Ginger Meggs: Australia's Favourite Boy

Overview

90 years ago, an artist by the name of Jimmy Bancks came up with a character by the name of Ginger Meggs. And, like that, an Aussie legend was born. But unlike other icons we've lost along the way, Ginger lives on, in the forever-land of cartoons. These days, he's parented by young, Perth-based artist Jason Chatfield.

To celebrate Ginger reaching such a distinguished age, the Museum of Sydney is hosting a dedicated exhibition. Through original strips by Bancks, Chatfield and Ginger's three other dads, Ron Vivian, Lloyd Piper and James Kemsley, the show tracks the character's evolution through nine decades, beginning with the billy carts, wireless radios and cricket matches that shaped his '30s world to his 'real-life' appearances at major events like the opening of the Harbour Bridge and the launch of the Space Age.

There's also a bunch of vintage memorabilia on display, including Little Golden Books, dolls, clothing and Ginger-themed paintings by Martin Sharp.

“With his vivid red hair, larrikin boy charms and never-ending ability to get himself into and out of trouble, Ginger Meggs is a mischievous character whose everyday escapades echo the experiences of millions of Australian children," says Anna Cossu, Sydney Living Museums curator. "[He is] still published in over 120 newspapers across Australia and around the world."