A taste of home
When we think about Victoria’s food culture we usually associate it with the post World War II migrants who settled here. Their recipes, ingredients and food production techniques helped transform… Read More ›
The triumphant and tragic life of George Coulthard
Family matters, Victorian history:
Australian Rules Football’s first superstar George Coulthard dominated the early days of the Victorian Football Association. A supreme athlete he was also a fine cricketer, both playing and umpiring Test cricket. Sometimes, though sport’s great triumphs collide with life, and life is not always fair.
![Detail of Blinky Bill and Mrs Koala, Dorothy Wall, [between 1933 and 1940?]; H2015.180/28](https://blogs.slv.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/is009117-120x120.jpg)
Blinky Bill: in the Conservation Lab
Collection Care, Conservation:
Blinky Bill has been a favourite amongst Australian children since he first made an appearance in the 1933 book Blinky Bill: The Quaint Little Australian. A collection of drawings by author and illustrator Dorothy Wall (1894–1942) were recently acquired by the Library – several of which have come to the Conservation Lab for assessment and treatment.
The Victorian Artists’ Society: 150 years of art
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
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
World Rivers Day
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!
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
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
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!
Happy birthday to Roald Dahl
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?
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.
