Souter’s Bondi returns a beloved local artifact to Bondi Beach, for contemporary viewing. The project celebrates Souter as a pivotal figure of the Art Deco style in Australian illustration. Featuring four of his iconic murals, the exhibition will explore social changes and themes of leisure, gender, local identity, and mythology.

Souter’s renowned murals offer audiences a glimpse into Bondi’s history, originally adorning Australia’s first Surf Life Saving Club clubhouse, generously loaned from the National Maritime Museum.

Souter served as the BSBSLC President from 1920-1921 and created these works between 1920 and 1934.

Contemporary art commissions inspired by Souter’s murals will be presented by four artists along with a series of loaned works. The exhibition will explore social changes and themes of leisure, gender, local identity, and mythology. By examining Souter’s work through diverse artistic lenses, its content and context is extended and deepened. 

Coinciding with celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Art Deco, the project will highlight Souter's key role in the Art Deco Movement. His work articulated Bondi’s identity during pivotal moments in the rapid increase in popularity of beach-going after restrictions on surf bathing were eased in the early 20th century. His work defines the 'Aussie surf lifesaver' through posters and illustrations, and contributed to the legend of the Anzac Soldier.

Souter's Bondi runs from 10 May – 29 June, 2025.

This exhibition is supported by the Dobell Exhibition Grant Program, funded by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation and managed by Museums & Galleries of NSW.

Proudly supported by the Australian National Maritime Museum. Souter's Murals were conserved  by the National Maritime Museum Collection funded by Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation.

With thanks to the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club.

 

banner image: 00055529, Australian National Maritime Museum Collection funded by Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation
carousel image: 00055527, Australian National Maritime Museum Collection funded by Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation