Bronze-gold circular metal "film canister" with the word "convergence" applied to lid using "Colour Ease" system available at university at the time. This was essentially a way for Ballarat design students to produce their own transferable graphics and was often applied to packaging. The metal canister is filled with coffee beans (a theme continued on the accompanying CD Rom). Some invitees received gold-bronze canisters, some received silver. A silver plastic sleeve, printed one colour white, holds a Macintosh and Windows compatible (at the time) CD Rom, itself printed two colours (white and black). Also in the plastic sleeve is a ten page roll-fold brochure, printed in two colours (black and a metallic silver-blue). Refer item 29164.2 for screen captures from CD Rom. In addition, the canister contains a coaster, printed in single colour brown, with the appearance of a coffee cup stain, and the word "convergence". This provides the actual exhibition details, including sponsors. Also included is an exhibition poster, single colour (black) offset print on newsprint. Opening held Thursday 12 November 1998, 6.00pm at Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran (Melbourne). Exhibition was then open daily until 23 November 1998. The exhibition was opened by Jonathan Barnbrook, UK type designer, who was also external assessor for the graduating students that year.Limited run, complete pack sent as invitation to graphic design community to attend the opening of the third year Graphic Design graduate exhibition, 1998. Bronze-gold metal film canister containing invitation coaster, event poster, CD Rom catalogue of student work, brochure and coffee beans.university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, helmut stenzel

Poster promoting University of Ballarat, third year Graphic Design graduate exhibition, 1998. Opening held Thursday 12 November 1998, 6.00pm at Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran (Melbourne). Exhibition was then open daily until 23 November 1998. The exhibition was opened by Jonathan Barnbrook, UK type designer, who was also external assessor for the graduating students that year.Single colour (black) offset print on newsprint. Crush folded.university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, helmut stenzel

Coaster promoting University of Ballarat, third year Graphic Design graduate exhibition, 1998. Opening held Thursday 12 November 1998, 6.00pm at Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran (Melbourne). Exhibition was then open daily until 23 November 1998. The exhibition was opened by Jonathan Barnbrook, UK type designer, who was also external assessor for the graduating students that year.Circular coaster printed single colour offset, brown ink, featuring a stylised "coffee stain" and text.university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, helmut stenzel

Coaster promoting University of Ballarat, third year Graphic Design graduate exhibition, 1998. Opening held Thursday 12 November 1998, 6.00pm at Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran (Melbourne). Exhibition was then open daily until 23 November 1998. The exhibition was opened by Jonathan Barnbrook, UK type designer, who was also external assessor for the graduating students that year.Circular coaster printed single colour offset, brown ink, featuring a stylised "coffee stain" and text.university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, helmut stenzel

Fungus Spots on Fruit, features examples of student work, University of Ballarat graduating graphic designers, 1995. Hard plastic transparent hinged case originally designed to house "zip" data drives. 17 cards printed two sides, most full colour one side (featuring student work) reverse lists student name and contact phone number. Names: Kerrie Powell, Daniel Szkilnyk, Louise Brinkmann, Cassandra McGregor, Michelle Ryrie, George Koliantzas, Susan Daly, Melissa Chappell, Nicole O'Loughlin, Tracey Stafford, Johnathan Provost, Megan Dawes, Kylie Verberne, Helmut Stenzel (lecturer)Hard plastic transparent hinged case originally designed to house "zip" data drives. 17 cards printed two sides, most full colour one side (featuring student work) reverse lists student name and contact phone number.kerrie powell, daniel szkilnyk, louise brinkmann, cassandra mcgregor, michelle ryrie, george koliantzas, susan daly, melissa chappell, nicole o'loughlin, tracey stafford, johnathan provost, megan dawes, kylie verberne, helmut stenzel (lecturer), university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design

Promotional catalogue of third year, University of Ballarat, Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design / Multimedia) graduating student work, 2000. Interactive CD Rom titled "Liquid" accompanies Re_Designed pack, features students and examples of their work. Successfully tested on vintage Macintosh G4 with Mac OS 9.2.2 The end of year exhibition theme appears to have been "Solid, Liquid, Gas"CD Rom printed two colours (yellow and very dark teal) single sided.university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, multimedia, belinda janetski, ben sanders, angelina teo, selina shillito, justin weyers, andrew strack, debbie ferris, yuri tanabe, nandor rakosi, jason grace, wes prendergast, michael fennelly, brett van lieshout, derek fong, abby vanstan, vince luc, lynette heenan, van sanders, sam harmer

Promotional catalogue of third year, University of Ballarat, Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design / Multimedia) graduating student work, 2003. This pack consists of a plastic food tray and custom moulded lid, featuring student designed type and graphic. Pack houses an unlabelled lime green video cassette tape and a single sided sheet listing student names and their associated time code on the video. Students would have generated their work digitally, so the use of the VHS video tape would likely have been considered "retro". Listed students: Brooke Jury, Kat Kandera, Luke Vanstan, Amber Smith, Bree McKenzie, Rene Furlong, Chris Stephen, Lauren Drew, Stu Shepherd, Eliza Steele, Tim Ware, Sarah Birks, Alison White, Jarrod Vanstan, Mark Bickerdike, Alison Wright, Cam Suttie, Mark Iskra This pack consists of a plastic food tray and custom moulded lid, featuring student designed type and graphic. Pack houses an unlabelled lime green video cassette tape and a single sided sheet listing student names and their associated time code on the video.university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, multimedia, brooke jury, kat kandera, luke vanstan, amber smith, bree mckenzie, rene furlong, chris stephen, lauren drew, stu shepherd, eliza steele, tim ware, sarah birks, alison white, jarrod vanstan, mark bickerdike, alison wright, cam suttie, mark iskra

Promotional poster style invitation to University of Ballarat, Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design / Multimedia) third year, graduating student "Designers' Dinner '04". Styled to look like letterpress. The NOVEMBER 9 type likely to have been originally provided by Sovereign Hill, as they are acknowledged on related materials. The magnet front matches the limited edition badges produced by students this same year. (29172). This square format poster used a multiple choice quiz to provide details of the event. Invitees met at the Wharf opposite door 1 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre (at 5.45pm) and were literally ferried to the dinner, returned at 11pm. Dress was "Smart Casual". Two colour (red and black), two-sided folded poster, magnet originally attached within. (probably with double sided tape). Magnet consists of a 'badge' style front, made with faculty badge maker, and magnet attached to reverse.university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, multimedia

Design credits, james craig, nigel rowe, jacob thompson. Cover art Matt Turner, photography Jacob Thompson. Foreword by Studio coordinator, Gavin Nash. Lecturers Doug Bartlett, Sam Harmer, Luke Keys, Gavin Nash, Travis Price, Nic Wai. 21 students: Glen Bellman, Penelope Boadle, Nikhil Bora, Mark Cassells, James Craig, Chris Downey, Aiden Grant, Daniel Hatcher, Jacob Lai, Scott Matthews, Phillip McDonald, Tim McDougall, Jena Ramando, Charlie Ryan, Nigel Rowe, Saeed Salimpour, Claire Skrobalak, Elisha Sullivan, Jacob Thompson, Matt Turner, Aimee Young. Exhibition opening held Thursday 27 November, 2008 at Loop Bar, 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne.Promotional 88 page catalogue created by University of Ballarat, Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design / Multimedia) third year, graduating students, 2008. Multi-page full colour book, uncoated brown perfect bound cover, single colour (black) deboss.university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, multimedia, camp street campus, bachelor, degree, arts academy, glen bellman, penelope boadle, nikhil bora, mark cassells, james craig, chris downey, aiden grant, daniel hatcher, jacob lai, scott matthews, phillip mcdonald, tim mcdougall, jena ramando, charlie ryan, nigel rowe, saeed salimpour, claire skrobalak, elisha sullivan, jacob thompson, matt turner, aimee young

Guest book signed by some of those who attended the Bachelor of Visual Art (Graphic Design / Multimedia) exhibitions and dinners hosted by the University of Ballarat. Names include the students themselves, parents, friends and alumni. Attendees' addresses include Victoria and interstate, USA (eg Florida, California), UK, the Phillipines in addresses. Other entries demonstrate the attendance of some of Victoria's well known designers and agencies at the time, including representatives from local Ballarat studios. Helmut Stenzel was third year lecturer throughout this time. Students putting together these end of year exhibitions were usually overseen by Helmut Stenzel, Steven Roberts and other lecturing staff.This guest book is significant in that it represents a period during which the Graphic Design/Multimedia program was thriving. Students and staff were engaged with Australian and international designers and guests. Several students at this time were award-winning.Hardcover bound guest book signed by Graphic Design/Multimedia exhibition attendees c1994–2000. Black leather-look cover with debossed gold foil reading "Guests".Handwritten names and comments by exhibition attendeesuniversity of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, multimedia, bachelor, degree, mt helen campus

University of Ballarat, third year / graduate A5 promotional pack/publication consisting of four volumes and one 4pp card, with a paper wrap holding the five pieces together. Reverse of Volume Two lists lecturers: Chrissie Smith, Ben Mangan, Glen Bellman, Gavin Nash, Luke Keys, Damian Lentini and Jennifer Jones-O'Neill Guest speakers at the event were Travis Price, Amy Walker, Sam Harmer, Nick Hallem and Phillip Berry. Publication layout and design attributed to Leah Armstrong, Josh Dunbar and Carleen Harmon. Poster, Invitation and flyer design attributed to Leah Armstrong, Josh Dunbar, Carleen Harmon and Lara Russell. Sovereign Press sponsored the print. Exhibition opening Friday 22 November 2013. Students listed across volumes are: V1: Scott Gullock, Carleen Harmon, Kate Simpson, Josh Dunbar, Jennifer Marlow. V2: Billy Burns, Jessica Nuzum, Leah Armstrong, Lisa Kearney, Samantha Reddie, Lauren McKenna. V3. Ashlea Caygill, Sarah Trotter, Naomi Roberts, Simon Dunbar, Lara Russell, Ray Edwards, Casey Pinkerton. V4: Teghan Johns, Tyler Zebra, Nawal Al-Adasani, Bonnie Redfern, Amarinda Long, Dylan Leak. University of Ballarat, third year / graduate A5 promotional pack/publication consisting of four volumes and one 4pp card, with a paper wrap holding the five pieces together.teghan johns, tyler zebra, nawal al-adasani, bonnie redfern, amarinda long, dylan leak., ashlea caygill, sarah trotter, naomi roberts, simon dunbar, lara russell, ray edwards, casey pinkerton., billy burns, jessica nuzum, leah armstrong, lisa kearney, samantha reddie, lauren mckenna, scott gullock, carleen harmon, kate simpson, josh dunbar, jennifer marlow, university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, multimedia, bachelor, degree, camp street campus, arts academy

This publication accompanied the exhibition of UB Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design) graduate students which ran from 23 November to 2 December 2012. Foreword by Professor John McDonald, Dean, School of Education and Arts, and by "Inkahoots" design studio. Student list: Christopher Frith, James Croft, Jesse Mason, Andrew Cox, Daniel Roache, Jenna Locket, Aaron Croft, Emily Phillips, Caitlin Heimeier, Maddy Collicoat, Brayden Waight, Elisa Micallef, Danii Zecevic, Zoe-Lee Scriven, Carla Ellis, Bryce Holywell, Lindsay Sewart, Megan Sutherland, Steven Fiume, Brianna Wines, Matt Sullivan, Alyssa Roberts, Hayley Burman, Jacqui Leutenmayr, Jessica Weston, Kimberley Wilson, Georgia Clarke, Josh Fry, Breanna Dignan, Lucy-Ann Moore, Tom Miatke, Daniel Howard, Matt Watts. 33 students. Inside back cover, thanks supporters, lecturers and sponsors. Lecturers: Ben Mangan, Chrissie Smith, Gavin Nash, Luke Keys, Glen Bellman, Travis Price, Sam Harmer, Damian Lentini, Jennifer Jones-O'Neill, Jimmy Pasakos, Pete Swan and Peter Pilven. Book layout and design by Aaron Croft, James Croft and Daniel Howard. Note: "Multimedia" has been removed from the degree title here.Promotional catalogue created by University of Ballarat, Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design) third year, graduating students, 2012. 40pp text pages (printed orange, silver and black) and 4pp saddle stitched cover (printed orange and silver), uncoated stock.university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, multimedia, bachelor, degree, camp street campus, arts academy, christopher frith, james croft, jesse mason, andrew cox, daniel roache, jenna locket, aaron croft, emily phillips, caitlin heimeier, maddy collicoat, brayden waight, elisa micallef, danii zecevic, zoe-lee scriven, carla ellis, bryce holywell, lindsay sewart, megan sutherland, steven fiume, brianna wines, matt sullivan, alyssa roberts, hayley burman, jacqui leutenmayr, jessica weston, kimberley wilson, georgia clarke, josh fry, breanna dignan, lucy-ann moore, tom miatke, daniel howard, matt watts, ben mangan, chrissie smith, gavin nash, luke keys, glen bellman, travis price, sam harmer, damian lentini, jennifer jones-o'neill, jimmy pasakos, pete swan and peter pilven

Students listed: Claire Barnett, Brendan Cooper, Jaye Cranny, Aaron Haywood, Annie Kallinikos, Brinjen Russell, Elaine Tracey, Stuart Walsh, Yasmin Williams. Pages feature student works, contacts and artist statements.Catalogue to accompany the Federation University, Bachelor of Visual Arts graduate exhibition, 2016. 40pp + 4pp cover saddle-stitched book, full colour throughout.federation university, visual arts, arts academy, camp street campus, claire barnett, brendan cooper, jaye cranny, aaron haywood, annie kallinikos, brinjen russell, elaine tracey, stuart walsh, yasmin williams.

Pages feature student works, contacts and artist statements. Introduction by Alexandra Twaddle, President of the Art Society, 2019. "Featured Artists" / Students: Paul Justin Butler, Jessica Condemi, Veronica Drum, Marian Fox, Suzanne Hilton, Shaye Leathan, Ebony Leslie, Shelly May, Tess O'Keefe, Maggie Parkes, Chandler Pearce, Rachel Power, Stephany Renfrew, Lizzie Tonway, Kirsty Tonkin, Alexandra Twaddle. Inside last page thanks: Elke Varga, Jimmy Pasakos, Peter Pilven, Roberta Crisci-Richardson, Peter Gaulke, Phil Berry, Debbie Hill and Claire Blake. Catalogue to accompany the Federation University, Bachelor of Visual Arts graduate exhibition, 2019. 36pp + 4pp cover perfect/burst bound book. Single colour black print on raw card cover, full colour inside pages.federation university, visual arts, arts academy, camp street campus, exhibition, eye, end of year, end of year exhibition, paul justin butler, jessica condemi, veronica drum, marian fox, suzanne hilton, shaye leathan, ebony leslie, shelly may, tess o'keefe, maggie parkes, chandler pearce, rachel power, stephany renfrew, lizzie tonway, kirsty tonkin, alexandra twaddle.

Pages feature student works, contacts and artist statements. Introduction by Associate Professor Richard Chew, Director, Arts Academy, Institute of Education, Arts and Community. Notes a return to face-to-face teaching. Catalogue includes students from Diploma of Graphic Design (9), Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design (4), Bachelor of Visual Art (6), Bachelor of Communication Design (2), Graduate Diploma of Ceramics (4), Bachelor of Fine Art (2). Publication design by Angas Dorsett, Jack Trevey, Ashleigh Freeman, Susan Stanley and Jason Grace. Last page lists acknowledgements of staff and supporters. Inside back cover lists sponsors.Catalogue to accompany the Federation University, Bachelor of Visual Arts graduate exhibition, 2022. 48 page + 4 page cover, saddle-stitched book, full colour throughout.federation university, visual arts, graphic design, arts academy, camp street campus, exhibition, eye

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 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. WARRNAMBOOL'S MECHANICS' INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. 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. Miscellaneous Contributions to Punch 1843-1854 Author: W M Thackeray Edited by George Saintsbury Publisher: Henry Frowde, Oxford University Press Date: 1864Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC THA 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, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, miscellaneous contributions to punch, punch, w m thackeray, george saintsbury

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 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. WARRNAMBOOL'S MECHANICS' INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. 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 Irish Sketch Book and Contributions to the 'Foreign Quarterly Review' 1842-4 Author: W M Thackeray Edited by George Saintsbury Publisher: Henry Frowde, Oxford University Press Date: 1864Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC THA 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, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the irish sketch book, w m thackeray, george saintsbury, foreign quarterly review 1842-4