Image: Ian Stephenson (centre) with colleagues.
It is with deep sadness that UNE has learned of the passing of Ian Stephenson, a dedicated curator, heritage advocate, and member of staff from 2009 to 2020.
Ian served as UNE’s Curator of Collections, where he brought the University’s scientific, historical, and cultural collections to life. His talent for storytelling through objects was vividly demonstrated in exhibitions like “Through the Collector’s Lens: Dissecting Booloominbah” at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM). In collaboration with UNE’s Art Curator at the time, Michelle Arens, Ian curated items ranging from basalt rocks and 19th-century botanical specimens to soldiers’ diaries and antique engravings, each piece selected to reveal the unique history of Booloominbah.
His commitment to preserving and showcasing UNE’s collections transformed them into an educational resource for students, staff, and visitors alike, opening new dialogues across disciplines and ages. Ian’s vision was to make UNE’s heritage a living resource saying these are not static collections
Ian was widely respected within the heritage sector. His 2018 exhibition, “Tales from the East,” earned a commendation at the National Trust Heritage Awards and was praised for celebrating Australia’s multicultural heritage. Through his curation, Ian brought Old Government House’s lesser-known historical connections to life, welcoming Sydney’s Indian communities to see their heritage reflected in one of Australia’s most iconic historical sites.
After retiring from UNE, Ian championed heritage preservation in Tasmania, served as a Trustee and Chair of the Copland Foundation, and supported National Trust Tasmania projects. His argued passionately for housing and community over industrial development. His efforts in heritage advocacy were shaped by his belief that heritage should not be sacrificed to short-term development.
A Requiem Mass will be held at 11am on 21 November 2024 at Christ Church St Laurence, Railway Square, Sydney, where Ian served as a parish councillor.
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Not only was Ian so informed on a multiple of subjects he was passionate about them. And he was a lot of fun.