Be inspired by stories of bold dreams, determination and Australian ingenuity at a new exhibition opening at National Archives of Australia in Canberra.

In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunistsexplores the colourful history of Australian innovation, from First Nations creativity to 150 years of patents, trademarks and designs registration.

The exhibition will delight with stories behind iconic inventions and household brand names such as the dual flush toilet and the ‘goon bag’ and lifechanging innovations such as spray-on skin and baby capsules.

It brings to life the stories and people behind these brands and inventions, uniting archival records with real-life objects.

Curator Lucie Shawcross says the exhibition shows the pervasiveness of intellectual property.

‘From the chair you’re sitting on to the shape of your breakfast cereal, patents, trademarks and designs are a part of our daily lives.

‘People from different generations will recognise brands like Tupperware that shaped our lifestyle - the Hills Hoist clotheslines still spinning in backyards today and the bottle of Aerogard brought out for summer barbecues,' says Ms Shawcross.

National Archives Director-General Simon Froude says the exhibition features intellectual property records dating back to the 19th century.

'Records in the national archival collection are a treasure trove of fascinating stories waiting to be told.

'This carefully curated exhibition connects us to these stories through evidence of imagination and invention. We are a nation with many innovations to celebrate so I am pleased we've been able to provide access to this history, through archival records, in a novel way,' says Mr Froude.

The enduring history of invention and creativity of First Nations peoples – not always captured in official records – is highlighted, from patents submitted by David Ngunaitponi (Unaipon) to the ongoing knowledge-sharing of Ngarrindjeri elder Uncle Moogy Sumner, who passes on Ngarrindjeri stories and skills such as dance and making boomerangs.

As well as local and international brands and inventors many people will recognise, the exhibition features creators who are lesser known despite lives dedicated to inventing – such as self-described inventress Myra Juliet Farrell, who submitted dozens of designs ranging from a step-in corset to a bulletproof fence.

In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists will spark imaginations at National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes ACT 2600 from 21 November to 17 May 2026.

More information, including opening hours, is available on National Archives’ website.