Fed: Stanley Bruce exhibition on at National Archives

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2009
Fed: Stanley Bruce exhibition on at National Archives

By Susanna Dunkerley

CANBERRA, Dec 10 AAP - Stanley Melbourne Bruce is best remembered as the nation's first
prime minister to lose his own seat.

But a new exhibition at the National Archives in Canberra presents other facets of
the man who served as Australia's eighth prime minister.

It showcases many of Bruce's personal objects, including war medals, privy councillor
and golfing uniforms, as well as his Freemason's apron.

And they are used to tell the story of Bruce's life before and after his prime ministership
(1923-29), heading the Nationalist-Country coalition.

Objects include a Military Cross, awarded for service as part of the Gallipoli campaign
in World War I and photographs of his time as the High Commissioner to London, 1933-45.

Curator Tracey Clarke says the enduring image of Bruce is a wealthy but snobbish businessman
and as the first prime minister to lose his seat.

"But what this exhibition shows is that he had a very distinguished career, and contributed
a lot both internationally and at home," she told AAP.

Stanley Melbourne Bruce - Prime Minister and Statesman - opens on Friday and runs through
to May next year.

AAP sld/sb/jlw

KEYWORD: BRUCE (PIX AVAILABLE)

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.