Stan Kelly's Eucalypts

What began as a hobby for Stan Kelly in 1945 developed into a quest to paint the entire genus of Eucalyptus. Kelly spent the next 32 years travelling around large areas of Australia collecting specimens. He painted 508 species and, whilst more have since been discovered, even by today’s standards this is a major botanical achievement. His work is published in two volumes titled Eucalypts (1971, 1978).

All Kelly’s illustrations were watercolours, and the compositions were produced in a consistent portrait format which translated well for publication. Each work portrays all identifying aspects of the species. Of particular importance are the bud characteristics such as colour, shape, and cluster configuration. He also included mature fruiting bodies with identifying details such as number and pattern of valves.

Kelly developed a keen sense of colour and ability to define the unique differences between his subject matter to a level required for scientific identification. He created many hues and shades of green in order to capture the diversity of this genus. Colour photography in the 1960s was limited in this capacity and Kelly’s paintings provided valuable reference material for many enthusiasts which are still in use today. Given the sheer volume of this project, Kelly’s skill levels increased and his discernment for detail and accuracy grew making him one of the most competent artists and illustrators of his day.

In Eucalypts, vol II, Kelly states the eucalypt “is Australia’s greatest asset and finest ambassador throughout the world”. Little did he know that his commitment to this genus would one day be fully recognised with his illustrations reproduced in the pages of the 'N' series Australian passport.

Amanda Ahmed and Mali Moir