The definition of lace is a decorative or openwork fabric made up of spaces and worked areas formed by fine threads. Still present in contemporary life from fashion to homewares, lace first originated in sixteenth century Europe. It began with the development of two distinct types of work – needle lace and bobbin lace. These two techniques, relying on fine handwork for the first three centuries, produced some of the most luxurious and coveted forms of textiles ever create

Rupert Bunny: Artist in Paris traces Bunny’s extraordinary life and art, from Melbourne to Paris and back again. Organised by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, this is the first major exhibition of Bunny’s work since 1991 and includes over one hundred paintings, drawings and monotypes, some of which have never been seen before in Austra

Ricky Swallow’s art investigates how memory is distilled within the objects of daily life. This exhibition – the first major exhibition of the artist’s work in Australia since 2006 – features Swallow’s intricately carved wooden sculptures, new sculptural works in wood, bronze and plaster and two large groups of watercolo

As close neighbours, Australia and New Zealand share common fashion ground.

Opening on 22 May, the National Gallery of Victoria will present Persuasion: Fashion in the Age of Jane Austen, a timeless exhibition that will look at the dramatic changes in…