Armistice Day captured in WWI diary
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
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 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
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
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
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
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.
Travel guides for the discerning traveller
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
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.
Banned books
Arts & literature, Our stories:
Throughout history, when those in power have felt threatened by the ‘dangerous’ ideas contained in the pages of books, the offending books have been banned, stripped from shelves, and even burned. But censorship isn’t just a thing of the past. Take a look at prohibited and censored books, old and new.
Such was life
Feasts of Christmas past
What are your favourite festive food memories? Have you ever enjoyed Christmas Day lunch on the beach, up a mountain or aboard a ship? Do you remember pineapple glazed ham? Would you like the 100-year-old recipe for walnut stuffing? The State Library’s historic menus, cookbooks, photos and magazines trace Christmas foods from early colonial tables to the festive flavours celebrated by our diverse migrant communities. Dive in and rediscover your favourite Christmas dishes — or find inspiration for this year’s feast.
Arts
Portraits of Melbourne artists in their studios
John Hinds, an artist, photographer and active ROAR member from 1986 to 1992 spent time capturing artists he personally knew and the spaces that they used to create their works. His photographs captured a unique and often unseen time and place, creating an invaluable insight into the art scene in Melbourne.
