In 2012, the Mt Wilson and Mt Irvine Historical Society will celebrate the centenary of Patrick White’s 28 May 1912 birth date by holding a year-long exhibition at the Turkish Bath Museum at Mt Wilson.

Patrick White spent his formative years as a young child at Mt Wilson in the 1920s and 1930s; the exhibition will highlight the impact of both the Australian natural environment and the influence of working class and wealthy society individuals and families that were to strongly shape him for the remainder of his life, as an individual and as a writer of international acclaim.

The story of Patrick White and his family at Mt Wilson in the 1920s and 30s (the so-called 'Golden Age' of Hill Station life in Australia) is rich in historical interest, and yet, remains well hidden to most people.

The project aims to heighten awareness of the formative years of White's life in an easily accessible and understood manner. The exhibition has been specifically designed not to be an academic treatment of his literature, nor does it require an understanding or appreciation of White, or his works.

The goal is to foster a recognition of a vital influence on White that has previously been ignored, or misunderstood, for many years, despite the amount of research undertaken on the most famous and renowned Australian author.

The exhibition will be in the form of a series of framed A1 sized posters designed by a local professional graphics artist.

The title of the exhibition is taken from the name White used as a ten-year old.  His first published pieces were about Mt. Wilson. The ‘Red Admiral’ was his favourite butterfly.

The exhibition was opened on 11.00am Sunday 17th June 2012 by the Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO at the Mt Wilson Village Hall.

The exhibition's posters and historical narrative can be viewed here.