Geelong Gallery has joined the wider community in celebrating the 160th anniversary of the Geelong Football Club’s formation in 1859, exhibiting a selection of extraordinary, treasured objects and images from the collection of Bob Gartland that tell the stories of the Cats’ proud history.

These never before seen treasures, including among other rarities the original letter to Mrs Charles Brownlow proposing an award in her late husband’s name, will present a rich timeline of the club in an exhibition that will be a truly immersive experience of the mighty Cats from 1859 to now.

The exhibition not only follows key figures in the club's history from Charles Brownlow to Joel Selwood, it also celebrates the club’s evolution including its uniform design, the “Cats” nickname and the successes and stories of the playing group, over 160 years.

“It has been my vision for many years to take my collection beyond the football club and into the community. I was delighted when Geelong Gallery committed to the exhibition and hope that it brings many people joy in retracing this mighty Club’s visual and social history,” Gartland said.

The Greatest Team of All—treasures from the Bob Gartland collection is exhibiting at Geelong Gallery from 20 September to 10 November 2019.

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