A new exhibition of ABC and BBC series, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, designed by the show’s own production designer, Carrie Kennedy, will run at Sovereign Hill’s Gold Museum in Ballarat from 11^th April – 3^rd September.

 

From vintage costuming worn in the show to Dr Blake’s 1937 ‘Blakemobile’, the exhibition, titled ‘Doctor Blake’s Ballarat’, will celebrate the international success of the hit television series, set against a backdrop of Ballarat’s most visited locations.

 

“The Doctor Blake Mysteries has been an international success story, shown in more than 130 countries, and has helped to put Ballarat on the world stage,” says Jeremy Johnson, CEO of Sovereign Hill. “The exhibition offers visitors a real glimpse into the world of this beloved television series.”

 

The exhibition, presented in conjunction with December Media, will consist of two parts; ‘Cast and Crew’, providing a sneak peek behind the camera of everyone involved in bringing the series to life; and ‘On Location’, looking at the Ballarat locations involved in the show.

 

Cast and Crew – will provide a glimpse into the people and props involved in the Production Design, Cinematography, Hair and Make-up, and Costume Design. Featuring eleven of the Doctor Blake costumes, as well as images, fabric swatches, set sketches, and props, this section of the exhibition will show how the series comes to life.

 

On Location – this section of the exhibition looks at how the show uses historical Ballarat locations to set the story, how the show has showcased Ballarat to the world, and how locals have embraced the series. Props and photography will showcase several Ballarat locations, including Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Art Gallery, Ballarat East Fire Station, the Old Colonist’s Club, as well as events like the Begonia Festival.

 

Other exhibition highlights will include:

• A recreated loungeroom from the Doctor Blake series, including Doctor Blake’s highly recognised lounge suite.

• A dressing table used by one of the characters in an episode

• Doctor Blake’s desk, where visitors can sit behind the desk for a photo

• Doctor Blake’s ‘Blakemobile’ - a 1937 Coventry Standard automobile, that will welcome visitors at the Gold Museum entrance

 

Highlighting the unique way that the series showcases Ballarat, the exhibition will provide a history lesson of what Ballarat was like during the Doctor Blake era.

 

In a unique ‘Meet the Makers’ series of public events, visitors will also be able to meet the creative team behind the Dr Blake series. George Adams, the Series Producer, as well as some of the writers and costume designers will provide a real insight into the magic of creating a successful television show.

 

Visitors will also be able to see interviews with crewmembers, historical footage of Ballarat locations, and iconic scenes from the show.

 

“This exhibition will allow visitors to truly immerse themselves into the exciting world of Dr Blake. Fans of the series are going to love the exhibition, but so too will anyone interested in fashion, the creative television process, as well as touring groups,” says Jeremy.

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The Doctor Blake exhibition will run from 11^th April – 3^rd September at Sovereign Hill’s Gold Museum. The Doctor Blake Mysteries series, starring Craig McLachlan as police surgeon Dr Lucien Blake and Nadine Garner as his housekeeper Jean, has been an incredible success, with the fifth season returning to the ABC later this year.

 

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DOCTOR BLAKE MYSTERIES EXHIBITION PUBLIC PROGRAMS

 

Saturday 27th May	Behind the Seams	Panel discussion with Louise McCarthy (costume designer) about how they achieved the 1950s look for the series.
Saturday 17th June	Writer’s Room	Panel discussion with Doctor Blake scriptwriters, with special guest Series Producer George Adams.
Saturday 26th August	Dr Blake’s Murder Mystery Night	A Murder Mystery night where attendees are given clues and must work together to solve the case!
All day, duration of exhibition	Costume Corner	Kids & young adults submit their costume sketches for display in the Gold Museum foyer. Winners announced each month during exhibition.
Weekly	Curator Floor Talks	20 minute guided tour of the exhibition with Gold Museum curators
Throughout July	Children’s Detective Trail & Doctor Blake’s Christmas Special	A self-guided trail for children through the exhibition, as well as a competition for adults to link crimes from the show to their locations.