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 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent 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 have 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 1850s to the late 1950s 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. The Master Passion Author: Guy de Maupassant. Translated by Majorie Laurie Publisher: T Werner Laurie Ltd Date: 1949 The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 843.8 MAU Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service 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, the master passion, guy de maupassant, majorie laurie

Jeanette Perkins was born in 1927 at Ballarat. She attended Alfredton State School and Pleasant Street State School before completing her secondary schooling at Ballarat High School (BHS). During her later years at BHS Perkins decided that she wanted to become a geologist, but was ineligible for university when she failed Leaving Certificate maths. She attended an interview with the principal (Heseltine) at the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) and announced that she wanted to be a geologist. Heseltine was, according to Perkins, aghast: he informed her that there had never been a female geologist at SMB and they didn't want one. But Perkins persisted. Only then did Heseltine reluctantly enrol her in the School's Applied Chemistry Course which offered the most geological subjects, moreover, it was the only one he considered available to a 'mere' female. After graduating Perkins was employed as a metallurgical chemist with M.B. Johns Valves, Ballarat. In 1949 she married Alfred Watson. In 1951 Jeanette and Alf Watson moved to Melbourne where she commenced work as a metallurgical chemist at the Maribyrnong Ordnance Factory while studying geology part time: Alf returned to study at the University of Melbourne. Once again, Watson set a precedent by becoming the first female student to study geology part-time at the Melbourne Technical College. Increasing demands brought about by her growing family, she turned to part-time lecturing second and third year stratigraphy and palaeontology at RMIT. In 1957 the Watsons moved to the Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine in NW Queensland where he was appointed electrical design engineer. After their return to Melbourne in 1960, Jeanette taught herself to SCUBA dive and quickly developed a passion for the sport and the marine environment. She taught senior science to secondary students for 10 years whilst working towards a Masters degree. In 1991 Jeanette Watson was awarded a Doctorate from Deakin University.women of note, ballarat school of mines, alfredton state school, pleasant street state school, ballarat high school, leaving certificate maths, interview with principal, heseltine, geologist, applied chemistry course, no female geologists, metallurgical chemist, married 1949, melbourne, ordinance factory, part time study, melbourne technical college, rmit, part time lecturer, scuba diving, science teacher for ten years, masters degree, doctorate, deakin university

Owen 'Doc' Matthews is remembered for his spectacular Grand Prix dressage exhibitions with his horse Aintree Boy, performed to music under spotlights at Melbourne Royal Show from 1965-1975. He also performed at smaller country shows. Doc Matthews was born in the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy in 1923, during the Great Depression. He and his brother Paddy were placed in a foster home and then in a Geelong orphanage before being put to work at a dairy farm. Doc was given an elderly piebald mare to ride, which ignited his passion for horses. When he was 16, he enlisted in World War 2 but captured by the Japanese and ended up working on the Burma Railway, spending years as a prisoner of war in the notorious Changi Prison. Doc joined Victoria Police in 1952 and by 1962 was chief horse master and riding instructor in the mounted branch. He drilled teams to perform musical rides and horses and riders were always turned out to perfection. Doc and Aintree Boy became a partnership after the horse had been used in the mounted branch for four years. Doc decided to try his hand at dressage and as there were few instructors, trained Aintree Boy with nothing to go by but a couple of books and film of a single dressage competition. Owen 'Doc' Matthews was truly a pioneer of Grand Prix dressage in Australia. ( ref. TOPHORSE )Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.A square shaped ticket for Orbost Show - Monday, March 10th 1975. It is on white card with blue print.Orbost Wonder Horse "Aintree Boy". Monday, March 10th 1975aintree-boy dressage equestrian matthews-owen

Harold Brocklebank Herbert (16.09.1891-1945) Harold Herbert was one of the first pupils at the school starting in 1891, commencing as a 15 years old he studied Applied Design and Architecture at the Ballarat Technical School of design attached to the Ballarat Fine Art Galery, transferring to the Ballarat Technical Art school attached to the Ballarat School of Mines. He was a certificated Art Teacher with the Victorian Education Department. His talents were identified by Ballarat’s Ponsonby Carew-Smith who rose to become Art Inspector with the Victorian Education Department. His teaching career included being appointed Principal of the Sale Technical Art School in 1898. Harold Herbert undertook further studies in England returning to Ballarat with all new entrepreneurial ideas. He worked at the Ballarat Technical Art School between 1915-19. Harold Herbert was involved with the design of the Ballarat Arch of Victory, and was responsible for the reproductions in ‘The Education Department’s Record of War Service. Had been principal of the Sale Technical Art School since 1898, and had undertaken further studies in England returning to Ballarat with all sorts of entrepreneurial ideas. In 1924 the Ballarat School of Mines Students’ Magazine reported “We are perfectly safe in claiming on behalf of our school, that no institution of its kind has turned out a greater number of men and women students who have since “made good” while some have achieved enviable prominence in the world of art. Amongst these later, the most brilliant is Harold B. Herbert whose work is so widely and justly appreciated throughout Australia and whose achievements are watched by his old school with the greatest pride. He commenced at the School when he was about 15 years of age, and followed a course of training very similar to what most students are doing the most valuable qualities shown by him during his career as a student were a passion for drawing and a capacity for taking pains, so essential in all artwork. He was appointed as Assistant Art Teacher at Ballarat on completion of his course, and later assistant in the office of Art Inspector. All of his spare time was devoted to out-door sketching and commercial drawing and he showed an ability in practical design for various crafts quite equal to the ability he has since displayed in depictive art. His return to this School as senior master and his departure to devote himself entirely to fine art are quite recent happenings with which all students are familiar. The wonderful exhibition he held in Melbourne on return from a sketching trip abroad has place him amongst the leading artists of Australia. Upon his death in 1945 the Ballarat School of Mines Student's Magazine recorded: "The death of the famous water-colour artist, Harold Herbert, will be a distinct loss to art in Australia. he was educated at the Ballarat Art School which it was situated in Sturt Street, and the gave promise of becoming a famous artist then. his talents were recognised, and in water-colour work he quickly made a name for himself. his landscapes in water-colour are in the principle galleries of the world, and many of them are to be found in the Ballarat gallery and in other provincial galleries. In 1941 he was appointed official war artist for the COmmonwealth, and he served in the Middle East and Syria. Exhibitions of his war pictures have been seen at different times in Melbourne."Portrait of a young man in a suit. He is Harold Brocklehurst Herbert, staffmember of the Ballarat Technical Art School (a division of the Ballarat Technical Art School). The photograph is a detail of the Ballarat School of Mines Magazine Committee, 1919. (http://victoriancollections.net.au/items/54923a682162f116140de59c)harold herbert, harold b. herbert, harold brocklebank herbert, ballarat school of mines, ballarat technical art school, art, arch of victory

'Home' is a symbol of hopes, dreams, comfort, love, family and future. It is both a place and an idea, nor does it remain in time and space. It can also represent a time of sadness , fear and loss. Through the roller-coaster of the past year, I have used a series of homes belonging to family and friends. Each artwork of home tells a different story about its occupants, their story, and what home mean to them. Sarah CANHAM Sarah has had a life-long love of creative arts and a passion for nature she has pursued in her career. She has a Bachelor Applied Science degree from Charles Sturt University, a Masters of Environment from University of Melbourne, and works in natural resource management and conservation. Studying part time Sarah Canham completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts at Federation University Arts Academy in 2021. Her art is an expression of the awe she has for the natural world, and concerns for the future, including for our indigenous culture, and native flora and fauna in Australia. She also reflects on the current and past women and mother artists who have experienced the challenge of juggling art, career and motherhood, and have been under-represented in the arts community for millennia.Three handbuilt, slab construction, stoneware formsceramics, sarah canham, dvc art award, alumni

Jeff WOODGER Born Melbourne, Victoria Jeff studied art at La Trobe University in 1986, and a Graduate Diploma in teaching in 1989. He worked as a teacher from 1990 to 1998. In 1994 Jeff was awarded a Master of Arts from La Trobe University. He then studied at the prestigious Slade School, London and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. Jeff Woodger completed a Doctor of Philosophy (Fine Art) at University of Ballarat (now Federation University) in 2006. This work was part of the exhibition assessment for this study. Jeff Woodger has lived and worked in Japan regularly since 1994. His passion is to paint post romantic landscapes in the classical style which are deeply inspired by many of the seventeenth century greats such as Claude Lorraine and Salvator Rosa. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed oil on paper landscape with river in the foreground.art, artwork, jeff woodger, alumni, landscape, available

Jeff WOODGER Born Melbourne, Victoria Jeff studied art at La Trobe University in 1986, and a Graduate Diploma in teaching in 1989. He worked as a teacher from 1990 to 1998. In 1994 Jeff was awarded a Master of Arts from La Trobe University. He then studied at the prestigious Slade School, London and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. Jeff Woodger completed a Doctor of Philosophy (Fine Art) at University of Ballarat (now Federation University) in 2006. This work was part of the exhibition assessment for this study. Jeff Woodger has lived and worked in Japan regularly since 1994. His passion is to paint post romantic landscapes in the classical style which are deeply inspired by many of the seventeenth century greats such as Claude Lorraine and Salvator Rosa. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.art, artwork, clunes, landscape, artist, jeff woodger, alumni

Nino Corda was a Geelong based textile designer who worked at various textile mills between 1957 & 2003. He travelled the world in search of the latest fashions and techniques and developed timeless designs that were much loved by Australians. These items are on rotational display at the National Wool Museum’s ‘In the Factory’ exhibition. For many years, Nino also worked as part of the Honorary Staff of the National Wool Museum. His passion for the world of textiles provided energy and knowledge to the visitors and staff of the museum. Although Nino has now retired from his honorary position and has hung up his Australian Tartan vest, these items will continue to serve the community in sharing the stories of Australian Textile design. This notebook contains information on how to calculate and enlarge a small sample pattern into a larger textile. It is a hand-written notebook that was passed from a master to an apprentice. This notebook is written in German and belonged to George Snchabel and was given to Nino Corda, who eventually donated it to the National Wool Museum. Nino only spoke basic German so many of the passages of writing were lost to him, regardless the illustrations and little bits of German he did know made this a useful resource which was often looked upon for inspiration and guidance.The notebook has a black cover on both the front and back with no writing. The spine is in bad condition and is being held together by three strips of tape. Internally, the pages have faded to a pale peach colour with a background blue square pattern. The notebook is completed with black ink used for writing and illustration. Occasional red ink is used for highlighting and illustration.textile calculations, textile design

Nino Corda was a Geelong based textile designer who worked at various textile mills between 1957 & 2003. He travelled the world in search of the latest fashions and techniques and developed timeless designs that were much loved by Australians. These items are on rotational display at the National Wool Museum’s ‘In the Factory’ exhibition. For many years, Nino also worked as part of the Honorary Staff of the National Wool Museum. His passion for the world of textiles provided energy and knowledge to the visitors and staff of the museum. Although Nino has now retired from his honorary position and has hung up his Australian Tartan vest, these items will continue to serve the community in sharing the stories of Australian Textile design. Once a pattern has been selected for mass production, a master card is produced. A mastercard shows exactly how to replicate the designs and colours depicted on the sample attached. “Ends” is the technical word to describe a vertical band and “picks” describes a horizontal band.Brown card with fabric sample stapled to the top right. Writing is present on the left and bottom of the card detailing the information applicable to the design of attached fabric. 14 individual Masetercards in collectiontextile calculations, textile design

Interpretation of the Gervasoni farms at Yandoit Creek using a fauvist colour palette.Lisa J. GERVASONI Born Melbourne, Victoria Graduating from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology where she received a Bachelor of Applied Science-Planning, and the University of Melbourne with a Master of Environmental Studies Lisa Gervasoni's artwork reflects her passion for the landscape and built form. Lisa Gervasoni specialises in photography, embroidery and acrylic paintings on canvas. Many of her works have the theme of interpretation of heritage and cultural spaces. Dedicated to recording cultural heritage in situ Lisa Gervasoni has used photography to document urban areas, heritage sites and natural resources of Australia.She has provided over 70,000 images to the National Library of Australia Trove database via the Flickr portal. In 2004 Lisa Gervasoni won the Daylesford Small Art Prize for an embroidered depiction of the Savoia Hotel in Hepburn Springs, and in 2022 she was shortlisted in the Harden Landscape prize. Her art mediums are photography, embroidery and acrylic on canvas. Many of her works have a theme of interpretation of heritage and cultural spaces. abstract, modernPainted stretched canvas depicting an abstract aerial oblique of Yandoit Creek, Victoria.gervasoni farm yandoit creek, lisa gervasoni, yandoit creek, italo-australians

I have been interested in urban design and landscape since a child. My early fascination with maps corresponded to early mark making inspired by maps, topography, legends and aerial depictions. This developed into the use of a bold colour palette often used by map makers to delineate sections, contours and geology. Over time I experimented with a range of techniques and enjoy pushing expected techniques and materials to their limits. Often referred to as having a natural aesthetic, my works use various media, most often paint, textiles and photography. Lisa J. GERVASONI Born Melbourne, Victoria Graduating from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology where she received a Bachelor of Applied Science-Planning, and the University of Melbourne with a Master of Environmental Studies Lisa Gervasoni's artwork reflects her passion for the landscape and built form. Lisa Gervasoni specialises in photography, embroidery and acrylic paintings on canvas. Many of her works have a theme of interpretation of heritage and cultural spaces. Dedicated to ensuring Lisa Gervasoni has used photography to document urban areas, heritage sites and natural resources of Australia.She has provided over 70,000 images to the National Library of Australia Trove database via the Flickr portal. In 2004 Lisa Gervasoni won the Daylesford Small Art Prize for an embroidered depiction of the Savoia Hotel, and in 2022 she was shortlisted in the Harden Landscape prize. Her art mediums are photography, embroidery and acrylic on canvas. Many of her works have a theme of interpretation of heritage and cultural spaces. A depiction of the Dean Store in stitchery. lisa gervasoni, dean, dean store, stichery, textiles, embroidery

Ill, bib, index, p.500.non-fictionThe epic story of the Boer War and Harry 'Breaker' Morant: drover, horseman, bush poet - murderer or hero? Most Australians have heard of the Boer War of 1899 to 1902 and of Harry 'Breaker' Morant, a figure who rivals Ned Kelly as an archetypal Australian folk hero. Born in England and emigrating to Queensland in 1883 in his early twenties, Morant was a charming but reckless man who established a reputation as a rider, polo player and writer. He submitted ballads to The Bulletin that were published under the name 'The Breaker' and counted Banjo Paterson as a friend. When appeals were made for horsemen to serve in the war in South Africa, Morant joined up, first with the South Australian Mounted Rifles and then with a South African irregular unit, the Bushveldt Carbineers. In September 1901 Morant and two other Australians, Lieutenants Peter Handcock and George Witton, were arrested for the murder of Boer prisoners. Morant and Handcock were court-martialled and executed in February 1902 as the Boer War was in its closing stages, but the debate over their convictions continues to this day. Does Breaker Morant deserve his iconic status? Who was Harry Morant? What events and passions led him to a conflict that was essentially an Imperial war, played out on a distant continent under a foreign flag? Was he a scapegoat for British war crimes or a criminal himself? With his trademark brilliant command of story, Peter FitzSimons unravels the many myths and fictions that surround the life of Harry Morant. The truths FitzSimons uncovers about 'The Breaker' and the part he played in the Boer War are astonishing - and, in the hands of this master storyteller, make compelling reading. boer war 1899-1901 - history, boer war 1899-1902 - biography

Hard cover book, A Dog of Flanders Author: Ouida (Maria Louise Ramé) Publisher: George Robertson Date: 1873 Further Information: Blue cloth hardcover and spine with spine lettering in black texter. The spine has a Library label with inscription. fictionA Dog of Flanders (originally published in 1872) is a deeply moving, bittersweet story set in Belgium. It follows Nello, an impoverished orphan boy with a passion for art, and Patrasche a loyal, cart-pulling, abandoned, and abused draft dog whom Nello and his gentle grandfather, Jehan Daas, rescue and nurse back to health. The story focuses on the bond between Nello and Patrasche as they become inseparable, helping the aging Jehan pull a milk cart into Antwerp each day to earn a meagre living. Nello longs to become a great painter like the Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens. His only hope is to win a prestigious local drawing contest with a portrait he has laboured over. After a series of devastating setbacks his grandfather passes away, they are evicted, and Nello loses the drawing competition he and Patrasche his cart pulling dog seek shelter from a freezing Christmas Eve blizzard inside the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp. There, Nello finally gazes upon Rubens’s shielded masterpieces, The Descent from the Cross and The Elevation of the Cross. The story ends sadly as, the next morning, the loyal dog and the young boy are found frozen to death, locked in a final embrace in front of the altar.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, a dog of flanders, ouida, maria louise ramé, marie louise de la ramée