Ruth Lane-Poole: A Woman of Influence

Ruth Lane-Poole’s articles on interior decoration in popular magazines in the mid-1920s introduced many homemakers to her ideas on good taste and practical design. Such was her standing, that when the Federal Capital Commission was faced with the challenge of furnishing Canberra’s two official residences – Government House and The Lodge – in time for the opening of Parliament House in 1927, it was Ruth Lane-Poole that they engaged to work with the architects on matters relating to interior furnishing. She shared with her husband Charles, then Inspector-General of forests, and Acting Principal of the Australian Forestry School at Yarralumla, a love for the beauty of Australian timbers which she used extensively for furniture and interior features. This exhibition brings together items never exhibited before outside the official residences, and which explore the inspirations for her design philosophy and the rich legacy of her Irish family associations. Presented in partnership with The Australiana Fund.