The Broadsheet 3: Where are all the flowers going?

One of Australia's earliest artistic responses to the Vietnam War was "The Broadsheet", a series of posters commenting on contemporary issues produced by Broadsheet Publishers, a group of artists, poets and writers working in Melbourne between 1967 and 1971. The Broadsheet appeared irregularly in eight issues, and was initiated by Ian Turner (1922-1978), an activist and historian, in collaboration with artists Udo Sellbach (1927-2006) and Noel Counihan (1913-1986). Each Broadsheet contained relief prints printed individually from artist’s blocks, and poems printed by letterpress. Each issue was editioned by hand, and distributed through a network of students. Issues advertised the theme of the next issue, along with an appeal for funding assistance and contributors. Issues 1-3 and 6 responded to the Vietnam War.

A poster commenting on the social issue of Vietnam. The title of the poster refers to the 1960s folk song "Where have all the flowers gone". The song details the cycle of war, begining with young girls picking flowers that eventually end up on the graves of their dead soldier husbands. The final refrain 'when will they ever learn' was sung at peace demonstrations. Broadsheet 3 features poems by Ken Taylor, Glen Tomasetti, Sweeny Reed, Kris Hemersley, Alex Selenitsch and Russell Deeble, with prints by Bruce Petty, John Howley and Alan Oldfield. 3 individual prints by 3 artists on one sheet, edition 278/750.