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Last Chance to see Cricketing History at the WA Museum

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

The public have until next Sunday to see the rare cricket memorabilia on display in the Western Australian Museum’s Howzat! exhibition before it closes. Museum chief executive officer Dr Dawn Casey said reviews for the exhibition from the thousands of Western Australian, interstate and overseas visitors had been glowing.

“One visitor described it as being like a real life scrapbook that kept everyone entertained,” Dr Casey said.

“We have also had some wonderful compliments paid to Howzat! by both past and present cricketing greats, who I am sure examined the exhibition in detail.” Former Australian Test cricketer Graham McKenzie said that one of the things he found remarkable about Howzat! was the feeling throughout the exhibition of the sheer enjoyment people got from cricket.

“Across all ages and cultures, playing cricket is part of being Australian,” he said.

"The exhibition triggered many fond memories for me - I was literally transported back to my early days of the game.

“Not only was it good to experience cricket from the pioneering days through to the modern day – what stayed with me was that one thing remains the same, the camaraderie and the fun."

Mr McKenzie visited the exhibition twice, the second time he brought his whole family and a some friends.

“We were in the exhibition for hours," he said.

"Howzat! is great for all ages - the interactivity, the quality and quantity of the stories, the authenticity of the items on show - it offered something for everyone."

Dr Casey urged those who had not yet seen Howzat! to do so before it closes as the exhibition contained prized cricketing memorabilia that would never be on public display again. The commentator’s box, the speed bowling competition and the backyard cricket display, including the infamous sledging gnome had proven particularly popular with young visitors.

“Once children began to play the back yard cricket game, parents found it quite difficult to get them to leave – always a sure sign of a successful interactive display,” Dr Casey said.

Combining interactive displays, television footage and sound samples, Howzat! uncovers the fascinating stories that lie behind the sport. From the first women players to the first Aboriginal cricket team, from modern day heroes to the antics of the crowd, Howzat! is rich with colour, noise and life.

More than 200 items are on display, belonging to the greats of the game such as Kim Hughes, Michael Hussey, Adam Gilchrist, Zoe Goss and Dennis Lillee.

After March 18, the exhibition will go into storage until it begins its travels to the regional museums in Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Albany, beginning with the WA Museum – Kalgoorlie in September 1, 2007.

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