If you are someone who likes to know the story behind everyday objects, pondered the first person to ever begin milking taipans for venom or just enjoy learning new things to casually drop into conversation at dinner parties, Magnificent Makers is right up your alley. The incredible exhibition shines a light on seven canny creations, daring discoveries and imaginative inventions, from Brisbane’s first speedway through to clever corsets and the first female photographer.

Magnificent Makers pays homage to A.J. Hunting, the ambitious lad with a need for speed and the trailblazer behind Brisbane’s pioneering speedway, Richard Frank Tunley, who was hailed the fairy godfather of blind children for his educational creations such as braille globes and Sarah Jenyns, who, fed up with uncomfortable whale-bone corsets, devised a revolutionary alternative. Also recognised is Edward Barton, the man responsible for bringing electric light to Queensland, Harriet Brims, the groundbreaking female photographer, Ram Chandra, who risked his own life to acquire taipan venom to help create the first antivenene, and Wayne Denning, who is championing the next generation of makers.

Together, they not only help tell the story of our state, but showcase the inspiring achievements of incredible men and women who took a chance on their ideas — resourceful, trail-blazing or altruistic — and transformed them into lasting legacies.

Magnificent Makers is showing at the State Library of Queensland until June 3.