NATHAN SMITH

Having no formal training in Research/analysis, I have had to feel my way through learning where to find information. Beginning as a teenager with a passionate interest and naïve enthusiasm, what began as endless letters, road-trips and phone calls to obscure Museums and Archives has evolved to an extensive online contact network. My special Interest Subject is the wreck of the Maheno (Fraser Island  1935 ) however  I possess vast general knowledge of Australian steamships .  My work cataloguing the Artefacts of the T.S.S Maheno has seen me amass the largest known individual collection of relics and photographs in the world. My work in this field has been recognised by the Queensland Government, consulting with head Archaeologist Paddy Waterson on a recent survey of the Maheno wreck conducted by Queensland Museum.

I have had several free-lance articles published on the Maheno and have had 2 double page features on my collection and my artworks feature in local publications.

ABC Radio’s Wayne Sherman ran a 3 part series through July 2015 featuring my 20 minute interview  regarding my Art, Collection and aspirations to establish a Fraser Coast Maritime museum.

I have organised 3 separate exhibits of my Collection  , with attendances growing every time to top 3000 at 2015’s 80th Anniversary

 

Throughout this period I have also established myself as a respected Maritime Artist with examples of my paintings and models adorning museums , resorts and private collections throughout the region and beyond .