Artist Floor Talk: Margaret Woodward on Semaphore Score

Can you rewrite a 19th-century military language as messages of love?

Semaphore Score is the work of State Library and Archives’ inaugural Creative Fellow, Margaret Woodward.

This exhibition is inspired by one important artefact found during her research at State Library and Archives Tasmania, The 1868 Tasman’s Peninsula – Semaphore Code Dictionary.

In response, Margaret has created a contemporary and revised semaphore code book for Lutruwita/Tasmania, and a series of naturally dyed semaphore flags.

The code book includes language that addresses climate and environmental damage as well as expressions of intimacy and care.

Her new codes are designed so they can be used flexibly.

They can be used as a call to action, an instruction, a plea, a poem, a love letter or a warning.

Come along to this free artist talk, and then spend some time transcribing messages that for the reimagined Semaphore Score.

By registering for a Libraries Tasmania event, you agree to follow our policies.

Thank you for helping keep our spaces safe and respectful for everyone.