This catalogue was written by Joan Luxemburg for the Art Gallery of Ballarat Exhibition of James Meek works (13th June to 9th August 2015). It is not intended as a full biography of James Meek and concentrates on his decorative works. Joan Luxemburg has spent many years researching the life and works of James Meek and the exhibition and catalogue are part of a PhD project at Federation University. A biography of James Meek by Joan Luxemburg is due for publication in 2016. English-born James Meek, a fisherman, cannery operator, poet, writer, explorer in the Otway district, librarian, calligrapher and accountant, was one of the first settlers in Ballarat, building the first house and establishing a cordial and sly grog business. After some time in Melbourne he came to the Warrnambool area, becoming an early settler in the Peterborough area and establishing a cannery there. In Warrnambool he set up a commercial fishing company which failed, organized an Otways exploration trip looking for gold and established a reputation for producing fine calligraphy works. He was in New Zealand from 1874 to 1890 and died in Warrnambool in 1899. This catalogue is important because it records the decorative works of James Meek, an important early settler in Warrnambool and district. Meek was well-known in Warrnambool in the 1850s and 60s as a commercial fisherman, an Otways explorer, a writer and lecturer and a calligrapher. One of his daughters married Peter Dallimore, a fellmonger at Lake Gillear and the Dallimore family is also prominent in our history. The Art Gallery of Ballarat 2015 Exhibition of Meek works featured one of our Meek documents, a Fidler Family tree.This is a catalogue with a reinforced plastic-covered cover. It has 87 pages with illustrations and photographs. The sepia-coloured cover features a portion of a James Meek work of calligraphy.Front cover – ‘The Inimitable Mr Meek’ Back cover – Art Gallery, Ballarat james meek, the inimitable mr meek, james meek artist

James McKain MEEK (1815-1899) Born England Arrived Australia 1838 James Meek was an artist who built the first house at Ballarat. He wrote 'designed, composed and written with pen and ink by James Meek (founder of the City). When this work was completed the in 1893 the Ballarat Star described the work: - "An Industrial Inmate. At the conclusion of Monday's meeting of the Ballarat Benevolent Asylum Committee one of the inmates, named James McBain Meek, having been introduced, laid upon the table a magnificently executed work of art, bearing the following inscription: - The past and present of Ballarat, or 40 years' progress from an uninhabited wilderness, 1852 to 1892, during which time it has become the grandest inland city of the Southern World. It stands unrivaled by that of any city in her Britannic Majesty's extensive domain over which the sun never sets, and o'er which Albion's beloved sovereign sways her benign sceptre." The work conveys by words and pictorial representations a complete history of Ballarat from its inception up to the 17th March inst. The various pillars and scrolls by which the many incidents that are related are surrounded are marvelously executed, the plain and ornamental lettering is exquisite; while the language used in the narrative is of the most eloquent and refined description. Sketches of the Ballarat Hospital and Benevolent Asylum, equal to any photographic picture, are shown at either end of the word " Ballarat," which occupies the most central position of the chart. The work, which is worthy of a position in any public library or private residence, has been designed and composed by Mr. Meek, who is 78 years of age, at the Asylum. It is done entirely with pen and ink, and was commenced on the 22nd October, 1892, and completed on 17th March, 1893. (Ballarat Star, 27 March 1893)Although 'Past and Present Ballarat of Forty Years of Progress from an Uninhabited Wilderness' was printed it appears that few have survived the ravages of time. Another copy of this works survives in the collection of the Australiana Room at the Central Highlands Regional Library Corp. No others have been located to date. (2012)Large black and white poster (now brown with age) with the hand drawn work of James Meek reproduced by the Ballarat printers Rider & Mercer. Many, but one includes 'Most respectfully dedicated to the native born children of European parents in the Ballarat Mining District by the author.'ballarat, james meek, meek, ballarat benevolent asylum, nazareth house, ballarat mayors, james bury, james oddie, la poer trench, welfare

James Meek was one of the original settlers in the area. This poem is attributed to him.Poem showing James Meek's attachment to this area and in particular for the Curdies River estuary. Print out of an email from Michael Moore to Maree O'Connor with a poem called Curdies River by James Meekpeterborough, curdies river, james meek, curdies river estuary

This is a printed invitation to the opening of an exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ballarat in June 2015. The exhibition was of the art works and calligraphy of James Meek. It was curated by Joan Luxemburg who is writing a book on James Meek’s life and work. James Meek was an important 19th century fisherman, fish curer, accountant, writer, gold explorer and calligrapher. His art works are prized for their historical content and their illustrations of the work of a calligrapher at its best. This card is important as it concerns the art works of James Meek. He was important in the history of Ballarat, Peterborough and Warrnambool in the 19th century. In the latter town he was a well-known punt operator, a gold explorer, a writer and lecturer and a fish company operator. Several of his important calligraphy works were produced in Warrnambool. This is a lightweight cardboard card printed on both sides with printed material, logos of sponsors and an image of a section of one of James Meek’s sketches. ‘The Inimitable Mr Meek’james meek, art gallery of ballarat, joan luxemburg

The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Mr. James McCain Meek boasted of building the first house in Ballarat, on the corner of Dana and Lydiard Streets, which was also a lemonade store and some say a sly grog shop. Meek arrived in Australia in 1847. He was in Ballarat 1851-1853, and in later life he returned to Ballarat to live at the Benevolent Asylum. When he became very ill in 1898 his daughter Marianne Dallimore took him to live with her, and he died at her property near Warrnambool in 1899. He wrote these reminiscences for the AHRS, of which he was a member. He was an excellent penman and illustrator and he produced several extraordinary complicated works. Meek was the subject of a PhD project undertaken at Federation University Australia by Joan Luxembourg, resulting in the 2015 publication The Inimitable Mr Meek. ballarat, illustration, goldrush, lithography

Mr Meek was the first person to build a house in Peterborough prior to 1858. Born in England in 1815 and came to Australia in 1838. this catalogue showcases his artistic skill. The art exhibition was curated by Joan Luxemburg as part of her PHD.Mr Meek is credited with building the first house in Peterborough. He was an artist and had a varied and interesting life and this book mentions the dates he was in Peterborough (Curdies Inlet, as it was then known) and his activities in Peterborough. 85 page soft cover catalogue of an exhibition held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat in 2015mr james mckain archibald john meek, calligraphy, calligraphic works, graphic arts, joan luxemburg, peterborough, curdies inlet

Girl Guide Captain Mrs A Freshwater and her mother Mrs Meek Bruthen VictoriaBlack and white photograph of Girl Guide Captain Mrs A Freshwater and her mother Mrs Meek Bruthen Victoriaguide groups, clubs

Teddy Meek lived in a rural community around the Streatham, Westmere, Mininera area. Farming in this community has been around for as long as people have been in the state of Victoria. The area is referred to as the Golden Plains as farming has always been rewarding in this area.This item demonstrates the changes in farming machinery over time in the area.A field with a tractor and havesting machine. Picture black and white rectangular shape."Meek" "Desma" A stamp Kodak Print No:18492agriculture, farming, streatham, westmere, mininera, farming machinery, farming equipment

SoftcoverInserted in front cover: introduction to the exhibition, written by Peter Lawson-Johnston, President of The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundationart, australia, walsh st library

maps, b&w photographskaska, language revitalisation, language revival

TOWN HALL AND COURT HOUSE IN BAILEY STREET, CLUNES PHOTOGRAPH OF CLUNES TOWN HALL AND COURT HOUSE .1 SEPIA PHOTOGRAPH .2 COPY OF PHOTOGRAPHPRINTED: TOWNHALL BAILEY STREET, CLUNES HANDWRITTEN: ERECTED 1872, PERIOD ABOUT 1881-1882 REAR COURTHOUSE HOTELlocal history, photography, town hall

Barabara Meek boarded at Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies College 1964 - 1968, passing her Leaving examinations in 1968. Medium silver cup wth double handles on silver stem with melamine base; engraved on face of cup. Engraving on face: Clarendon P.L.C. / Improvement in tennis / 1968 / Senior / Coach C J Bass / Barbara Meekbarbara-meek, 1968, tennis, sports, clarendon-presbyterian-ladies-college

Estey Organ at Pleasant Creek Court House. Original organ from the Methodist Church in good working order. c1863Coloured Photo of Estey Organ with Dorothy King, Daryl Meek and Julie Meek standing around the organ taken in 2003.2034/04/14 marked on front of photo.stawell

Don Brown, H.S. Moss, C.R. Meeking, Robert Bourke, G.H.EarpPhotocopy on A4 paper, of black and white photograph of a group of 43 men in Army uniforms in front of a public hallAt bottom of photo: "C.O. and Officers 22nd Batt VDC" On back of photo: Stamp identifying donor. Also at bottom on back: "3rd from right, 2nd row - Don Brown | 3rd from left in 3rd row (1st standing) H.S. Moss, Springhurst | 4th from left in 3rd row - C.R. Meeking | 4th from right in front row - G.H. Earp, Glenrowan | Robert Bourke, back row 4th from right (O.C. Chiltern)"don brown, moss, meeking, robert bourke, earp, 22nd battalion, volunteer defence corps, world war 2, ww2

This certificate has been designed and drawn by James McKain Meek, one of several produced by him to sell to local families in Warrnambool and district as a means of raising money to support his family. James Meek (1815-1899) was a fish canner, fisherman, fishmonger, storekeeper, café proprietor, explorer, gold digger, accountant, writer, librarian and above all an outstanding calligrapher. After being a pioneer settler in the Ballarat area and residing also in Port Melbourne he came to Warrnambool and lived in the area in the 1850s and 60s. He explored much of the Terang area and the Otway Ranges, speaking and writing of the great potential of the latter area. One of Meek’s calligraphy works won an award in the International Exhibition of Melbourne in 1861 and some of his works are in various art galleries and museums today. Thomas Fidler was a Warrnambool butcher who married Fanny Cockman in 1849 in London.This certificate is of great significance as one of the calligraphy works of James Meek, a 19th century resident of Warrnambool, celebrated today as a talented calligrapher. The certificate was displayed in 2015 in a James Meek exhibition at Ballarat Art Gallery. The item is also of social significance showing how the more affluent 19th century families recorded and preserved their family history. This is a certificate hand drawn by James Meek. It is a template that enables the owner to insert the details of a family tree, in this case the 19th century family of Thomas Fidler and Fanny Cockman. The certificate is in grey and black shadings with highly ornamental scrolls and patterns. The document has been produced in black ink. It has a central column with spaces for names and side tablets to include more information. The side tablets are star-shaped and the central column has attachments of various shapes – circles, rectangles etc. The base of the column has further ornamental scrolls, swirls and lacework and features sketches of three emus on one side and three kangaroos on the other side. The certificate is mounted on white cardboard. Some of the Fidler family names have been produced in printed letters and some names have been added later by a family member. ‘Th. os Fidler’s Family Register 1865’ ‘The Family Keepsake’ ‘A Present For Home’thomas fidler and fanny cockman, james meek, history of warrnambool

There is a man leaning on a bike against the bluestone wall of a building. There are several windows and doors to the establishment. The building opperated as the local hotel until 1977" when a fire burnt through the township of Streatham. The front of the building was distroyed and a smaller hotel operated after the fire. Shows the kind of early buildings in the township of Streatham.Rectangular shape black and white picture.In blue ink the words"Desma Meek" "3" and Burnt in 1977"clothing, hotel, streatham, streetscape

Lake Bolac State School, No 854. 22/09/1933. Miss Dorothy Baker (teacher) and Grades 3/4. Students, back: Eric Robertson, Margaret Kinnersley, Arthur Osborne. Front: Geoff Meek, _________ , Jock Hucker, Miriam Meek, _________ .

This is the program for the exhibitions and activities conducted by the Art Gallery of Ballarat in the winter of 2015. It includes the exhibition of the works of James Meek, of particular interest to Warrnambool as Meek was resident there for a number of years in the 19th century. The Ballarat Art Gallery is the largest and oldest regional art gallery in Australia, being established in 1884. The booklet is of interest as it shows the depth and variety of exhibitions and activities held at a regional art gallery. It includes the exhibition of the works of James Meek, a 19th resident of Warrnambool where he was well-known as a fishing company operator, a punt operator, a fisherman, a writer and lecturer and a gold prospector in the Otway Ranges. His calligraphy works are of great interest, both artistically and historically and one of his works belonging to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society was loaned to Ballarat for this exhibition. This is a booklet of 32 pages containing the program of the Art Gallery of Ballarat for Winter 2015. It contains logos of sponsors, a floor plan of the gallery, black and white and colour photographs and sketches and printed material on each exhibition. The cover has a reproduction of an image from Norma Redpath’s ‘Flight From Jerusalem’ art work. Front Cover: ‘Art Gallery of Ballarat, Winter 2015’art gallery of ballarat

Memories of permanent residents and holiday makers and some extracts from newspapers, dating from 1860's. Includes extract from James Meek's diary. 1865-2000Collections of memories of the town which would otherwise be lost.Looseleaf plastic pocket folder containing transcriptions of verbal memories of Peterborough, collected by Rosemary (Posie) Durhamgraeme murfett, todd sloane, james meek, a warren (wokka) moore, prue holden, staughton, annette breton, owen moore, jane dyson, james irvine iii, margaret hamilton, frank corlett, captain a.s. brown, peterborough house, andrew chirnside, moyle breton, tess jarvis, ross paton, virginia (bardie) mercer, ruth grimwade, rod (wumpty) chirnside, sir stanley argyle, joan densley, margery levine, mafe tabart, rosemary (posie) durham, belgian babies fund, bill cumming, ronald cumming, daniel curdie, jane hallows, jane coy, presbyterian church peterborough, john bartlam, sue graansma, sue joyce, palmyra peterborough, the holidays at peterborough, l'inconnue, 16 january 1917, warrnambool standard, warrnambool examiner

Excercise book with minutes taken at two meetings held in the Waarre hall in Decemberr 1960 to resolve the problem of the local telephone exchange losing its current operator. The minutes note the majority of people who lived on Eastern Creek Rd. and Waarre Rd. at this time. Families included. Bottrel, Bramley, Lloyd, Fitzpatrick, McKenzie, Clarke, Welton, Younis, Meek, Wills, Shiells, Jeffery, Wilson, Giblett, Webb, Tranter, Stevens, Meek. The book contains a letter written to the PMG and a response. The situation was resolved when Sylvia Fitzpatrick agreed to become the telephonist and for the exchange to be relocated from the home of Roy and Minnie Ford to the Home of Jim and Sylvia Fitzpatrick. School Exercise bookWaarre Telephone Subscriberscommunication, telephone, community action

This card was presented to the Society by Mrs Irene Meek of Lake Bolac. The card is a Christmas/New year wish from Walter to Annie Hill and the Girlies while overseas in military combate in the First World War. It demonstrates the craftmanship of needlework and paper embossing at this time.White paper card with hand stitched pansies in purple, pink, blue, green and gold. The stitching is placed towards the centre forming an inner frame. The words Best Thoughts printed in gold on paper and placed between a layer of cotton material."With loving wishes to Annie Hill & dear girlies for a Merry Xmas & a Happy & Prosporous New Year with love from Walter. Hynes No 6 - Hynes (George & I still going strong) 30/10/16" Written in pencil across back of card.world war one, needlework, handcraft, embossing, post card, haberdashery, personal letter

Shearing Team, 1938, at woolshed of "Fintry" standing in front of triple-A wool bales. Pictured from left are Lewis Whiteway Wills, Guy Rance, Lewis Wills, John Barnes, Jack Meek, Myles Graham, Geoffrey McInnes, Laurie Green and James Wills (right). lake bolac, "fintry", woolshed, shearing team: barnes, graham, green, mcinnes, meek, wills