4 April to 5 May 2013

National archives of Australia Tammy Fraser
Fairfax Media Zara Holt
National Archives of Australia Margaret Whitlam

Mrs Prime Minister Public Image Private Lives

This touring version of one of Museum of Australian Democracy’s most popular exhibitions introduces visitors to the 26 remarkable women who have filled the role of prime minister’s wife from 1901 to 2011. It reveals the ‘woman behind the title’, examining the unique contribution, style and structure each brought to the position. The exhibition explores the realities of being married to one of the nation’s most powerful men—including the difficulties of trying to balance public and private life, the glamour, the hardships, the passions, and of course, the politics. This touring version features previously-unseen images and reproduced personal documents from Australia’s national institutions and the personal collections of former prime ministers’ wives.

Link to Exhibition Website