TALK: The Quiet Diplomacy of the Tennis Court - Canberra’s Mid-Century Social Networks | Heritage Festival 2026

Ticket includes drinks + canapés after talk.

Multiple award-winning Australian historian and author Mark McKenna in conversation with local experts discussing Canberra's mid-century political and social context.

The Cold War might have been raging in Europe and far from cool in Asia, but in small-town Canberra, a globally savvy community of diplomats, academics, public servants and professionals also found many opportunities to meet and mingle as neighbours and friends, to watch the world around them, and to be watched.

Join a lively panel conversation of historians, curators and long-term Canberrans including Professor of History, Nicholas Brown, Professor and author Mark McKenna and Senior Curator Virginia Rigney who will discuss the intersection between social life and the bigger picture of politics, power and influence.

The panel will also be joined by Pamela Burton and Meredith Edwards discussing Pam's book Persons of Interest: An Intimate account of Cecily and John Burton and the role of their parents in Canberra's cultural, political and social life at this time.

Drawing on the evidence of original invitation cards, correspondence, photographs, reporting in social pages and in voluminous ASIO files, we uncover the stories of soft power that played out on the private tennis courts and dining tables of a national capital suddenly embracing its role and findings its own style.

Attendees are invited to stay after the talk for drinks and canapes in the foyer, and a relaxed viewing of the Taglietti: Life in Design exhibition. This event is brought to you through collaboration between Manning Clark House and Canberra Museum and Gallery.