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For a brief stop before heading to South Australia’s spectacular “The Cube” in McLaren Vale, The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss exhibition is returning to Harvey Galleries Seaforth, almost exactly 20 years since it was last shown here. The gallery hasn’t been this excited in decades, and neither have we.
This vibrant and deeply personal collection showcases the private works of Ted Geisel: surreal paintings, quirky midnight sketches, and the now-famous Unorthodox Taxidermy sculptures. Created not for publishers or children, but for himself, this art reveals a more vulnerable, experimental, and delightfully unfiltered Seuss.
“It shows the humble genius that he really was,” says curator Trevor Harvey, who has been part of this journey for nearly three decades.
Harvey Galleries Seaforth holds a special place in this story. Founded in 1994, it is the flagship fine art gallery and the team behind it have been the heart of Seuss’s art presence in Australia for almost
30 years. While the Harvey family also runs two dedicated The Art of Dr. Seuss Galleries in Sydney’s QVB and Melbourne’s Block Arcade, this return to Seaforth marks a monumental moment and a great opportunity for Seuss and art lovers alike to acquire their own special edition from this highly collectible assemblage.
“It’s taken a huge effort to plan, curate, and assemble this collection,” says Trevor. “This is home for us. It’s where it all began.”
A Legacy Built on Friendship and Family
Trevor’s connection with the world of Seuss began in the 1980s while living in the USA. There, he met Bob Chase Snr., whose family would later publish Dr. Seuss’s artworks, and years after that, Trevor and his business partner Skii Harvey built a lasting friendship with Robert (Bob) Chase Jr. and were given the opportunity to share the Art of Dr. Seuss with Australasia.
It was Bob Jnr. who, together with Ted’s wife, Audrey Geisel, helped bring this Secret Art into the light. The Harvey family has been entrusted with The Art of Dr. Seuss since its early days, a role they’ve embraced with passion.
“It’s our family’s greatest achievement to help maintain this legacy,” says Trevor.
Now joined by his and Skii’s children Spencer and Lloyd, the Harvey team continues sharing Seuss’s artistry with new generations.
When the Secret Art exhibition first arrived at Seaforth 20 years ago, the response was overwhelming. Lines snaked out the door, drawing visitors from across the region. Later, when the exhibition reached the Sydney Opera House, it attracted thousands daily. And now, it’s coming home again to the gallery and community that helped start it all.
Beyond the Books: The Secret Side of Seuss
This exhibition offers a rare chance to know the man behind the pen. Many works, especially from the Secret Art Series, were never shown publicly during Ted’s lifetime and some are still being revealed.
In 1997, The Art of Dr. Seuss project launched, allowing collectors to view and acquire fine art prints and sculptures reproduced from Ted’s original drawings and paintings.
As Audrey Geisel wrote:
“I remember telling Ted there would come a day when many of his paintings would be seen… he would thus share with his fans another facet of himself, his private self. That day has come. I am glad.”
So come. Wander into this hidden world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply curious, this exhibition is a reminder that creativity doesn’t end at the edge of a page; it spills over, loops around, and surprises you when you least expect it.
In true Seussian fashion, we’ll leave you with a few words to ponder:
“You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.” (I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!, 1978)
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” (Happy Birthday to You!, 1959)
COME SEE THE ART COLLECTION FROM 11 TO 22 OCTOBER 2025
Step into the imaginative world of Theodor Seuss Geisel with The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection, showing at Harvey Galleries in Seaforth from 11–22 October. Celebrating the genius behind some of the most beloved children’s books, the exhibition reveals a lesser-known side of Dr. Seuss through a rare collection of his art, illustrations and inventive characters, all available to purchase.
Don’t miss the special opening event on Saturday 11th October, 2–3PM. All welcome.
Express your interest at www.harveygalleries.com.au
SEAFORTH, THE SEUSS IS LOOSE.
Don’t miss your chance to see the magic, up close and possibly for the last time on The Beaches.
📍 515 Sydney Road, Seaforth 2092
📞 02 9907 0595
📷 @harveygalleries
🌐 harveygalleries.com.au
