THE PATTISON COLLECTION Flagstaff Hill’s ‘Pattison Collection’ includes rare books such as “The Birds of Australia” by Broinowsky. The collection of books and records was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. In 1935, Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library, as the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute was called. When the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute 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 Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. At this time, some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually, the components of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute 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 to trace all of the items that have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions, including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON (1891-1969) Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920, and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935, Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as a 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 1950s, 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, because 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 he died in 1969. The photograph of Ralph Eric Pattison is significant as it represents the connection of Pattison with the Warrnambool community from the 1930s to 1960s. Pattison enthusiastically worked to index and catalogue the existing books, expand the library's contents to suit a wide variety of topics, and make the material accessible to all people, including the first library for children. He went on to establish an Art Gallery and Museum for the City of Warrnambool.Photograph, sepia, in dark frame with white matte, behind glass. Portrait of Ralph Eric Pattison, City Librarian 1936 - 1960, City of Warrnambool. Printed below photograph: "Ralph Eric Pattison" "City Librarian" "1936 - 1960"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, maritime museum, ralph eric pattison, city librarian 1936-1960, pattison collection, warrnambool mechanics' institute, ralph pattison, warrnambool library, city librarian, warrnambool art gallery, warrnambool historical society, royal australian navy, volunteer reserve, lieutenant pattison, children's library, victorian library board

This portrait was presented by the Victorian Bar to the Library in 1917 to commemorate Schutt’s fifty years as the Supreme Court Librarian. The portrait was presented at a ceremony presided over by Mr Mitchell KC who noted the “unanimity with which the members of the profession had adopted the suggestion that the eminent services of Mr Schutt should be recognised in this way.” Chief Justice Madden also spoke on this occasion and there were a number of judges and members of the legal profession present. John Schutt had been born in England in 1831 and migrated to Victoria as a young man, initially working as a school teacher he was appointed librarian, during Redmond Barry’s time in 1866. He started work in the Old Court in Russell street and would have supervised the move of the library to its new and greatly expanded premises in William Street in 1884. As well as secretary to the Library committee, he also acted as the Secretary of the Board of Examiners on occasion. After his death in 1919 in its obituary, the Williamstown Chronicle noted that Schutt was regarded as a Solon, an ancient greek law giver who gave wise advice. Away from the Court he was a councillor of many years standing in Williamstown, representing the Victoria Ward, what is now the suburb of Newport, it would appear Schutt street in Newport was named after him. His eldest son William Schutt was appointed a Supreme Court judge in 1919. The portrait of Schutt is a companion piece to the Sir Thomas a’Beckett picture painted shortly before the Schutt portrait and for the same client, they share the same frame design with gum leaf motif. This portrait was undertaken early in Meldrum’s career and before he had fully developed his theory of painting. Duncan Max Meldrum (1875-1955) was a controversial figure in his later years as he strongly opposed modernism and non-figurative art. His works are found in most of the state galleries, including a wide selection at the National Gallery of Victoria. This portrait is of interest for whom it portrays and as the work of a well known artistFull length portrait in oils of John Schutt. Schutt is standing up looking out the to the viewer. His hand rests on a small pile of books. He is dressed soberly in a three piece black suit. His white beard and hair all meticulously trimmed and realised. The props used in this painting provide the main colour as the background has become dark over the years. The books sit atop of a red and gold draped table. Behind Schutt is what appears to be a crimson velvet chair and he gives every appearence of having just arisen from the chair to engage with the viewer. The painting has an unusual light source at the foot of the painting with Schutt's legs providing shadows. Signed Meldrum lower right hand corner. Plaque inscription is John Schutt, Esq. Supreme Court Librarian

Black and white photographWritten on back of photograph, "K. Horn, State Librarian, speaking at library opening, 2nd May 1970".

Heather Durant (nee Walton) began as an Assistant Librarian at the SMB Campus in 1951. In December 1961 she resigned from the position due to her approaching marriage. No replacement was found so she returned in a "part-time position". She progressed to head librarian. Heather resigned again in 1962 and took a break for eight years. She then returned to the school. Combining the two periods of work she was employed for almost 50 years. During her time with the University of Ballarat she made an important contribution to the operation of the SMB Library. At times she was put in charge and worked to maintain library standards and collections through her work in library acquisitions and cataloguing. Over the years she witnessed the changes that occurred when technology was introduced and the growth of the University and TAFE divisions.women of note, teacher, ballarat school of mines, heather walton, heather durant, smb campus, librarian, resigned to marry, part-time work, library standards, and collections, acquisitions and cataloging, technology, 50 years service, 1951-2005

Black and white photographWritten on rear of backing sheet: "Ken Horn, Librarian Latrobe Library, launching History of Ringwood book- Civic Centre, 22-10-74."

Invitation from the Ringwood Council of the City of Ringwood on 22nd October 1974. From the Mayor Cr S Morris JP and the Councillors to Mrs G Horman. Official launch of the "Place of Many Eagles" by KAR Horn BA Mus B State Librarian at the Civic Centre, Maroondah Highway, Ringwood. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned.

Childrens story time at St Kilda Library with Philippa Armstrong, Children's Librariancolour photograph unmountedPhotographer's caption sheet attached. Shows photographer Simon (?) Hoey and identifying number 960507602. Back of photograph is stamped: Warning This photograph is subject to Copyright provisions. It may not be resold, copied, republished, displayed for promotion purposes or reproduced in any way without the written permission of all copyright holders. Leader Newspaper Group.philippa armstrong, st kilda library

Interior of Library at Mechanics Institute c1955. Female is Miss Anne Carroll Librarian. The male standing on the right holding the book is Walter (Jim) Fleetwood Smith.stawell

White coloured card with black, green and red typeOld Time Music, Dancing, Dinner, Entertainment. Dress - Formal Louge Suit or Costume of Period. Tickets $25 Single

Black and white photographImage shows Ken Horne at the rostrum speaking in front of a combined Eastern Historical Societies group at Ringwood Civic Centre, 22-10-1974.

Black and white photograph (2 copies)Image shows Ken Horne at rostrum in front of a combined Eastern Historical Societies group at Ringwood Civic Centre, 22-10-1974.

Eltham District Historical Society's 50th Anniversary dinner held at St Margaret's Hall, Pitt Street, Eltham, 27 October, 2017Born Digital50th anniversary, eltham district historical society, st margarets anglican church

"Videos reveal church at work - Fourteen video cassettes which reveal the church community at work both in Australia and abroad are being offered for the establishment of video libraries…"B & W photograph of SaraHeilbronn standing behind a pile of videos and a telephone.C&N identification.ecumenical mission, video library, heilbronn, sara

A4 size copy of p256 of Oct. 6 1905 issue of the Light Railway and Tram Journal, describing opening and details of electrification of Ballarat Tramways in 1905 - details of power supply, trams and personnel. Also mentions ESCo's owners, the British Insulated Wire Co. Hi res scan of copy and letter added 26-5-2016.trams, tramways, ballarat, esco, opening, electrification

Information Library Dulcie Brooke commenced at the Ballarat School of Mines Library in 1971, retiring from Ballarat University College E.J. Barker Library as Reader Services Librarian in 1992. Black and white photograph of Information Librarian Dulcie Brooke and three school students in the E.J. Barker Library on Library Day 1983.dulcie brooke, librarian, library, e.j. barker library, university women

Colouir photograph. Mark MacNamara, Librarian, with a student in the new Librarymark macnamara, librarian, students, library, new library

Pam Merrett and heather Durant were staff members of the Ballarat School of Mines Library.Photographic portrait of Pam Merrett, Ballarat School of Mines librarian.pam merrett, library, e.j. tippett library, ballarat school of mines, librarian, staffmembers

Port Melbourne City Librarian, Wendy Morris & unknown child in front of Christmas 1983 display. The display was made by donor, Jay MILLER, a newly qualified, part-time librarian at Port Melbourne City Library from 1983 - 1984. The library was then situated next to the old Fire Station on the site where Coles is now located. Photograph of Port Melbourne City Librarian in front of Christmas display.jay miller, port melbourne library, coles, fire station, wendy morris

Port Melbourne Library display with part time librarian, Teresa, The display was made by donor, Jay MILLER, a newly qualified, part-time librarian at Port Melbourne City Library from 1983 - 1984. The library was then situated next to the old Fire Station on the site where Coles is now located. Photograph of part time librarian in front of Port Melbourne City Library display.jay miller, port melbourne library, coles, fire station, teresa

Babs Harris Librarian of Family History Group Lakes Entrance VictoriaBlack and white photograph of Babs Harris Librarian of Family History Group Lakes Entrance Victoriagenealogy, clubs