Well known Armidale author and artist Meg Vivers will hold a joint book launch and art exhibition at Armidale Art Gallery in the Armidale Mall, commencing 5pm December 18.
Vivers’ book Castle to Colony: the Remarkable Life and Times of Lucy Sarah Gray (1840-1879) has been in the making for some time. During research into the writings of colonial women for her PhD, the author came across the journal of pioneering Queensland woman Lucy Gray in a Brisbane archive. Fascinated by the journal, and the evocative little sketches, Vivers decided to investigate further.
After travelling to Ireland, England, New Zealand and north Queensland, she was able to gather enough information to write a book about the life of this remarkable woman.
Also included are some of Lucy’s delightful watercolour paintings and drawings, supplied by Gray descendents from around the world.
Lucy Gray (née Waters) grew up in the small Irish town of Birr, at a time when increasing famine was causing death and disease throughout the land. Her father, a doctor, succumbed to cholera when Lucy was just sixteen. At twenty-two, partly inspired by Evangelicalism and a desire to convert others, but also with a genuine longing for adventure, Gray travelled to New Zealand. There, she worked as a governess for several years.
After a brief stay in Sydney during the hot summer months of 1865/66, she returned to England, vowing never again to live in Australia. However, within two years she had married, and moved with her husband Charles to a cattle station in remote outback Queensland. Finally, they settled near Gisborne in New Zealand.
In spite of impending disaster, this is a cheerful story of courage, perseverance and unconditional love. Set during a period of immense global change, it is colonial life at its most revealing – with a glimpse, too, into the lives of family members left behind in England and Ireland.
“It has been a pleasure to research Lucy’s story”, said Meg Vivers.
“I do hope that those who purchase a copy of the book will get as much enjoyment in reading it as I have had during the writing process”.
