Tails from the Coasts

Museum of Economic Botany, Adelaide Botanic Garden

From the Malayan Bear-Cat to Flying Lizards to Winghead Sharks, these exquisite 200-year-old paintings take you on  a journey across the land, skies  and water of Singapore and Malaysia. 

Painted in the early 19th century, the watercolours provide a glimpse into the fascinating fauna of Singapore and the Malay Peninsula. Enthralled by the plants and creatures of the region, William Farquhar, Commandant and Resident of Melaka and  Singapore under the British Empire—commissioned local artists to capture them on paper.  Now owned by the National Museum of Singapore, a selection of these works is touring beyond the island’s shores for the  first time. 

Marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Australia, the exhibition also unpacks the two regions common bonds of biodiversity— highlighting the animals and geographies that connect us.

Image credit: 

Slow loris / Kongkang 

Early 19th century 

Watercolour on paper 

Collection of the National Museum of Singapore

National Heritage Board Gift of Mr GK Goh