Such was life

Fred Lowen, Dunera boy.

Fred Lowen, Dunera boy.

August 16, 2023

Arts & literature, Collection spotlights, Such was life, Uncategorized, Visual arts, War:

The Dunera internees – the Dunera Boys – made a significant contribution to Australian cultural life – Fred Lowen was one of these men, read on to learn some of his story, and see his evocative artworks.
Image: The potato peelers, H91.350/8

Elevated view of Domed Reading Room, State Library of Victoria, 1984, H84.376/2

The dais in the Dome

July 17, 2023

Buildings & streets, Our stories, People & professions, Such was life, Victorian history:

Once upon a time a staff member sat in the Dais in the La Trobe Reading Room, watching over any chattering public. We asked two long term SLV librarians how this used to work.

Eggs for the sick

Digitising The Sun

May 16, 2023

Collection, Such was life:

The Sun News-Pictorial captured so many Victorian stories. Its extensive coverage of local events, showing familiar places and faces, resonated with Victorians. After 100 years, it’s time to make these stories accessible to all by digitising the daily paper.

Paris is always a good idea

Paris is always a good idea

March 17, 2023

Ask a librarian, Cities & towns, Photography, Reference desk:

Read about the time Paris lost itself in Melbourne. Good thing we found it and gave it back to the world! Here’s the fascinating story of a collection that everyone believed to be lost.

Cheap holiday fares… advertising posters of the Victorian Railways

Cheap holiday fares… advertising posters of the Victorian Railways

January 27, 2023

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Social life & customs, Victorian history:

Let’s take a look at a selection of advertising posters used by the Victorian Railways in the 1930s and 1940s

‘Listen … quick. It’s Mr Whippy!’

‘Listen … quick. It’s Mr Whippy!’

January 20, 2023

Ask a librarian, Social life & customs, Such was life, Victorian history:

There are few sounds as synonymous with the beginning of summer as the strains of a Mr Whippy van floating on the breeze. But who was Mr Whippy really, and how did he get his start in Australia?

Wilsons Promontory – treasure trove and haven

Wilsons Promontory – treasure trove and haven

January 6, 2023

Ask a librarian, Social life & customs, Victorian history:

Wilson’s Prom is a much loved holiday destination. Surrounding visitors with the natural world, a treasure trove and a haven.

Modern dance individualism: the art of Sonia Revid

Modern dance individualism: the art of Sonia Revid

November 22, 2022

Arts & literature, Ask a librarian, Dance, Such was life, Victorian history:

In 1932 Latvian born Sonia Revid brought expressionist dance to Melbourne. In Berlin in 1921 Sonia had studied under Mary Wigman, but developed her own unique style. Her performances included spoken word and introduced Melbournians to modern interpretive dance. She opened a dance school and was a notable figure in the local art scene of the 1930s. Unfortunately she died in 1947 at age 45.

From the Seine to the Yarra: Art Deco in Melbourne

From the Seine to the Yarra: Art Deco in Melbourne

November 15, 2022

Ask a librarian, Buildings & streets:

Are you a lover of Art Deco architecture? Take a tour of Melbourne city and discover the Art Deco gems we have right here.

Independents Day: Collecting the 2022 Federal Election on the Web

Independents Day: Collecting the 2022 Federal Election on the Web

July 24, 2022

Collection spotlights, Federal election, Our stories, Politics, Web Archiving:

When a Federal election approaches, PANDORA web archiving prepares for a massive collection. Each election collection on the web has it’s own character. 2022’s made history.