The soldier is unknown at this point Sepia tone photograph of an Australian serviceman. An informal portrait probably from WW2. His buttons have an outline of Australia. He has Australian badges.photographs, sepia, portraits

Harry Holmes was from Ascot and was a member of the 18th Company Australian Army Service Corps. Photographic post card of the troopship Bahara A41This is the old "Bahara", A 41, passing down the canal on the way back to Australia. bakara troopship, harry holmes, world war one, holmes family collection, chatham-holmes family collection, henry smerdon holmes

Photo of unidentified Australian soldier from WW1.Sepia photo of Australian soldier from chest up, in uniform, bandolier and slouch hat. The back is torn as it was stuck to another surface and ripped off, torn bottom left corner.ww1, photo soldier

A complete replica uniform set of clothing and all items that were or could be worn by a first AIF soldier.Light horse brigade .1) Jacket, 100% wool with cotton lining. 7th Battalion AIF colour patches with a brass A signifying original ANZAC on both sleeves. Right sleeve has sergeant's stripes & 5 blue & 1 red chevron stripes. Left sleeve has 3 brass bars re WIA 3 times. Rising Sun badges on each collar & Australia badges on shoulder straps. Belted at waist. .2) Jodphurs, khaki corded wool. Brass button up fly. .3) Braces, red, white & blue oblique striped. .4) Hat, size 57, khaki Akubra with felt pugaree, leather chin strap, & blackened brass Rising Sun badge on upturned rim. .5) & .6) Puttees, pair, khaki wool felt with khaki cotton tapes. .7) & .8) Boots, pair, size L, tan coloured leather with dark brown leather laces, leather soles with metal reinforcing on heels..1) & .2) Makers labels. .4) Hat: Akubra, Made in Australia; On badge: Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. on hat: "5.7 Akubra Made in Australia"uniforms-army, costume - male footwear, costume - male headwear

Reeves Greyhound Pastels were used extensively in Australian schools in the 1960's and 1970's.This box of pastels is an example of an item commonly used in Victorian schools in the 1960's and 1970's.A cardboard box containing Reeves Greyhound Pastels. It contains 12 unwrapped partly used pastels. The box is white with a picture of a black spotted greyhound on an orange rectangular background.Top- Reeves Ostwald Series Greyhound Pastels Made in Australia Set Non Injurious St L12creeves-pastels-greyhound art drawing

This diorama is the central feature in the World War 1 Gallery - Middle East Campaigns sequence and shows typical uniforms and accoutrements of the Australian Light Horse and Ottoman infantry.This diorama attempts to convey the conditions experienced and the country traversed during "The Great Ride"1:1 scale diorama showing mounted trooper of 10th Australian Light Horse Regiment in Palestine 1918 and dismounted Ottoman soldiergaza, beersheba, light horse

20th Light Horse Regiment serving in a infantry role was posted to Merauke on the southern coast of Dutch New Guinea (now the Indoneasian province of Papua) in 1943. It was the only Australian Light Horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII. Sergeant Adrian Dunne, a native of Tocumwal NSW, was killed in action 12 November 1944. He was aged 25.Rare evidence of the service of the only Australian Light Horse regiment to serve overseas in World War II (1939-45). Timber framed display panel containing Australian Commonwealth Military Forces hat badge (Rising Sun), 'Australia' metal shoulder title, 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 British War Medal and 1939-45 Australian Service Medal; and Colour patch of 20th Light Horse Regiment, black over gold. Objects are protected by a Perspex front cover sheet. Sgt Dunne's name is spelled incorrectly on the panel.20th Light Horse / Sgt Adrian Dunn / VX81616 Tocumwal / Killed Dutch New Guinea 1943.military, world war two, wwii, dunn, merauke, new guinea

This card was one of four items given to every family of a deceased soldier of the British Commonwealth. Families received a memorial plaque, a message from the King, a memorial scroll and a "Where the Australians rest” card and grave photograph or a booklet if the deceased has no known grave. This "Where the Australians rest” card was sent to the brother of Pte W. Williams No. 1442, 2nd Battalion AIF, who was killed on Gallipoli on 29th August 1915, aged 24. Walter enlisted age 23 No 1442 on 27.11.1914 in 2nd reinforcements 2nd Bn AIF, embarked for Egypt 11.2.1915, transferred to Stretcher Bearers 8.4.1915, hospital 9.6.1915 with twisted instep, rejoin unit Gallipoli 13.7.1915, KIA 29.8.1915. This card is a duplicate copy sent. Refer also for photo, medals, other Cat No’s 1859P & 1860Folded four page light purple coloured card. Front features an embossed Rising Sun Badge, a title (Australian Imperial Force) and a two line border, all in purple. Inside on the left hand side is a pro forma in purple lettering with spaces for handwritten details. The right hand side features a black and white photograph of a grave marked with a cross with metal name plaques attached. Four crosses feature in the background. The photograph is bordered by a purple line. On the back page is a pro forma in purple lettering with spaces for handwritten details.Handwritten in black ink on inside left page, "WILLIAMS W. 1442 Private 2nd Battalion Browns Dip Cemetery Plot 2. Row. C. Grave 2 Port Chanak Gallipoli 3 copies". HAndwritten in black ink on back, 'Brother Mr S. T. Williams Australia".memorabilia, grave photographs, memorial cards, service record

The decorative assembly from the top of the wedding cake of Archibald Burke and Eleanor McKew of St Arnaud, married in 1902. Typical of the period, the elaborate construction of floral and symbolic objects with partial shield originally carrying Australian Coat of Arms and Advance Australia. Much of the wax and icing items have disintegrated over the years but some such as the clasped hands, shoe, rising sun and paper floral motifs remain. Representative of a style of decoration for top of wedding cakes c.1900 no longer in practice.construction of floral motifs with symbolic shoes, clasped hands and other symbols of marriage and Australia all under glass dome on a circular wooden base.Nilburke, mckew, donald, starnaud, wedding, cake decoration, wedding ephemera

Robin Boyd was appointed Exhibits Architect for the Australian Pavilion at Expo ‘70 in Osaka and travelled to Osaka several times in 1969-1970. Boyd designed the innovative Space Tube, which had over 25 exhibition boxes, projecting from it. Amongst the topics covered were Australian scientific innovation (including brain research, immunology, Antarctic research, Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Power Scheme, rainmaking, and the night sky), Australian sport, house interiors, car manufacturing, Australian music and art, and Japanese-Australian relations.Colour slide in a mount. Takara Beautilion, Theme Pavilion, Osaka Expo '70, Japan. (Architect: Kisho Kurokawa.)Made in Australia / 13 / DEC 69M8 / 3 7/8" with horizontal arrows / Boyd (Handwritten)expo 70, osaka, robin boyd, slide

Robin Boyd was appointed Exhibits Architect for the Australian Pavilion at Expo ‘70 in Osaka and travelled to Osaka several times in 1969-1970. Boyd designed the innovative Space Tube, which had over 25 exhibition boxes, projecting from it. Amongst the topics covered were Australian scientific innovation (including brain research, immunology, Antarctic research, Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Power Scheme, rainmaking, and the night sky), Australian sport, house interiors, car manufacturing, Australian music and art, and Japanese-Australian relations.Colour slide in a mount. Takara Beautilion, Theme Pavilion, Osaka Expo '70, Japan. (Architect: Kisho Kurokawa.)Made in Australia / 20 / DEC 69M8 / 3 7/8" with horizontal arrows / Boyd (Handwritten)expo 70, osaka, robin boyd, slide

Robin Boyd was appointed Exhibits Architect for the Australian Pavilion at Expo ‘70 in Osaka and travelled to Osaka several times in 1969-1970. Boyd designed the innovative Space Tube, which had over 25 exhibition boxes, projecting from it. Amongst the topics covered were Australian scientific innovation (including brain research, immunology, Antarctic research, Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Power Scheme, rainmaking, and the night sky), Australian sport, house interiors, car manufacturing, Australian music and art, and Japanese-Australian relations.Colour slide in a mount. Takara Beautilion, Theme Pavilion, Expo '70, Osaka, Japan. (Architect: Kisho Kurokawa.)Made in Australia / 10 / DEC 69M8 / Encircled 18 (Handwritten) / K (Handwritten) / Boyd (Handwritten)expo 70, osaka, robin boyd, slide

Brief history of Qantas airlines4 page supplement to the Australian newspaperwe took a dream and made an airline qantas; queensland and northern territory aerial services; hudson fysh; p.j. mcginness; fergus mcmaster; winton

This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Australian Print Council Commissioned Printart, artwork, cat poljski, poljski, australian print council, available, printmaking, etching, aquatint, photo etching

This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Australian Print Coucnil Commissioned PRint.art, artwork, frogs, toadstools, mushroom, australalian print council commissioned print, jonas ropponen

Bought with funds generated by cemetery tours , presented to SHNCHC by SHHS following a presentation to the Society by the author. Graeme Davison has lived in Surrey Hills for many years. A family history by historian Graeme Davison - A widow and her 8 older children are uprooted from their Hampshire farm in 1850 and thrown together on an emigrate ship with 38 distressed needlewomen from London. How they came to be on the boat, and what happened on the high seas and afterwards in Australia , is a vivid tale of family ambitions and fears, successes and catastrophes. The Hewetts were not famous or distinguished, but their story reveals much about the foundations of Australia. Inscriptions: A family history by historian Graeme Davison - A widow and her 8 older children are uprooted from their Hampshire farm in 1850 and thrown together on an emigrate ship with 38 distressed needlewomen from London. How they came to be on the boat, and what happened on the high seas and afterwards in Australia , is a vivid tale of family ambitions and fears, successes and catastrophes. The Hewetts were not famous or distinguished, but their story reveals much about the foundations of Australia. Inscriptions: Title Page : (signed by author) :Graeme Davisonfamily history, hewett family, (mr) graeme davison

Iconic design Australian Slouch hat worn by Australian Soldiers.Brown Felt hat, size 7, light brown material band around crown. Stud on left side to button on rim. Black Australian Rising Sun Badge on left side. Inside leather rim around crown.Inside says "N.121 - Fur Felt - 7 -1942"slouch hat, ww2

Pattison Collection 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 areas 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 from 1942 to 1945 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. The Australian Encyclopaedia Vol 6 Label on spine with typed text "PAT / 032 / AUS"warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the australian encyclopaedia vol 6 set 1, the australian encyclopaedia, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

Pattison Collection 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 areas 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 from 1942 to 1945 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. The Australian Encyclopaedia Vol 7 Label on spine with typed text PAT 032 AUSwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the australian encyclopaedia vol 7 set 2, the australian encyclopaedia, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

Pattison Collection 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 be 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 1945 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. The Australian Encyclopaedia Vol 8 Label on spine with typed text PAT 032 AUSwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the australian encyclopaedia vol 8 set 1, the australian encyclopaedia, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

Pattison Collection 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 areas 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 from 1942 to 1945 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. The Australian Encyclopaedia Vol 10 Label on spine with typed text PAT 032 AUSwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the australian encyclopaedia vol 10 set 1, the australian encyclopaedia, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library