A modernist pastiche: Matisse’s etchings for Joyce

A modernist pastiche: Matisse’s etchings for Joyce

September 13, 2021

New books, Rare Books & Arts, Visual arts:

Read about an audacious collaboration between Henri Matisse and James Joyce for the Limited Editions Club.

Journey through the collection: swinging ‘60s Melbourne through the lens of Henry Talbot

Journey through the collection: swinging ‘60s Melbourne through the lens of Henry Talbot

September 10, 2021

Collection spotlights, Photography, Visual arts:

Muse over the iconic, mid-century photographs of Henry Talbot. Featuring the fashion and advertising world of 1950s and 60s Melbourne.

Science for Preschoolers

Science for Pre-schoolers on fostering curiosity in children

September 9, 2021

Events, News:

We interviewed co-founder Joelle about what to expect from Playdate at the Library this spring, and how scientific thinking can help kids develop important life skills.

The Wardian case by Luke Keogh

Book extract: The Wardian case by Luke Keogh

September 6, 2021

Announcements, News:

Read an edited extract from previous fellow Luke Keogh’s award-winning book The Wardian case: how a simple box moved plants and changed the world.

Journey through the collection: Rick Amor

Journey through the collection: Rick Amor

September 3, 2021

Collection spotlights, Painting:

These works by Rick Amor depict a quiet Port Phillip Bay, where constructions stand among nature, bearing the stains of passing time.

Bat-Man unmasks fears of moral corruption

Bat-Man unmasks fears of moral corruption

August 31, 2021

Comic books, Our stories, Rare Books & Arts:

In the early hours of Monday the 26th of May 1952, a conspicuous-looking sedan is found patrolling Melbourne’s Bourke Street. To the front and rear of the car, two long aerials are poised ready to intercept any incoming police chatter. The radiator holds a makeshift flag… Read More ›

Read all about it!

Read all about it!

August 30, 2021

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories, Victorian history:

From as far back as the 1850s, newsboys were a common sight on the streets of Melbourne. Most were poor and many were illiterate. But they were not without their friends and allies…

Trim, the Aussie cat

Trim, the Aussie cat

August 26, 2021

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

Adventurous, fearless, bundles of joy, cats have always accompanied their humans on their endeavours and kept their spirits high. This is such a story – Trim, the fearless Aussie cat!

Luke Keogh at the National Wool Museum

In conversation: curator and historian Luke Keogh

August 25, 2021

Collection, News:

Previous Redmond Barry fellow Luke Keogh’s latest book details a fascinating untold story in natural history, and was recently shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s History Award.

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Welfare records at the State Library

August 19, 2021

Family matters, Research tips & tricks:

Welfare records can be a great tool for a family historian! This blog explores the welfare collections held at the State Library, including the Melbourne Benevolent Asylum, Melbourne Orphan Asylum, Gordon Homes for Boys and Girls and more

Such was life

Photographic portrait by Richard Beck of Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980), political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher.

Ailsa O’Connor: highlights of a life of socialist activism, feminism and art

March 23, 2026 2 comments

Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980) was a political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher. Throughout her art career she was a member of the Communist Party and associated with the Socialist Realist Group.

Arts

Photographic portrait by Richard Beck of Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980), political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher.

Ailsa O’Connor: highlights of a life of socialist activism, feminism and art

March 23, 2026 2 comments

Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980) was a political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher. Throughout her art career she was a member of the Communist Party and associated with the Socialist Realist Group.