Archive for October, 2018

Armistice Day, corner of Collins and Swanston Streets, Melbourne 1918

Armistice Day captured in WWI diary

October 31, 2018

Our stories:

With the announcement of the World War I armistice on 11 November 1918, many soldiers felt both joy and disbelief. Stretcher-bearer Percy Samson captured it in his diary.

Max Meldrum, the Meldrumites and Montsalvat

Max Meldrum, the Meldrumites and Montsalvat

October 31, 2018

Painting, Rare Books & Arts, Visual arts:

One of Australia’s most famous artists of the time, Max Meldrum even had followers with their own nickname, the Meldrumites. But with his vocal opinions he was not without detractors and controversy. Read about his influence on the artists that formed Montsalvat.

The three musketeers of the Golden Age of children’s book illustration

The three musketeers of the Golden Age of children’s book illustration

October 24, 2018

Our stories:

The Robinson brothers, Thomas, Charles and William Heath delighted in referring to themselves as the three musketeers. They spent much of their early adult life in their father’s studio and later shared studios with one another, all three establishing themselves as book illustrators.

Giant student artworks transform State Library

Giant student artworks transform State Library

October 16, 2018

Announcements, News:

Larger-than-life unicorns, futuristic creatures and vibrant flowers bring to life State Library Victoria’s facade with the unveiling of an artwork spanning 27 metres by RMIT student Caro Pattle.

New listening post sounds in Arts

New listening post sounds in Arts

October 11, 2018

Film, Music, Rare Books & Arts:

There are some great new arrivals in pop, rock, film soundtracks, opera and classical featuring the following additions to the Library’s music collection, currently showcased on our wonderful new listening posts in the Arts Reading Room.

2018 Victorian Community History Award winners announced

2018 Victorian Community History Award winners announced

October 10, 2018

Our stories:

A book about the history of mental health during the gold rush in Victoria has been awarded top prize at the 2018 Victorian Community History Awards.

Discover your transformed State Library

Discover your transformed State Library

October 3, 2018

Library services, News:

As well as opening new spaces and entrances at the Library, we’ve introduced new ways of interacting with Library staff, collections and services. Get to know your Library with this guide to what’s new.

Pyramids and Sphinx, Egypt, H2002.80/6

Travel guides for the discerning traveller

October 1, 2018

Our stories:

When you step outside your comfort zone to explore the world, suddenly a little book is the only safety blanket you’ve got. Whether the iconic red bindings of a Murray or Baedeker, or a dogeared Lonely Planet, travel guides have been clutched in the hands of discerning travellers the world over. Discover their varied forms in our collection.

The ancient art of bellringing

The ancient art of bellringing

October 1, 2018

Social life & customs, Such was life:

The ancient art of bellringing is harder than it looks. Bellringers require confidence and stamina, not to mention an excellent memory.