Memorial embarks on 3D online exhibition, 3D Treasures

The Australian War Memorial has launched a new online exhibition, 3D Treasures, featuring three-dimensional digital scans of 25 objects from the National Collection.

The first of its kind for the Memorial, 3D Treasures is an interactive online gallery. Each three-dimensional image is complemented by curated information that presents the history and the story of each object.

Memorial Director Matt Anderson said 3D technology provides an opportunity for audiences to view these rare treasures from every angle, at a level of detail that is almost impossible to achieve in a traditional museum setting. 

“It has never been more important for the Memorial to find innovative ways to engage new audiences online. The use of 3D technology gives people the chance to explore objects they normally don’t see in great detail, and understand the stories behind them.

“One of the more remarkable stories in 3D Treasures is the dress of Sister Vivian Bullwinkle, a nurse in the Second World War, who incredibly survived after she was shot during the Banka Island massacre.

“Online visitors can see the detail of the fabric in Vivian Bullwinkle’s dress and the bullet holes from where she was shot. It is a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and the sacrifices so many have given in service to Australia.

“This online exhibition ensures that no matter where you are in Australia, or the world, you have access to the Memorial and its collection,” Mr Anderson said.

Financial support for the online exhibition was provided to the Memorial by its corporate partner Boeing Australia. Dr Brendan Nelson, President of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, said the company is proud to support the exhibition which includes objects with which he has a personal connection.  

“For sixteen years, Boeing has been committed to helping the Australian War Memorial explore new ways to tell the many compelling stories of Australia’s wartime experiences,” he said.

“One of the heart-rending objects in this online exhibition is the cowling from the Black Hawk helicopter that crashed in Afghanistan on 21 June 2010. It was used as a makeshift stretcher to carry the bodies of three dead Australian commandos from the wreckage. To be able to examine this object in three-dimensional detail means that their story continues to be told; I know how much this means to the families of Private Benjamin Chuck, Private Timothy Aplin and Private Scott Palmer.”   

3D Treasures features collection items dating from the Boer war to contemporary conflicts. Some items, such as the Bullwinkle dress and the Black Hawk cowling, are also on display at the Memorial.

Other items, such as a camera from the First World War, an artificial leg from Changi and a PASGT Helmet worn by Corporal Aaron Ruteledge in East Timor, will be the viewed by the public for the first time.                                               

Another 25 objects will be added to the online exhibition over the coming year. 3D Treasures is online now and can be viewed at www.awm.gov.au/3DTreasures.

CONTACT:  Media team        02 6243 4575    0409 600 038            media@awm.gov.au

Additional information

Objects featured in 3D Treasures include:

1. Dress, Staff Nurse Vivian Bullwinkel (REL/06376.001)
2. UH-60L Black Hawk engine cowling, 2 Commando Regiment (REL45788.001)
3. Boot used to smuggle diary, Captain Thomas White (RELAWM08188)
4. Body armour, Sergeant Brian Cooper (RELAWM40212)
5. Moy and Bastie 1909 Cine Camera, First World War (AWM2016.756.1)
6. Long Tan Cross, D Company, 6RAR (AWM2017.1422.1)
7. Tunic of Major General Cyril Brudenell White (REL/00112)
8. Grave cross of Captain Robert Little (REL/05619)
9. Carved rifle butt, Farrier Sergeant Percy King (REL/15154
10. Tunic of Trooper Walter Dexter (REL/15674)
11. Coach wheel bed, Anzac Hostel (REL27665)
12. Engraved shell case, HMAS Anzac (REL31406)
13. Flying Helmet, Flying Officer Peter Firkins (REL33109.001)
14. Helmet of Corporal Aaron Allen Rutledge (REL33915)
15. Binoculars of Corporal Donald Davie (REL48563)
16. German messenger dog gas mask, 41st Battalion (RELAWM04098)
17. Small box respirator, First World War (RELAWM04501.008)
18. Outdoor uniform of Staff Nurse Eliza Rowan (RELAWM04504)
19. Shell-damaged food container, 18th Battalion (RELAWM07357.001)
20. Damaged camp kettle (RELAWM07612)
21. Sea mine, German Raider Wolf (RELAWM09902)
22. Violin made from war relics, Private Max Nicholls (RELAWM14432)
23. Full dress tunic of Major Henry Venn King (RELAWM15721)
24. Changi artificial leg, Private Stephen Gleeson (RELAWM30716)
25. Damaged boot of Squadron Leader James Cox (RELAWM40762)