Looking back at our iconic spread

AUSTRALIA’S iconic spread, Vegemite, is being celebrated in a new exhibition at the Cyril Callister Museum in Beaufort.

Mr Callister was the inventor of Vegemite and the exhibition entitled Vegemite Through History takes inspiration from different packing of the spread during the last century.

Three local artists, Lesley Hunter, Tomas Lineker and Jay Kulbardi, were tasked with each turning two 44-gallon drums into jars inspired by a particular era of Vegemite labels.

“We decided to celebrate the birthday of the inventor Cyril Callister, who was born in Chute in the Pyrenees Shire, to create this exhibition that is six repurposed drums which replicate certain jars of Vegemite over it’s 100 years since it’s invention,” said Liza Robinson, general manager of the Cyril Callister Museum.

“We sourced two artists who are up and coming from Ballarat and one more mature artist from the Pyrenees.”

The art pieces have been secured around the museum so they can be seen by people who may be driving from Melbourne to Adelaide.

As the museum is a community-based initiative, Ms Robinson said it was important to use local artists for the project.

“The whole story behind the Cyril Callister Museum and how it evolved basically has been a very community driven project,” said Ms Robinson.

“The selfie boards out the front are also made by two local artists.

“We are continuing to create and involve an arts sort of program to the museum.”

The exhibition is on now until Thursday 16 May.

Each 44-gallon drum takes inspiration from a different era of Vegemite packaging. Photo: SUPPLIED