Articles by: News Editor

The Biography Index

The Biography Index

October 18, 2012

People & professions, Such was life:

Have you been researching an elusive Victorian ancestor, only to get stuck when you try to find out more about their life? Are you looking for long-forgotten interviews with prominent… Read More ›

Welcome

Welcome

October 17, 2012

Such was life:

Welcome to the State Library of Victoria’s Such was life blog. Here we’ll explore both new and historic Library collections that relate to Australia’s past. We’ll showcase our favourite items,… Read More ›

Magic Pamphlets in the Alma collection

Magic Pamphlets in the Alma collection

July 6, 2012

Performing Arts, Rare Books & Arts:

One of the delights of the WG Alma Conjuring Collection is a collection of magic pamphlets. They cover a wide array of conjuring techniques from training doves and showmanship to… Read More ›

Save your census!

August 4, 2011

Family matters, Research guides:

Historic census records include a bounty of genealogical details which bring family histories to life. Census records can illuminate where people lived and who they lived with, what kind of work they did, and provide… Read More ›

What was Sir Donald Bradman doing in 1953?

What was Sir Donald Bradman doing in 1953?

July 19, 2011

Collections, Family matters:

According to the Passenger lists leaving the UK 1890 to 1960 available on findmypast.co.uk he and his wife were travelling first class on board the Oronsay, bound for his home… Read More ›

British parliamentary papers & your family history

June 8, 2011

Collections, Family matters, Research tips & tricks, Websites:

British parliamentary papers might seem an unlikely source of information about your family’s history, but they are well worth digging in to. Bearing in mind how far the British Empire… Read More ›

Finding early Australian census records

Finding early Australian census records

January 6, 2011

Family matters, Research guides, Research tips & tricks:

Finding early Australian census records, using the Library’s new online research guide.

Speaking of the Baroque

Speaking of the Baroque

September 15, 2010

Rare Books & Arts:

If you’ve been watching  Waldemar Januszczak’s three-part series on the Baroque, on ABC1, you’ll no doubt be disappointed there are no more opulent episodes of OTT arty eye candy to… Read More ›

Vintage TV magic

Vintage TV magic

July 30, 2010

Rare Books & Arts, Television:

Elegant tuxedos, droll patter and effortless prestidigitation abound in a series of dvds from the Miracle Factory, celebrating magic in the early days of television.   Early TV Magic Among… Read More ›

Plastic bags in Arts

Plastic bags in Arts

July 21, 2010

Film, Rare Books & Arts:

Proof you can make art from anything. still from Plastic Bag, 2010, from Futurestates TV This wonderful little film, by Ramin Bahrani and narrated by Werner Herzog, deserves to be… Read More ›