Henry Lawson remains one of the best known Australian writers/poets of all time. His images are those most often used by Australians to depict the kind of country they admire. The Henry Lawson Centre is a not for profit museum dedicated to Lawson's life and literary works, and to the family, friends, literary characters and places that filled his years. The Centre, which was once the Salvation Arm
y Hall, is located on Mayne street in the small town of Gulgong, New South Wales. The Henry Lawson Centre has been commended by the Museums and Galleries Foundation for the high quality of its displays, and won an Award of Distinction in the 2000 New South Wales Awards for Excellence in Tourism. Henry Lawson's parents brought him to the Gulgong area when he was an infant, and he spent his childhood and early teens in locations between Gulgong and Mudgee. The scenes and experiences of these years influenced Lawson enormously. They appear, with vivid clarity, in many of his works. The Henry Lawson Centre takes the visitor through the phases of the writer's life, from his birth in 1867 to his death in 1922, through a series of illustrated wall displays. These pay special attention to Lawson's concerns and his influence on the affairs of the day: justice for workers, the republic, the plight of the poor, and the emancipation of women. There is also a collection of books, artifacts and art works, including rare items. A large number of items are for sale, including CDs, books, prints and various small items, with an emphasis on Henry Lawson and his writings. Henry Lawson's influence lives on in Gulgong!
