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. India and Tibet A History of the relations which subsisted between the two countries from the time of Warren Hastings to 1910; with particular account of the Mission to Lhasa of 1904 Author: Sir Francis Younghusband Publisher: John Murray Date: 1910Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 954 YOU Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service 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, india and tibet, sir francis younghusband

Ill, maps, p.288.non-fictionRecounts how the author an Austrian, escaped from the English internment camp in India in 1943 and spent the next seven years in Tibet, observing its social practices, religion, politics, and people. tibet - description and travel, tibet - social life and customs

Index, ill, maps, p.318.non-fictionchina - description and travel, china - missions

Woodblock printing in Tibet began to flourish from the 10th century onwards, driven by the high demand for Buddhist scriptures and images. Monasteries saw woodblock printing as a means to preserve and propagate authentic Buddhist teachings. The durability of woodblocks made them ideal for creating lasting impressions of sacred texts, enabling mass production and wide dissemination.This woodblock print on hand-made paper depicts Gesar, a legendary Tibetan warrior king who is invoked as a protector of the Buddha's teachings and emanation of Padmasambhava. Gesar's image is surrounded by four magical animals - garuda (top left), makara (top right), tiger (bottom left) and snow lion (bottom right). The print is framed using acrylic sheets. padmasambhava, tibetan buddhism, woodblock printing

Woodblock printing in Tibet began to flourish from the 10th century onwards, driven by the high demand for Buddhist scriptures and images. Monasteries saw woodblock printing as a means to preserve and propagate authentic Buddhist teachings. The durability of woodblocks made them ideal for creating lasting impressions of sacred texts, enabling mass production and wide dissemination. Jambhala is a Bodhisattva of material and spiritual wealth often invoked by practitioners seeking to eliminate poverty and remove obstacles and misfortunes.Woodblock print of Jambhala on yellow cloth, created using an old wooden handcrafted printing board from Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet. woodblock printing, buddhist art

Woodblock printing in Tibet began to flourish from the 10th century onwards, driven by the high demand for Buddhist scriptures and images. Monasteries saw woodblock printing as a means to preserve and propagate authentic Buddhist teachings. The durability of woodblocks made them ideal for creating lasting impressions of sacred texts, enabling mass production and wide dissemination.Vajrayogini is considered a female Buddha, embodying the ultimate state of enlightenment. She represents the union of wisdom and compassion and is known for her ability to transform strong passions into enlightened virtues.Woodblock print of Vajrayogini on yellow cloth, created using an old wooden handcrafted printing board from Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet.woodblock printing, buddhist art

A collection of five heavily decorated Tibetan perfume bottles, three with chains.bottles, perfume bottles, containers

B & W waist-length seated photograph of the Dalai Lama."His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet at Claremont College, California, U.S. in 1979"dalai lama

Medals - Four different medals mounted. 1. 1903-04 Tibet medal with Cyomtse Clasp. 2. Medal, Member Order of Australia (replica). 3. General Service Medal with Palestine Clasp. 4. British Red Cross Society Medal for War Service. 1. “R” 2. “4915562 PTE J.W. SPENCER S.STAFF. R”pbt79, pbt84, pbt75to76, r english collection, passchendaele barracks trust

Buddhist protection amulets are deeply rooted in spiritual traditions across Asia, especially in countries like Thailand, Tibet and Nepal. These sacred objects are believed to offer protection, attract good fortune and connect the wearer with enlightened energies.A two-sided amulet with a red cord for wearing. The front features a portrait of the 16th Karmapa, the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Tibetan Buddhism, in ceremonial robes and a distinctive hat. The reverse side features the image of a wrathful deity Mahakala. The rim of the amulet is shaded in gold.worship device

Representing the original Indian pandits (Hindu scholars) who brought Buddhism to Tibet; used in the Cham Dances performed by monks during the Monlam Prayer Festival. A solid wood mask carved in a Tibetan styletibetan buddhism, worship devices, rituals

Presented to the Dalai Lama when he arrived at Bomdila in India after his escape from the Chinese military occupation of Tibet. He was received at the Indo-Tibet border by Har Mander Singh, Political Officer of the Government of India, on 31 March 1959. The Dalai Lama was invited to stay in his home in Bomdila, while the Indian Government made arrangements for an official welcome. The locals made a throne for His Holiness, and next to it was this bowl filled with local fruits. The fruit bowl was presented to the Dalai Lama as a gesture of reverence and welcome at an important time in the history of Tibet. The bowl stands as a quiet witness to the beginning of a new chapter in the Dalai Lama’s life, at the outset of his exile. Painted fruit bowl, made of lacquered wood.dalai lama xiv, ceremonies

A teapot is an essential item in every household, as butter tea is the national beverage in Tibet. Its rich butter content makes it perfect for the harsh climate of the Tibetan plateau. This teapot is richly decorated with turquoise, lapis lazuli and coral–highly valued gemstones in Tibetan culture, believed to have protective and healing properties. The teapot itself is a central part of Tibetan hospitality and social rituals. Ornamental silver teapot inlaid with lapis lazuli, coral and turquoise, with a lid decorated in a similar style. everyday life, silver, gemstones

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna, who emphasized the power of mantra recitation and visualisation.Tibetans believe that spinning the prayer wheel which as thousands or millions of mantras inside is equal to saying that many mantras, while being done in a fraction of the time. This helps accumulate merits, purify negative karma and obstacles on the path to enlightenment. This wheel has a hollow metal cylinder attached to a rod handle, made of ivory (with carved elephants), inlaid with coral and turquoise. Inside the cylinder is a tightly wound scroll printed with numerous mantras and wrapped around a spindle. The cylinder is embossed and decorated with inlaid coral and turquoise. A chain with a small weight at the end (made out of copper alloy) is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun by a slight rotation of the wrist. tibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

Miniature medals, all original, court mounted. 1. Kimberly Star 1900. 2. Tibet Medal 1905. 3. India Medal with Punjab, Tirah and Waziristan Clasp. 4. Queens South Africa Medal with 5 clasps. 5. General Service Medal 1918-1962 with 6 clasps. 6. General Service Medal 1962-2007 with 3 clasps.passchendaele barracks trust, pbt363to368, bob english collection

Gau boxes are ancient religious objects with deep cultural and spiritual significance in Tibet. Worn on a chain around the neck and hung close to the heart, they are believed to ward off negative energy and attract blessings. They open up to a concealed inner space, containing a picture of a deity, a scroll of mantras or sacred relics, blessed by a lama. Large square gau box incrusted with turquoiseritual implements, amulets

Woodblock printing in Tibet began to flourish from the 10th century onwards, driven by the high demand for Buddhist scriptures and images. Monasteries saw woodblock printing as a means to preserve and propagate authentic Buddhist teachings. The durability of woodblocks made them ideal for creating lasting impressions of sacred texts, enabling mass production and wide dissemination. Those involved in the printing process consider their work an offering to the Buddha.White Tara, revered as a compassionate and healing deity, is considered to provide protection, health, and longevity. She embodies the transcendent wisdom that helps practitioners overcome physical and mental suffering. White Tara woodblock print on paper in red ink, created using an old wooden handcrafted printing board from the Derge Sutra Printing House. Framed, sandwiched between acrylic sheets.woodblock printing, buddhist art

Part of the Zakrzewski Collection of spinning wheels donated to the National Wool Museum by Mr Wlodzimierz Zakrzewski. For many years, Mr Zakrzewski collected, researched and repaired spinning wheels from all over the world. This spinning wheel is from the Nepal / Tibet region. Interestingly, the hole in the crank which holds the stick to turn the wheel is extremely worn, demonstrating its lenthy use. It was purchased from Soo-Tze Orientique in Prahran.Part of the Zakrzewski Spinning Wheel collection.handicrafts - history, spinning wheels, highlights of the national wool museum: the zakrzewski spinning wheel collection - exhibition (28/07/2001 - 02/12/2001), zakrzewski, mr wlodzimierz

Woolen rugs were essential to the nomadic culture in Tibet, providing warmth and durability on the high-altitude plateau. They were handwoven from yak wool on a small loom, using the traditional slit-loop technique involving looping the yarn under a warp attached to the loom, and then drawing it toward the weaver and over a metal gauge rod before returning it to the rug and looping around another warp. When a row was finished, the loops of yarn were cut to form a pile.Traditionally rug weaving was not merely a manufacturing process but a cornerstone of Tibetan culture, blending artistic expression with spiritual symbolism and daily practicality. Handwoven coarse brown yak wool rug, sewn by hand from four strips and decorated with tassels of yak hair.everyday life, yaks, products made from yaks

Community newsletter produced by the Shire of Nillumbik for December 1999. Includes articles on a youth project, bicycle bridge at Allendale Road, mayor's message, incuding year's report, Eltham festival, profiles of Councillors, latest acquistion for the Nillumbik Art Collection "Sensory Integration Invention A" by Cathy Smith and other art and culture news, agriculture and the new planning scheme with mention of local businesses. Planning issues with works to "underground" powerlines on the western side of Main Road in Eltham, plans for an environmental reserve in Falkiner Street, Eltham. Articles on radiant heat and new national road rules, Disability access policy, tennis, youth, Bend of Islands, VCAT order to reinstate vegetation removed illegally by an Eltham property owner, roundabout at Wattle Glen, and road sealing works.council newsletters, nillumbik news, nillumbik shire council, shire of nillumbik, youth, st helena secondary college, eltham high school, eltham college, eltham festival, vika bull, linda bull, paul french, dianne bullen, cr. phillip hughes, julie barber, nillumbik art collection, gayle knight, monty osewald, robyn harris, john harris, alec sutherland, falkiner street, jessica monk, kristian turner, gyuto monks of tibet, gyuto monks, haydie gooder, brougham street, radiant heat, road rules, disability, bend of islands, carol bonny, alan bonny, felicity faris, wattle glen, cr. bill penrose, norman golgerth, andre haemeyer, chris doherty, john munday

A reproduction of a rare portrait of the Dalai Lama in a pith helmet, worn when travelling during his visit to China in 1954 when he was 19 years old.There are very few photographs of the 14th Dalai Lama from his trip to China, which was his first foreign visit outside Tibet. The Dalai Lama toured various parts of China and held discussions with the Chinese leadership about the future of Tibet, aiming to foster better relations between Tibet and China. His efforts were unsuccessful. Framed colour reproduction of a photograph on a polyester cloth canvasbuddhist art, tibetan buddhism, dalai lama xiv

Tsatsas are small votive tablets shaped like deities, stupas, or sacred symbols. Buddhists may vow to create 100,000 tsatsas for purification and merit. These can be placed as an offering in holy sites, home altars, or gau boxes. Traditionally made of clay using moulds, tsatsas are dried, decorated, and blessed with mantras.Portable nature of tsatsas allows them to accompany practitioners on journeys, providing spiritual protection and serving as a focus for prayer and meditation. Due to their inexpensive production and portability, tsatsas made a great contribution to the spread of Buddhism in Tibet. This tsatsa is of the Buddha in a sitting position, accompanied by two standing figures. The Buddha is richly adorned with delicate carvings around it. The tsatsa features inscriptions in an ancient script.buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or common religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. A thangka is a composite three-dimensional object consisting of a picture panel which is painted or embroidered; a brocade mounting; and one or more of the following: a silk cover, leather corners, wooden dowels at the top and bottom and metal or wooden decorative knobs on the bottom dowel. Guru Padmasambhava (meaning 'Lotus-born', signifying his mythical origin as a being emerging from a lotus flower), also known as Guru Rinpoche, is seen as a manifestation of Buddha Shakyamuni. His teachings and legacy are deeply ingrained in Tibetan culture as he was responsible for bringing advanced Buddhist Tantric teachings to Tibet in the 8th century.A Tibetan thangka depicting Guru Padmasambhava. Framed in a traditional silk brocade border; a wooden dowel is inserted in a sleeve along the bottom edge of the fabric frame. buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects