Exhibition of Toowoomba photographer Graham Burstow’s previously unseen photos reveals life in 1970s, 1980s

Previously unseen images by one of Queensland’s most celebrated photographers have captured what life was like in Toowoomba more than 40 years ago. Here’s a sneak peek:

 

Graham Burstow dedicated his entire adult life to capturing “spontaneous social snapshots” of Toowoomba and Queensland life, a passion that has now extended well past his death.

Previously unpublished work by the legendary Toowoomba photographer will be launched to the public this weekend as part of a new exhibition.

Titled Graham Burstow: Unseen, the collection of more than 300 photographs features many taken in Toowoomba during the 1970s and 1980s.

Mr Burstow, who died in 2022 at the age of 95, enjoyed landscapes and portraits but a primary interest was covering small social events in Toowoomba and across Queensland.

A collection of Graham Burstow's photography in Toowoomba during the 1970s and 1980s. Dalmatians.

Using a lightweight 35mm Pentax camera, he would attend gatherings like the Drayton Regatta, dog shows and (regularly) the famous Toowoomba Swap Meet to capture people living in the moment.

Exhibition curator Mikaela Burstow said her grandfather’s work reflected a less formal and regulated era of Toowoomba.

“The photographs give the viewer an insight into a time, before mobile phones, when photography itself was much less common,” she said.

“The images show onlookers participating freely without the greater regulation that has become common at public events.

“Graham was primarily interested in people.

“He loved photographing where there was lots of interaction and participants’ emotions were on display, which is why he returned to events such as the Toowoomba Show and swap meets, year after year.”

Photographer Graham Burstow. Photo: Bev Lacey/The Chronicle

A founding member of the Australian Photographic Society, Mr Burstow’s achievements and services to the medium were acknowledged when he was award the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2004.

His work was showcased at the National Library of Australia, the State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Art Gallery and can still be seen in the Toowoomba Cobb and Co Museum.

Graham Burstow: Unseen will launch at the Maud Street Photo Gallery from October 27 until November 24.

A collection of Graham Burstow's photography in Toowoomba during the 1970s and 1980s. Highlights from the Toowoomba swap meet.

A collection of Graham Burstow's photography in Toowoomba during the 1970s and 1980s. Highlights from a car show.

A collection of Graham Burstow's photography in Toowoomba during the 1970s and 1980s. The Lake Annand Bath Tub Regatta.

A collection of Graham Burstow's photography in Toowoomba during the 1970s and 1980s. Camel riding.

A collection of Graham Burstow's photography in Toowoomba during the 1970s and 1980s. Highlights from a horseshow at the showgrounds.

A collection of Graham Burstow's photography in Toowoomba during the 1970s and 1980s. The Drayton Regatta.

A collection of Graham Burstow's photography in Toowoomba during the 1970s and 1980s. Highlights from the Toowoomba swap meet.

A collection of Graham Burstow's photography in Toowoomba during the 1970s and 1980s. Young boy sleeps at the dog show.

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