The Scott Sisters: Pioneers of Science and Art

Conceived and created by Skye McIntosh (Artistic Director of the Australian Haydn Ensemble), this immersive new multimedia work is inspired by the lives of 19th-century illustrators and naturalists Harriet and Helena Scott and their acclaimed ‘Butterfly Book’, Australian Lepidoptera and their Transformations. Drawing directly from the library’s collection, it blends exquisite animations, theatrical performance and live classical music performed on period instruments.

Following the tale of an extraordinary family whose legacy helped shape Australia’s scientific, artistic and cultural history — and inspired by original artworks, letters, books, manuscripts and family papers — the production travels across close to a century. From Regency England and the bushlands of Ash Island to the creation of the Mitchell Library itself, The Scott Sisters explores the enduring connections between science and story, art and nature and the many ways of observing, understanding and preserving knowledge across generations.  

Performed by the Australian Haydn Ensemble, with an exceptional cast directed by Rachel McDonald, stunning animations by Studio Gilay, and music by Ludwig van Beethoven, Marin Marais, Elena Kats-Chernin and Tullia Cairns, this evocative new work reimagines the library’s collection into a multi-layered live experience, celebrating curiosity, transformation and the enduring power of stories to connect us all.  

This event is part of the library’s 200th Anniversary Festival, an exciting six-week program of performances, talks and free live music. 

Photo by Daniel Boud.