Big Picture Postcard

Postcard featuring the ‘Big Picture’ by Tom Roberts.

Tom Roberts’ ‘Big Picture’—officially titled The Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York, 9 May 1901—is perhaps one of the most famous paintings on public display in Parliament House. As the name suggests, it depicts the first-ever sitting of the Australian Parliament, held not in Canberra, but at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne.

The painting is on permanent loan from the Royal Collection to the Parliament of Australia. After many years of not having a permanent home, it was relocated to the newly constructed Parliament House in 1988. It is on permanent display to the public in a specially constructed space in the Foyer of the Main Committee Room.

Artwork: 

Tom Roberts (1856–1931), Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia by H.R.H. The Duke of Cornwall and York (Later King George V), May 9, 1901, 1903. On permanent loan to the Parliament of Australia from the British Royal Collection, Canberra, ACT

Product details:

Dimensions: 210 x 147 mm

Designed and printed in Canberra (ACT)