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State Library of NSW

Mervyn Bishop: Close Up

When

Mondays to Thursdays, 9am to 8pm Fridays, 9am to 5pm Weekends, 10am to 5pm Saturday 18 October 2025 to Sunday 7 February 2027

Mervyn Bishop is one of Australia's most important photographers.

His extraordinary archive of more than 200,000 images makes a landmark addition to the State Library of NSW’s collection.

Mervyn Bishop: Close Up celebrates the historic moments and pivotal people he famously captured, while exploring the private influences that shaped his groundbreaking career.

This intimate exhibition offers a rare glimpse of the man behind the lens and honours the enduring legacy of Australia’s first Aboriginal press photographer.

The Library would like to thank Mervyn Bishop and his family for trusting us with their stories.

Please be aware that this exhibition includes names and photographs of people who are now deceased.

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