Collection Care

Broken glass 2: eclectic boogaloo. More imperfect gems from the Pictures Collection

Broken glass 2: eclectic boogaloo. More imperfect gems from the Pictures Collection

November 21, 2024

Ask a librarian, Photography, Preservation:

In ‘Broken Glass (part 1)’, we looked at how the Library captures glass plate negatives, and explored some interestingly damaged photographs from the Library’s collection. In this – part 2 – we look at how the Library houses the negatives and show some more examples of unexpected beauty.

Melodrama in Miniature – the conservation treatment of model set pieces from the 1902 play ‘The Breaking of the Drought’

Melodrama in Miniature – the conservation treatment of model set pieces from the 1902 play ‘The Breaking of the Drought’

February 7, 2024

Collection Care, Conservation:

Theatre in early Melbourne was a vital part of community. Audiences were dazzled by the ambitious set designs of John Brunton, brought to the stage by Bland Holt’s immensely popular theatre company. Some model set pieces for plays such as The Breaking of the Drought have survived this whirlwind, finishing their journey within State Library Victoria’s walls. Careful conservation will allow this legacy to endure for many years to come.

Just digitised: Aileen Brown’s linocuts

Just digitised: Aileen Brown’s linocuts

December 22, 2023

Digitisation, Visual arts:

Explore the wonderful summery artworks of Aileen Brown, and see how her intricate linocut prints are made.

Rosella Preserving Company

Rosella Preserving Company

November 29, 2023

Collection Care, Conservation, Preservation:

Some companies preserve and conserve food stuffs, but here in Collection Care, we preserve and conserve Victoria’s cultural heritage. Which, fittingly enough, now includes archival material from the Rosella Preserving Company, an iconic Australian business celebrated for its sauces, pickles, canned fruits, jams, soups and vegetables. ‘Rosella’ is a name familiar to many households with the colourful parrot logo adorning its products, including the pantry staple tomato sauce.

Careful work for Howard Arkley’s ‘Casual Works’

Careful work for Howard Arkley’s ‘Casual Works’

November 1, 2023

Collection Care, Conservation:

State Library Victoria recently acquired 27 works on paper from Howard Arkley’s 1988 exhibition, Casual Works: Working Drawings, Source Material, Doodles, 1974-1987. This material forms part of a larger collection… Read More ›

Knitting, coding, and the stars: caring for a time-based media artwork in a library collection – Part 2

Knitting, coding, and the stars: caring for a time-based media artwork in a library collection – Part 2

October 9, 2023

Collection Care, Conservation, Preventive conservation:

Through a two-part blog, gain a behind-the-scenes insight into ‘Stargazing’, a contemporary multimedia artwork that was the centrepiece of the Library’s Handmade Universe exhibition. Learn about the process of preparing it for display, a preventive conservation treatment undertaken once the artwork was deinstalled, and considerations for its care and future access.

3D modelling for ‘Beyond the Book’, bringing rare books to life by photogrammetry technique

3D modelling for ‘Beyond the Book’, bringing rare books to life by photogrammetry technique

October 9, 2023

Digitisation, Rare Books & Arts:

Learn more about the meticulous and extensive photogrammetry work undertaken by the Library’s Digital Production team in preparation for the digital exhibition, Beyond the Book: A digital journey through the treasures of the Emmerson Collection.

Conservators prepare rare treasures for new digital exhibition

Conservators prepare rare treasures for new digital exhibition

September 26, 2023

Collection Care, Conservation, Rare Books & Arts:

Come behind-the-scenes and learn how our conservators prepared a range of rare treasures for the new online exhibition, Beyond the Book: A digital journey through the John Emmerson Collection.

A painting shows the residents of the housing commission tower in Flemington during the temporary lockdown in July 2020.

Just digitised: High rise towers

September 22, 2023

Digitisation, Painting:

The painting ‘High rise towers’ looks at the lockdown imposed on the residents of the Flemington commission units in 2020.

Photo: Christian Capurro

Knitting, coding, and the stars: caring for a time-based media artwork in a library collection – Part 1

August 4, 2023

Collection Care, Conservation, Exhibitions:

Through a two-part blog, gain a behind-the-scenes insight into ‘Stargazing’, a contemporary multimedia artwork that was the centrepiece of the Library’s Handmade Universe exhibition. Learn about the process of preparing it for display, a preventive conservation treatment undertaken once the artwork was deinstalled, and considerations for its care and future access.