new exhibition celebrating half a century.

Perc Tucker Gallery on Flinders Street will play host to 50 Treasures: Celebrating 50 Years of James Cook University until January 10 next year.

The exhibition offers an insight into the legacy of JCU featuring various relics as old as 300 years old. Manager special collections and curator Bronwyn McBurnie said it took two years to choose 50 treasures out of thousands of items spanning 12 Eddie Koiki Mabo Library collections.

50 Treasures: Celebrating 50 Years of James Cook University at Perc Tucker Gallery. Curator Bronwyn McBurnie with Gerty Page's fragments. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“It is a really rare opportunity to see many precious artworks, books and manuscripts from the university’s library special collection on show in one place,” she said.

“Half a century is actually a significant landmark for the university and the JCU library wanted to be part of the celebration and this was a way to do it.” Ms McBurnie said her favourite item was the unpublished manuscript of author Jean Devaney.

50 Treasures: Celebrating 50 Years of James Cook University at Perc Tucker Gallery. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“We have been given very special permission from the family to share the manuscript, which is about Magnetic Island,” she said.

The exhibition is open 10am - 3pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am - 1pm on Sunday.

Originally published as Perc Tucker Gallery plays host to half a century of North Queensland memories