Understanding Spring Street End
Get the inside story on one of our permanent artworks.
New: La fin du monde
News:
New to our collection, ‘La fin du monde’ (1919) is a true work of art, featuring spectacular illustrations by French Modernist Fernand Léger.
Our favourites
Hear our staff members reveal their favourites from the Library’s collection.
The beginning
Welcome to our new blog channel, Our stories – uncover treasures from our collection and come behind the scenes to meet Library insiders.
A new look for the Library
News:
You may have noticed that we look a little different? Let us introduce you to the State Library’s new look.
Press photography exhibition launch
News:
Showcasing incredible moments captured by Australia’s top press photographers, the 2014 Nikon-Walkley Press Photography exhibition launched at the Library.
Martha Needle – Melbourne’s 19th century serial poisoner
People & professions, Such was life:
In 1894, Martha Needle was sentenced to death for the murder of her prospective brother in law, Louis Juncken, and executed in the Old Melbourne Gaol. She was also said to have poisoned her husband Henry, their three daughters Mabel, Elsie and May, as well as attempting to murder Herman Juncken.
Victoria’s early horse trams
Social life & customs, Such was life:
In 1884 Melbourne’s first tramway- a horse tramway in Fairfield- was built to promote land sales in the area (100 years of Melbourne’s trams, pg 1). Two horses pulled a carriage containing… Read More ›
Overheard at Grasslands
News:
The Library’s steps have been covered in native grasses for the last month – hear what Melbourne thinks as the Grasslands installation comes to a close.
New: The diggers ten commandments
News:
There’s a new piece in our historic collection – discover this light-hearted set of rules for diggers, which was circulated in the Victorian goldfields.
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.
