To celebrate Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), Jews eat foods like honey cake and apple dipped in honey. Along with a special prayer, this is a way of asking God for a sweet and happy year ahead. Our contemporary Judaica collection was developed through a series of exhibitions titled Australian Contemporary Design in Jewish Ceremony I, II and III. For each of the three exhibitions, contemporary artists and crafts-makers were invited to design new objects that could be used to perform the Jewish ceremonies and rituals that had been preserved and developed by Australia’s Jewish community over the last 200 years. This collection now comprises over sixty unique and distinctive objects made using very different methods of production, including tapestry, silver-smithing, carpentry, ceramics and glass-work. These objects have been inspired by a broad spectrum of religious, spiritual, artistic and emotional responses to the ideology and practice of Jewish rituals, as well as deeply considered connections to Australia’s broader culture and landscape. judaica, ceramics, jewish new year

This menorah has 7 candle holders joined in a horizontal row, on thin rod stands. The circular holders sit on two flat silver strips that are attached to silver rectangles on either side of the holders, creating a shield-like form on either side of the holder. The stand on which this construction is propped up, is made up of rods that stand vertically on either side of the holders and behind the shields. The rods are intersected by other rod 'lines' that visually weave horizontally across the top half of the stand. Each point of intersection of lines and rod stands is marked by a circular shape. Artist's statement: In terms of the Jewish diaspora, the variety and flexibility of approaches within Judaism has enabled the culture to endure and nurture ever stronger connections despite physical distance. This notion of an enriched connectedness was one of the two central ideas which contributed to the development of this piece. The second was the idea of light and its cultural significance. Light is about both practical illumination and spiritual expression. While revealing and manipulating material and form, light has also come to stand for the triumph of goodness over evil for many cultures, Of utmost importance in Jewish ritual, light and its media are also recognised symbols of connection and interaction for Jewish people throughout the world. (1999, Blessed Be the Work, Australian Contemporary Design in Jewish Ceremony II)

Phillip George was inspired by his trip to the Middle East and the Cronulla riots in 2005 when Lebanese Australians where targeted on a beach in Sydney. The full series consists of 30 surfboards which are all adorned with intricate Islamic vegetal and geometric designs. The range was called Inshallah, or God willing and was made by George in the hope of bridging the cultural divides between Australian Muslims and other Australians.Fibreglass and carbon fire surfboards with digital decals x 3. The Inshallah surfboard series employ designs from famous mosques, showcasing the vegetal and geometric patterns of traditional Islamic design.phillip george, islamic design, australian culture, australian art, surfboard

Alfred Felton (8 November 1831 – 8 January 1904) lived at the Esplanade Hotel, St Kilda, from 1892 and died there in 1904. He was born in England and came to Australia in 1853 intending to search for gold. In 1867, having worked as a commission agent and dealer in merchandise, an importer and general dealer and a wholesale druggist, he went into partnership with Frederick Sheppard Grimwade and founded Felton Grimwade and Company, "wholesale druggists and manufacturing chemists". He was a keen collector of books and art. He never married, had no direct descendants and gave away considerable amounts to charity. When Felton died, he left the bulk of his fortune to the creation of a charitable foundation known as the Felton Bequest to support culture and the community, with half the funding benefiting Victorian charities (particularly those that support women and children) and the other half used to acquire and donate art works to the National Gallery of Victoria. The Felton Bequest has been responsible for 15,000 artworks in the National Gallery of Victoria and they are the core of the collection. colour photograph unmountedCity of St Kilda. Alfred Felton (1831-1904) Philanthropist, Industrialist, lived here 1892 - 1904, sponsored by ACI International Ltdfelton, alfred felton, the esplanade, hotel esplanade, espy, st kilda, plaques

In 1879, James Griffiths established one of Australia’s first tea and coffee distribution companies at 30 Flinders St, Melbourne, which is now, occupied by the boutique Lindrum Hotel. Established with his brother John, recent immigrants from England, Griffiths occupied the highest position in the commercial world during their many years as distributors of tea, coffee, cocoa and other products throughout Victoria and Australia. The Griffiths brand was a guarantee for quality of product and service as it still is today. This extensive service was provided to customers via horse drawn carts serviced by rail from Melbourne. As a spirited entrepreneur, Griffiths made his company a household name through his pioneering use of outdoor advertising by installing the infamous blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” promotional signs affixed to the railway boundary fences highlighting to travellers the distance to or from Melbourne, indicating so many “— miles to Griffiths Tea”. These signs, much sought after today, were well known through out the eastern states. Photographs have been published of a sign erected by a Digger in France during the First World War with the words “1100 miles to Griffiths Bros”. Tragically, James and his wife Emily with friends died in a level rail crossing accident at Bayswater in 1925. Despite this unfortunate accident, Griffiths and its culture of innovation has survived as one of the few 100% Australian owned coffee roasters, with only three owners in 128 years. http://www.griffithscoffee.com.au/about-us/back-to-1879/ Sign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - 30 MilesHistoric - Sign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - used along side of Victorian Railway lines and at StationsSign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - 30 Miles Griffiths Tea sign made of Enamel paint on metal sign30 Miles to Griffiths Tea Sign puffing billy, sign - advertising - griffiths tea sign - 30 miles

Helga Griffin, daughter of Austrian engineer father and German mother. Interned aged 6 years and sent to Australia with her parents and young brother. Five years interned in Camp 3 near Rushworth, then released to Melbourne. Helga vividly describes her early childhood in Persia. The mixed emotions of her whole family during the internment experience and postwar, trying to adjust to a new country, new culture, new language. Very evocative memories of wartime dislocation.Blue/green front soft cover, red and white printing, white back cover and spine, black printing.With my very best wishes to the Tatura museum and the sterling work of the volunteers that contribute to its valuable presence. Helga 26.5.06ww2 camp 3, books, autobiography, helga griffin, helga griffin (girschik)

After the war, Phillip Harris produced a monthly in Sydney and renamed it 'Aussie: the Cheerful Monthly' from 1920. It built a sizeable circulation and for several years it published the major Australian writers and cartoonists of the day. It set out to sustain the digger culture and defend the rights of the veterans, while also embracing the re-adjustment of returned soldiers into civilian life. Magazine of cream colour pages containing stories and sketches No. 14 Aussie, April 15 1920 aussie:the cheerful monthly, magazine, 1920

Medal commemorating the Centenary of Government of Victoria and the Discovery of Gold, commissioned by the Victorian Government and gifted to the Shire of Glenlyon. Designed by Andor Mészáros and minted by K.G. Luke, Melbourne, 1951. 1951 marked the centenary of Victoria's separation from the colony of New South Wales. As part of the celebrations, the Victorian Government commissioned this medal from Andor Meszaros. Drawing on his classical background, Mészáros developed the imagery for 'Equality and Justice through Freedom'. The man holding the torch represents equality; the blindfolded woman holding a sword is the symbol of justice, and both are mounted on a horse that has broken its shackles. Features on the reverse a design of a banksia and bottlebrush. There was another version of this medal which depicted a pair of gold prospectors on the reverse.This medal was presented to the Shire of Glenlyon in 1951. For over half a century, sculptors Andor (1900-1973) and Michael (1945- ) Meszaros have created medals that reflect the high points of life in Australia. From major awards and portraits of eminent Australians to artwork celebrating popular culture and the natural world, these objects illuminate our culture and history. Grounded in a centuries-old European art tradition, the medals create connections across disciplines and link such diverse subjects as scientific advances, religious themes, sport, the performing arts and motherhood. Through their public and private commissions and their personal artworks, the Meszaros sculptors have defined the modern Australian medal.Bronze medal with images and text insetObverse Description: Horse bounding left, broken shackles on foreleg, carrying woman holding sword and man holding torch; around, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE THROUGH FREEDOM Artist's name behind horse's tail: A MESZAROS Reverse Description: Stake supporting plant; above, CENTENARY OF GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA 1851 - 1951; inscribed, Presented to / the Shire of / Glenlyon / 1951 Artist's initials to left of stakeglenlyon, hepburn shire, centenary of government, centenary of gold discovery, history of victoria, victorian governement, meszaros, kg luke, commemorative, commemorative plaque, centenary 1951

Discusses the hotel and motel accommodation situation in Victoria and lack of first class hotels, overall, in Australia. Sir Henry Bolte's 10% tax on hotel and motel accommodation saw many proposals for new hotels being shelved.Original manuscript of an article published in "The Sunday Australian" as ‘Bolte’s Victorian Melodrama’, 26.9.1971.Typewritten (carbon copy), quarto, 8 pages.hotel, motel, accommodation, australia, sir henry bolte, victoria, tourist industry, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd comments on Australian life and culture in the first half of the twentieth century up until 1959. He reflects on changes - is it progress? - from the pastoral to the industrial, briefly on housing and construction, and emphasises US influences in design (especially cars) and politics, and the lingering, conservative influence of the UK. Robin Boyd wrote this article anonymously. He was a member of the 'Round Table', a English based group on imperial and commonwealth matters.Original manuscript of an article published in The Round Table, "The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs", Vol 50, Issue 159, pp 26-31, 1959.Typewritten, quarto, 6 pagesAnnotations and corrections in pencilaustralian identity, taste, automobile design, they're a weird mob, nino culotta, 1959 australia, cyril pearl, on the beach, so you want to be an australian, sidney nolan, john ely burchard, robin boyd, manuscript

Handwritten draft for a speech, date uncertain. Considers the question of Australian identity: whether it exists, what can be done to foster it in the arts, design and culture as a whole. Boyd argues that the only route to a distinctive Australian identity is to develop and foster new ideas rather than taking cultural cues Britain or America.Handwritten, quarto, 3 pagessydney opera house, australian identity, australian culture, robin boyd, manuscript

A look at Melbourne within a two month span: before and after and opposing views. Discusses Melbourne's good and poor buildings, planning, arts, aesthetics etc. Melbourne does however maintain an image and individuality when compared with other cities.Original manuscript of an article published as ‘Melbourne: The symbol of Australia’s split personality’in "The Australian", 01.09.1964. Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits, quarto, 4 pagesmelbourne, urban character, city, architecture, buildings, australian image, australian culture, robin boyd, manuscript

Discusses 'Domus' (an Italian architecture and design magazine) as visually exciting and trend starter; compares recent international opinions on Australian architecture and culture (Charles Eames on Sydney Opera House, J. M. Richards on Australian architecture as primitive and vulgar). Boyd indicates international opinions of Australian architecture as important because many Australian buildings are being designed by overseas architects; argues for greater promotion of Australian architecture and architects.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pagesLast page: no image attached but this inscription "caption to illustration"; appears that Boyd wanted image of St James Building, AMP Tower and Shell House by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill attached.domus, sydney opera house, charles eames, jm richards, australian culture, globalisation, robin boyd, manuscript

Comparison of Canberra and Surfers Paradise as potential cultural capitals of Australia. Canberra represents one end of the spectrum of traditional architectural morals of sophistication and orderliness; Surfers Paradise represents the opposite end of the spectrum, that is extreme Pop, fun and flashiness.Original manuscript of an article published as ‘Trad modern, pop modern’ in "The Sunday Australian", 25.4.1971. Typewritten (p/copy), quarto, 9 pagesTop of page 1 handwritten where and when published, page numbers, minor correctionscanberra, surfers paradise, australian culture, morris lapidus, australian cities, robin boyd, manuscript

Makes comparisons between Australian cities and American and European cities. Melbourne and Sydney are heading in the same direction as Los Angeles. A possible future the city containing entertainment and culture, with the suburbs having open space and gardens but with access to city life.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 3 pagescity, cities, suburbs, melbourne, sydney, american cities, european cities, urban planners, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd writes about the National Beverage (unspecified in the manuscript). This is page 3 of unknown number of pages, thus lacking context. Seems to be a satirical take on the Australian way of life.Handwritten, quarto, 1 page. Incomplete – page 3 onlyCrossed out paragraphs and editsaustralian culture, national beverage, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd talks about the slow evolution of the Australian housing despite the changing culture of lifestyle and living. In particular, discussions on builders and developers' attitude towards housing have hindered the development of Australian Housing to accommodate the ever changing living standards.Original manuscript of an article published as ‘A change in the old home due this year' in The Australian, 06.02.1965.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 4 pagesdevelopers, housing, modern, mass production, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd argues that the Australian cultural split between what he perceives to be cultured tastes and artistic achievements and the tastes of ordinary Australians is wider and more polarised than in other countries. He derides commercial radio, popular women's magazines, public commercial streets etc - elements of the Australian ugliness. He praises the growth of local contemporary art, literary magazines and architecture, whilst calling for the development of community pride amongst leaders of commerce and industry, and government control of the ugliness of popular culture. This may have been published in "Walkabout" magazine.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 11 pagesart, egalitarianism, sidney nolan, australian painting, pop art, phil may, dyson, low, media, cartoons, australian literature, radio, california cultural heritage board, commercial advertising, robin boyd, manuscript

“The Australian Ugliness” was first published in 1960. “Australia's Home” (published in 1952) and “The Australian Ugliness” both discuss architecture in terms of the total environment. Today they are regarded as classics, important documents of Australian cultural criticism by the nation’s foremost public intellectual on all matters relating to the built environment.Hardcover with Dust JacketRBF Acquisition. 50th Anniversary Edition (no. 138 of 300)australian architecture, australian society, australian culture, walsh st library

“The Australian Ugliness” was first published in 1960. “Australia's Home” (published in 1952) and “The Australian Ugliness” both discuss architecture in terms of the total environment. Today they are regarded as classics, important documents of Australian cultural criticism by the nation’s foremost public intellectual on all matters relating to the built environment.Hardcover with Dust JacketRBF Acquisition. 50th Anniversary Edition (no. 300 of 300)australian architecture, australian society, australian culture, walsh st library

“The Australian Ugliness” was first published in 1960. “Australia's Home” (published in 1952) and “The Australian Ugliness” both discuss architecture in terms of the total environment. Today they are regarded as classics, important documents of Australian cultural criticism by the nation’s foremost public intellectual on all matters relating to the built environment.SoftcoverRBF Acquisitionaustralian architecture, australian society, australian culture, walsh st library

“The Australian Ugliness” was first published in 1960. “Australia's Home” (published in 1952) and “The Australian Ugliness” both discuss architecture in terms of the total environment. Today they are regarded as classics, important documents of Australian cultural criticism by the nation’s foremost public intellectual on all matters relating to the built environment.SoftcoverRBF Acquisitionaustralian architecture, australian society, australian culture, walsh st library

“The Australian Ugliness” was first published in 1960. “Australia's Home” (published in 1952) and “The Australian Ugliness” both discuss architecture in terms of the total environment. Today they are regarded as classics, important documents of Australian cultural criticism by the nation’s foremost public intellectual on all matters relating to the built environment.SoftcoverRBF Acquisitionaustralian architecture, australian society, australian culture, walsh st library

Hardcover with Dust JacketRBF Acquisitionaustralian architecture, australian society, australian culture, walsh st library

“The Australian Ugliness” was first published in 1960. “Australia's Home” (published in 1952) and “The Australian Ugliness” both discuss architecture in terms of the total environment. Today they are regarded as classics, important documents of Australian cultural criticism by the nation’s foremost public intellectual on all matters relating to the built environment.Hardcover, no dust jacket. Rebound copy from the State Library of Victoria.Catalogue card slipped between pages. Catalogue number 203794. Inside front cover, pasted "NOTICE TO BORROWERS" from the State Lending Library of Victoria. Due date stamp page insideaustralian architecture, australian society, australian culture, home, suburbs, robin boyd, walsh st library

This book contains a collection of literary works written by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely esteemed as the foremost writer in the English language and the world's premier dramatist. Often hailed as England's national poet, his surviving works comprise around 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three lengthy narrative poems, and a handful of other verses, some of which are of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are staged more frequently than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential figure in English literature, with his works persistently reinterpreted and reimagined. Ruyton Girls' School has a long tradition of awarding prizes to students at annual "Speech Night" events. Speech Night at Ruyton is an extraordinary occasion. It is a time when we gather to celebrate both the year just lived and the contribution of our Year 12 girls to the life of our School. It is a night of stirring student speeches, acknowledgement of student endeavour and excellence and awe-inspiring performances by School choirs and ensembles. The record has strong historic significance as it was awarded to a former notable student, Helen Gordon (maiden name Cole). Helen started at Little Ruyton in Prep 1940 and finished Year 12 in 1952 as School Captain, Bromby Captain, Form Captain for Matric, Tennis Captain, Hockey Captain, Swimming Vice Captain, and an award for Best All-Round Girl. She also played baseball for Victoria. After finishing school, Helen went on to graduate from the University of Melbourne as a physiotherapist in 1956. Her first position at age 19 involved setting up clinics with the Victorian Health Department Poliomyelitis Rural division. Helen’s strong ties to Ruyton continued when she held the position of President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association from the start of 1966 to the end of 1967. In 2019, Helen received an Order of Australia Medal for service to community health as a physiotherapist. She was also the recipient of the 2022 Victorian Senior Achiever Award at Parliament House. This historic significance is further enhanced by Ruyton's bygone "Shakespeare Night" tradition. A celebration of ‘culture’, and a chance to enjoy some ‘fun and games, cakes and ale’, were the motivation behind Ruyton’s annual Shakespeare Night party, led by longstanding Principal Miss Hilda Daniell. In her book, "The History of Ruyton 1878-1956", she describes how the yearly tradition began in 1915, just two years after she took over the role of Principal. That first Shakespeare Night, the senior girls and other guests gathered in the School’s chrysanthemum-filled dining room for music, games and supper. Such fun was had that the festivities became an annual event and was one of the coveted privileges of being one of Ruyton’s older girls. The Night was always held as close and possible to April 23rd, which is the date of William Shakespeare’s death, and the approximate date of his birth. Senior girls and some staff and parents would be invited to a party in the School. There, Shakespearean songs were sung, his poetry recited, and scenes from his plays were acted. Sometimes a competition was held to see who could recognise the largest number of quotations. In other years all the attendees would dress as Shakespearean characters. In a nod to a minor character from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, Senior teacher Miss Dorothy Derham famously came disguised as a lion one time, and no one knew who it was until she dramatically removed her mask at the end of the evening. Whatever the programme, the Night always drew to a close with a delicious supper that included a spectacular birthday cake especially in honour of the Bard. (Accompanying it may have been the ‘ale’ of Miss Daniell’s description, though of course it was presumably of the ginger rather than the alcoholic variety.) The evening was complete when ‘God Save the King’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’ were sung. Shakespeare Night was held almost without interruption from 1915 to at least the mid 1950s. Only in 1919, with the threat of Spanish Flu, did the Night get cancelled. Later, fear of Japanese invasion in the Second World War years, and the consequent black-out restrictions, turned the ‘Night’ into an afternoon event. Thankfully, Miss Daniell notes, "from 1944 the programmes could be given as usual", though as we now know, it was a School tradition that eventually faded away. The record's significance is also supported by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by a familial connection.Navy leather hardcover bound book with gold detailing on front cover and spine. 1,164 pages.Front Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / Spine: SHAKESPEARE'S / COMPLETE / WORKS / OXFORD / Inside Cover: R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / RUYTON / PRIZE / AWARDED TO / Helen Cole / FOR / Latin / VB / H. Daniell. / 9th Dec. 1949 / Katie Alsop Memorial Prize /ruyton girls' school, school, students, prize, speech night, poetry, lord tennyson, queen victoria, senior school, high school, ruyton, old ruytonians' association