Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
powerpicks
O2 From the director Trustees
03 Powerpicks
Dr Nicholas G Pappas,
President
The Museum bids farewell to the director
contents
06 Australian Design Awards Dr Anne Summers AO,
Deputy President
Kevin Fewster with a memento of sydney.
07 New acquisition: Amadio and Chugg flutes
issue 87 08 New exhibition: Diana Professor Shirley Alexander
Mr Mark Bouris
10 Ship models
Ms Trisha Dixon
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER 07 11 Members news Mr Mark Nicholaeff
12 Members calendar Ms Margaret Seale
Mr Anthony Sukari
14 Members scene Ms Judith Wheeldon
15 Fashion from fleece
Senior Management
16 A world class wool collection
Jennifer Sanders, Acting Director
18 The Bosdyk dolls house Mark Goggin, Associate Director,
Operations and Services
20 Bill Bush: an altruistic attachment dr Fewster was presented with
Kevin Sumption, Associate Director, Two Photographic Prints from
21 Powerhouse Discovery Centre news Exhibitions, Projects and Planning the museum's Tyrrell collection,
'Pyrmont Bridge' (left) and
22 Sydney Observatory news Dominic Curtin, Associate Director, 'Australian Waratahs', Kerry & co,
Sydney, early 1900s. 85/1284
Finance and Systems
23 Corporate partners
24 Exhibitions at a glance
This is my last Director’s Museum’s history: Star Wars Sydney Observatory will
Column in Powerline. After and Lord of the Rings) and be invaluable. Another not
of the Australian National Appropriately staged near
feel the Museum has made leaving behind many, many These included the ‘splendid
Maritime Museum in Sydney. the iconic Boulton and Watt
considerable strides forward friends — personal and history’ published for the Acting Director Jennifer Sanders at the launch of Sydney design 07.
Thus my move to the world’s steam engine, the occasion Photo by pru upton.
across most areas of our professional. Thank you to Museum’s 125th anniversary,
largest maritime museum was an opportunity for guests
operations. I must say I take everyone who has supported securing the Museum’s role
at Greenwich is, in many to reflect on the Museum’s
special pride in the creation me during my time as in the NSW rail heritage Deputy Director Jennifer She writes ‘I am delighted to
respects, a natural progression achievements in the last
of the Powerhouse Discovery Powerhouse Museum Director. program and fostering Sydney Sanders has been appointed be taking on the role of acting
for me. The National Maritime seven and a half years.
Centre at Castle Hill, the
revitalisation of Sydney
Museum also oversees the
It has been a truly great
experience. I hope you will
Describing Dr Fewster as
Observatory, now preparing meet the acting Director to lead the
Museum while recruitment for
Director with many exciting
projects ahead including the
for its 150th anniversary
Observatory, our staging of
historic Royal Observatory,
home of the Prime Meridian
continue to support this great
‘industrious’, President of the
Trust Dr Nicholas Pappas
stronger and more popular acting the next Powerhouse Director Diana exhibition, the Space
many wonderful exhibitions Museum. goes on. An international revamp, Sydney Observatory’s
(including the two most
and Greenwich Mean Time,
Dr Kevin Fewster AM
recalled his many significant
initiatives including the Great
than ever. Mark Goggin
also spoke, on behalf of the director recruitment firm has been 150th anniversary and the
so my experience with
powerhousemuseum.com popular exhibitions in the
Wall of China exhibition,
associate directors, adding contracted to carry out the
search to ensure the best
continued development of
the Powerhouse Discovery
the word ‘passion’ to the list
the Powerhouse Discovery
of qualities mentioned so far. possible candidates are Centre. The Powerhouse is
Centre, and the Powerhouse
This he said had characterised considered. Jennifer Sanders about people and their lives
Front Cover Diana, Princess Where to find us Powerline is produced by the Print Media Department Foundation. He congratulated
of Wales. Photo by Mario Dr Fewster’s leadership on has been a staff member of over time and across cultures.
Testino. of the Powerhouse Museum Dr Fewster on his new
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney projects facing significant the Museum for almost 30 It has always held a special
appointment and concluded
Opening hours 10.00 am – 5.00 pm every day (except Christmas PO Box K346, Haymarket NSW 1238 challenges. ‘Your leadership’ he years, holding the position of place in the community and I
by saying it was a credit to him
Day). School holiday opening hours 9.30 am – 5.00 pm Editor: Tracy Goulding said ‘has instilled us with your Deputy Director for the last six look forward to fostering this
and indeed to the Powerhouse
Editorial coordinator: Deborah Renaud passion inspiring us to deliver with particular responsibility for relationship with visitors young
Contact details that he was moving on to such
Design: Triggerdesign exceptional achievements the Museum’s collection and and old.’
Postal address: PO Box K346, Haymarket NSW 1238 a renowned institution as the
Photography: Powerhouse Museum unless otherwise stated. in the future of this august regional programs.
National Maritime Museum in
Telephone (02) 9217 0111 Every effort has been made to locate owners of copyright for the images Museum.’
in this publication. Any inquiries should be directed to the Rights and
Greenwich.
Infoline (02) 9217 0444, Education (02) 9217 0222
Permissions Officer, Powerhouse Museum.
The Powerhouse Museum, part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
ISSN 1030-5750 © Trustees of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
also incorporating Sydney Observatory, is a NSW government cultural institution.
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Dr Kevin Fewster, and Deputy
New signage in the Museum. generations. The AM. John also played on the
Photo by Geoff Friend. 1901 Estey upright piano made
annual appeal in America and restored by John Foreman with his own
Jennifer Sanders presents the grand piano. Feet were definitely
Powerhouse Museum Design Award
to Robbie Wells and Lee Liston
takes place in the Mastertouch Piano Roll not allowed on the Museum’s
pianos in the Sounds in store
Company in Sydney.
of 4design and Martin Dillon of
Polartechnics at the Australian
September. concert! Photo courtesy John
Foreman.
Design Awards ceremony in The Museum recently acquired
Melbourne in May. Photo courtesy
Australian Design Awards.
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clever design
Each year since 1992 the Melbourne-based Catalyst clean water into the tank.
Powerhouse Museum has Design Group and Knog. The Frogmouth filter provides
displayed a selection of a low maintenance, visually
The SolarScan device for The Powerhouse Foundation is fast approaching
finalists and award-winning appealing alternative to
detecting melanoma received an important milestone —September 2007
designs from the annual existing products.
the inaugural Powerhouse marks our third birthday and is the month of
Australian Design Awards. The
Museum Design Award. The Six of the finalists and winners our Annual Appeal. According to its charter,
display demonstrates how
device uses a high-resolution from the student award the Foundation will soon be able to draw upon
innovation and design work to
digital camera mounted in a category are also displayed. some of the funds earned from the endowment
make our everyday lives easier,
hand piece to capture images Two students have addressed to purchase a significant item for the collection.
safer or more sustainable
of suspect lesions. SolarScan methods for firefighting As well as highlighting the Foundation’s
— and often more stylish
was developed over more than — the ‘FireEye’ unmanned birthday, this acquisition will provide us
too. We may not be aware of
it but we’re surrounded by
ten years by Sydney-based aerial vehicle for monitoring The Museum has recently acquired the instruments with extended opportunities to promote the
company Polartechnics in bushfires and the ‘Sentinel’ Foundation and thank our many donors for their
objects that are the result of
collaboration with the Sydney hose clamp device for holding
of two of Australia’s most respected flautists, contributions.
clever design, objects that we
Melanoma Centre, the CSIRO a firehose. The Gold Prize Neville Amadio and Richard Chugg. It’s been a busy year so far with highlights
probably take for granted but
and a number of design firms. winner, the ‘Powercleat’ by
would struggle to do without. including a President’s Circle Luncheon with
Paul Owen, is a new device for
The latest in household guest speaker Alan Oakley, Editor of The
Diana: A Celebration
On September 17 1980 the UK’s Daily Mail newspaper The next gallery is dedicated to the ‘Spencer Women’ public and private events. The selection reflects her
published a photograph of 19 year old Lady Diana placing Diana within a 300 year old tradition of changing style and different roles, and ranges from
Spencer with the headline ‘Has Charles found his women who were influential in various fields from the off-the-rack cotton shirt and trousers worn with
future bride?’ The article and accompanying image business to fashion to philanthropy. It features protective waistcoat and shield for her visit to the
signalled her private life was over. She was soon to exquisite family jewels and a portrait by John Singer landmines in Angola to the beautifully tailored suits
become the most famous, most photographed and Sergeant, reminding us that the Spencer family is one and commissioned cocktail and evening wear for
closely scrutinised women in the world. of Britain’s aristocratic dynasties. formal and charity functions.
The short but dramatic life of Diana, Princess of Wales In contrast the ‘Childhood’ gallery is more Diana’s charity and humanitarian work is the focus
was interpreted by the mass media through powerful personal, displaying items from Diana’s infancy to of the next gallery. There is a long tradition of royal
images and narratives that saw her represented her engagement in 1981 including letters to her charitable patronage and at one time Diana was a
alternately as a contemporary Cinderella, fashion family, toys, her diary, tap shoes and a 1967 school figurehead for over 100 charities. In the 1990s she
icon, devoted mother, victim of celebrity, heroine and report from Silfield School. The familial mood is began to take a more active role. Recognising the
humanitarian, feminist and everywoman. This complex complemented by photographs and film footage value of her celebrity status she chose to focus more
series of identities ensured her life was played out as taken by her father, the late Earl Spencer. energy on fewer, carefully selected causes including
a gripping ongoing drama that engaged the public those featured in the exhibition — HIV/AIDS, leprosy,
On 29 July 1981 five months after Prince Charles
through both the mystique of her privileged royal children, homeless, cancer, landmines and ballet.
proposed to Lady Diana Spencer at Windsor Castle
status and the familiarity of her life experiences. The international range and often challenging nature
they were married at St Paul’s Cathedral before family,
It is perhaps this complex persona that led to the of these charities and causes is illustrated as is the
friends and dignitaries from around the world. Outside
substantial outpouring of grief at her death, from impact of her patronage.
the streets were lined with over 600,000 unofficial
those in the highest echelons to ordinary people who
guests and worldwide the ceremony was broadcast An estimated audience of 700 million people watched
mourned the loss of someone they felt they could
to over 74 countries. The ‘Royal Wedding’ gallery Diana’s wedding and 2.5 billion her funeral. On a
identify with on a personal level.
features Diana’s spectacular wedding dress with its more solemn note the ‘Tribute’ gallery is designed as
In September the Powerhouse Museum is hosting extraordinary 7.5 metre train. The dress had been one a memorial space recalling Diana's untimely death
Diana: A Celebration, a major international touring of the most closely guarded secrets in fashion history and the outburst of public grieving that followed. It
exhibition developed by Arts and Exhibitions and its designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel had includes Earl Spencer’s draft tribute to his sister and
International in association with the Althorp Estate, the to devise strategies for safeguarding their work from the musical score and handwritten lyrics of the Elton
Spencer family’s ancestral home in England. Tracing the press and photographers who set up watch John / Bernie Taupin composition dedicated to Diana
the life story of Diana, Princess of Wales, from her outside their studio. Windows and blinds were kept and adapted from Candle in the Wind. In a similar
childhood, engagement and marriage, public duties closed and because the media were searching the mood the ‘Condolence’ gallery displays some of the
and work with humanitarian organisations to her rubbish bins for clues the designers set a false trail tens of thousands of personal messages written in
untimely death, the exhibition provides an intimate by throwing out pieces of the wrong fabrics and condolence books sent from around the world.
and moving look at her private and public life through threads. Diana: A Celebration is produced by Arts and Exhibitions International in
association with the Althorp Estate.
objects, photographs and film footage.
The ‘Style & Fashion’ gallery continues the story Profits generated to Althorp from the Exhibition are paid to the Diana, the
In the first of the exhibition’s themed galleries a tiara of Diana’s wardrobe displaying 28 of her outfits Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, a registered charity (No. 1064238), subject
to a minimum payment of the greater of £10,000 or 10% of the retail sale
from the Spencer family collection lies dramatically lit dating from the early 1980s through to her last price of all products sold in Australia bearing the Diana, Princess of Wales
logo.
before the luminous Patrick Demarchelier portrait of public engagement in 1997. Designed by a range of
Diana taken in 1990. Through this simple juxtaposition significant British and international design houses Diana: A Celebration opens at the Powerhouse on 29 September
the display evokes the iconic power of Diana’s image, including Bruce Oldfield, Catherine Walker, Versace, Major sponsor: New Idea
looking back to her aristocratic lineage and royal Valentino and Chanel, the outfits are accompanied
status and forward to her role as the approachable by photographs and footage of Diana at various
‘People’s Princess’ and humanitarian.
members
renowned ship model-makers is helping the Museum From pub art to high tea etiquette, there’s
gather more information about its collection.
something for everyone this spring.
modelling ships
Strasburg clock (2nd edition) In the early days of Australia's upon existing information ended ferry models built by
DES BARRETT & NICK LOMB
shipbuilding industry small- about his sea-faring forebear. James Scott working to Reek's
Built in Sydney 1887–89, the Strasburg scale wooden models played These models are an designs, including the Lady
Clock model has been one of the
Powerhouse Museum’s most intriguing an important part in the design important legacy of the part Manning (1893), Lady Hampden
and popular exhibits for over a century. and construction process. maritime vessels played in (1896) and Koree (1902).
Inspired by the astronomical clock in They were used to give the the economic development of
the Strasbourg Cathedral, the model Scott also built models and
shipbuilder an idea of the NSW, as well as giving us an
can be appreciated on many levels full-scale vessels for the North
— from a model of the universe to a vessel’s fittings, riggings and idea of the full-scale versions
Coast and Illawarra companies.
fantastic confection of towers, dials, sail plans, as well as helping which no longer survive.
mechanical birds, cherubs, chariots At least four of these are in the
to show the ratio of length to
and saints. Whatever your interest, James Scott was born in the Museum’s collection including
discover more about this amazing beam and the fining of her
then shipbuilding centre of the Eden (1900), Nerong
clock in this booklet. entry and stern. The models
the world, Glasgow, Scotland (1903), Wollongbar II (1922)
16 pages with over 20 illustrations were normally very basic,
in 1859. At 12 years of age he and Wauchope (1938). A fifth
$6.95 / MEMBERS $6.25 unless they were to be used
started work in a shipbuilding model, the MV Comara (1937)
for presentation purposes,
yard on the Clyde with John may also be attributed to him.
in which case they were
Fairfield (the founder of According to his grandson
embellished with detailed
the Fairfield Shipping and Mike, the Scott models are
metal fittings and mirror
Engineering Co Ltd). In about identifiable by three main
backings inside elaborate
1884, according to the Scott characteristics, including the
cases.
family folklore, James was use of Australian red cedar on
The Powerhouse Museum approached by Allen Arthur backing boards and straight
holds a significant collection Taylor (chairman of the North grain Oregon for the vessel’s
'Tooth’s KB Lager, After the game!' , Pub painting, 1950s. 86/3059
of more than 230 ship models,
many of which have a strong
Coast and Illawarra Steam
Navigation Companies) and
hull on North Coasters, a black
painted waterline and flaring
! + news and photos
Australian provenance. The offered a subsidised fare to propeller shaft. + prizes to be won
collection includes an intricate come out to Australia. With his Now that winter’s over and Sydney Observatory to take
James Scott was a shipwright + exclusive events
model of the Lady Nelson, wife Jane and five children, people are getting out and part in a 3-D Space Theatre
for 40 years, over which
the first ship to sail through
Bass Strait from west to east,
James travelled from his
secure surroundings in his
time he designed more than rediscover about again, we thought we show and telescope viewing + family activities
should remind readers about (weather permitting).
the benefits!
ORDER NOW — SEE INSERT IN THIS
60 ships (32 of which were + special offers
ISSUE. and a model of the steam native Scotland to Balmain, the benefits of Powerhouse
believed to be for the North
2008 Australian sky guide trawler Koraaga, which helped Sydney, a town on the other membership. This includes And at the Museum, highlights
NICK LOMB Coast Company alone).
to initiate the offshore fishing side of the world with a limited free or discounted access this spring include free
Compact, easy to use and reliable,
Unlike the identities of most
industry in NSW. reputation for shipbuilding. to our three sites: Sydney entry for members into our
the Sky guide contains month-by- model-makers which become
month constellations, tidal charts, Observatory, the Powerhouse wonderful new exhibition
Also in the collection are a Initially, James spent some obscured with time, James is
sun and moon rise and set times, Discovery Centre at Castle Hill Diana: A Celebration and,
facts on all the planets and meteorite
number of models built by time working on Cockatoo one of a few Australian-based
and of course the Museum at focusing on our own collection,
movements plus details of the most the Scottish expatriate model- Island with shipbuilder William shipwrights whose work can
Ultimo. Why not embark on a a series of basement tours
exciting astronomical events coming maker and naval architect McDonald before teaming still be identified. James Scott Members e-newsletter
up in 2008. The essential guide for spring adventure and make on everything from pub art
James Scott, whose great up with Walter Reeks, an died in 1942 at the age of 83.
photographers, travellers, event the trip to Castle Hill for the to quilts. Plus don’t forget the If you would like to receive the regular Members
planners, sports organisers, teachers grandson has recently been innovative naval architect and
Melanie Pitkin, Assistant next open day (on the second Members Lounge is open e-newsletter with updates on all members
and students — stargazers of all ages. working with the Museum designer. The Museum has
Curator, Transport Saturday of every month), seven days a week to relax events please call (02) 9217 0600 or email
Available October 2007 to help identify and expand at least three of the double-
or drop in for a day visit to and enjoy a cup of tea. members@phm.gov.au with your membership
112 pages with illustrations, star maps,
diagrams and tables number and e-newsletter in the subject line.
RRP $16.95/ MEMBERS $15.25
powerhousemuseum.com/publications
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spring
how to book for members events
Unless otherwise stated, bookings and pre-payment are Five full working days are required for a refund for Powerhouse
essential for all events. You can book by phone on (02) 9217 events. Unfortunately we can’t refund or transfer bookings for
0600 for events at the Powerhouse Museum or (02) 9217 0485 for SoundHouse VectorLab workshops.
events at Sydney Observatory. All events are held at the Powerhouse Museum unless otherwise
Saturday 15 September Walking tour: Rock ’n roll Join curator Peter Cox on a guided tour of the streets of Kings Wednesday 24 October Basement tour: Back by special request, Dr Kimberley Webber leads a follow up
2.00 – 4.30 pm heritage in Kings Cross Cross, looking at places of significance in Australian rock ’n’ roll 2.00 – 3.30 pm Quilts tour on the history of quilts and quilting featuring some of the
Free, bookings essential on (02) 9217 0330 history. Part of History Week 2007. Cost: $15, members only finest examples from the Museum’s collection.
or email peterco@phm.gov.au
Tuesday 18 September Castle Hill Tour: Join principal curator Kimberley Webber for a tour of the Saturday 20 & Hat-making workshop Create a unique hat with guidance from Waltraud Reiner who
11.00 am – 12.30 pm Sydney 2000 Games Collection spectacular costumes and props from the Sydney Olympics, Sunday 21 October Cost: $230, $210 members (includes basic worked for Phillip Somerville, milliner to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Bookings essential on mostix.com.au by 7 October.
Cost: $16 adult, $10 concession then explore the vast array of objects in the Display Store. 10.00 am – 5.00 pm materials and Museum entry)
Bookings essential
Wednesday 19 September Walking tour: Led by curator Anni Turnbull, discover the people and places Sunday 21 October Talk: Embroidering the Hear about the art of embroidery from Alastair Macleod,
3.00 – 4.30 pm Pyrmont and Ultimo that have shaped the rich history of these inner Sydney suburbs. 2.00 – 4.00 pm future chairman of Hand & Lock, the British company that has
Free, bookings essential or (02) 9217 0168 Part of History Week 2007. Free with Museum entry embroidered gowns for royalty and couturiers.
or email annit@phm.gov.au
Sunday 23 September Kids craft: Stage making From building a miniature stage box to decorating costumes for Sunday 21 October How to entertain royalty Join host Joanna Savill and learn how to make the perfect cup Quilt, 'Almost 8888 trapeziums'
(detail) made by Keasi (Lui)
10.00 am – 12.00 noon Suitable for children aged 6 – 12 years paddle pop puppets, this craft activity has been designed to 11.00 am – 2.00 pm Free with Museum entry cake for the perfect afternoon tea … complete with table setting Uluitoga, Sydney, 1990. 7/228/1
Cost: Members $8, guests $12 excite budding set designers and craft enthusiasts alike. and tea making tips.
Tuesday 25 September Asian Moon Festival Celebrate the Moon Festival with an evening of music, myths Monday 29 October Design quarter talk: In Sydney to present the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery
6.00 – 8.00 pm Cost: $25 adults, $18 conc/child, $68 family, moon cakes, telescope viewings and much more. 6.00 for 6.30 pm Ron Arad Award, London-based Ron Arad will talk about his influential work
Sydney Observatory members discounts. Bookings essential Cost: $30, $25 members/conc across design and architecture. Presented by Bombay Sapphire
Bookings moshtix.com.au
Thursday 27 September d factory: Meet three designers whose projects deliver tangible social Sunday 4 November Talk: Behind the Robyn Foyster, editor-in-chief of New Idea, shares her thoughts
6.00 – 8.00 pm Designing for good outcomes. d factory is also on Thursday 25 October and 29 2.00 – 4.00 pm headlines on why the world is still fascinated by Diana.
Courtyard Café Free entry November. Check powerhousemuseum.com/dfactory for details. Free with Museum entry
29 September – A Right Royal Rumpus Hear celebrity readings of well-loved children’s stories, retell a Saturday 10 & Diwali festival Celebrate the Indian new year and the final days of the Cinema
14 October Free with Museum entry favourite tale in our Cinderella mash-up, and dress up like royals Sunday 11 November Free with Museum entry. Check India exhibition with a weekend film festival of three Bollywood
Daily of old, now and never were. 10.30 am & 2.00 pm powerhousemuseum.com for details classics from the 1960s and ’70s and a talk by curator Divia Patel.
29 September – Spring school holidays Explore the wonders of the universe at Sydney Observatory Thursday 15 November Basement tour: The Powerhouse Museum has an amazing fashion collection
14 October at Sydney Observatory during the school holidays. Visit sydneyobservatory.com for the 11.00 am – 12.30 pm The fashion collection spanning 200 years of design. Join curator Glynis Jones on a
Sydney Observatory full program. Cost: $15, members only tour of some of the highlights.
2 – 12 October Spring school holidays Visit castlehill.powerhousemuseum.com for details about the Sunday 18 November Little ladies & junior Miss Members, our very own patron of all things decorous and
Powerhouse Discovery at the Discovery Centre Powerhouse Discovery Centre school holiday program and 2.00 – 3.30 pm gents high tea dignified, will show your little ladies and junior gents how to have
Centre, Castle Hill extended opening hours. Cost: $15, guests $18 a perfectly proper high tea. Suitable for ages 4–8.
Sunday 30 September Talk: Diana, Queen of Diana Simmonds, editor of Sydney Alumni Magazine and author Satyam Shivam Sundaram (Love,
2.00 – 4.00 pm Hearts, 10 years on of two books on Diana, Princess of Wales, talks about the Truth and Beauty), © V&A Images/
Courtesy of R K Films, 1978.
Free with Museum entry ‘People's Princess’ 10 years after her tragic death.
Tuesday 2 – Acting, play-building & Create your own ‘right royal saga’ and more in a series of
Friday 12 October
10.00 am – 3.00 pm
creative play workshops
Cost includes entry to Diana: A Celebration.
workshops presented with the Australian Theatre for Young
People. Sessions for ages 5–7, 8–11 and 12–15 years. Diana: A
Celebration
Bookings at play.powerhousemuseum.com
Thursday 4 October 50 years in space The space age began with the launch of Sputnik 1 on 4 October
12.30 – 1.30 pm 1957. Celebrate 50 years of exploration with readings of The little
exhibition launch party
Free with Museum entry
prince and tours of the Space exhibition.
Thursday 4 October Sputnik 50th anniversary Super space fun to celebrate 50 years of space exploration,
Thursday 27 September
10.30 am – 2.00 pm party especially for budding astronauts aged under eight.
Cost: $12/$10 member child, accompanying 6.00 – 8.00 pm
Sydney Observatory adults & member adults free, other adults $7.
Cost: $50, adult members only.
Friday 5 October Kid’s tour: Make your own Go on a hunt for treasures in the Museum and then come Numbers limited.
10.00 am – 12.00 noon museum piece back to the Members Lounge to make a piece based on your
Join us for a night of memories and glamour to launch
Cost: $10 members, $15 guests favourite object. Refreshments provided.
Diana: A Celebration, a new exhibition at the Powerhouse
Museum celebrating the life and work of one of the most
Tuesday 9 – SoundHouse VectorLab Build your skills in sound and music production, photography
remarkable women of her time.
Friday 12 October Media MashUP and video editing. Then ‘MashUP’ the media into a unique
Suitable for 11 – 16 year olds multimedia project! Book now at www.shvl.org or call (02) 9217 0600 Diana: A Celebration is produced by Arts and Exhibitions International in association
9:30 am – 4.00 pm daily with the Althorp Estate.
Cost: $270 (members receive bonus gift pack)
Tooth’s & co pub painting, 1940s.
Thursday 11 October Basement tour: Join assistant curator Geoff Barker for a look at photography P3538–4; Sydney Observatory at
Diana, Princess of Wales. photo by John Scott, Alpha Press
sunset; Earth from space. Photo
11.00 am – 12.30 pm Focus on the camera collection from a different angle and find out about the ‘Astrographic’ courtesy of NASA.
Cost: $15, members only project.
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fashion
After dressing up in saris in
the Members Lounge young
visitors couldn't resist the lure
of more Bollywood fun in the
from fleece
Nina and Bethan pose for the
Turbine Hall. camera in red saris.
fabulous fleece
Reverend Samuel Marsden, the 'flogging parson' of collection came to be perceived as a burden to a
Parramatta, might have been a flawed character but Museum with limited storage space and a decision
he was certainly a visionary where the Australian wool was made to dispose of the collection.
industry was concerned. In a letter dated 1811, he
It was then that Bill Montgomery stepped in. A
wrote of his recent shipment of wool to England:
teacher of wool classing at Newcastle TAFE, Bill had
This will be the beginning of the commerce of this already created his own small teaching exhibition,
new World. Many think nothing of these things now. gathering wool samples from all over Australia and
They cannot see any advantage to be derived to the world. When he heard that the Powerhouse was
them, their children, or this settlement by improving about to dispose of its collection he took the train to
the fleeces of our Sheep. But I anticipate immense Sydney and stood on the steps of the Museum and
National wealth to spring from this source of said ‘Please don’t do this!’. Recognising the immense
Commerce in time. value of the collection long before technology
became available to unlock its secrets, he cared for
History proved him correct and today the wool
these wool samples for 25 years until ill health forced
of the Australian Merino sheep has no equal. The
him to seek another custodian.
secrets to Australia's success were the innovative
breeding programs adopted by Australian wool Once again times change and in 2003 after
growers from 1800 to 1900. The Colony's first sheep verifying the significance of the collection and its
were a mixture of Spanish Merinos, Bengal and hairy importance to research, the Museum reacquired
Cape sheep. Many of them were small and poorly the wool samples from Bill Montgomery. The wool
suited to Australian conditions. The Spanish Merino samples he had himself collected from 1950 to 2000
fleeces, while fine, were too short to be used on the were also acquired. But it wasn't until 2007 that
combing, spinning and weaving machines spreading the enormous historic value of the collection was
throughout Europe. recognised when a grant of $83,000 from Australian
Wool Innovation made it possible for the Museum to
By 1840 cotton was replacing wool in the clothing
sort 5000 samples, and test the characteristics of
market. Australian farmers responded by cross-
1200 fleeces representative of key Australian flocks. It
breeding Spanish Merinos with English long-woolled
was a project that kept 12 staff members busy for six
breeds. By 1880 they had successfully produced
weeks, testing fibre length, diameter, comfort factor
animals that not only thrived in the extremes of
and curvature using OFDA 2000 technology. Results
Australian environments, but also produced fine,
and photographs of individual samples will soon
long, lustrous fleeces that were in demand the
be included on the Museum's collection website.
world over. Marsden's prediction was right, and the
Renowned wool historian Charlie Massy will also
Australian economy became totally enmeshed with
include some of the results in his new book about
wool. (Marsden had also been one of the first to
the history of the Australian Merino. He believes the
cross-breed different varieties of sheep to improve
collection is ‘the equivalent of a whole trunk-load
Australian flocks, writing in 1805 to Sir Joseph Banks,
of letters from the First Fleet’ and holds priceless
that he was breeding Spanish (Merinos), Southdown
information.
and Teeswater sheep, and that he believed
Lincolnshire and Leicestershire sheep would also The nation owes a debt of gratitude to Bill
improve his flocks.) Montgomery who, with foresight equal to Marsden's,
recognised the importance of the old wool samples.
From 1893 onwards, the Museum of Applied Arts
They were irreplaceable, of enormous value to the
and Sciences played a central role in the education
wool industry and deserved to be saved. Sadly, Bill
of young wool classers and graziers. Sitting among
died on 7 July, but not before he'd learned the news
the wool stores of Ultimo, it was conveniently placed
about the renewed interest in his beloved wool
for graziers who came to the sheep sales in Sydney
collection. For a man passionate about teaching
to drop in parcels of wool samples from recently
and about wool there could be no finer legacy
shorn fleeces. With their co-operation the Museum's
than the one he has left. The Bill Montgomery Wool
collection grew to a total of 9000 samples, a
Collection at the Powerhouse Museum will continue
comprehensive snapshot of the results of a century of
to teach long into the future, with untold benefits
innovative sheep breeding. By 1930 the wool display
for generations of wool growers in Australia and
was so large it took up half a floor of the old Museum
throughout the world. Vale Bill Montgomery.
building at 659 Harris Street.
The Wool Collection Research Project was made possible through a grant
Times change and by 1950 a lot of the wool had from Australian Wool Innovation.
Wool classing at the shearing
been put into storage. By the 1970s the massive wool sheds, Burrawong, NSW, about
1890. Tyrrell Collection,
85/1286–659
+ 19 powerline spring 07
a labour of love
Frans Bosdyk knew that his oak, cedar and blackwood. Christine and Frans were reads in the study surrounded
wife Christine had always He found design inspiration in both born in the Netherlands, by books and souvenirs from
wanted a dolls house so when Anthony Hill’s Antique furniture migrating to Australia in the his travelling adventures.
he retired in 1998 he decided in Australia and added many early 1960s. Dutch influences
The work demonstrates Frans’
to make her one. Eight years of his own ideas, working can be seen in much of
extraordinary model-making
and roughly 15,000 working with metal and wood with the detail in the house
skills. A self-taught electrical
hours later the task was great precision. Most furniture with pictures of windmills
and mechanical engineer he is
completed — a magnificent has the completion date and reproduction Vermeer
able to manufacture any object
dolls house featuring 20 written underneath it. The paintings on the walls, Dutch
in metal or wood at 1:10 scale.
rooms on five levels filled with floors are made from eight blue tiles from floor to ceiling
A large man, it is inconceivable
hundreds of perfect miniature layers of extremely strong in the kitchen, coffee grinders,
how he managed to fashion
household objects. This marine plywood topped pewter mugs and jars in the
these minute objects to such
amazing creation has recently with blackwood floorboards library, silver statuettes, a
perfection.
been acquired by the Museum made from recycled kitchen large painted sea chest in the
and will go on display next cupboards and other materials. bedroom and several Dutch The years Frans spent as a
year. iron stoves in fireplaces. The child in a Japanese camp
Each drawer slides effortlessly
tiny objects featured span a in Indonesia during World
Designed by Christine to reveal contents such as
period from 1850s antiques War II would no doubt have
and constructed by Frans, miniature cutlery, candles
to a 1950s electric vacuum reinforced his desire to realise
the house represents an or linen. Cupboards open to
cleaner in the attic. his wife’s childhood dream.
extraordinary feat of patience reveal beribboned presents
Sadly Christine passed away
and skill. The design was ready for Christmas. The The house portrays a picture
in 2006 and it was her wish
inspired by the intricate Dutch doors have working brass of domestic bliss with the
that Frans would pass the
dolls or ‘baby’ houses of the handles and locks which turn toy family, roughly based on
house on to an institution
17th century, but the result to open. The desk lamps light the Bosydk family, enjoying a
such as the Powerhouse that
exceeds even these grand up when plugged into the generous number of rooms
could look after their amazing
pieces. It seems none of the wall and there are working and comforts: grandma has
creation. The dolls house is
details suggested by his wife miniature coffee grinders, a flatlet, the maid her own
a unique testament to a long
proved too small or intricate clocks, cheese graters and quarters and the children
and loving relationship and we
for Frans to take on. scissors. Concealed power an abundance of toys and
are honoured to have been
packs and computer circuit a games room. Mother is
Using tiny lathes and special entrusted with its care. It is
opposite and above: The Bosdyk boards ensure that lights, in the kitchen surrounded
dolls house stands 1.25 metres tools which he had made also a significant addition to
high. The miniature objects are lamps and electric sockets are by quantities of household
made on a scale of 1:10–1:12.
himself, Frans constructed our collection that we know will
all working. gadgets and luxurious shelves
miniature furniture of silky delight visitors of all ages.
of food and preserves. Father
+
+ 20 powerline spring 07 + 21 powerline spring 07
discover
The Powerhouse Discovery Centre is
A HIT WITH VISITORS of all ages.
an altruistic attachment
My purpose has been to give ivory-currency. These two considered his relationship photocopies of banknotes
all my life stuff to a museum
for educational purposes for
early gifts provide an insight
into the eccentric character
with the Museum. Indeed, so
numerous were Bill’s letters
made as a record for him to
enjoy but accidentally sent
( Adam Hill performs at the Powerhouse Discovery Centre July Open Day to
celebrate NAIDOC Week. Photo by Jean-Francois Lanzarone.
children to hopefully learn of Bill Bush who delighted in that he streamlined the in lieu of the originals. On
some history . . . and not to the unusual and rare, happily process by commissioning these occasions Bill would
put a value on any of my leading to excellent collection two rubber stamps addessed in due course discover his
properties choices of which NSW and to the Museum: one for mistake and the real notes open days at
(Bill Bush, 14 November 1993)
the Museum are now the
custodians.
the curator and one for the
director! These incredibly
would eventually arrive at the
Museum! Castle Hill
Over a period of nearly 30 personal missives sent in
Following the Cocos Island Such instances poignantly
years the Museum received fallow periods between
donation, Bill began a demonstrate Bill's commitment
from a single donor a steady (and never in) donation
regular correspondence to this Museum and his lifetime
stream of rare coins and envelopes, allowed insights A young visitor concentrates
observe
Be inspired by the magic of the stars on The powerhouse museum gratefully acknowledges
a night visit to Sydney Observatory. the support of the following organisations
+principal partners
DICK SMITH
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: Dynasties, Dick Smith Australian Explorer Bell THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: Dynasties, Coles Theatre, Target Theatre, the great wall of china:
Dragons and warriors 206B Jetranger III helicopter dragons and warriors Grace Bros Courtyard, K Mart Dynasties, dragons and warriors
studios
+senior partners
EcoLogic: creating a sustainable cinema india: the art of bollywood powerhouse wizard improving life: the design of handmade
future Swedish innovations
fashion from fleece: 200 years of THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: Dynasties,
australian wool museum mascots: zoe and cogs Dragons and warriors
smart works: design and the
why do we
look up? Sydney design 07
+partners +supporters
My first memory of looking up Random points of light blaze a
to the stars was at the age overhead like diamonds, each
australian wool innovation engineers australia, sydney division rural press electrolux landor associates
of about six when my brother one a massive nuclear engine fashion from fleece: 200 years of engineering excellence 2007 regional programs electrolux global design Sydney design 07
received his first telescope. of frightening power and size. australian wool
ferngrove wines SoundHouse™ Music Alliance
laboratory
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
He spent ages trying to find As my imagination runs wild I BOMBAY SAPPHIRE improving life: the design of
see a total
Gujaret nre SoundHouse™ music & multimedia Official Sydney Hotel
Swedish innovations
d factory laboratory
Saturn and I was forced to join the dots to see pictures cinema india: the art of bollywood
ericsson
pacific magazines
Sydney design 07 taj hotels, resorts & palaces
wait outside in the cold with
him until he did. Since then
of hunters, rabbits, bulls and
mythical centaurs. Looking
eclipse from creative new zealand
incredible india
cinema india: the art of bollywood
cinema india: the art of bollywood
improving life: the design of
swedish innovations
the raci inc. nsw branch
science education program
Siberia
smart works: design and the Trust company of Australia
Mg distribution indian link
hardly a night has gone by south I see a small group of handmade
cinema india: the art of bollywood cinema india: the art of bollywood
when I haven’t tried to look at stars that look like a cross city of sydney
Mincom Limited jcdecaux
the stars wherever I may be. to some yet to some of the sydney design 07
LIFE FELLOWS DINNER 2007 Sydney design 07
oldest star watchers on this Astronomers from Sydney small region that experiences
I think this curiosity and sense
planet, the Aboriginal people, Observatory will be leading a a sunny microclimate so the
of awe is something we all
it is a mighty eagle or a ray never-to-be-forgotten tour to weather conditions should be +platinum corporate members +gold corporate members +silver corporate members +discovery members
share. Who hasn’t gazed at the
about to be struck by a shark. Siberia next year to witness favourable for viewing.
beauty of the Milky Way and
thought about its creation? Come to Sydney Observatory one of nature's most awe Amp corporate culture standards australia/australian DUNLOP FLOORING AUSTRALIA hinchcliffe electrical services
The tour will leave Sydney on design awards
Who hasn’t been followed and explore the night sky inspiring events, a total solar boeing australia creative leadership forum MACQUARIE BANK FOUNDATION wizard home loans - kellyville
27 July 2008, returning from St streetvision
by the Moon on a country on one of our night tours. eclipse, in a land once off GE halkeas printing nsw department of lands
Petersburg on Friday 8 August. transgrid
drive and thought why? Who Enjoy the view through the limits and steeped in Cold War railcorp multiplex TAFE NSW: SYDNEY INSTITUTE
Visit sydneyobservatory.
hasn’t caught a glimpse of telescopes and fly through secrecy. renaissance tours sinclair knight merz THOMSON TELECOM AUSTRALIA
com/events for full details and
a shooting star out of the space in our 3-D Space This amazing 13-day tour costs. sibelius australia
corner of their eye only to be Theatre. The whole family will of Russia will take you to thomson playford lawyers
heartbroken when you realise And for those who've always
discover the joy of looking Moscow and the memorial to
it will be gone before you have dreamed not only of witnessing
up from Australia’s oldest cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, as
the chance to get a proper a solar eclipse but also of
observatory. And now you can well as many other famous + state government partners +australian government partners +foundations
look? travelling on the Trans-Siberian
print out a star map before sites. The highlight will of
Express, the Powerhouse
you come from our website at course be the total solar
Our teachers tell us of the Museum in association with the powerhouse museum is australia council for the arts james n kirby foundation
sydneyobservatory.com. eclipse on 1 August viewed a statutory authority of,
Big Bang but whether you Renaissance Tours is offering and principally funded by, australian research council Gordon Darling Foundation
understand the science of Geoff Wyatt, Manager from Novosibirsk, which until the state government. Bruce & joy Reid Foundation
the train trip of a lifetime from
the universe or not, the sheer Sydney Observatory recently was a secret city NSW Office for science & medical environmental trust
A total solar eclipse, Beijing to Siberia in July 2008. research
beauty and size of it all is what photographed from Turkey, 29 used for nuclear research in
March 2006. Photo by Melissa Check renaissancetours.com.
makes us look up and marvel. Siberia. Novosibirsk is part of a
Hulbert. au for details. for more information on sponsorship opportunities and giving to the powerhouse museum please contact dara vongsonephet on (02) 9217 0577.
exhibitions at a glance
SEPTEMBER_OCTOBER_NOVEMBER 2007
www.powerhousemuseum.com