The donor, Rosemary Lade, was a member of the Q Theatre Guild for a short period in the 1970s when this photo of a performance of The Bartered Bride was taken. The Q Theatre Guild had previously evolved out of the Kew Light Opera Company that had been formed in 1953. The first performances of the Guild occurred in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street. From 1960, the Guild performed at the new Kew Civic (later City) Hall. During the 1970s, the donor participated in performances of The Bartered Bride by Bedřich Smetana, The Gypsy Baron by Johan Strauss II, and Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.Photograph of a performance of Smetana's Bartered Bride in the Kew City Hall in the 1970s. The performance was given by the "Q" Theatre Guild."The Bartered Bride" Smetana. Q Theatre Guild 1970s.Left Rear - Molly Stillwell (seated) Rosemary Lademolly stilwell, rosemary lade, "q" theatre guild, kew civic hall, performing arts -- kew (vic.), smetana -- the bartered bride

The donor, Rosemary Lade, was a member of the Q Theatre Guild for a short period in the 1970s when this photo of a performance of The Bartered Bride was taken. The Q Theatre Guild had previously evolved out of the Kew Light Opera Company that had been formed in 1953. The first performances of the Guild occurred in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street. From 1960, the Guild performed at the new Kew Civic (later City) Hall. During the 1970s, the donor participated in performances of The Bartered Bride by Bedřich Smetana, The Gypsy Baron by Johan Strauss II, and Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.Photograph of a performance of Smetana's Bartered Bride in the Kew City Hall in the 1970s. The performance was given by the "Q" Theatre Guild."The Bartered Bride" Smetana. Q Theatre Guild 1970s."q" theatre guild, smetana -- the bartered bride, performing arts -- kew (vic.), kew civic hall

The donor, Rosemary Lade, was a member of the Q Theatre Guild for a short period in the 1970s when this photo of a performance of The Bartered Bride was taken. The Q Theatre Guild had previously evolved out of the Kew Light Opera Company that had been formed in 1953. The first performances of the Guild occurred in the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street. From 1960, the Guild performed at the new Kew Civic (later City) Hall. During the 1970s, the donor participated in performances of The Bartered Bride by Bedřich Smetana, The Gypsy Baron by Johan Strauss II, and Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.Photograph of a performance of Smetana's Bartered Bride in the Kew City Hall in the 1970s. The performance was given by the Q Theatre Guild."The Bartered Bride" Smetana. Q Theatre Guild 1970s. Rosemary Lade (far right)"q" theatre guild, rosemary lade, kew civic hall, smetana -- the bartered bride, performing arts -- kew (vic.)

The "Q" Theatre Guild grew out of and amalgamated the Kew Light Opera Company in 1957. Productions were initially held in the Kew Recreation Hall and subsequently in the Kew Civic Hall. The Company would appear to have run until the mid-1960s. Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s. The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Theatrical programme. "Q" Theatre Guild presents Martha by Flotow. Produced by Beatrice Oakley, Kew City Hall, Cotham Road, Kew Commencing Wed., May 8 [1963] for 4 nights. 16pp. Includes title page, cast list, some profiles, and advertisements.arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew civic hall -- cotham road, city of kew, theatre memorabilia

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1970s.Ticket issued for a Theatrical Garden Party in the Kew Recreation Hall under the patronage of the Mayor and Maoyoress of Kew, Cr. and Mrs J.T. Gazzard on 30 March 1958.Ticket numbered on reverse: "98"arthur dear collection, cr joseph gazzard, kew recreation hall, city of kew

Two photographs showing the City of Kew Crest of the exterior of the Kew Civic Hall, as well as a sculpture attached to the wall.city of kew, kew town hall, kew civic centre, walking stick

Robert (later Sir Robert) Menzies was the member for Kooyong from 1934 to 66, and Australian Prime Minister from 1939 to 41, and again from 1949 to 66. The City of Kew was within the boundaries of his electorate. Civic events, before the opening of the new Kew City Hall in 1960 were frequently held at the Kew Recreation Hall (demolished 1960) in Wellington Street.The Arthur Dear Collection is a comprehensive collection of theatrical ephemera relating to performances by theatrical and musical organisations from within and outside the former City of Kew who typically performed at venues in Kew during the 1950s and 1960s.Card formally acknowledging the acceptance of an invitation to an event in the Kew Recreation Hall. The printed response was issued by the Town Clerk - W.D. Birrell - on behalf of the Mayor - Cr. Marie Dalley. The event was held to meet Mr Menzies and Dame Pattie Menzies.arthur dear collection, robert menzies, dame pattie menzies, kew recreation hall, city of kew - invitations

Performance by students of Trinity Grammar School, Kew in 1969.Program No. 53 for Trinity Tricks, held at Kew City Hall, Friday 11th April, 1969trinity tricks, trinity grammar school, kew, theatre - kew

The Municipality of Kew was proclaimed on 19 December 1860, then upgraded to a Borough (1863), a Town (1910) and finally a City (1921). From 1865, its offices were based in the former Athenaeum Hall in Walpole Street, which, although extended in 1883, inevitably became inadequate. Plans for a new purpose-built Town Hall were first mooted in the late 1880s, but fell prey to six subsequent decades of debate. During that time, many sites were considered and rejected, and several schemes prepared. Finally, in 1945, it was resolved to build a new civic centre as a war memorial. The council acquired Southesk, a mansion on the south-west corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street – first mooted as a possible Town Hall site two decades earlier – and plans for a civic precinct were drawn up by John Scarborough. The project stalled until 1957, when a Town Hall Committee was formed and a new architect appointed: Harold Bartlett of Leith & Bartlett. He also proposed an entire civic precinct, of which a large public hall would constitute Stage One. Designed to accommodate almost any public or official function, the space had had a small stage at one end for intimate theatrical productions, a larger stage at the other (with operable sunken orchestra pit) for musical performances, plus the most up-to-date equipment for live TV transmission. The building, befitting its original intent as a war memorial, was also to include a sculpted monument, for which a separate design competition was held. First prize went to George H Allen (1900-1972), long-time head of the Sculpture Department at RMIT and a former war artist himself (the only one, in fact, to have worked in the medium of sculpture). At the time of the Kew project, Allen was best known for his Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance (1955) and a controversial abstract sculpture at Hume House in William Street (1957). Tenders for the new hall were called and the contract (worth £104,986) was awarded to H F Yuncken. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor, Cr F C O'Brien, on 1 June 1959. Completion (initially scheduled for October) was delayed by the unavailability of certain materials; it was barely finished in time for the official opening (by Premier Henry Bolte) on 23 April 1960. The war memorial was unveiled two days later (Anzac Day) by Bolte's deputy, the Hon A G Rylah. Fittingly, that year also marked Kew's municipal centenary, and many celebratory events were held in and around the new civic centre in December, including a special council meeting (attended by the Prime Minister), a tree planting ceremony and a youth ball. Source: Survey of Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage Two (Built Heritage Pty Ltd., 2010)Historically significant commemorative plaqueMetal plaque relating to special Council meeting to mark centenary of Kew, 13th December 1960. This plaque was given to the Kew Historical Society in 1991 by the former City of Kew.A Special Meeting Of The / Kew City Council Was Held In / This Hall On 13th December 1960 / To Commemorate / The Centenary of Kew / Cr. W.H.S. Dickinson, M.B.E., J.P., / Mayorkew city hall, foundation stones - kew (vic), cr. w.h.s. dickinson, local government -- kew (vic.)

Member for Kew and Premier of Victoria Rupert Hamer outside the Kew Town Hall (later the Kew Library)Copy of colour photograph of Kanga Cop with Premier Dick Hamer and City of Kew Mayor Cr John H. Gervasoni during a Kew Festival event.kew, gervasoni, john, jack, jack gervasoni, mayor, premier, dick, rupert, hamer, dick hamer, rupert hamer, victoria, kew town hall, city of kew, kew mayors, kanga cop, premier of victoria

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s. The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Photograph of a performance or a rehearsal of The Maid of the Moutains, performed by the Kew Light Opera Company in the Kew Recreation Hall in 1957.arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, theatre memorabilia, kew light opera company

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s. The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Programme issued by The World Council of Churches - Kew Branch, for a Combined Service of Thanksgiving during Kew Home and Family Week on Sunday 26 April 1953. The programme has a photo of the Royal Family on the cover. Kew Home and Family Week took place from Monday 20 April until Sunday 26 April 1953. arthur dear collection

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1970s. One page flyer issued by the Social Welfare Coordinator, City of Kew, inviting groups to a Special Get-together in No.3 Hall, Kew Civic Centre on 27 November 1975.arthur dear collection, city of kew, welfare -- kew (vic.)

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s. The Arthur Dear Collection is a comprehensive collection of theatrical ephemera relating to performances by theatrical and musical organisations from within and outside the former City of Kew who typically performed at venues in Kew during the 1950s and 1960s.One page flyer issued by the Steering Committee for the proposed Kew Recreation Council to individuals to attend a Special Get-together in No.3 Hall, Kew Civic Centre, on 27 November 1975 at 7.15 p.m.arthur dear collection, city of kew, kew civic centre, mrs henri serroni

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1970s.The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Programme issued by the Hawthorn Operatic Society for a performance of Princess Ida in the Kew Recreation Hall in November. The programme does not include a year date. It does include a cast list, a brief synopsis and a list of the musical numbers.princess ida, gilbert & sullivan, arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew recreation hall -- wellington street -- kew (vic.), theatre memorabilia -- kew (vic.), hawthorn operatic company

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1970s. The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Programme issued by the Hawthorn Operatic Society for a performance of Princess Ida in the Kew Recreation Hall in November. The programme does not include a year date. It does include a cast list, a brief synopsis and a list of the musical numbers.the gondoliers, gilbert & sullivan, arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew recreation hall -- wellington street -- kew (vic.), theatre memorabilia -- kew (vic.), hawthorn operatic society

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1970s.Ticket issued for a Theatrical Garden Party in the Kew Recreation Hall under the patronage of the Mayor and Maoyoress of Kew, Cr. and Mrs J.T. Gazzard on 30 March 1958arthur dear collection, cr gazzard, mayors of kew, kew recreation hall

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1970s.The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Ticket issued for a Theatrical Garden Party in the Kew Recreation Hall under the patronage of the Mayor and Maoyoress of Kew, Cr. and Mrs J.T. Gazzard on 30 March 1958.Ticket numbered on reverse: "98"cr joseph gazzard, mayors of kew, arthur dear collection, kew recreation hall -- wellington street, city of kew

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1970s. The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period.Ticket issued for a Theatrical Garden Party in the Kew Recreation Hall under the patronage of the Mayor and Maoyoress of Kew, Cr. and Mrs J.T. Gazzard on 30 March 1958.Ticket numbered on reverse: "212"cr jo gazzard, mayors of kew, arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew recreation hall -- wellington street, city of kew, theatre memorabilia

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1970s. Programme for a garden party concert held by the City of Kew. The list includes timings for the concert and performers.arthur dear collection, city of kew, kew recreation hall, damn yankees, concert

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s.The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Programme for a Civic Dinner in the Kew Recreation Hall hosted by the Mayor of Kew, Cr. Marie Dalley, on 11 December 1954. The programme lists Toasts, Musical Items and the Menu.arthur dear collection, city of kew -- civic dinners, kew recreation hall

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s.The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Programme for a Civic Dinner in the Kew Recreation Hall hosted by the Mayor of Kew, Cr. J.T. Gazzard, on 14 December 1957. The programme lists Toasts, Musical Items and the Menu.arthur dear collection, cr. gazzard, civic dinner, city of kew, kew recreation hall -- wellington street, city of kew - civic dinners

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s. The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Programme for a performance of The Miser by Moliere by The Everyman Theatres Company in association with the Council of Adult Education. The text was adapted by Miles Malleson. The 12-page programme includes a cast list, individual performer profiles and notes regarding the history of Everyman Theatres Company. arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew recreation hall -- wellington street, theatre memorabilia, the everyman theatres company

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s. The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period.Programme for a performance of Enduring As the Camphor Tree by Russell J. Oakes, performed by The Everyman Theatres Company. The programme includes performer and writer profiles as well as a cast list and advertisements.arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew recreation hall -- wellington street, theatre memorabilia, everyman theatres company, 'enduring as the camphor tree' by russell j. oakes

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s. The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. 4-page programme for a performance by the Hawthorn Operatic Society of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Sorcerer at the Kew Recreation Hall in June 1956.arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew recreation hall -- wellington street, theatre memorabilia, hawthorn operatic society

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s. The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Programme for a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience by the Hawthorn Operatic Society in 1957. 14 pp.arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew recreation hall -- wellington street, theatre memorabilia, hawthorn operatic society

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s.The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Programme for a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience by the Hawthorn Operatic Society in 1957. 14 pp.arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew recreation hall -- wellington street, theatre memorabilia, hawthorn operatic society

Arthur Henry Dear was an employee of the City of Kew, acting as Hall Keeper of the Kew Recreation Hall in Wellington Street, and later the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road. The Arthur Dear Collection contains memorabilia - tickets, programmes, invitations - as well as his identification badge. Items in the collection dates from the 1940s to the 1960s.The Kew Recreation Hall (Wellington Street) and later the Kew City Hall (Cotham Road) were major locations in suburban Melbourne in the postwar period for civic and private events including theatre productions and exhibitions. The Arthur Dear Collection (in conjunction with the scrapbooks compiled by Marion Tilley) provide a comprehensive snapshot of performing arts in Kew during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes valuable data about performances, performers, directors etc., during this period. Programme for a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado by the Hawthorn Operatic Society in 1959. 12 pp.arthur dear collection, performing arts -- kew -- victoria, kew recreation hall -- wellington street, theatre memorabilia, hawthorn operatic society