the magazine of the powerhouse museum autumn 08

living in space
CONTENTS NEWS
ISSUE 89 – MARCH APRIL MAY 2008

02 From the director from the acting director Dr Dawn Casey has been appointed as the
03 News: A new director, a new era new Director of the Powerhouse Museum,
04 Power picks following a worldwide search. Dr Casey is
06 Cover story: New experiences in space Centre at Castle Hill. We have known for her leadership of two of Australia’s
08 Web news been delighted with the success pre-eminent museums – the National
09 Members news of the public programs at the Museum of Australia and the Western
10 Members calendar Discovery Centre and the Australian Museum, where she has been
11 Exhibitions at a glance feedback from visitors. The CEO since 2005.
12 The Powerhouse Foundation anniversary Open Day program Speaking to Powerline from her office
13 Exhibition: Yinalung yenu: women’s on Saturday 8 March coincides in Perth, Dr Casey said she was excited
journey with International Women’s Day, about moving to Sydney and taking up her
14 Play: Pixel & Friends... and provides an opportunity to appointment with the Museum. “I am looking
the colour show showcase objects which reflect forward to working with the Powerhouse – it
15 Exhibition: Silver: Paul de Lamerie from the achievements of significant has a fantastic collection, a great reputation
the Cahn collection I welcome Dr Dawn Casey to the Australian women. and a recognised team of people.” Dr
16 Sydney Observatory news Museum as our new Director, 2008 also marks the Casey said the breadth and potential of the
17 Powerhouse Discovery Centre news and look forward to sharing our 150th anniversary of Sydney Museum’s collection appeals to her: “You
18 New acquisitions passion for museums as we Observatory. We are planning have science and technology combined with
embark on the next chapter of a month-long program of social history and design.”
our history. anniversary celebrations, Prior to moving into the museums sector,
Dr Casey joins us as commencing on 5 June. Last Dr Casey has had a distinguished career in
we celebrate a number of year the Bruce and Joy Reid public service and government, notably in
Cover CRedit:
Working in space. significant milestones. On 10 Foundation provided funds to national Indigenous policy and programs
the magazine of the powerhouse museum autumn 08
Astronaut Stephen K March we mark the twentieth reinstate one of the flagstaffs and in Australian cultural heritage. “My area
Robinson attached to a
foot restraint on the anniversary of the Museum that were in existence on the of expertise was change management and
International Space at the Powerhouse site. eastern rampart of the Fort nurturing organisations through change,”
Station’s Canadarm
2, during the STS–114
The transformation of the Phillip wall from the mid 1850s she said. In 1997 Dr Casey took on the role
living in space
Shuttle mission in 2005. Powerhouse, from our former until around 1950. We anticipate of coordinating construction of the National
Photo courtesy NASA.
site on Harris Street, in a the flagstaff will be installed in Museum of Australia in Canberra, becoming
building adjacent to the Sydney May, and we look forward to the the museum’s Director in 1999. She managed
Institute of Technology, set new sight of flags flying once again the transition from an organisation with
standards in museum design, on Observatory Hill. some 40 staff and a $4m budget to a fully
exhibition presentation and I hope you will have an operational museum with 210 staff, 200
public programming. opportunity to join us for each volunteers and a $43m budget.
March 10 also marks the first of these important milestones. “When I was at the National Museum,
anniversary of the opening Jennifer Sanders
it was a time when Australian history and
of the Powerhouse Discovery Acting Director issues like the recognition of Indigenous
Trustees
people and culture and people’s search
Dr Nicholas G Pappas, President for knowledge about themselves and
Dr Anne Summers AO, Deputy President their history were being debated. In a
Mr Mark Bouris world where there is so much uncertainty,
Ms Trisha Dixon museums can provide a depth of knowledge
Mr Andrew Denton about these big issues, not just the short
Where to find us Editorial
Ms Susan Gray information grabs of the media. It’s amazing
Ms Margaret Seale Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Powerline is produced by the to see people take on board information
Mr Anthony Sukari Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney Print Media Department from objects and a whole range of different
Ms Judith Wheeldon Opening hours 10.00 am – 5.00 of the Powerhouse Museum media in museums.”
pm every day (except Christmas PO Box K346, As well as a varied exhibition program,
Day). School holiday opening Haymarket NSW 1238 lively public events are one important way
Senior Management
hours 9.30 am – 5.00 pm Editor
Meet Dr Dawn Casey, the of attracting people through the door,
Dr Dawn Casey,
Director Contact details Nicole Bearman Powerhouse Museum’s according to Dr Casey, as well as reaching
out to people in the suburbs and regional
Jennifer Sanders, Postal address Design newly appointed Director. areas. “If you take a topic like sustainability,
Deputy Director, Collections and Outreach PO Box K346 Trigger it’s okay to have a debate in my view. You
Mark Goggin, Haymarket NSW 1238 Photography
can have academic lectures but rather than
Associate Director, Operations and Services

Kevin Sumption,
Telephone (02) 9217 0111
Infoline (02) 9217 0444
Associate Director, Exhibitions, Projects and
Planning
Education (02) 9217 0222
Keith Edwards, powerhousemuseum.com
Associate Director, corporate, chief finance The Powerhouse Museum, part of the
officer
Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
also incorporating Sydney
Observatory and the powerhouse
discovery centre, is a NSW
government cultural institution.
powerhousemuseum.com
Powerhouse Museum unless
otherwise stated.
Every effort has been made to locate
owners of copyright for the images
in this publication. Any inquiries
should be directed to the Rights and
Permissions Officer, Powerhouse
Museum.
ISSN 1030-5750 © Trustees of the
Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
a new director, talking at visitors we need to ask questions
so that people can come along and be
a new era engaged and debate the answers.”
Dr Nicholas Pappas, President of the
Board of Trustees, said Dr Casey’s vast
STORY judith matheson, senior editor experience and talents would guide the
Powerhouse into a new era. “Under her
leadership we look forward to seeing the
Powerhouse projected to the forefront of the
international museum community.”
Dr Casey joins the Museum on 17 March.

2 powerline autumn 08 powerline autumn 08 3

POWERPICKS

engineering excellence
Each year, the Sydney Division of Engineers
Australia conducts an awards program to
showcase outstanding engineering projects.
A selection of those projects is currently
on display in the Museum to highlight the
diversity and quality of the entries in the
2007 Awards.
The J.J.C. Bradfield Award is presented
to the overall winner selected from the
winners of all categories. It recognises an
accomplishment of exceptional engineering
merit. This year’s winner was the Thompson
Coupling, the world’s first and only true
constant velocity shaft coupling. The
coupling has no load bearing sliding
surfaces, it can tolerate axial loads, can be
constructed to any torque level, and can
run continuously, under load, at substantial
far left: 100% cotton,
angles. Other entries on display include hand-made children’s
the MonkeyBar, a revolutionary reinforcing clothing, by Miamore.
Photo by Mia Offord.
bar coupling system offering advantages below: The new
to builders and structural engineers; the Powerhouse Wizard,
Dr Naomi McClure-
relocation of a substantial and historically Griffiths. Photo by
important mosaic wall at the University of Marinco Kojdanovski.
Notre Dame (Darlinghurst Campus); the
Sunswift project, a state-of-the-art solar car
from students at the University of New South
Wales; the Warragamba Dam Deep Water
Recovery project, which provides access to
previously inaccessible deep water towards
the bottom of Warragamba Dam; and
ANSTO’s new 20MW Open Pool Australian
Light-Water Reactor (OPAL), a multi-purpose
facility for medical radioisotope production,
irradiation services and neutron beam
research.

sharing the powerhouse wizard

knowledge
Dr Naomi McClure-Griffiths has been
In November 2007 over one named the 2007 Powerhouse Wizard. An
hundred professionals from
across NSW gathered for a
marketed astrophysicist with the CSIRO, McClure-
Griffiths explores the Milky Way using
day of training and information
sharing at the movable heritage
for kids radioastronomy. Her research has improved
the way we understand the Milky Way, which
seminar Local Collections, she describes as a ‘cosmic octopus [with]
Global Audiences, at the Young Blood: Designers Market several ‘arms’ that curve out from its centre’.
Powerhouse Discovery Centre is all about children this April. And as a self-described ‘Galactic Octopus
in Castle Hill. The day-long Since its debut in 2005, Young Wrestler’, McClure-Griffiths has identified a
program included a keynote Blood has attracted many previously undiscovered arm (or tentacle) of
address by Sebastian Chan, web stall holders designing and the Milky Way and doubled the number of
services manager, Powerhouse making products for children. THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS, known supershells that exist in our galaxy.
Museum, on developments Recognising that this growing McClure-Griffiths’ research continues in
with Web 2.0 and the delivery market has become a viable ADAPTED AND PERFORMED her role as the principal investigator on
of museum collections online. option for many local designers the Galactic All-Sky Survey (GASS) a major
Kate Chidlow, community and and retailers, the organisers of
BY ZEAL THEATRE AT THE international project aiming to map all of
regional programs coordinator, Young Blood saw an opportunity MUSEUM DURING THE the hydrogen gas in and near the Milky
preservation and heritage to dedicate an entire event to Way. She has already been taking time out
management, Powerhouse Far Left: Kate Chidlow
this market to coincide with the
SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. of her busy schedule to plan some exciting
and Sebastian Chan
Museum, launched a new speaking at the April school holidays. PHOTOS BY SOTHA BOURN. galactic adventures with the Museum for
movable heritage
online resource for advice on seminar, Local
Young Blood for kids will 2008.
conservation matters. The day Collections, Global showcase safe and savvy The Powerhouse Wizard Award, sponsored
Audiences. abovE:
also included demonstrations, Sunswift 111 solar car.
clothing and products designed by Wizard Home Loans, was established by
tours and talks to showcase Image courtesy of the for children aged 0-15 years. Buy the Museum to recognise emerging leaders
current projects at the Museum University of NSW. left: original Australian design in a in Australian innovation and achievement,
‘Risen Christ’ mosaic.
and other NSW institutions, Image courtesy of market that also features food and provides a platform for the recipient
and demonstrate best practice Meinhardt NSW Pty Ltd. and entertainment, set against to engage with new audiences and
in collection documentation, the backdrop of the Museum. showcase their talents during their term as
storage and interpretation. Young Blood: designers market for Powerhouse Wizard. For more information
kids, 12 April, 8.00am-5.00pm. Free entry. go to powerhousemuseum.com/wizard

4 powerline autumn 08 powerline autumn 08 5

NEW EXHIBITION
STORY Kerrie Dougherty, Curator, Space Technology
‘How do you go to the bathroom
in space?’ That’s the question
children love to embarrass
astronauts with … and adults are
afraid to ask! But soon visitors to
the Powerhouse will be able to
find the answer to this question,
and everything else you’ve
always wanted to know about
how astronauts live and work
in space, thanks to an exciting
refurbishment to the Museum’s
Space exhibition.
When it opened in 1988 as
part of the original suite of
Powerhouse exhibitions, Space:
beyond this world was ground-
breaking: the first exhibition
anywhere in the world to bring
together examples of the space
technology of the three Cold
War superpowers — the US,
USSR and People’s Republic
of China. But the world has
changed since 1988 and space
activities have also moved
on, leaving some parts of the
display out of date. The new
exhibition will retain some old
favourites, refurbished and
updated, but also provide fresh
insights into space activities
through a major section about
life on the International Space
Station, ‘Living and working in
space’, of which the highlight
is the amazing Zero Gravity
Space Lab that creates the
illusion of being in a weightless
environment.
You’ll be guided through this
new experience by Australian
astronaut Dr Andy Thomas and
his wife astronaut Shannon
Walker. The journey begins
in the existing Space Shuttle,
Exciting changes are happening in where Andy and Shannon host
one of the Museum’s most popular a new audiovisual presentation,
specially created for the
exhibitions, the Space gallery. Powerhouse and filmed at
NASA’s Johnson Space Centre.
Above: Astronaut Andy
The audiovisual provides an
Thomas photographs introduction to the experience
new experiences
an experiment on the of space travel and what it’s
Space Shuttle during
the STS-114mission in actually like to live and work in
2005. Image courtesy the International Space Station.
of NASA; far left: A
Moving into the Space Station
in space
research centre in
space-the International Habitation Module, you’ll be
Space Station (ISS)
in June 2007. Image able to gain an idea of how
courtesy of NASA; astronauts on the International
left: Astronaut Andy
Thomas in the Destiny Space Station spend their
laboratory on the ISS time when they are not
during a mission in
2001. Image courtesy
actually conducting scientific
of Helifilms Australia experiments and space station
andNASA.
maintenance. What do they eat,
and how do they eat, in zero
6 powerline autumn 08
gravity? Where do they sleep?
Who does the laundry? Where
is the bathroom? How and why
do they exercise? Here, too,
Andy and Shannon will provide
commentary based on their own
experiences of life in space.
Once you have an idea of
what daily life in space is like,
the experience continues in the
Zero Gravity Space Lab. This fun
interactive exhibit allows you to
step inside a laboratory module
on the International Space
Station and experience the
illusion of weightlessness (more
properly known as microgravity),
thanks to some ingenious
trickery of the eye and sense of
balance.
Designed by Helifilms
Australia, this experiential exhibit
is unique in Australia. Inside the
Zero Gravity Space Lab, as you
are immersed in the illusion of a
weightless environment, Thomas
highlights some of the scientific
work being carried out on the
International Space Station and
why this research might be
important to us back on Earth.
The ‘Living and working in
space’ theme continues beyond
the Zero Gravity Space Lab with
a display of artefacts relating to
how astronauts and cosmonauts
carry out those daily activities
that we take for granted, such
as eating, shaving, and staying
healthy: there will even be a
couple of Soviet space toilets
to answer that eternal question!
A Russian spacesuit, flightsuits
and emergency equipment
will also be on display, to
illustrate the special equipment
astronauts and cosmonauts
need to survive the harsh
environment of space. Many
of these artefacts have been
collected by the Powerhouse
over the past decade but have
not previously been displayed.
Although conservation
requirements mean that some
old favourites will be taken
off display, new material from
the our collection will make its
exhibition debut.
So, if you haven’t visited
Space for a while, now is the
time to come back and step
into a new space experience.
Space reopens in April.
powerline autumn 08 7
WEB NEWS MEMBERS

THE MEMBERS LOUNGE IS from the

A FAVOURITE HANG-OUT OF members
POWERHOUSE MEMBERS
manager
LEE BAKER AND SON JARVIS
TAHI, PICTURED BELOW.
Before launching into a fresh
program for 2008, Powerhouse
Members farewelled 2007 with
its annual Christmas party. The
Lehmann-Moncks family from
Sydney were the lucky winners
of the Christmas Party Prize
Pack, which included a night at
the Novotel Sydney on Darling
Harbour, complimentary entry to
the party, and a special Museum
gift hamper.
To help you take advantage
of the events on offer at the
Museum, we’re pleased to
announce that members now
receive a discount on most
Museum events.* See the events
calendar over the page for the
autumn program.
Staff in the Museum have
transformed the gallery on
level four into a showcase for
Indigenous Australian exhibition
content.Yinalung yenu: women’s
journey opens in March, the first
exhibition to be installed in the
renovated space.
Thanks to all those members
who responded to our readers
above: Under the below: Members of the
survey in 2007. In response
Western distributor Flying Fruit Fly Circus to your feedback we have
bridge, Fig Street, performing at the
Ultimo. Photo by Jean- Powerhouse Museum.
redesigned Powerline in a
smaller A4 format. We hope you
brought to light
François Lanzarone. Photo by Marinco
Kojdanovski. like the new look.
We have a great year
ahead, so don’t forget to
The Photo of the Day blog is look for the latest Members
the latest addition to a suite news on the Museum website
of online projects offering powerhousemuseum.com/
unprecedented access to members, or ask one of our staff
the museum’s rich and varied MEMBER PROFILE what’s coming up next time you
resources. Photo of the Day visit the Members Lounge.
brings to light the sometimes Lee Baker describes himself as a ‘proud lines of sight across the different levels *This discount may not apply to some events
hidden talents of the Museum’s husband and father’ to his wife Adrienne and interactive activities that place an due to contractual obligations.

photography department. and two children Jarvis Tahi and Felix Rua. emphasis on learning as well as having fun.
The blog features a new
image each day sourced from
Staff in the Members department first met
the family when we were asked to pose for
Lee and Jarvis have been members for
a little over a year, and are already well-
members
the Museum’s extensive photo
library, which contains over
a photograph with Jarvis. The photo was
posted on Lee’s blog, ‘The World of Jarvis
known to staff because they regularly visit
the Members Lounge for a quick chat.
e-newsletter
250,000 images. These images Tahi’. The blog narrates Lee and Jarvis’s During a recent visit we were delighted
have been taken for purposes outings around Sydney and was originally to discover that Lee and Jarvis now keep If you would like to receive the
such as documenting objects in created as a way to share Jarvis’s growing- track of each other via walkie talkies as regular Members e-newsletter
the collection, exhibitions, travel up adventures with relatives in New they rove around the Museum. The two with updates on news and
and research, and Museum Zealand and the UK. intrepid visitors both agree that their events please call (02) 9217
events. Lee says the Powerhouse Museum features favourite place in the Museum is the 0600 or email members@phm.
Some of the photos can be used by as a favourite destination on his blog Members Lounge, because it provides them gov.au with your membership
educators as a source of stock imagery for
because of the friendly staff and because with a place to rest, recuperate and get number and e-newsletter in the
class projects under a Creative Commons
Non-Commercial-Attribution licence. it’s ‘little-people friendly’; there are clear ready for their next adventure. subject line.

8 powerline autumn 08 powerline autumn 08 9

CALENDAR MARK THESE EXCITING EXHIBITIONS AT A GLANCE
MARCH APRIL MAY 2008
EVENTS IN YOUR CALENDAR
AND VISIT THE MUSEUM’S
WEBSITE FOR A FULL
LISTING OF WHAT’S ON.

DATE / LOCATION EVENT / COST DESCRIPTION

1-27 April
School term 10.30am &
12noon; weekends and school
holidays 11.30am & 12.30pm
12 April
10.00am-4.00pm
Powerhouse Discovery Centre
12-27 April
Daily
Sydney Observatory
Pixel & Friends
...the Colour Show
Cost: $23 adult ($20 members), $15 child
($12 members), $20 conc., $65 family ($55
members). Bookings ticketmaster.com.au
School and vacation care bookings (02)
9217 0222
Open Day: Child’s Play
$8 adult, $5 conc/child, $25 family, (2A,2C),
members free
Autumn school holidays
Both workshops $5 per child.
Inspired! Design across time
The Powerhouse Museum and Kim Yinalung yenu: LEVEL 3
Carpenter’s Theatre of Image present a women’s journey
performance combining dance, live music Level 4, opens 21 March
A survey of decorative arts and design
and digital animation. Full details at play. from the 1700s to today. Features fashion,
powerhousemuseum.com furniture, textiles, glass, graphics, ceramics
and metalwork.
tingha elder, Aunty Sue
Blacklock.
Australian Design Awards
A display by the Dolls Collectors Club of Six prominent Indigenous women LEVEL 3
NSW, tours and talks on dolls and toys in the share their stories and reveal the
Powerhouse Collection. The Powerhouse selection from the
important place that women have in
Australian Design Awards features
Indigenous society. Personal objects
See the rings of Saturn by night. By day
above: Pixel & Friends,
illustration by Kim a feast of are complemented by works made by
outstanding achievements in design.
contemporary Indigenous craftswomen.
luxury at the
Carpenter. below:
make a solar system mobile, 10.30am- Two-handled cup
1.30am; and a model of Saturn, 2.00-4.00pm. and cover, silver,

Powerhouse
London 1728/9, marked
by Paul de Lamerie.
Student fashion Silver: Paul de Lamerie
Cahn collection; 100% Level 2, opens 19 May from the Cahn
13 April Behind the scenes of a Kim Carpenter, one of Australia’s foremost cotton, hand-made
children’s clothing, Get a glimpse of the next generation Collection
2.00-3.00pm creative production theatre designers and directors, tells how he
by Miamore. Photo by Saturday 3 May of Australian fashion designers through Level 3, opens 18 April
Part of the Talks After Noon series created Pixel & Friends. Mia Offord; bottom:
7.00-11.00pm
Tureen in the shape of garments by some of the top-graduating right: Four sauceboats,
1730/31, silver. Marked by
a green turtle, 1750/1,
Enjoy a feast of luxury at the students from Sydney-based schools. Paul de Lamerie, 1688-1751,
silver. Marked by Paul
15-16 April Colour Me Two workshops linked to Pixel & friends. Be de Lamerie, 1688-1751, Powerhouse Museum with an English.

17-18 April Cost: $185 for two days, $165 Members, inspired by colour and find out what colour English.
exclusive wmation or to book, designTECH 2007 Focusing on the extraordinary work of
bookings and enquiries: (02) 9518 8458
means to you. Ages 5-12 years. please call 02 9217 0577. Level 2, until 2 march 2008 Paul de Lamerie (1688-1751), London’s
Cost: Members $150, non-members $170 (GST A showcase of outstanding major design leading 18th-century silversmith, this
inclusive). Book early to avoid disappointment. projects by 2007 Higher School Certificate exhibition displays around 70 fabulous
17 April Australian animals of the sky Add an Australian animal to the zodiac with
Cost: $10 per child, adults $5, bookings students of Design and Technology. Rococo pieces from the Cahn Collection.
11.00am–1.30pm not required.
Taronga Zoo’s Zoomobile, then make your
Sydney Observatory own Aussie animal star maps to take home.

Diana: a celebration Nuclear matters

19 April International symposium Experience the world of de Lamerie, one of Level 2, until 4 May 2008 LEVEL 1
10.00am-6.00pm Rococo silver in the 18th the first silversmiths to adopt the Rococo
From the collection of the Althorp Estate, the Our new home / Meie uus Kodu:
century: Paul de Lamerie and style. Speakers include US-based curator
home of the Spencer family, this exhibition Estonian-Australian stories
the Huguenots Ellenor Alcorn. Plus, Paul Cahn will host a
traces the life story of Diana, from her birth LEVEL 2
Cost: $95, bookings: moshtix.com.au or special hands-on session. Includes notes,
1300 438 849 to her untimely death.
food and refreshments and exhibition tour. Engineering excellence
LEVEL 3
Australians meet Diana
12 April Young Blood: Designers Young Blood showcases new products Level 2, until 4 may 2008 Further, faster, higher: a sound and light
8.00am-5.00pm Market for kids from Australian designers. In April the focus experience
Australians meet Diana
Free is on products for children (aged 0-15 LEVEL 1
This display presents the stories of a range
years) including clothing, games, toys and From page to stage: the story of Pixel
of Australians who met Diana during her
accessories.
official visits to Australia. 1-27 April, LEVEL 1

Zero Gravity Travelling Exhibitions

23 April Video star Learn how to make a short film, including Space Lab
Cost: $25 per child, members/conc $20,
scripting, shooting, editing and burning to Winning sky photos: the David Malin awards
10.00am–4.00pm bookings essential (02) 9921 3485. Level 1, opens April
Scienceworks Melbourne, until mid April 2008
Sydney Observatory DVD.
Brisbane Planetarium
from late April 2008
10 May Open day: astronomy and For Sydney Observatory’s 150th anniversary,
10.00am-4.00pm & the weather this Open Day includes tours, solar viewings, Greening the Silver City: seeds of bush
6.00-9.00pm $8 adult, $5 conc/child, $25 family (2A, 2C), family activities and star-gazing open night. Find out what it’s like to live and work in regeneration
members free. Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga,
Powerhouse Discovery Centre space, in a fun, interactive that creates from 2 March until 27 April 2008
the illusion of being in a weightless
18 May Talks After Noon New Powerhouse Museum Director, Dr Dawn Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens,
Free environment. Commentary is provided by
2.00pm Casey, speaks on International Museum Day. from 2 May 2008
Australian astronaut Dr Andy Thomas and
his wife astronaut Shannon Walker.

10 powerline autumn 08 powerline autumn 08 11

THE POWERHOUSE FOUNDATION NEW EXHIBITION

The Powerhouse Foundation thanks the Our new Indigenous Dr Marilyn Clarke Aunty Beryl Carmichael
following donors for their generous contribution. and Dr Marlene Kong
gallery opens with an ‘I tell the children to listen to the
2007 Annual Appeal important exhibition ‘I remember mum coming home different calls of the birds and
from work — really cranky, animals … that’s like teaching
about the role of going on about doctors. She’d science to them … Because we
b Robert Albert AO O Robyn Kemmis
Indigenous Australian say, “If you do well at school you got connectedness with birds
b Anonymous O Gaeme Le Roux women. become a doctor and you get and animals, plants and insects
in there and you change things, ... we got a whole university out
O Anonymous O Margaret J Mashford
make things better.”’ there.’
U Anonymous 2 Professor Peter J McGovern and
2 Anonymous
O E Bachmann

O
Dr Catherine Bigley McGovern
Howard McKern
Yinalung yenu: Marilyn Clarke (nee Kong) Aunty Beryl Carmichael is an
From left: John Yovich, The end of 2007 was a very busy time is Australia’s first Indigenous Elder of the Ngiyaampaa people
O Peter Bailey
O Mr & Mrs J A Bird
O Stephen McNamara
O Rene M Measday
the Hon. Bronwyn
Bishop MP, HRH The for the Powerhouse Foundation. The women’s journey obstetrician and works at the in western NSW and was born
Duke of Kent and Peter 2007 Annual Appeal target of $100,000 Aboriginal Medical Service in near Broken Hill in the 1930s.
2 Sonja Blainey O Cheryl Merlino Yates.
was exceeded, with a total of $143,121 Coffs Harbour. Her twin sister She runs culture camps where
O Prudence Board ¶ David M Newby STORY james wilson-miller,
being raised to support the Museum’s curator, koori history and culture
Marlene Kong (pictured below) young children can learn about
O R K Bowbrick O Simon Pagett
collection. Special thanks to David Newby, Photos paula bray is a general practitioner based traditional Indigenous ways.
∞ Graham and Charlene Bradley O Andrew Pardoe
Alan and Anne Slade, David and Deidre in Newcastle.
2 Anthony Buckley O KM & PB Phillips
Greatorex, John and Lynn Reid, Graham
2 Geraldine Bull ∞ Mr and Mrs John and Lynn Reid
and Charlene Bradley, Max Hooper, Jack Women have always had an
O Russell Butterworth ∞ Jack and Diana Ritch
Ritch, Kylie Winkworth, Peter Yates, and the important place in Indigenous
2 Michael Callaghan U Dr & Mrs Ian and Joanne Ritchie
Trust Company Limited for their generous Australian society — as child
O Judith Campbell £ Barbara Rogers
support of the Annual Appeal. rearers, educators, food
2 Barry Casey O Mary Ryland
In October the Powerhouse Museum collectors, artists, storytellers,
O Lesley A Chapman U D N Sanders
hosted a black tie dinner, with the guest healers and elders. Yinalung
O Jack Cridland U Margie Seale and David Hardy
of honour, His Royal Highness The Duke of yenu: women’s journey takes
O Julie Crimp ∞ Anne and Alan Slade
Kent, to celebrate the establishment of the you into the world of Indigenous
O S Cullen O Jaine P Stockler
Royal Institution of Australia (RiA). The RiA is Australian women, focusing
O James Dickson 2 Penelope Szeto
the first international ‘satellite’ of the world- on the areas where women
U EMQS Pty Ltd O Leanne Tam
renown Royal Institution of Great Britain, a are more influential than men:
b Suellen Enestrom O M Tate
flagship of science in the United Kingdom creating and nurturing, teaching
O N Folkard j Trust Company Limited
for over 200 years. and community, family and
O Jan Foster 2 Angele Van Den Heuvel
Dr Peter Farrell AM was our guest health, lore and law, and food
O Friend of the Powerhouse Foundation O Dr Brian Vern-Barnett
DONATION speaker at the final President’s Circle gathering and preparation. Six
O Professor Geoff Gallop U Leslie Walford
CATEGORIES Luncheon for the year. Dr Farrell spoke to prominent Indigenous women
2 Tony and Prue Goswell b Judith Wheeldon AM
an enthusiastic group about innovation and share their stories, revealing
¶ The Greatorex Foundation O Gwyneth Whitefield j Governor
entrepreneurship, both topics that are well- how Indigenous traditions are
O Rosalba Gustin 2 Barry Willoughby ¶ President’s Circle
aligned with the Museum’s ethos. finding new forms of expression
O Mrs J. M. Hooper ∞ Kylie Winkworth ∞ Leader
In December the Foundation hosted today. Personal objects
£ F M Hooper 2 Geoffrey Winter £ Collector
the Annual Suzuki Orchestra Concert; chosen by the six women are
O Mrs Shirley Jarrett 2 Greg and Deborah Wotherspoon b Custodian
a wonderful occasion to see and hear complemented by works made
2 Jewellers & Metalsmiths Group of U Yoshiko Wright U Investor
classical and Christmas music played by by contemporary Indigenous
Australia NSW Inc ¶ Peter Yates 2 Supporter
young, talented musicians. craftswomen.
O Alexandra Joel 2 Frank Zipfinger O Friend
2008 will be another year of exciting
events at which it would be a pleasure Aunty Sue Blacklock Professor Larissa Behrendt Bronwyn Bancroft
to meet as many of our supporters as ‘I come from Tingha, this is
possible. If you are interested in attending where my culture comes from, ‘I often feel like I’m apologising ‘Having country, knowing
Foundation events, or supporting the this is where I was taught for working within a system that country, is essential as an
Foundation through a donation, go to everything… about my culture, really doesn’t do the right thing Aboriginal person because
powerhousemuseum.com/foundation or and traditions, it’s just the place by my own people … but unless when you go home the land
contact us on (02) 9217 0564. I love. It’s not a big city but it’s we really understand Australian looks after you. It regenerates
home. I love living here - it’s institutions like laws … we’re you.’
peaceful and quiet. I like to visit much less able to change them.’
the cities but my home calls me Bronwyn Bancroft is an
back all the time.’ Larissa Behrendt is a barrister artist and descendant of
and Eualeyai-Kamilaroi woman the Bundjalung people from
Aunty Sue Blacklock is a from north-western NSW. She northern NSW. Her paintings and
respected Elder of the Tingha combines grass-roots legal designs have been exhibited in
community in northern NSW practice with her work as Australia and overseas.
and a descendant of one of Professor of Law and Director
the survivors of the Myall Creek of Research at the Jumbunna
massacre. She works in the Indigenous House of Learning at
community to care for children, University of Technology, Sydney.
educate younger women and
achieve reconciliation.

12 powerline autumn 08 powerline autumn 08 13

PLAY
A live multimedia show from
the award-winning Theatre
of Image premieres at the
Museum in April.
pixel & friends...
the colour show
STORY helen whitty, commissioning
producer, public programs
Pixel & Friends…the colour show is
performance from the creator of The Happy
Prince, combining dance, live music and
digital animation. This original story is a
journey of discovery for the central character
Pixel, as she searches for her lost colour,
and for the young audience, as all the
elements of design become their friends.
Inside a specially constructed staging area
in the Museum, children travel with Pixel in
a kaleidoscopic transformation across the
colour spectrum, exploring line, shape, form,
contrast, space, light, rhythm and texture.
Kim Carpenter, one of Australia’s foremost
theatre designers and directors, is a
graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic
Art (NIDA) and the English National Opera
School (Design); he is a former co-artistic
director of Nimrod Theatre and former head
of design at NIDA. Carpenter started the
Theatre of Image following a residency in
New York with the pioneering experimental
theatre director Robert Wilson. Inspired
by Wilson, and the ‘broad visual palette of
possibilities’ with the medium, Carpenter
established his own company to bring an
alternative theatrical language to Australian
audiences; one that spans theatre, puppetry,
dance and visual arts.
Pixel & friends…the colour show consists
of two dancers and a musician who perform
in an empty space before images projected
onto a large screen. In this intimate format
the performers and the audience share the
same space, thus eliminating the theatrical
‘fourth wall’.
On the genesis of Pixel & friends…the
colour show, Carpenter says, ‘Colour is
integral to my work and is of course very
close to me. The role of the visual artist
has also been a very strong presence in
all of our shows, either through form or
character… Swimming in light, conceived
for the Melbourne International Arts Festival,
was about the world of artist Lloyd Rees;
White Heat for the Art Gallery of NSW was
about Arthur Boyd, and Carnival of the
Animals featured a child artist as the central
character.
14 powerline autumn 08
‘Pixel really came about through
discussion with Alyssa,’ says Carpenter.
Alyssa Rothwell is a lecturer and digital
animator who worked with Carpenter on
Pinocchio and Lulie the Iceberg.
Multi-disciplinary collaboration is at the
heart of the Theatre of Image. ‘Underpinning
our philosophy is the belief that all the arts
are connected,’ says Carpenter, ‘we aim to
give the artists and audience a heightened
experience and a reminder of the joy
and beauty of colour and the enormous
emotional power it has in our lives.’
The Museum is full to the brim with
reminders of creativity in the arts and
sciences and we are continually developing
innovative ways for children to access and
enjoy our collection through
play@powerhouse.
Pixel & Friends,
illustrations by Kim
Carpenter.
Pixel & Friends...the colour show
School term 10.30am & 12noon,
weekends and holidays 11.00am
& 12.30pm
Created by Kim Carpenter
Digital animation:Alyssa Rothwell
Composer: Peter Kennard
Choreographer: Narelle
Benjamin
Music performed by Jeremy
Cook
Lighting: Jo Elliot
Featuring dancer Kristina Chan
as Pixel and Tim Ohl as her best
friend Line.
Bookings through
ticketmaster.com.au
Colour Me
15-16, 17-18 April
Powerhouse Museum
Two workshops linked to Pixel &
Friends…the colour show
Be inspired by and find out what
it means to you.
Bookings and enquiries:
(02) 9518 8458
Cost: $185/$165 Members, for 2 days.
NEW EXHIBITION
International symposium
Saturday 19 April 2008, 9.30am
– 5.00pm
Rococo silver in the 18th cen-
tury: Paul de Lamerie and the
Huguenots
This international symposium
celebrates the opening
of Silver: Paul de Lamerie
from the Cahn collection.
Symposium speakers include
Ellenor Alcorn, exhibition
curator and scholar from
the USA; Dr Tessa Murdoch,
Deputy Keeper from the
Victoria & Albert Museum
in London and author and
historian Robert Nash, from the
Huguenot Society of Australia.
Cost: $95.00
Special members price: $85.50
(includes Museum admission, refreshments,
lunch, exhibition viewing with curators and
a silver handling session hosted by Paul
Cahn.)
Bookings: www.moshtix.com.au
ph: 1300 438 849
For more information contact
Eva Czernis-Ryl on (02) 9217
0138 or adultlearning@phm.
gov.au
Silver: Paul de Lamerie from the Cahn
collection is organised and circulated
by the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
and made possible by the Cahn Family
Foundation and FedEX Corporation.
The Maynard dish, 1736/7,
silver. Marked by Paul
de Lamerie, 1688-1751,
English.
The Powerhouse presents A visual feast of decorative silverware, tastes of his wealthy clients. Many of these
this exhibition focuses on the work of objects set a new standard for luxury and
an exhibition of fabulous London’s legendary 18th century silversmith fine craftsmanship in Britain, and provide an
Rococo silver from the and includes two of de Lamerie’s most insight into life in high society.
celebrated objects: the 1736 Maynard dish Paul de Lamerie (1688-1751) came to
collection of Paul and and the turtle tureen of 1750. While the London as a small child with his Huguenot
Elissa Cahn. Maynard dish impresses with its iconography parents who fled France with more than
and mastery of execution, the imposing 200 000 other French Protestants. By
turtle tureen was innovative as a new form of the 1730s he was one of the first English
silver tableware. These two iconic works are silversmiths to work in the Rococo style.
Silver: Paul de part of a selection of about seventy silver
and silver-gilt objects made predominantly
Among de Lamerie’s best clients was Sir
Robert Walpole, the first Earl of Orford
Lamerie from the in Paul de Lamerie’s workshop, but also by
his contemporaries, including Paul Crespin
and Britain’s first Prime Minister, as well
as King George I. De Lamerie’s creativity
Cahn collection and Charles Kändler. They range from and business acumen were phenomenal
spectacular sideboard pieces to exquisitely for his time and anticipated the business
modelled tableware, candelabra and writing approaches and flair of England’s great
STORY eva czernis-ryl, implements, most in the Rococo style entrepreneurs of the Age of Enlightenment,
curator, design & society
though some of the earlier designs are Josiah Wedgwood and Matthew Boulton.
Baroque and mannerist in spirit. While a The exhibition provides a wonderful context
significant portion of de Lamerie business for the Powerhouse Museum’s collection of
came from the sale of less expensive 18th century silver, some of which can be
works such as inkstands or candlesticks, viewed in the exhibition Inspired! Design
he produced a range of works to suit the across time.
powerline autumn 08 15
OBSERVE
SYDNEY OBSERVATORY
a high flagstaff for
Sydney Observatory
Sydney Observatory was built
150 years ago on the prominent
hill that was the site of the
early Fort Phillip. From about
1810 flagstaffs positioned on
the wall of the fort were used
for communication with South
Head Signal Station. In 1847 a
brick building was erected for
the Signal Master, and then
extended following construction
of the Observatory. A decade
later, an electric telegraph line
connected Fort Phillip with the
signal station at South Head.
The role of the signal station
was to receive information from
South Head Signal Station about
the types of ships entering the
Harbour and to communicate
that information – for the
authorities and the general
16 powerline autumn 08
public – with flags that were
both descriptive and numerical.
Two flagstaffs were situated
at the north and south ends of
the site. There were probably
several versions of the flagstaffs,
the last set from the 1930s
extending to about 30 metres
in height. Radio communication
eventually diminished the role
of the station and the flagstaffs
were demolished in the 1930s.
Through the generosity of the
Bruce & Joy Reid Foundation
the Museum is replacing the
southern flagstaff. A mix of
historic and specially-designed
astronomical flags will fly on the
new flagstaff, reinstating it as a
major Sydney landmark.
STORY Dr Nick Lomb,
Curator of Astronomy
Powerhouse Discovery
Centre: one year on
When we look back on our first
year in operation, the team
at the Powerhouse Discovery
Centre is both delighted
and amazed by all that has
been achieved and learned
throughout the year. We have
welcomed over 20 000 visitors
through the doors since opening
in March 2007.
Visitors to the Discovery
Centre throughout the year have
represented a broad sweep of
the population from the greater
Sydney metropolitan area and
across the state. It has become
a popular destination for special
interest groups including Probus
Clubs, car clubs, and the more
interestingly named Lost Ladies
Group, Ivy Rose Tuesday Club,
Happiness Club from Toukley
and the Razorback Crankhandle
Club.
Monthly Open Days (the
second Saturday of each month,
except January) have focused
on a diverse range of collecting
fields and themes including
top: Flag signals used above: The flagstaffs
in Sydney Harbour in at Fort Phillip
1832 with many of the Signal Station highly
signals designed by decorated with flags
the Harbour Master, at the opening of the
Captain Nicholson. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Courtesy John on 20 March 1932. Photo
Vaughan. by Sam Hood, courtesy
of the State Library
of NSW.
aviation, cars, the Sydney 2000
Olympic Games, Indigenous
culture and Australian
innovation. At the Indigenous
culture open day two Western
Sydney artists, Jake Soewardie
and Brian Bonney, held
children’s art workshops in
decorating bird nesting boxes.
The boxes are now home to
the native birdlife around the
Discovery Centre and add a
touch of colour to the site.
The Discovery Centre
has participated in special
events in the region, including
the Hawkesbury and Hills
Cartoscope Map, the Baulkham
Hills annual Orange Blossom
Festival and History Week. In
July we were joined by fifty
enthusiastic knitters for a
‘satellite knit in’ as part of the
annual 702 ABC Knit In.
In October 2007
documentation and preservation
of the HIV/AIDS Quilt project
commenced, with the support
of volunteers from the Discovery
DISCOVER
POWERHOUSE DISCOVERY CENTRE
Visitors in the Display Centre along with and the
Store admiring objects Sydney AIDS Quilt project.
from the transport
collection including Following the documentation
the Eagle X prototype process the Quilt will be
aircraft (pictured
bottom left). stored permanently at the
Discovery Centre and exhibited
periodically.
In 2007 we also welcomed
some very special visitors.
The famous Australian aviatrix
Nancy Bird-Walton signed her
book, My God! It’s a Woman,
and chatted to visitors, and
Olive Riley, famous for being the
world’s oldest blogger at 108,
talked about how the some of
the early 20th century Australian
objects in the centre were used
in daily life.
We have also had the
privilege of meeting people
with personal connections
to some of the objects on
display, including the family of
Wes Standfield, creator of the
Standfield mouse-trap making
machine, and Gareth Kimberley
who designed and built the
Kimberley Sky-Rider ultra-light.
All these achievements,
programs and events would not
have been possible without the
enthusiasm and support of our
team of over fifty volunteers.
Over the past twelve months
they have contributed well over
4,000 hours of their time to
assist us with hosting visitors
to the Discovery Centre and
assisting us behind-the-scenes.
Christopher Snelling, Manager,
Powerhouse Discovery Centre
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the
Powerhouse Discovery Centre and would like
to arrange a visit, phone us on (02) 9762 1300
or email castlehill@phm.gov.au
powerline autumn 08 17
NEW ACQUISITION The powerhouse museum gratefully acknowledges
the support of the following organisations

principal partners senior partners partners supporters platinum corporate state government
An English limewood members partners
sideboard by designer Khai
Liew joins the collection
australian wool 702 abc sydney Amp
innovation
diana: a celebration boeing australia
courtesy of the Powerhouse THE GREAT WALL
fashion from fleece:
200 years of australian electrolux railcorp

Foundation. OF CHINA: Dynasties,

Dragons and warriors
EcoLogic: creating a
wool electrolux global
design laboratory
renaissance tours NSW Office for science &
medical research
sustainable future BOMBAY SAPPHIRE sibelius australia
improving life: the
d factory the powerhouse museum
design of Swedish JAZZRIGHT PRODUCTION is a statutory authority
Sydney design 07 innovations SERVICES of, and principally

new to the fold city of sydney

sydney design 07
ericsson
improving life: the
HALKEAS PRINTING funded by, the state
government.

design of swedish gold corporate

Dick Smith Australian powerhouse wizard engineers australia, innovations australian government
Explorer Bell 206B sydney division
members
STORY Anne watson, partners
Jetranger III helicopter THOMSON PLAYFORD
former Curator, Architecture and Design engineering excellence
2007 Sydney design 07 the creative leadership
forum australia council for
the arts
ferngrove wines landor associates
multiplex
diana: a celebration diana: a celebration australian research
Mincom Limited sinclair knight merz council
LIFE FELLOWS DINNER 2007 Novotel Sydney on
Khai Liew is an Adelaide-based furniture Darling Harbour
standards australia/
australian design
designer-maker whose beautifully honed rural press
Official Sydney Hotel awards
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: foundations
aesthetic draws on his Malaysian-Chinese Dynasties, dragons and
regional programs
the raci inc. nsw branch sweet art
background, his love of mid-century Danish warriors smart works: design and SoundHouse™ Music james n kirby foundation
the handmade science education transgrid
furniture and his fascination for 19th century diana: a celebration
Alliance
program
tafe nsw Gordon Darling
Australian vernacular furniture. Born in SoundHouse™ music &
TRUST COMPANY Foundation
multimedia laboratory
Malaysia, Liew fled the country in the wake DYSON
Bruce & joy Reid
of the anti-Chinese riots in 1969 and in Foundation
the mid 1970s established a business in silver corporate
Adelaide selling Australian colonial furniture. members
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA:
His knowledge of construction techniques Dynasties, Dragons and
DUNLOP FLOORING
warriors
developed during these years has had a AUSTRALIA
direct impact on his design vocabulary the great wall of china: MACQUARIE BANK
and the importance he places on the Dynasties, dragons and FOUNDATION
warriors
interdependency of form and structure. KVB KUNLUN
In 1997 Liew set up Khai Liew Design – a pdc creative
retail showroom and workshop with small- weir minerals
scale production, assisted by a network experimentations IBIS WORLD SQUARE
of skilled craftspeople. He has since
science education
established a national and international program
discovery
clientele and completes one-off pieces for members
exhibition as well as commissioned site-
specific designs. His most recent exhibition, hinchcliffe electrical
services
Tiersmen to Linenfold, which included the
‘Linenfold’ sideboard, perhaps reflects wizard home loans
kellyville
even more dramatically his particular skill diana: a celebration

at distilling a common aesthetic from

seemingly disparate inspirational sources
and creating minimal yet functional and
evocative forms.
The ‘Linenfold’ sideboard subtly embodies
the ‘folding’ principle that provides the
the powerhouse
show’s conceptual framework and is a discovery centre:
visually resolved and highly accomplished collection stories at
castle hill
work by an important Australian designer
at the height of his career. In addition to
its contemporary relevance the piece will
substantially add to the Museum’s existing
collection of sideboards which includes
such significant examples as the Australian kids unit
cedar pedestal sideboard, 1820, the EW
Godwin sideboard, England 1875 and the
Schulim Krimper sideboard, Melbourne
1955. ‘Linenfold’s’ reductive contemporary
sideboard, Linenfold, design, its abstracted historical references,
English limewood, and its collection relevance, make it a highly
metal, plastic, designed
by Khai Liew, Adelaide,
appropriate acquisition for the Powerhouse for more information on sponsorship opportunities
South Australia, 2007. Foundation. and giving to the powerhouse museum please contact
2007/117/1. dara vongsonephet on (02) 9217 0577.

18 powerline autumn 08 powerline autumn 08 19

FrOM THE COLLECTION
the circumferentor
This circumferentor was made in
1863 or 1864 and is among the
earliest scientific instruments
produced in Australia. It was
constructed and designed by
Angelo Tornaghi who arrived in
Sydney in 1858 to supervise the
adjustment of instruments for
Sydney Observatory.
By 1861 Tornaghi had set up
his own business at 28 Bridge
Street Sydney and was acting
as a local agent for the London
based Negretti & Zambra. His
first major achievement in the
colony was the invention of this
portable circumferentor in 1863.
The circumferentor’s small
size appealed to surveyors
who used it in place of the
ordinary theodolite, particularly
in wooded country or mining
districts. The magnetic needle Surveying instrument,
circumferentor, brass
retained its north-south / silver / glass, made
orientation as its sights were by Angelo Tornaghi,
Sydney, New South Wales,
turned to measure distant Australia, 1863-1864. B747-1.
objects. This movement allowed Gift of Mr A. McDonald,
1938.
the number of degrees in the
angle to be counted off on the
graduated circle.
Tornaghi is perhaps
best remembered by the
commissions he undertook for
the construction and service of
clocks for government offices.
During one of his biggest
projects – the Sydney Town Hall
clock – Tornaghi declared that
powerhousemuseum.com
he would forego all payment if
the clock was not satisfactory.
This proved an unwise move as
what was then the largest clock
in Australia was rejected at great
personal loss to Tornaghi.