2020 Australian Museum Scott Sisters Scholarship
Winner Announced
Australian Museum scholarship enables science illustrator, Rachel Klyve to develop her studies.
Sydney, Saturday 13 June, 2020: The Australian Museum (AM) announced today that Newcastle student Rachel Klyve, aged 46, is the recipient of the 2020 Scott Sisters Scholarship. Valued at $5000, the funds will assist with Rachel’s course fees and furthering formal studies of natural history and science illustration.
Established in 2017, and named in honour of two of Australia’s 19thcentury prominent natural history artists, Helena and Harriet Scott, the scholarship aims to highlight the continued importance of the time-honoured practice of scientific illustration.
Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO, who led the panel of judges, said the scholarship recognises the inspiring story of Helena and Harriet Scott who were extraordinarily talented and determined to make a difference.
“The work of the Scott Sisters was ahead of its time and was meticulous and beautiful. Rachel’s work emulates that, not only from its scientific accuracy and presentation, but also in the innate artistry that comes through in her scientific illustrations,” McKay said.
Australian Museum’s new Chief Scientist and Director of the AM’s Research Institute, Professor Kristofer Helgen was impressed by the quality of Rachel Klyve’s work.
“Her work is publication-ready for any major magazine or Museum exhibition,” Helgen noted.
Rachel Klyve said she was honoured to be awarded the Scott Sisters Scholarship.
“The Scott sisters were truly remarkable women who, against great odds, were able to turn their passion into a profession during the 1860’s. The scholarship will not only support my studies at Newcastle University, but will also be invaluable to my learning and future career as a science illustrator,” Klyve said.
Fascinated by science, art, and the natural world since her childhood on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Rachel is also a keen long-distance walking adventurer.
“When I discovered the University of Newcastle’s Bachelor of Natural History Illustration course, I knew I’d found the perfect way of combining my interests and making a contribution to science and conservation,” Klyve said.
“Modern scientific illustrators are not only artists who paint nature: they must also possess the scientific skills of observation and rigorous technique to depict an accurate representation of the natural world.”
“The Scott Sisters’ paintings and illustrations are not only beautiful, but scientifically correct. Through this scholarship, and the relationship with the Australian Museum scientists, I hope to deepen my knowledge and skills and bring the wonders of the natural world to a wider public,” Klyve added.
About the Australian Museum
The Australia Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. As custodian of more than 21.9 million objects and specimens, the AM is uniquely positioned to provide a greater understanding of the region through its scientific research, exhibitions and public and education programs. Through the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM also has a leading role in conserving Australia’s biodiversity through understanding the environmental impacts of climate change, potential biosecurity threats and invasive species.
