Heroes, Horses and Hardship Exhibtion

Local artist Ted Lewis was recently involved in the commissioning of works depicting the duties and trials of the Forbes Mounted Police 1862-1865.

The incredible collection of works will be on display from January 25 to February 10 at the Platypus Gallery located at Lachlan Street Forbes. The official opening will be on Friday February 1 from 6pm and all money raised will be going to the NSW Police Legacy.

Ted was commissioned by Father Peter King who is an avid student of history and a passionate advocate and supporter of the Forbes Police Station, as well as the wider police community.

“The idea of a set of paintings(to depict the police stories) grew slowly until in 2016 I approached Ted Lewis of Orange and asked if he would take on this commission. I owned some of his paintings and I felt he would have no problem with the subject,” said Peter.

All of the works hold a unique story which have been depicted from Police duty books. The stories include police duties, the Ben Hall hold up and more.

Ted Lewis said, “It was actually quite difficult the commission as I had to illustrate the stories without much information. Some of the stories involved going to the Lachlan River to get water every day and they used to have to stuff their pillows with straw. These are the stories that you didn’t know went on”.

Along with the exhibition there is also a printed book which includes these paintings and some information including police records.

Excerpt from book: “The history of Policing in the early days of New South Wales is a story of heroes and hardships. As a Police officer, the early history is often captured in glorified stories of bushrangers and felons-criminals depicted as heroes, but it was the Police who were the real heroes: going about their life with minimal resources and challenged by the tyranny of distance. This book looks at the early history of Policing in Forbes and surrounds from perspectives of the officers and the challenges they faced”.

The complete collection is heading to Goulburn Police Academy Library for permanent exhibition after the viewing in Forbes.

Head along to support the NSW Police Legacy Fundraiser and to see the depicted stories of over 150 years ago. Entry to the exhibition is $10 and a coloured printed memento catalogue will also be available for purchase for $20.