This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The History of The Pianoforte with an Account of the theory of sound and also of the music and musical inetruments of the ancients Author: Edgar Brinsmead Publisher: Simpkin Marshall & Co Date: 1889 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 786 BRI Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Preface paper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Museum warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the history of the pianoforte, edgar brinsmead

The following is an extract from Warrnambool and District Historical Society Website which explains briefly the Great Exhibition of 1896-97 The Great Industrial and Art Exhibition in Warrnambool in 1896-97 was an exciting affair for the town and the surrounding area. People came from far and wide to be enlightened, educated and entertained, with 70,000 visitors passing through the doors during the three months of the exhibition. Not bad for a town with a population of only 6,500 and a further 9,200 living in the surrounding shire! Planning began at a public meeting attended by 60 people in May 1896 and the exhibition opened in December the same year on the site of the current Light House Theatre. The architects submitted plans for four annexes, complete with turrets, a fernery and a giant flagpole. The site covered 1 acre and included a Marine court, industrial exhibits, an education court, defense and agriculture court, stalls, coach builders, dairy show, an art court and provision for a smorgasbord of various entertainment. (The Story of the Warrnambool Industrial & Art Exhibition 1896-97- E O’Callaghan) This certificate was one of many awards for competency and /or excellence in a wide range of activities and skills. Warrnambool Industrial & Art Exhibition 1896-1897 Competitions-Piano forte solo Gertrude Lewin- prizewinner W J Hickford- Mayor E Lyle Rossiter As a link to one of the biggest events ever held in Warrnambool this item has significant value to the history of Warrnambool. It has social significance also linking a number of names related to the event. Rectangular cardboard. pale cream and aqua background, multi linear gold and deeper aqua border with rounded and right angled corners. An interior border has a swag, linear vertical ribbons with four emblems related to science, labour, arts and industry. Four local black and white photographs, the town council crest and town officials, patron and councillors. An inscription of the prizewinner, event and signatures is written in a cream square in the middle of the certificate.Warrnambool/Industrial & Art Exhibition Opened Dec 21st 1896/ By the Chief Justice of Victoria/ Sir John Madden, K.C.M.G. upper L corner. Closed March 19th 1897/ By the Mayoress of Warrnambool/ Mrs WJ Hickford 'First Order of Merit/ Awarded to Gertrude Lewin/ of Parkville/ for Piano forte Solo (under 15) Signatures of WJ Hickford, President and E Lyle Rossiter, Secretary gertrude lewin, wj hickford, e lyle rossiter, the great warrnambool exhibitiion, warrnambool, pianoforte

Duo Recital, City Hall, Bendigo. Dorothy O'Donahoo, Mezzo Soprano,. Brian Hansford, Baritone. Robin Wright, Pianoforte. Music Advancement Society, Wednesday, 21st March, 1962, 8.15pm. President: L Harvey, Hon. Secretarys: Mary Stanistreet, Madge Edgar. Programme One Shilling. Advertisements: Edgars', F J Every Pty. Ltd., Allan's.Boltons Print., Bendigoprogram, music, music advancement society bendigo, duo recital, city hall, bendigo. dorothy o'donahoo, mezzo soprano. brian hansford, baritone. robin wright, pianoforte. music advancement society, 21st march, 1962. president: l harvey, hon. secretarys: mary stanistreet, madge edgar. programme advertisements: edgars', f j every pty. ltd., allan's.

Large cream, black and red certificate awarded to Mary Foster for Pianoforte Playing from the London College of Music Great Marlborough St. W. At the top is the London College of Music Coat of Arms. It was founded in 1887. Listed at the top are the Patrons, Board of Examination, Examiners and Examiners (Colonial and Foreign Centres). Certificate dated 26th May 1909. Ernest Wood, Examiner and T. Weekes Holmes, Secretary. Decorative artwork consisting of leaves, scrolls, angels and flowers around the edge. A red College seal is in the lower right corner. A black border around the edges. Certificate printed by McCorquodale & Co. Ld. London. On the back is a label: From D. C. Coope & Son, Picture Frame Manufacturers. The Fine Art Gallery. Mitchell Street, Bendigo. Established 1871.document, certificate, music, foster & wilson collection, piano certificate, london college of music, mary foster, ernest wood, t weekes holmes

Document. Music School Examination Certificate. Certificate presented to Gertrude Perry by The Associated Board of The Royal Academy of Music and The Royal College of Music upon passing an examination in Pianoforte, Lower Division. Printed in black on green coloured card. Pupil of Miss M Thomas.person, individual, gertrude perry, gertrude perry collection, music school examination certificate, the royal academy of music, the royal college of music, thomas miss m

Document. Music School Examination Certificate. Distinction Certificate presented to Gertrude Perry by The Associated Board of The Royal Academy of Music and The Royal College of Music for Pianoforte Primary Division. Printed in brown & black on buff coloured card. Pupil of Miss M Thomas.person, individual, gertrude perry, gertrude perry collection, music school examination certificate, the royal academy of music, the royal college of music, thomas miss m

Document. Music School Examination Certificate. Certificate presented to Gertrude Perry by The Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and The Royal College of Music upon passing examination in Pianoforte Elementary Division. Printed in Black on buff coloured card. Pupil of Miss M Thomas.person, individual, gertrude perry, gertrude perry collection, music school examination certificate, the royal academy of music, the royal college of music

Pianoforte Recital, City Hall, Bendigo. Wednesday, August 2nd, 1967. The Music Advancement Society of Bendigo Presents the Third Concert 1967 series. Photograph of Ronald Farren-Price. President: E Beilharz. Joint Hon. Secs. Madge Edgar, Emily Bright. Programme Ten Cents. Next concert Vegh String Quartet, 18th October, 1967 - 8.15 pm. Advertising: Alma Val (Fashions: suits, frocks, sportswear, evening wear, knitwear, coats, etc.),Edgars' Authorised Newsagency, Allan's Music.program, music, music advancement society bendigo, pianoforte recital, city hall, bendigo. august 2nd, 1967. music advancement society of bendigo, third concert 1967 series. photograph of ronald farren-price. president: e beilharz. joint hon. secs. madge edgar, emily bright. programme ten cents. vegh string quartet, 18th october, 1967 - 8.15 pm. advertising: alma val (fashions: suits, frocks, sportswear, evening wear, knitwear, coats, etc.), edgars' authorised newsagency, allan's music.

London College of music certificate. Certificate first class. This is to certify that Catherine Sinclair having duly fulfilled the requirements of the examiner has been awarded the certificate of merit. Subject: Pianoforte Playing . 28/11/1925.ephemera, mementoes, london college of music certificate

London College of music certificate. Certificate first class. This is to certify that Catherine Sinclair having duly fulfilled the requirements of the examiner has been awarded the certificate of merit. Subject: Pianoforte Playing . 19/12/1927.ephemera, mementoes, london college of music certificate

London College of music certificate. Certificate first class. This is to certify that Catherine Sinclair having duly fulfilled the requirements of the examiner has been awarded the certificate of merit. Subject: Pianoforte Playing . 2/12/1926.ephemera, mementoes, london college of music certificate

HAMILTON COLLECTION ; Three certificates awarded to Nancy Hamilton by the Australian Music Examination Board of the Universities of Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmania, Queensland & Western Australia, & The State Conservatorium of Music of New South Wales. 1927 passed with Credit in pianoforte Grade 3. Printed on off white paper with navy blue print, with an intricate border of columns, cherubs, vines, State emblems, & a portrait of Beethoven.person, individual, nancy blyth hamilton

HAMILTON COLLECTION ; Three Certificates on card presented to Nancy Hamilton by the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music upon achieving a pass in pianoforte in 1923. Printed in black with cupids, maidens & arch with Coat of Arms at top. Two printed on green card; one on off white. Markings - Esther E Hunter Hon. Local Representative.person, individual, nancy hamilton

HAMILTON COLLECTION ; Three Certificates on card presented to Nancy Hamilton by the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music upon achieving a pass in pianoforte in 1924. Printed in black with cupids, maidens & arch with Coat of Arms at top. Two printed on green card; one on off white. Markings - Esther E Hunter Hon. Local Representative.person, individual, nancy hamilton

London College of music certificate. Certificate first class. This is to certify that Catherine Sinclair having duly fulfilled the requirements of the examiner has been awarded the certificate of merit. Subject: Pianoforte Playing .ephemera, mementoes, london college of music certificate

An 8 pages book published by the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music for local examinations in music. Official book of Scales (with rhythmical groupings) broken Chords and Aural Tests. School examinations elementary division - Pianoforte. Edited by Oscar Beringer and Thos. F. . Contents: Major Scales - Minor Scales - Broken Chords - Aural Tests - Rhythmical Groupings.books, music, book of scales

Australian music examinations board. Public examinations in music. Conducted by the universities of Melbourne, Adelaide, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia and the State conservatorium of music New south Wales. Pianoforte grade V - 1924 - Issued under the authority of the Australian music examinations board. Price 2/6 Net. the book has 27 pages. Contents: Exercises for gaining control over tone gradations - Exercises beginning with the tonic - With the supertonic - With the mediant - With the subdominant - With the dominant - Exercises introducing thirds - Staccato exercises - Wrist staccato - Easy phrasing exercises - Preparatory contrary motion exercises - Exercises in scale playing - List A - List b March - Bourree - List C sonatina - Rondo - Sonatina - List D elfin dance - Mazurka - A fairy tale.books, music, pianoforte grade v

HAMILTON COLLECTION ; Three Certificates on card presented to Nancy Hamilton by the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music upon achieving a pass in pianoforte in 1922. Printed in black with cupids, maidens & arch with Coat of Arms at top. Two printed on green card; one on off white. Markings - Esther E Hunter Hon. Local Representative.person, individual, nancy hamilton

Sepia toned photo of Pall Mall, pictured within the image are a number of store fronts some of which are John Emery & Co, Melbourne Cash Store, C.C. Evans Pianoforte Harmonica & Music Warehouse, A.Carnduff Tobacconist, Callaway's Boots and Shoes, Beehive Building, Abbot New Times, Shamrock Hotel, markings on rear of image is a comic called 'The Bodgers By The Sea'photograph, landscape, pall mall, john emery & co, melbourne cash store, c.c. evans pianoforte harmonica & music warehouse, a.carnduff tobacconist, callaway's boots and shoes, beehive building, abbot new times, shamrock hotel, pall mall, comic, bodgers by the sea

A photocopy of the programme of The Tour under the Direction J. & N. Tait. On the front page of the programme are the words, ' The Tour under the Direction of J. & N. Tait.. Artists Miss Amy Castles soprano, Mr. Anderson Nicol tenor, Mr. Peter Dawson Basso, Mr. Victor Busst solo pianoforte. On the inside and the back is the programme. Date unknown.program, music, singing, lydia chancellor, collection, ephemera, music, singing, event, concert, amy castles, anderson nicol, peter dawson, victor busst

THREE BUSINESS CARDS WITH INSCRIPTION ON BACK OF TWO CARDS. PIANO 1.5 ORGAN 1.5 SINGING 1.10.1.2 Small cardboard box pale blue .3.4.5 Business Cards MISS F.M. PERRY TEACHER OF PIANOFORTE TERMS IN ADVANCE ORGAN AND SINGINGlocal history, document, cards, trembath, perry

From attached paperwork: 2 medals awarded to Doreen Hooley by the London college Music for Pianoforte Playing 1924 and 1927. Housed in black boxes with blue velvet lining. Marked JA Restall Jeweller Silversmith and Medallist 82 Cambridge St. Birmingham. Doreen St Clair Hooley b Eaglehawk 1912 Father Chas Wood Hooley Mother Margt Helena McMahon Reg No 29117. Married Anthony Taylor Mutton 1940 Reg No 3223. See The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848-1954) http://nla.gov.au/nlanews-page440306 Doreen Hooley Music Award: Medal awarded by the London College of Music for piano playing 1924 Medal encased in blue velvet in square box. Medal is circular with personalised inscription and musical instruments on front. The words "London College Music" and an image of a female kneeling are on the back of the medal. The inside cover of the box has printed "J.A.Restall Jeweller Silversmith and Medallist 82 Cambridge St. Birmingham". Medal is attached to blue velvet within the box by a metal loop. The box has a metal rod and hook fastener to open and close.medals, music, piano, london college of music, restall jeweller

From attached paperwork: 2 medals awarded to Doreen Hooley by the London college Music for Pianoforte Playing 1924 and 1927. Housed in black boxes with blue velvet lining. Marked JA Restall Jeweller Silversmith and Medallist 82 Cambridge St. Birmingham. Doreen St Clair Hooley b Eaglehawk 1912 Father Chas Wood Hooley Mother Margt Helena McMahon Reg No 29117. Married Anthony Taylor Mutton 1940 Reg No 3223. See The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848-1954) http://nla.gov.au/nlanews-page440306 Doreen Hooley Music Award: Medal awarded by the London College of Music for piano playing 1927. Medal encased in blue velvet in square box. Medal is circular with the words "London College Music" and an image of a female kneeling on front. There is a personalised inscription and musical on the back of the medal. The inside cover of the box has printed "J.A.Restall Jeweller Silversmith and Medallist 82 Cambridge St. Birmingham". Medal is attached to a faded ribbon with fancy metal scroll at the top and bottom of the ribbon. The top metal scroll is attached to blue velvet within the box. The box has a metal rod and hook fastener to open and close.medals, music, piano, london college of music, restall jeweller