Photocopy - Ref to P111 of Pioneers and Paintershotels, eltham, main road, pitt street

Series of colour maps for various tram and bus routes, dated 1979. Also contained, not scanned are letters, reports, and specifications for printing these maps for use in shelters etc. Some have the Transport Information Centre telephone printed on them. Some are finished with a plastic laminate finish on either one or both sides. Show the major cross streets, parks, schools, other tram routes, major stop numbers, and railway lines. See also item 3909 for another example of these. Trams 1 - City route guide - R9/77 - showing all route numbers and destinations that passed through the CBD. 2 - Bourke St tram routes - R4/77 - East Brunswick Blyth St and East Preston Tyler St and intermediate routes, routes 95, 96, 97, 90, 89 and 88. 3 - Malvern, East Malvern, Carnegie, and East Brighton Tram Routes (from St Kilda Junction) - R1/79 - shows routes 5, 3, 67, 66, 61, 62, and 64. 4 - Elizabeth St tram routes - R12/77 - Essendon Airport, West Maribyrnong, North Coburg lines, routes 50, 58, 60, 54, 57, 52. 49, 59, 18, 20 and 19 5 - Flinders St tram routes - R5/78 - North Balwyn, East Burwood, routes 48, 40, 41, Hartwell, 28, 74 and 75 6 - Kew - St Kilda Beach - R1/79 - Route 69. 7 - Mont - Albert City - R11/77, shows routes 43. 47. 45. 44 8 - St Kilda Rd Tram Routes R12/77 - details South Melbourne Beach, route 1 and route 2 and St Kilda Beach routes 15, 16, and 55 otherwise shows where the various routes branch off St Kilda Road 9 - Batman Ave tram routes - R9/77 - Wattle Park, North Richmond and Prahran - routes 70, 71, 78 and 79. 10 - Footscray - Moonee Ponds - R3/81 - Route 82 11 - Swanston St tram guide - R1/79 - lists all routes and route numbers that branch or cross Swanston St between Grattan St and St Kilda Junction. 12 - Toorak Camberwell and Glen Iris tram route with Camberwell Junction and Malvern Town Hall, R1/79, routes 8, 7, 6, 72, and 73 shown. 13 - West Preston - Beach tram routes - R12/77 - routes 10, 11, 9 and 12, 14 - William St tram routes - R12/77 - Route 55, 56, and 63 - South Melbourne Depot and Domain. Buses 1 - Footscray, Sunshine, Deer Park, Nth Altona & Fishermans Bend - R2/79 2 - Box Hill bus routes to Templestowe, Heidelberg & East Kew - R6/78 - notes superseded by R3/82 3 - Plan of Russell St Melbourne bus departure bays. 4 - Box Hill, Mitcham & Ringwood bus routes to East Doncaster & Warrandyte - R3/82 5 - City - Warrandyte & East Doncaster bus routes - R3/82 & R6/78 6 - Bulleen - City - Port Melbourne - Garden City Bus route - R6/78 7 - North Altona - City bus route - 11/78 8 - Clifton Hill - Elsternwick - R2/79 9 - La Trobe - Northland - West Heidelberg - City Bus Service via East Freeway - 11/79 and R3/81 10 - Box Hill, Mitcham & Ringwood Bus Routes to East Doncaster & Warrandyte - R10/84 - with the Metropolitan Transit logo.Yields information about tram and bus routes in late 1970s early 1980s.Book - brown comb binding, card and clear plastic covers containing both bound and unbound maps and documents.K C Painter on front cover in ink.tramways, mmtb, tram routes, maps, bus routes, route numbers, routes, route guide

Walter John Hickford, painter and businessman, was Mayor of Warrnambool 1895-6-7 and President of the Committee that organised the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7. A skilled decorative artist, he carried out art work in private homes, businesses and churches. His shop in Liebig Street supplied paint materials for households, tradesmen and artists. Hickford Parade is named after Walter Hickford. This is an original label from a picture frame and is of considerable interest, as Walter John Hickford was a prominent citizen and businessman in Warrnambool in the 1860sFaded brown rectangular label with black text and border adhered to a piece of brown paper.W.J.HICKFORD, picture dealer, framer and gilder. Liebig Street, Warrnambool. Mounting and Repairing. OLD FRAMES RE-GILTwalter john hickford, painter, hickford parade, warrnambool

Black and white photograph reproduced on p69 of 'Pioneers & Painters'pioneers and painters, sepp

Black and white photograph reproduced on p77 of 'Pioneers & Painters'pioneers and painters, sepp, bridges, hurstbridge

Black and white photograph reproduced on p100 of 'Pioneers & Painters'pioneers and painters, tim burstall

Black and white photograph reproduced on p102 of 'Pioneers & Painters'pioneers and painters, clive nield, koornung, school

Black and white photograph reproduced on p105 of 'Pioneers & Painters'pioneers and painters, walter withers

Black and white photograph reproduced on p111 of 'Pioneers & Painters'pioneers and painters, eltham hotel, main road, pitt street, walter withers, eltham

Black and white photograph reproduced on p123 of 'Pioneers & Painters'pioneers and painters, artists, gareth jones roberts

Black and white photograph reproduced on p130 of 'Pioneers & Painters'pioneers and painters, sepp, artists, gus mclaren

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Black and white photograph of a nurse in uniform standing in a gardenSister Joan Painter December 1956 written on the back.ndsn, pts16

A grey soft covered book titled 'Seven Painters. An Introduction to Pictures by A. C. Ward.' On front cover book titled 'Seven Painters.' The seven painters are - Jan Van Eyck, Leonardo Da Vinci, El Greco, Vermeer, Constable, Whistler and Cezanne. Oxford University Press. Series titled 'Living Names.' 82pgs., photos, ill.artwork, lydia chancellor collection, collection, art, artwork, history, painters, education, drawing, male, individiual, painting

Joan Richard was a speaker at the Surrey Hills Historical Society meeting in November 2013. A watercolourist, she has been a long standing member of MSWPS, Past and Recent President in 2017 and a Life Member. The Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors was founded in 1902 by women who had been students at the Art School of the National Gallery of Victoria, to provide a forum for artistic discussion and an opportunity to view and comment on each other's work. Originally named the Students' Art Club, it became "Woomballana" (meaning either 'everlasting beauty' or 'search for beauty') Art Club, The Women's Art Club, the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and finally, in 1954, the present title was adopted. The history of the MSWPS and its members’ achievements, issues of the workplace, family and art commitments, the economic survival of artists, migrant artists and prejudice against women are also explored. Much of the information in “More Than Just Gumtrees” has not been available in previous publications; it includes hitherto unpublished sources - oral history interviews, minute books, reviews, letters, early photographs. There are includes biographies of over 300 artists, with individual exhibition lists, representation in public collections etc REF: MSWPS website. Artist Mabel Pye, who lived in Surrey Hills, is one of the featured artists.A history of the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors and of the women who have belonged since 1902. Some of these women have become well-known to the art world, other have slipped by un-noticed. Incl. index, bibliography.To the Surrey Hills/Historical Society/Presented by/Joan Richard/19th November/2013melbourne society of women painters and sculptors, women painters, women sculptors, mabel pye, joan richard

COLLECTION OF ACCOUNTS, 1912 - WILLIAM LUNN, Painter, Glazier, Paperhanger &c., Pall Mall.business, retail, general, william lunn

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Modern Painters Frondes Agrestes Author: John Ruskin Publisher: George Allen Date: 1891Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 750 RUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, modern painters frondes agrestes, frondes agrestes, john ruskin

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Black and white photograph of a nurse in uniform sitting on a chair with a model of a skeleton (Muscles) sitting on her knee, behind her is a corrugated iron fence. written on the back, School 16 PTS Dec 53 Joan Painter with "Muscles"ndsn, pts16

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989.Black and white photograph of a nurse in uniform sitting the steps in front of Lister House, she has her arm around a concrete statue of an animal on a pedestal next to the steps.Joan Painter school 16 second Yr block Feb 54 written on the back.ndsn, pts16

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Modern Painters Vol 2 part 1 Author: John Ruskin Publisher: George Allen Date: 1891Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 750 RUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, modern painters vol 2 part 1, modern painters vol 2, john ruskin

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Modern Painters Vol 2 part 2 Author: John Ruskin Publisher: George Allen Date: 1891Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 750 RUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, modern painters vol 2 part 2, modern painters vol 2, john ruskin

Black and white photograph of a sketch by Walter Withers with publication inscriptions for reproduction on p76 of 'Pioneers & Painters' but ultimately not used.pioneers and painters, sepp, walter withers

Page 133: "..Studio potters and ceramic artists began settling in this area (Warrandyte) from about 1945.. Meanwhile a group was developing at Cottles Bridge, making their own kick-wheels and kilns and producing pots and models by what often began as a co-operative system, two or more artists co-operating in making each article... Husband and wife teams predominated.. Laycock and Alma Shanahan have been responsible for the now thriving reputation of the "Dunmoochin" pottery.."Black and white photograph reproduced on p131 of 'Pioneers & Painters: One Hundred years of Eltham and its Shire' by Alan Marshall (1971)pioneers and painters, peter laycock, dunmoochin, pottery

Studio photographic portrait. Subject unknown.Portrait Painters Walsh Bros 297 Malvern Rd. South Yarra. Marked: 607 Kyneton , on back

Black and white photograph with publication inscriptions for use on p126 of 'Pioneers & Painters' but another image of Crucifix by Matcham Skipper ultimately used insteadpioneers and painters

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Lives of The Most Eminent Painters Sculptors and Architects Vol 5 Author: Giorgio Vasari Publisher: Henry G Bohn Date: 1852Label on spine with typed text PAT 709.03 VAS Pastedown end page has sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, lives of the most eminent painters sculptors and architects vol 5, giorgio vasari