What’s Happening?
The exhibition, titled Chequered History, will run from May 20 to June 21, 2026.
It features a curated selection of awarded images by society members.
The works show a wide range of photographic styles and subjects.
These include landscape, social documentary, nature, portraiture, architectural and creative photography.
Crows Nest Gallery will also host two Artists in Conversation events on Sunday, May 24.
The sessions will begin at 11 am and 1 pm. Bookings are required by phoning 131 872.
Why It Matters?
The exhibition marks a major moment for one of Queensland’s oldest photographic clubs.
The Toowoomba Photographic Society was established on February 18, 1901.
Since then, it has helped amateur and professional photographers build their skills and share their work.
Its regular meetings and monthly competitions continue to support local creative practice.
The exhibition also recognises past honoured members through two monthly awards.
These are the Alice Black Award for colour images and the Graham Burstow Award for monochrome images.
By the Numbers
- 125 years: The Toowoomba Photographic Society is marking more than a century of local photography history.
- 100 members: The society includes amateur and professional photographers across many styles and subjects.
- 2 monthly awards: The Alice Black Award and Graham Burstow Award honour colour and monochrome photography.
Local Impact
For Toowoomba and the wider region, Chequered History brings local creative work into a public gallery space.
It gives residents a chance to see awarded images from photographers connected to the community.
It also encourages more people to engage with photography as both an art form and a record of local life.
Entry to Crows Nest Gallery is free, making the exhibition open to a broad local audience.
Zoom In
Chequered History highlights the range of talent within the Toowoomba Photographic Society.
Members work across landscape, social documentary, nature, portraiture, architectural and creative photography.
The awarded images reflect regular practice, skill development and the society’s ongoing competition program.
The two Artists in Conversation events will give visitors a closer look at the people and stories behind the work.
Zoom Out
Photography clubs have long played a role in regional arts communities.
They give members a place to learn, compare work and keep improving.
The Toowoomba Photographic Society’s long history shows how local arts groups can last across generations.
Its 125th anniversary also shows the continued value of community-based creative networks.
What To Look For Next?
Chequered History will be displayed at Crows Nest Gallery until June 21, 2026.
Visitors can attend the Artists in Conversation events on May 24, with bookings required.
Crows Nest Gallery is located at the corner of the New England Highway and William Street.
The gallery is open from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
It is closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays.
For more information, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/crowsnestgallery.
Exhibition enquiries can be directed to Crows Nest Gallery on (07) 4698 1687 or crowsnestart@tr.qld.gov.au