Eve Glenn was at the centre of the most profound change in Australia’s contemporary history. A musician, artist, printer and activist, she moved from participant to amateur historian of the Carlton ‘scene’ of the 1970s and 80s; a time when Australians finally found their voice and lost no time in expressing it.
“I was part of the most exciting time in Australia,” says Eve. “We were changing the world by exploring family and gender roles and shining a light on the conservatism that we believed was holding Australia to ransom.”
Along the way, Eve assembled a wonderful collection of posters from that era, many of which she designed and printed, or was immersed in their message.
Leski Auctions has been entrusted with the sale of more than 160 Lots, which reflect the social and cultural movements of the times, including the Vietnam War, Feminism, Land Rights and the rise of Rock-and-Roll and Punk.
This is arguably one of the most extensive collections of this period in Australia ever assembled.
“Most collectors are bystanders, never directly involved in the cause that has consumed their interest,” says Charles Leski, the lead auctioneer. “Eve by contrast was defined by this fascinating period and not only survived to tell that tale but brought some very impressive baggage from that journey.”
“Looking back, I believe we made a difference often in ways that even we didn’t anticipate,” says Eve. “It might have been challenging for some, but we loved the excitement, the humour and the hope.”
A family matriarch, Eve Glenn might look like your genteel elderly neighbour, but don’t let looks deceive you. She’s lost none of her ‘bolshie’ ideals or her deep-seated fidelity to the values that were eloquently expressed by emerging writers, artists and musicians of that era, many of whom are now internationally acclaimed (albeit dead in some notable cases).
She was also an acclaimed designer, maker and painter of parade banners, floats and painted trams. In her ‘downtime’, Eve accepted corporate commissions and developed small and large-scale community mural projects Australia-wide. She exhibited in group exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney and has work in the Totoro Collection and The Harding Collection.
The Eve Glenn Poster Collection Auction will be held on Tuesday 29 October 2024 from 12.00pm. For more information and lot details, visit: www.leski.com.au for details.
Image: Lot 13, Paul Kelly and The Coloured Girls poster for “Gossip” double LP debut album released by Mushroom Records. Printed on paper, 51 x 76cm – courtesy of Leski Auctions