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The 69 Collective
Photograph, Aneta Bozic, After Life: Mouse, 2012
... death in art... animal photography death in art www.anetabozic.com Colour digital ...This artwork is part of 69Fifteen, the book published in 2013 celebrating 69 Smith Street Gallery’s 15th year in operation as an artist-run space.Colour digital print of a dead mouse. Image is a cropped detail of the animal's hind legs and tail.aneta bozic, 69 smith street gallery, artist-run initiative, artist-run space, melbourne art galleries, photography, colour photography, animal photography, death in art, www.anetabozic.com -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Carte de Visite
A Carte de Visite (hereafter CdV) (also known as a calling card) was popular within the mid-19th Century. It is a small card with a photographic portrait mounted on it. These cards were exchanged during the Victorian era (peaking in the 1860s) between families and friends. This particular CdV was captured by John Paul Carolin in c.1877. Carolin was a two time Mayor of Bendigo (1889-1990 and 1907-1908) and ran a photography studio on Piper Street in Kyneton from 1866. This photograph depicts a young Daniel “Dan” Kelly posing for his photograph while sitting on an ornate chair and leaning his elbow on a small pedestal table. Dan was approximately seven years younger than his famous brother, Edward “Ned” Kelly. He was born in 1861 to John “Red” Kelly (an Irish ex-convict) and Ellen Quinn. In march 1878, Dan was wanted for arrest on the charge of horse stealing. This event, known commonly as the “Fitzpatrick Incident” resulted in the formation of the Kelly Gang as it is known in popular culture today. After the incident the Kelly Gang disappeared into the bush and a 100 pound award was issued for their arrest. During this period the gang robbed banks including those at Jerilderie, Euroa and Benalla. On the 28th of June 1880, Dan Kelly died at Glenrowan in what was the Kelly Gang’s final stand: the Siege of Glenrowan. Following this event, Dan’s elder brother Ned is the sole survivor of the Kelly Gang until he is executed at the Melbourne Gaol on the 11th of November 1880. The circumstances around the deaths of Dan Kelly and Steve Hart are controversial but it is generally accepted that they died in a suicide pact inside the Ann Jones Inn.This photograph is part of the Burke Museum "Kelly album" which includes a significant collection of photographs and artefacts connected to Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang. Ned Kelly and his gang have become ingrained in Australian popular culture and thus many museums, art galleries and private collections house material connected to the Kelly story which allows the events and people to be researched and interpreted. Individuals like Dan Kelly played an essential part in the Kelly story which have been adapted for popular culture. The study of these individuals through their images and records can help researchers to correctly interpret their involvement with Ned Kelly and the Kelly gang.Sepia, rectangular, postcard on boardObverse: Carolin Photograph Kyneton / Reverse PHOTOGRAPHED / FROM LIFE / ADVANCE AUSTRALIA / BY / J.P. CAROLIN, / KYNETON. / VICTORIA. / COPIES MAY BE HAD ON / APPLICATION. / DK/Dan Kelly/9 2 48/7#carte de visite, kelly gang, dan kelly, daniel kelly, fitzpatrick, ned kelly, steve hart, joe byrne, ann jones inn, glenrowan, kyneton, 1877, john paul carolin, carolin -
Supreme Court of Victoria Library
Portrait, Sir Leo Cussen, 1930
This painting was presented to the library in December 1930. The painting had been paid for through subscription from Judges of the High Court, the Supreme Court and the County Court as well as both branches of the legal profession. An almost identical portrait is held by both the Melbourne Cricket Club and the National Gallery of Victoria. This portrait is of interest for its subject and artist. Sir Leo Cussen (1859-1933) is probably best known for his role in two consolidations of the Victorian Statute books in 1915 and the mid 1920s. These were immense undertakings and included determining the application of English Law in Victoria. Sir Leo was appointed at Surpem Court Judge in 1906, he was at various times Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria. In addition, he was trustee of both the Art Gallery (NGV) and the Melbourne Cricket Club, and held various positions with the Melbourne University Law Faculty and the Council of Legal Education. Sir Leo was regarded as one of the finest legal minds of his generation and at his death, Robert Menzies, at this time the Attorney General, said that Sir Leo was "one of the great lawyers of the english speaking world". Sir John Longstaff was one of Australia's best known and well regarded portraitist in the early 20th Century, he won the Archibald prize five times (1925, 1928, 1929, 1931 and 1935).3/4 Lenght portrait in Oils of Sir Leo Cussen, a judge of the Supreme Court, 1906-1933. Cusen is seated, a desk to the right of the picture with a few books. Sir Leo is in a 3 piece suit, his watch chain visible. Gold FrameSigned Longstaff in upper left corner. Plaque stating "the Hon Sir Leo Finn Bernard Cussen Kt Judge of the Supreme Court 1906-1933judges, cussen, longstaff -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Print - Religious Print, T. Noyes Lewis, The Cross of Glory, Mid to late 19th century for the print, the reframing appears to date from the 1960's
The picture was framed by business, Leighton House, paint and art merchants at 346 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. It was made to order, number 6777. The business was also called The Leighton Gallery of Art and was owned by W & G Dean Pty Ltd. The phone number on the label "MU 8291" indicates that the picture was framed circa the 1960s or earlier, during the time that Melbourne was using 6-0digit alpha-numeric numbers. Below the picture is an excerpt of a hymn "The Head that Once was Crowned with Thorns" by Thomas Kelly: The head that once was crowned with thorns Is crowned with glory now; A royal diadem adorns The mighty Victor's brow. The Cross He bore is life and heath, Though shame and death to Him; His people's hope, his people's wealth, Their everlasting theme. This picture was part of the original furnishings of the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen's Church at 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen, an Anglican charity, has served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centr4es in over 200 ports world-wide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria the orgainsation began in Williamstown in 1857. It was as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’. Its location was an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981 and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. This picture is significant through its association with the St Nicholas' Mission to Seamen Church in Williamstown, Melbourne, established in 1857. The items in our collection from the Missions to Seamen in Williamstown, Victoria, have historical and social significance. They show that people of the 1800s and 1900s cared about the seafarers’ religious, moral, and social welfare, no matter what the religion, social status or nationality. It had its origins in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The first Australian branch was started in 1856 by the Rev. Kerr Johnston, a Church of England clergyman, and operated from a hulk moored in Hobson’s Bay; later the Mission occupied buildings in Williamstown and Port Melbourne. Picture, print of "The Cross of Glory", rectangular, framed print on matt. It depicts Jesus Christ on a cross with an angel on each side, at his feet. He is wearing priestly robes and a gold crown on top of thorns on his head. In the background there is a rainbow and clouds. The text below the picture includes "From the picture by T. Noyes Lewis". Lines from a hymn are also printed below the picture. The back of the picture has pencilled numbers in three places plus a printed label with the framer's details. "From the picture by T. Noyes Lewis". Backing paper has pencil "6777" in two places. Label has bencil "677-" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, the cross of glory, print, t. noyes lewis, leighton house, home decoration, religioius picture, church furnishing, w & g dean pty ltd, leighton gallery of art, religion, religious service, sailors rest, bethel sailors’ church, bethel floating church, ladies harbour light guild, missions to seamen victoria, mission to seafarers, flying angles club, st nicholas mission to seamen church williamstown, mission to seamen williamstown, st nicholas seamen’s church flagstaff hill, 139 nelson place williamstown -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Boot, Tom Rome, Early 20th century
This boot belonged to Thomas Rome and may have been either an apprentice’s model or a display item in his boot and shoe shop or both. Thomas James Rome (1873-1974) worked in John Younger’s store in Beechworth before both came to Warrnambool in 1888. Rome worked in Younger’s store in Liebig Street, Warrnambool for 17 years and then established his own boot and shoe store at 115 Liebig Street in 1907, retiring in 1962. He married Amelia Saltau and they lived at Murweh at the corner of Liebig and Princess Streets, Warrnambool. Thomas Rome is mostly remembered today for his purchase and use of an Edison phonograph machine in the late 1890s and the sound recordings he made with this machine at the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7. These recordings were found intact after Rome’s death and are regarded as the earliest sound recordings still surviving in Australia today. This sample boot is of great significant as an example of the bootmaker’s art in the early 20th century and as a memento of Thomas Rome, important in Warrnambool’s history as a businessman and in the history of sound recording in Australia. This is a small sample black leather boot (probably a lady’s boot). It has double ridged stitching across the instep with a soft leather upper part and stitching separating the soft leather section from the smooth leather. The right side of the boot has seven button holes and seven buttons attached with metal clips. The sole is leather with a small heel and the name of the owner stamped on the sole. ‘10’ ‘T.J.Rome’ thomas rome, history of warrnambool, antique lady's boot, leather boot vintage -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Old Lyndoch - Photograph of Painting, Late 19th century (original painting); late 20th century (photograph of painting)
This is a photograph of a painting by the noted artist George Webb (1861-1949). Webb was best known for his portraits of civic dignitaries in Melbourne and Adelaide but he also produced many landscapes and seascapes. Some of these feature Warrnambool landmarks as he married, in the late 1890s, Christina Lake, the step-daughter of George Rolfe who owned the property known as ‘Lyndoch’, near the mouth of the Hopkins River. Webb painted the early cottages at ‘Old Lyndoch’ using a photograph taken some time earlier. The painting was given to Dick Allan, the chauffeur in the employ of Florence Lake, Christina’s sister. Florence Lake owned and resided at Lyndoch after her parents’ death. Dick Allan’s son, living in Tasmania, acquired the painting and Les O’Callaghan obtained the photograph of the painting from him. Although this is only a photograph of an original painting, it is of some considerable importance as the painting has great historical significance and this is the only representation we have of it. The man in the photograph represents George Rolfe and the story of Rolfe and his ownership and development of the property of Lyndoch is an important one in Warrnambool’s history. The original by George Webb is also an important work of art in its own right.This is a colour photograph of a painting. The frame of the original painting can be seen at the bottom of the photograph. The photograph is in on old frame which has two wooden edgings with the outer one having an ornate gold plaster edging and an inner one with a gold velvet insert next to the glass. The ornate gold plaster has a piece missing near the top left hand corner. The photograph is set into a gold-coloured wooden frame inside the glass. The photograph is mounted onto cardboard and covered with cardboard at the back with a small piece of wood attached (from the original frame). The backing is nailed on. lyndoch, george webb, george rolfe -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Bottle, Australian Glass Manufacturers, R F Kennedy & Co, Early 20th century
This bottle comes from the chemist’s business in Timor Street Warrnambool of R.F.Kennedy & Co. Richard Frank Kennedy came to Warrnambool in 1880 and established a retail, wholesale and manufacturing business in Timor Street. The business was described in the 1904 ‘Cyclopedia of Victoria’ as the largest and best-appointed pharmacy in Victoria. Kennedy was prominent in community affairs in Warrnambool, being a Town Councillor, a Justice of the Peace, and on the committees of the Warrnambool Hospital and the Mechanics Institute and Art Gallery. He was the first Vice-President and fourth President of the Warrnambool Bowls Club. After Kennedy’s death in 1903 the pharmacy business continued as a company and this bottle comes from that time. The Kennedy chemist bottles were well-known for their lighthouse logo (Warrnambool having two operating lighthouses during the company’s time, with these still operating today).This bottle is significant as an example of a chemist’s bottle from R.F. Kennedy & Co. This pharmacy was a dominant business in Timor Street, Warrnambool for over 40 years. This is a small clear glass bottle with a rectangular-shaped body with rounded sides, a small neck and a moulded open top. The stopper is missing. The chemist’s name and a lighthouse logo are etched into the side of the bottle. ‘R.F. Kennedy & Co Chemists Warrnambool’ ‘M297 AGM’ r.f. kennedy, warrnambool chemist, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Wooden Plane Tool, Late 19th century
This tool, along with many other vintage tools in the collection of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society, is believed to have belonged to Henry Phillips, a19th century Warrnambool identity. English-born Henry Phillips (1821-1896) came with his wife Elizabeth to Australia in 1849 and lived in Port Fairy for some years. In 1865 Phillips formed a partnership with Christopher Beattie in the Warrnambool undertaking business of Beattie and Phillips. This was a major business in Warrnambool, continuing after the deaths of Phillips and Beattie until the year 2000. Henry Phillips was involved in the management of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute and the Art Gallery. This tool is of interest as an example of a 19th century tool and as a memento of a prominent Warrnambool businessman of the 19th century, Henry Phillips. This is a planing tool with a rectangular-shaped wooden body and two round polished wooden handles at either end. The wooden piece is curved on the base. A metal plate with a curved end is inserted in an opening on the top of the wooden piece and extends down to a small slit at the base. Metal screws keep the handles and the metal blade in place. vintage carpentry tools, henry phillips, warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Folder, Mitchell, Grace
Grace Mitchell (nee Whieldon) was born in Yarram Gippsland, second of nine children. After her father died, the family moved to Creswick. She left home at age 12 to earn a wage to help the family, including as a matron at the School of Mines in Creswick and, after moving to Melbourne, as dietitian at Royal Melbourne Hospital. After marrying Arthur Mitchell, they moved to Mount Pleasant Road, Eltham, in 1948. Because Arthur had an accident and was not able to work, she did various jobs before starting a cake shop in their house; she also cooked at Montsalvat,. She was also a tailor and dressmaker, studied psychology and journalism, her crochet.patterns were published in 'New Idea' as a girl when she also started carving wood.She knew many artists, writers, etc.As a widow, in her late 60s, she enrolled in a diploma of arts course, majoring in sculpture and print-making. Contents Newspaper article: "Amazing Grace!", Diamond Valley News, 7 July 1981. Newspaper article: "A way with wood", The Age, ?1999. Diamond Valley News, 30 April 1985. Describes life of Grace Mitchell, just turned 80, who began carving wood as a girl. Newspaper article: "Paging women to celebrate", Heidelberg and Diamond Valley Weekly, 12 February 2008. To promote nominations for 'Celebrating Nillumbik Women', designed to honour women, Grace and Jenni Mitchell are featured. Newspaper article: "Celebrate history and her story", Diamond Valley Leader, 20 February 2008. To promote nominations for 'Celebrating Nillumbik Women', designed to honour women, Grace and Jenni Mitchell are featured. Newspaper article: "Eltham artist's will to live", Diamond Valley Leader, 27 October 2010. Grace Mitchell recovering in Austin Hospital. Order of Service: A celebration and thanksgiving for the life of Grace Mitchell, Montsalvat Eltham, 19 April 2011. Newspaper article: "Death of an Eltham icon", Diamond Valley Leader, ?20 April 2011. Obituary of Grace Mitchell with tributes from Ona Henderson, Sigmund Jogensen, Jenni Mitchell. Newspaper article: "Amazing Grace remembered", Diamond Valley Leader, 27 April 2011. Report of Service for Grace Mitchell at Montsalvat. Newspaper article: "Thanks Eltham for your kind messages", Diamond Valley Leader 18 May 2011. Letter from Jenni Mitchell, thanks for messages. Newspaper article: "Eltham all-rounder a remarkable gem", The Age, 13 May 2011. Obituary for Grace Mitchell. Newspaper article:"Search for home for ark art", Diamond Valley Leader, 11 November 2011. Grace Mitchell's work 'The Ark" 1983, is on display at local MP's office, seeking a home in a public collection. Newsletter article: "Jenni Mitchell - 'May mother Grace'", Eltham District Historical Society newsletter No.207, November 2012. Notice that Jenni Mitchell will talk about her mother's work at the November meeting. Flier: Eltham South Fine Art Studios and Gallery, 7 October-18 November 2012"Grace Mitchell 1916-2011: The Artist's Work: A Selected Retrospective". Handout: Sheet to accompany Eltham South Fine Art Studios and Gallery, 7 October-18 November 2012"Grace Mitchell 1916-2011: The Artist's Work: A Selected Retrospective". Biography of Grace Mitchell.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcgrace mitchell, jenni mitchell, alan marshall, clifton pugh, robert helpmann, katherine hepburn, phillip institute of technology, celebrating nillumbik women, austin hospital, mount pleasant road eltham, montsalvat eltham, sigmund jorgensen, ona henderson, helen coleman, gail pritchard, school of mines creswick, mitchell's homemade cakes and pies, susan toole, eltham cemetery, arthur mitchell, mervyn hannan, vicki ward -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Book, Jeremy Hill et al, No singing in gum trees : the honest life of Max Martin / Jeremy Hill ; with essays by Ronald Miller, 2023
Summary "A young man from the working-class suburb of Fitzroy was on the cusp of a brilliant career and was the talk of the Academy's salons. Far from his humble origins, he now stood shoulder to shoulder with the leading figures of London's art world. Max Martin was an enigmatic achiever who stood briefly on the mountaintop but died in obscurity. It was over thirty years after his death before a painting of his was acquired by a public collection. The National Gallery of Victoria, Newcastle City Gallery in New South Wales and the art collection of the State Library of Victoria now all hold his work. What made him turn his back on painting at the height of critical acclaim? How close was he to a career in mainstream ballet and what drove him to march for disarmament in his later years?"--Booktopia.artists, eltham, max martin, biography -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Folder, Pelling, Charis
Charis Pelling, daughter of Professor William Osborne and Dr Ethel Osborne, was active in local activities, including being Eltham Shire's first female president and a councillor. Contents Newspaper articles: About Whittlesea Show 1964, Diamond Valley News, 1964 (photocopy). Magazine article: "A woman who gets things done", The Australian Women's Weekly, 26 October 1966. Charis Pelling's life and activities. Note card: Thanks for sympathy following destruction of "Woodlands" and "The Hall" in 8 January 1969 bushfire. Newspaper article: "Quietly proud of her life", Diamond Valley News, 19 June 1984. Charis Pelling's childhood and activities. Note card: Thanks for sympathy following death of Edwin Oswald Pelling. Newspaper notice: Death notice, Charis Meta Aleander Pelling. Order of Service: Celebration of life of Charis Meta Aleander Pelling, 2006. Letter: Eltham District Historical Society to Charis Pelling, 21 June 1995, Invitation to be presented with certificate to her as foundation President of the Society. Note card: Charis Pelling, Thanks for presentation. Newsletter: Eltham District Historical Society, number 172, January 2007. Obituary of Charis Meta Alexander Pelling.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etccharis pelling, whittlesea show, kangaroo ground victoria, michael pelling, margaret pelling, nicholas pelling, deborah pelling, warrandyte water works trust, eltham arts council, eltham old people's committee, eltham art show, shillinglaw cottage preservation committee, woodlands kangaroo ground victoria, gareth jones roberts, peter glass, alkis astrix, matcham skipper, mervyn horton, the flavor of eltham, bush fire january 1969, the hall kangaroo ground victoria, professor william osborne, dr ethel osborne, william pelling, alistair knox, harold bartlett, gerald yunken, edwin oswald pelling, charis meta alexander pelling -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book - Book - Scrapbook, Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education: Scrapbook of newspaper cutting, Book 5, August 1971 to December 1971
Newspaper cuttings relating to Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education. These are from various newspapers and include The Age, Ballarat Courier, The Australian, The Herald. The cuttings cover the period from 19 August 1971 to 1 December 1971. Book with orange cover, front. Spiral bound. Large tear back cover.ballarat institute of advanced education, biae, employment advertisements, application for enrolment, outline of courses, smb finances concern, mildura visitors, testing new wind tunnel, derek vine, zig placina, excellent year for association, jack barker, biae art show, woman on a bike, letters to the editor re art show, 1500 trees planted, biae students call strike, new courses approved, new physics equipment, apartheid history explained, derek viner talk, student protest backed, ballarat trades and labor council support, prahran college of technology seeks supporters, role of colleges threatened, teacher training, new regional office - education dept, clay pit plans, equipment for biae, art display by smb students, teachers to conduct assessment experiment, undermining our sold foundation, pioneer experiment at biae, national diploma controls needed, f r hornby, colleges and students - 1972, helping hand for overseas students, gordon smith, teachers' colleges, accommodation at technical schools, victorian teachers' union concerns, exceptions in an imperfect world, student housing, local degree courses on secondary studentships, problem for school leavers, $250000 for biae union building, death of harry arblaster - former smb principal, model of building project, engineers' seminar at ballarat -
Federation University Historical Collection
Equipment - Piano Rolls, Three Piano rolls from Sutton's Music
Henry Sutton is a talented world-wide accepted inventor with inventions relating to the telephone, photography, wireless, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles as well as many more inventions. Henry was also one of four brothers that ran the Sutton's Music Store after the death of their Father Richard Sutton. Henry Sutton taught Applied Electricity at the Ballarat School of Mines in 1883 to 1886..1 in white box with black lid - Piano roll - Rosie .2 In purple box - O Thou That From Heaven Art .3 In white box with brown lid - Pansiespiano rolls, sutton's music, henry sutton, o thou that from heaven art, rosie, pansies, vocalstyle, imperial -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Portrait, Jan Feder
Jan Feder studied Ceramics at the Gippsland Centre for Art and Design. After her untimely death the staff and students created a memorial ceramics collection in her honour. Black and white photographic portrait of Jan Feder.jan feder, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, jan lorraine feder, alumni -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Portrait, Jan Feder
Jan Feder was a student at the Gippsland Centre of Art and Design in the 1980s. She had started studying ceramics in Adelaide, deciding to continue here study at Churchill under Hedley Potts' tutelage after moving to Strezlecki. In her final year Jan was an on-campus weekday resident to save on the travel time. After Jan's untimely death in 1981 a ceramics collection was amassed to her memory, featuring work of international, national and local significance. Funds were raised by Jan's student peers at the Gippsland Centre for Art and Design, and although many of the works were donated the intention was to purchase from visiting lecturers who became leading ceramic artists around the world, as well as from many of the staff who taught at the Churchill Campus.Black and white photographic portrait of Jan Feder sitting in the doorway of a slab hut. jan feder, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, jan lorraine feder, alumni, gippsland centre for art and design, gcad -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Portrait, Jan Feder at a Pottery Wheel
Jan Feder studied Ceramics at the Gippsland Centre for Art and Design. After her untimely death the staff and students created a memorial ceramics collection in her honour. Black and white photographic portrait of Jan sitting at a pottery wheel throwing a pot.jan feder, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, jan lorraine feder, alumni -
Federation University Historical Collection
Letter, Frank Tate, 1 Letter from Frank Tate of the Victorian Educatition Department & .2 Letter from School of Mines Ballarat to Mr Robinson, 07/07/1910
Typed letted on Government of Victorian Education Office letterhead. The front page is bordered in black for mourning after the death of King Edward VII. The letter related to an exhibiton being held in Ballarat which was to be visited by Frank Tate (Director of Education) and Ponsonby Carew Smyth (Art Inspector). Another handwritten letter from H.H. Smith to Mr Robinson highlights the possible visit to the Ballarat School of Mines Art and trade Exhibition. frank tate, victorian education department, coat of arms, letterhead, ponsonby carew smith, exhibition, mourning, h.h. smith, robinson -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - CARTOON POSTCARD, Inter Art- Co, 15.11.1916
The letter details how the writer GEORGE saw George yesterday and waved and yelled but he did not see him as they were marching past. It also describes how they just came out of the trenches with mud over their knees and higher. The George walking past is possibly George Frederick Pierce DCM. Refer Cat no 1891P for his service details, award and death.Cartoon coloured postcard depicting a boyish soldier surrounded by boys and girls. On the rear is a letter from France to a girl, the writing is in blue pen.On the rear “15/11/16 France, Dear Gaddis”. The letter ends “I remain yours sincerely George H..........postcards, military, cartoons -
Federation University Historical Collection
Article - Article - Women, Ballarat School of Mines: Women of Note; Martha Pinkerton, Established Art Scholarship in perpetuity, (1864 - 1939)
Martha Pinkerton and her brother Frank Pinkerton were longstanding supporters of the Ballarat School of Mines and its students. Following their deaths in the 1930s, the School became the recipient of two important bequests that were to lead to the establishment in perpetuity of the following student scholarships: firstly, the Frank Pinkerton scholarship valued at £30 per annum for three years and free tuition in architecture, metallurgy, applied chemistry, mining, electrical, mechanical or civil engineering-and secondly, the Martha K. Pinkerton art scholarship of the same value, 'for talented and deserving students from the City and District of Ballarat'. In the early 1930's Martha, who was a past student at the SMB Art and Technical School, began to give a succession of practical donations to the institution which commenced during the Depression years. Thereafter, for approximately a decade until her early death, she continued to donate £50 annually to assist with the payment of the fees of students at the Technical Art School who were experiencing financial difficulties.women of note, ballarat school of mines, martha pinkerton, bequests, frank pinkerton, scholarships, technical art school, art student, bequests in perpetuity, 1930s, depression years, payment of fees financial difficulties -
Federation University Historical Collection
Article - Article - Women, Ballarat School of Mines: Women of Note; Isabel Huntington, Artist, Teacher, (1905 - 1971), 13/07/2023
Isabel Huntington was a painter, craft officer and craft worker. She studied at Ballarat High School, Ballarat Technical Art School (a division of the School of Mines) and RMIT, and was a member of the Victorian Artists' Society and the Contemporary Art Society. In 1945 she was appointed Director of Handcrafts for the Victorian Division of the Red Cross Society. Isabel Huntington had previously held the position of Supervisor of Handcrafts at Heidelberg Military Hospital for three and a half years. She was a member of the Arts and Crafts Society. Isabel Huntington had five 'one-man" shows, three in Melbourne, one in Ballarat and one in Hamilton, Victoria. Ursula Hoff (from the National Gallery Victoria) judged the 1965 Albury awards for watercolour, and religious paintings in oils, awarding the prize to Isabel Huntington. In the same year Isabel Huntington travelled to Europe. After returning from overseas she taught at Rosanna High School, Victoria. Isabel Huntington lived at Montmorency, Victoria, and was there at the time of her death. Born Isabel McCausland, she married Robert Huntington in 1931. women of note, isabel huntington, ballarat school of mines, ballarat high school, ballarat technical art school, royal melbourne institute of technology, rmit, victorian division of red cross, director of handcrafts, rosanna high school, montmorency, heidelberg military hospital, supervisor of handcrafts, art shows, melbourne, ballarat, hamilton, mccausland, robert huntington -
Federation University Historical Collection
Equipment - Object, Artist's Box, c 1940
Edith (Alice) Watson (1914–2010) studied at the Ballarat Technical Art School, at the School of Mines Ballarat, from 1930 until 1933. Watson was warmly regarded in her home town, Murtoa, easily winning local fundraiser, ‘Most Popular Girl’ in 1936. Upon graduating, Watson taught at the Murtoa High School, living with her parents until their deaths 1972 and 1988. Watson was 74 years old. Alice Watson died in Ballarat, aged 95, having conserved her beautiful student folio. Alice's comprehensive folio of Ballarat Technical Art School work is held by the University's Geoffrey Blainey Research Centre.A cardboard box containing items used by Alice Watson to produce paintings. The items included are: tubes of oil colour; two paint palettes; paint brushes; imperial measure tape measure; pencils; an erasure; two pencil sharpeners; a roll of brown, gummed tape; small, round container of various pins; a State Savings Bank Victoria ruler; and a collection of scraps of artists paper held together with a metal clip which includes a list of paint colour names and a design tracing of a fuschia. There is a small, plywood, stretching board. alice watson, edith alice watson, ballarat school of mines, artists workbook, ballarat technical art school, paint, oil paint -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Portrait, Jan Feder
Jan Feder studied Ceramics at the Gippsland Centre for Art and Design. After her untimely death the staff and students created a memorial ceramics collection in her honour. Black and white photographic portrait of Jan Feder.jan feder, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, jan lorraine feder, alumni -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book - Book - Scrapbook, Ballarat School of MInes: Scrapbook of Newspaper Cuttings, Book 9, August 1980 to January 1981
Collection of newspaper articles related to Ballarat School Of Mines.They cover activities and advertisements for staff. The papers concerned are The Courier, Ballarat, The Australian, The Age over the period of 09/08/1980 to 15/01/1981.Book with white cover back, front, spiral bound. staffing advertisements, courses available, metal trades industry association award, stephen jackson, unemployed youth program, majority didn't like school, motor mechanic apprentice brendan nunn, racv award, women's conference, secretarial careers day at smb, department of labor and industry, safety award to sec apprentice ross homberg, theatre group needs more members, challenging forum-ballarat melbourne rail link, role of councillors, bricklaying apprentices given tool kits, sir redmond barry, the man who sentenced ned kelly to death, bricks sale to aid smb building, ballarat sandblasting, o'flaherty, smb recreationbuilding appeal, smb link with barry centenary, smb art display, smb 110th birthday, bcae is 10 years old today, decade of growth at smb repeated 100 years later, intensive course for apprentices, priceless relics gather dust, aboriginal world war 1 collection, smb land laboratory opening, lee anton wins photo prize, students moving from tafe college to tertiary education, smb council move for tafe centre, engineering course change defended -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book - Book - Scrapbook, Ballarat School of MInes: Scrapbook of Newspaper Cuttings, Book 14, March 1982 to June 1982
Collection of newspaper articles related to Ballarat School Of Mines.They cover activities and advertisements for staff. The papers concerned are The Courier, Ballarat, The Australian, The Age over the period of 13 March 1982 to 12 June 1982.Book with white cover, front, spiral bound. courses available, teaching positions advertised, training course for clothing machinists in doubt, beanland farewelled, graham beanland to take up position with tafe board in melbourne, turmoil over funding from tafe board, smb museum reopened, food waiters training program, dick richards - a great survivor, antarctic expedition, john leith employed by smb - aboriginal employment training scheme, third time lucky for ballarat (high) school, ballarat moving back to more humane style of architecture, death of leo shannon - head of plumbing smb, peter shiells appointed principal of smb, peter manzi top apprentice painter and decorator, glenn sobey top metal trades apprentice, adam lovett apprentice motor mechanic at smb, dorothy jenkins to lead major tafe study, supply chief major general powell is from ballarat, john francis top apprentice motor mechanic, visit by schools commission, flaf presented to smb museum, ballarat and the art world, frank sheehan's first 6 weeks in parliament, sheehan's maiden speech, national move in business studies, sue williams top secretarial student, scott barling and greg harris of smb, master builders association, study proposals for heated swim pool -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Martin Chuzzlewit
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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 NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. 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. Martin Chuzzlewit Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Collins Date: 1953 First Published in book form in1844 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 823 DIC Paste front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Inside the front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Serviceflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, martin chuzzlewit, charles dickens -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Our Mutual Friend
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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 NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. 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. Our Mutual Friend Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: First Published in book form in 1865 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 823 DIC Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Serviceflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, our mutual friend, charles dickens -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Christmas Stories
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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 NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. 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. Christmas Stories Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: 1956 First Published in book form 1874 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 823 DIC Paste down front end paper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, christmas stories, charles dickens -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Hard Times for These Times
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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 NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. 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. Hard Times for These Times Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: 1955 First Published in book form 1854 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 823 DIC Paste down front end paper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose end paper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, hard times for these times, charles dickens -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Dombey And Son
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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 NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. 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. Dombey And Son Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: 1950 First Published in book form 1848 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 823 DIC Paste down front end paper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, dombey and son -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Nicholas Nickleby
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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 NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. 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. Nicholas Nickleby Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Oxford University Press First Published in book form 1839The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 828 DIC Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, nicholas nickleby, charles dickens