The Victorian Artists’ Society: 150 years of art

The Victorian Artists’ Society: 150 years of art

October 8, 2020

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

This year the Victorian Artists’ Society, East Melbourne, celebrates its 150th anniversary. We look back at the early years of its artistic journey.

The secrets of Black Rock house

The secrets of Black Rock house

September 29, 2020

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Reference desk, Victorian history:

Learn about the mysteries that have surrounded Black Rock house since its construction over 160 years ago

Little Ships on the Maribyrnong River

World Rivers Day

September 22, 2020

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

We mark World Rivers Day with snapshots of Victorian rivers, celebrating some of their history and the diverse roles they play.

The Show must go on!

The Show must go on!

September 18, 2020

Social life & customs, Such was life:

The Royal Melbourne Show has been cancelled this year so let’s look at how it came to be- and the fun times we can look forward to next year.

The riotous Williams

The riotous Williams

September 17, 2020

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Melbourne’s Elizabeth Street was once a waterway known as Williams Creek. Today, the creek runs underground, but every now and then, it returns with a vengeance…

A tale of two lions

A tale of two lions

September 16, 2020

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

What do Melbourne’s first amusement park, a cafe and a court case have in common? The answer may not be what you think!

Carl Van Vechten photographer QS:P170,Q312851, Roald Dahl, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roald_Dahl.jpg

Happy birthday to Roald Dahl

September 11, 2020

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories:

Most of us are very familiar with the wonderful stories of Roald Dahl, but did you know about his life-saving invention in the field of neuroscience?

To the land of Hope! Mid 19th century voyages from the UK to Victoria.

To the land of Hope! Mid 19th century voyages from the UK to Victoria.

September 2, 2020

Family matters:

Explores some often overlooked aspects of the migrant’s journey, including their motivation for emigrating, making preparations, leaving home for the last time, arriving at the port of departure, the voyage and life on board the ship. 

A turn around the garden: Victorian flora in the State collection

A turn around the garden: Victorian flora in the State collection

August 31, 2020

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Join us for a turn around the garden as we explore depictions of Victorian flora in the Library’s collections.

‘Dear Yat’: postcards from a prime minister

‘Dear Yat’: postcards from a prime minister

August 24, 2020

Politics, Such was life:

A small collection of correspondence provides glimpses of a life-long friendship between Yatala Ovenden and John Curtin, who met while both members of the Victorian Socialist Party.

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.