POWERLINE

+ the magazine of the powerhouse museum winter 05

morris & co
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+ 02 powerline winter 05 + 03 powerline winter 05

powerpicks
+ O2
03
From the director
Power picks
TRUSTEES
Dr Nicholas G Pappas,
President
THE POWERHOUSE FORGES NEW LINKS IN CHINA
contents
06 New exhibition: Sydney designers unplugged Dr Anne Summers AO,
Deputy President
AND WELCOMES A SPECIAL GUEST TO CASTLE HILL.
07 Sydney Design 05
issue 78 08 New exhibition: Morris & Co Mr Mark Bouris
Ms Trisha Dixon
10 New acquisitions: Smoky Dawson memorabilia
Mr Andrew Denton
JUNE JULY AUGUST 2005 11 Members news Ms Susan Gray
Ms Margaret Seale
12 Members calendar
Mr Anthony Sukari
LEFT TO RIGHT: MR TERRY
14 Members scene Ms Judith Wheeldon GARWOOD, MUSEUMS VICTORIA; MS
JENNIFER SANDERS, DEPUTY
15 Obituary: Jack Willis DIRECTOR POWERHOUSE MUSEUM;
SENIOR MANAGEMENT THE HON CHRIS ELLISON,
16 Powerhouse Wizard AUSTRALIAN MINISTER FOR JUSTICE
Dr Kevin Fewster AM, Director AND CUSTOMS; MR PAN ZHENZHOU,
DIRECTOR GENERAL, NATIONAL
17 Travelling exhibition: Balarinji in Japan Jennifer Sanders, Deputy Director, MUSEUM OF CHINA; MR JIANG
Collections and Exhibitions FENGYI, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF
18 The Strasburg Clock restored THE CCP AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR,
Mark Goggin, Associate Director, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CHINA.
20 The Castle Hill storage space Programs and Commercial Services BELOW: CLARENCE SLOCKEE, ONE
OF THE PERFORMERS. AT THE
22 Observatory news Michael Landsbergen, Associate OPENING. PHOTOS BY JAMES
LAURENDET.
Director, Corporate Services
23 Corporate partners
Kevin Sumption, Associate Director,
24 Exhibitions at a glance Knowledge and Information
Management

+ a
As our 125th anniversary
celebrations draw to a close, I
from the am proud to say this important
milestone seems to have
director succeeded in drawing
considerable attention to the
Powerhouse Museum’s
area. This story has been
commemorated in the
exhibition Paradise, Purgatory
and Hellhole: a history of
Pyrmont and Ultimo, launched
in March by the Lord Mayor of
Sydney, Cr Clover Moore MP.
Powerhouse senior curator
Kimberley Webber. The book
was launched by our Premier
and Arts Minister, the Hon Bob
our place A ribbon cutting ceremony marks the
Carr MP, when he came to the in Beijing opening of Our place in Beijing. PETER JACKSON ADMIRES THE
COLLECTION OF MODEL PLANES
Museum in early May to AT CASTLE HILL. PHOTO BY JEAN-
welcome delegates to the FRANCOIS LANZARONE.

contribution to the cultural life 2005 Museums Australia

www.powerhousemuseum.com
FRONT COVER: FROM THE MORRIS
& CO EXHIBITION, TRELLIS (1864),
MORRIS’S FIRST WALLPAPER, A
COLLABORATIVE DESIGN WITH
PHILIP WEBB WHO DESIGNED THE
BIRDS, COLOUR WOODCUT ON
PAPER, 107 X 56.7 CM. ELLEN
CHRISTENSEN BEQUEST FUND
2002, ART GALLERY OF SOUTH
AUSTRALIA.
of NSW, and provided a
chance to reflect on both the
historical and future roles of
the Museum.
While the Powerhouse is one
of Australia’s largest museums,
it is also very much a museum
for its local community. The
Museum has been located on
the Pyrmont Ultimo peninsula
for all but 13 of its 125 years,
and throughout its life has
provided a place for the local
community to reflect on the
changing world around them.
Today our neighbourhood is a
DR KEVIN FEWSTER WITH THE LORD
highly developed urban hub, a
MAYOR OF SYDNEY, CR CLOVER
MOORE MP, AT THE 125TH far cry from the sandstone
ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION IN APRIL.
PHOTO BY MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI. quarries, woolstores and power
station that once occupied the
Where to find us
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Opening hours 10.00 am – 5.00 pm every day (except Christmas
Day). School holiday opening hours 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
Contact details
Postal address: PO Box K346, Haymarket NSW 1238
Telephone (02) 9217 0111
Infoline (02) 9217 0444, Education (02) 9217 0222
The Powerhouse Museum, part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
also incorporating Sydney Observatory, is a NSW government cultural institution.
In April I had the honour, along
with the Museum’s Board of
Trustees, of attending a
reception hosted by the Lord
Mayor of Sydney
congratulating the Museum on
its anniversary and
commending its contribution to
Sydney’s cultural life. In her
speech the Lord Mayor
remarked on the ongoing vital
relationship between the
Museum and its surrounding
community.
Another legacy of our 125th
anniversary is the new book,
Yesterday’s tomorrows: the
Powerhouse Museum and its
precursors 1880–2005, edited
by eminent historian and
author Graeme Davison and
Powerline is produced by the Print Media Department
of the Powerhouse Museum
PO Box K346, Haymarket NSW 1238
Editor: Tracy Goulding
Editorial coordinator: Deborah Renaud
Design: Trigger
Photography: 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
conference, held at the
Powerhouse.
I was given the challenging
task of writing the final chapter
for Yesterday’s tomorrows
postulating on the Museum’s
future. One point I make in my
chapter is the changing
demographic of the area as
people are moving back to the
city. The Museum looks
forward to sustaining its dual
role as custodian of a large
state collection and a local
museum where people can
drop by to participate in our
ever changing range of
programs and exhibitions.
Dr Kevin Fewster AM,
Director
Our place: Indigenous Australia
now, which showcases the
work of contemporary
Indigenous artists and
communities, opened in the
National Museum of China,
Beijing on 5 April. The
exhibition, jointly curated by
the Powerhouse Museum and
Museum Victoria, was first
mounted in Athens last year for
the 2004 Olympic Games. It
was then dismantled and
shipped to Beijing for the
opening in Tiananmen Square,
the heart of Beijing.
James Wilson-Miller, Curator,
Indigenous History and
Culture, writes of the exhibition
in Beijing: ‘Our place
represents our many Creation
stories, traditional land and
water practices, our contact
histories from invasion times,
the out of control frontiers,
segregation, separation and
the institutionalisation of our
people to the more positive
outcomes that many
Indigenous people are
experiencing today, all told
through the art of many of
Australia’s most talented
Indigenous artists. All speakers
at the opening spoke with
overwhelming passion about
the significance of cultural
exchange between our two
countries. The Indigenous
performers sponsored by the
Aboriginal Arts Board ignited
the most positive atmosphere
and it was electrifying to see
this happen. Exhibitions like
Our place can only bridge the
many cultural differences
between Australia and the rest
of the world.’
Our place: Indigenous Australia
now will be on display in
Beijing until 16 June 2005.
Principal supporters: NSW Government and
Victorian Government. Supported by the
Australian Government through the Australia
Council and the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade. Sponsored by WesTrac
China. Offical logistics provider: Schenker
Stinnes Logistics.
t
When world-famous film and by the collection, which is
director Peter Jackson recognised as one of the finest
Peter generously agreed to visit the
Powerhouse during our staging
in the world. Highlights of the
tour included the German aero
Jackson’s of The Lord of the Rings Motion engines and the English RAF
Picture Trilogy — The Exhibition 1A, which he has a particular
flying visit he unveiled a secret passion interest in.
outside the hectic world of big
budget movie making. For Mr
It was a great pleasure to have
Mr Jackson as our guest for a
Jackson the chance to get a
day during The Lord of the
personal tour of the Museum’s
Rings exhibition, which closed
Castle Hill storage space, in
on 3 April after a blockbuster
particular our collection of
season at the Museum.
World War I aircraft and aviation
For more on Mr Jackson’s visit,
engines, was an opportunity too
see page 11. For more on the
good to miss.
Castle Hill facility, which is due
Mr Jackson was clearly
to open to the public next year,
impressed by the enormous
see page 20.
size and scope of the facility
+ 04 powerline winter 05
, ”
getting
connected
THE PROMOTIONAL POSTER FOR THE
ONLINE TEACHERS GUIDE.
VectorLab:
technology
creativity
The explosion of digital media
and communications in the
last decade has given us the
most powerful tools for sharing
information and ideas we have
ever had. But for many of us
the technology is still
something of a mystery.
Enter VectorLab, the
Powerhouse Museum’s new
comprehensive education and
training studio for screen-
based media. Launched in
March this year, VectorLab
offers a range of short
courses, workshops, seminars
and public programs covering
a range of digital media —
video production, digital
excellent
engineering
With the theme ‘everything
connects’, the Powerhouse
Museum and Sydney
Observatory Teachers Guide
moved online this year.
Supported by an eye-popping
poster and booklet, the online
resource has already proved
popular with the education
community.
A feature of the online guide is
an interactive visit planner,
which allows teachers to enter
their class level and subject
area to bring up a list of
recommended exhibitions,
programs and resources. You
can find the online guide at
www.powerhousemuseum/
teachersguide.
VECTORLAB EDUCATOR MIKE
JONES (RIGHT) SHOWS
POWERHOUSE DIRECTOR DR KEVIN
FEWSTER AND PROFESSOR ROSS
GIBSON, UTS, THE LATEST IN
DIGITAL MEDIA; THE VECTORLAB
LOGO. PHOTO BY MARINCO
KOJDANOVSKI.
imaging and photography, 3-D
graphics and animation.
Catering for all levels of ability
and experience, VectorLab
programs provide hands-on
opportunities for school and
tertiary students, adult
learners, young people,
teachers, professionals and
amateurs — anyone with an
interest in learning more
about using creative digital
tools. Special ‘members only’
courses are also on offer for
Powerhouse Members.
To find out more about
VectorLab courses go to
www.soundbyte.org.
THE ATHENS 2004 OLYMPIC TORCH.
PHOTO COURTESY IOC, GETTY IMAGES.
The Museum’s annual
Engineering excellence
exhibition, featuring the six
winning projects of the 2004
Engineering Excellence
Awards, provides a fascinating
insight into the role
engineering plays in our lives.
A highlight of the exhibition is
the Sydney CBD Electricity
Augmentation Project, which
was named winner of the
Bradfield Award for Best
Project. In 1998 TransGrid and
Energy Australia identified the
need to expand the supply
and distribution network
serving a million Sydneysiders.
This project has ensured the
city will have a safe, reliable
power supply that will meet
energy needs well into the
second century of electricity.
Another winning project is the
Bond complex in Millers Point,
Australia’s first commercial
building to achieve world’s
best practice standards in
environmental, social and
4 When the Powerhouse
foundation
news
A cocktail viewing of The Lord
of the Rings Motion Picture
Trilogy — The Exhibition,
hosted by trustees Margie
Seale and Susan Gray, proved
to be another successful
Powerhouse Foundation event,
raising over $8000. The
Foundation was launched in
September last year with the
goal of raising $5 million in four
years to continue to build and
conserve our extraordinary
collection.
In February recently retired
headmistress of Abbotsleigh,
Judith Wheeldon, was
appointed to the Foundation
Advisory Committee, joining a
high profile group of
ambassadors including Robyn
commercial sustainability. The
display focuses on the use of
chilled beams, a roof-top
garden, lighting technologies,
and the large sandstone rock
wall that has been
incorporated in the building’s
design.
Other winners include the
Load restraint guide, a
compact book explaining how
to safely restrain loads on
vehicles; the Lednium solid
state lighting device; and the
Athens 2004 Olympic torch
manufactured by Australian
firm G A & L Harrington.
Finally, a drawcard for students
is a display exploring the
opportunities and challenges
set for Australian high school
students in Years 7–10, to
design, model, test and
evaluate their vision of a
Formula 1 racing car.
These projects are on display
until December 2005.
MUSEUM TRUSTEE MARGIE SEALE
HOSTS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL
FOUNDATION FUNCTION. PHOTO BY
MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI.
Williams from the ABC’s The
science show, Jack Ritch,
Chairperson, AMP Capital
Investors, and Angela Belgiorno-
Zegna, to name just a few.
It is only with the support of
our ambassadors and friends
of the Museum that the
Foundation will reach its $5
million target. If you would like
to become a Foundation
supporter, please contact
Melissa Smith, Foundation
coordinator, on
(02) 9217 0564 or via email
melissas@phm.gov.au. For
more information about the
Foundation visit
www.powerhouse
museum.com/foundation.
+ 05 powerline winter 05
P Association, which produces
an unusual
website
launched an unusual new
website in February this year,
we weren’t sure what the
reaction would be. The rags:
the paraphernalia of
menstruation explores a
subject that is rarely
encountered in museums. It
showcases our small but
significant collection of
sanitary towels and tampons,
along with medicines for
relieving the discomforts of the
monthly ‘period’ and booklets
for adolescents and their
parents about growing up.
There are also women’s
magazine advertisements for
menstrual products dating
from as early as the 1880s.
We decided to create the
website because of the
number of enquiries every year
from tertiary students
researching women’s history.
We suspected the general
public would be interested in
the subject as well — after all,
menstruation is a defining
occurrence in women’s lives,
music at
the museum
Young players Where can you hear the According to Elizabeth
symphonies of Mozart and Thomas, organiser of the
make an Beethoven in the same concerts, ‘It’s important that
impression in concert as the Simpsons TV young performers have the
theme tune and a rendition of opportunity to play in public as
the Musical ‘Twinkle Twinkle’? On the it boosts their confidence and
instruments Yamaha Disklavier and Stuart develops their performance
grand pianos at the skills. The Yamaha is an
made and Powerhouse Museum of excellent instrument for this
played course! But instead of Elton purpose. Being able to have
exhibition. John or David Helfgott tinkling the performance played back
the ivories, you’ll find an not only motivates the
amazing group of young students, but also helps them
performers, some as young as develop critical listening skills.’
five years old.
Ten-year-old Alex Glendenning
Young performers come to the agrees: ‘Playing on such a big
Museum through dedicated fancy piano is a lot of fun. It
teachers from the Australian gives you the feeling that
Institute of Music, Suzuki Talent you’re performing on a stage
Education Association of and all kids should give it a go’
Australia (NSW) Inc and the he said after a recent
United Music Teachers performance.
the popular Young Musicians
The Yamaha Disklavier is part
of the Museum’s vast music
at Work concerts at the
MARJORIE MAY'S TWELFTH collection and is demonstrated
BIRTHDAY, PRODUCED BY JOHNSON Powerhouse.
& JOHNSON IN THE 1930S, PROVIDED daily on level 2.
INFORMATION ABOUT MENSTRUATION
FOR GIRLS AND THEIR MOTHERS,
WHILE PROMOTING KOTEX SANITARY
NAPKINS.
ALEX GLENDENNING GIVES A STAR
PERFORMANCE ON THE YAMAHA
DISKLAVIER. PHOTO BY MARINCO
KOJDANOVSKI.
but something of a mystery to
many men. After several
months of research and
development the site was
ready to launch.
The response has been
overwhelmingly positive. In its
first three weeks The rags was
visited by over 3200 people
and we received many emails.
People said they particularly
liked the personal anecdotes
that are included alongside the
factual notes. Some women For a weekend in March this shape before their eyes,
responded by relating their year thousands of Museum complete with a fiery furnace,
own memories. Other people
gave us new information or
hot glass hits visitors were spellbound by
glassmaking demonstrations
sparks, multicoloured twirling
and glass blowing. Working
offered objects for the
Museum’s collection and
the road courtesy of the Hot Glass with the experienced team
Roadshow. The Roadshow is a from the Corning Museum,
library. Museum curators from
fully equipped portable headed by Steve Gibbs, were
around the world told us about
glassmaking studio set up in prominent local glass artists
similar objects in their
2001 by the Corning Museum Brian Hirst, Andrew Lavery, Ben
collections, and website
of Glass, New York, to take Edols, Keith Rowe, Robert
managers asked if they could
glassmaking to the people. Wynne and Tom Rowney,
link to our site.
This is the first time the show assisted by Miki Kubo, Yuri
has been outside the US and Yanai, Eliot Brand, Alex
We hope Members will take
the Powerhouse was the first Chambers, Scott Coleman,
the time to look at the site and
stop on a road trip across the Jack Rowe and an enthusiastic
let us know what you think. You
country. group of students from Sydney
can find The rags at www.
College of the Arts.
powerhousemuseum.com/rags. LOCAL GLASSMAKERS YURI YANAI Fascinated Powerhouse
AND ROBERT WYNNE DEMONSTRATE
THE ANCIENT ART OF
audiences witnessed glass
GLASSMAKING. PHOTO BY JEAN- vases, bowls and artworks take
FRANCOIS LANZARONE.

POWERHOUSE SHOP
Too good to miss! Powerhouse Members receive 10% off selected merchandise.
THE POWERHOUSE DELVES DEEPER INTO DESIGN WITH
A NEW EXHIBITION LOOKING AT THE DESIGN PROCESS.
shaped
in Sydney
The Powerhouse Museum is a
long-standing supporter of
Australian design, displaying
an annual selection from the
Australian Design Awards
since 1992 and as a key player
in Sydney’s annual design
festival. In 2005 we delve even
deeper into the design
process of local product
designers. The exhibition
Sydney designers unplugged:
people, process, product,
which opens in August as a
highlight of Sydney Design 05,
showcases the work of seven
leading product design
studios in Sydney, revealing
the inspirations and
challenges involved.
Designers featured include the
consulting groups Nielsen
The Powerhouse Shop Design Associates, BlueSky
Creative, Design Resource,
has a superb selection Design+Industry and the
of designer vases, bags, inhouse design teams for
lampshades and Breville, Sunbeam and
Electrolux. Chances are you
curtains — perfect for own or have used something
gifts or a treat for that these people have
yourself. designed.
Many months or even years
can go into designing mass-
produced products. Interviews
The Powerhouse Shop is open
with the designers reveal the
10.00 am – 5.00 pm, 7 days a week.
challenges involved in creating
Gift selection service, free gift everything from a rugged and
wrapping and deliveries available. reliable torch to a sleek and
shiny toaster. Who would have
For more information phone
thought that it could take over
(02) 9217 0331 or
email shops@phm.gov.au.
Tord Boontje ‘garland’ light shade $132.95
Utzon vase $139.95 SUNBEAM MIXMASTER PROFESSIONAL, DESIGNED BY SUNBEAM AUSTRALIA, 2003.
Decorative carry bag $79.95 PHOTO COURTESY SUNBEAM AUSTRALIA.
20 different prototypes to
determine the right shape for
the juicing cone on the Breville
citrus press? (The shape had
to be just right to ensure it
would juice all sizes of citrus
fruit, from limes to grapefruit.)
Or that a designer too can
experience the terror of a
critical computer file crashing
just days before production is
due to begin? These are just
some of the stories of blood,
sweat and tears experienced
behind the scenes in the
creative process.
The exhibition includes familiar
classics of Australian design
— the Café-Bar, the Victa
lawnmower and the Dolphin
torch — plus some that have
experienced a recent revamp.
A highlight is the Sunbeam
mixmaster, which has been
redesigned to reflect the
original 1940s styling. Many of
the products featured have
already received Australian
Design Awards. These include
the Clark sink plug designed
by Nielsen Design Associates
and the Sydney 2000 Olympic
Torch designed by BlueSky
Creative. For something
entirely new, there are
Electrolux concept products
that are not yet available on
the market. This design group
uses future visioning to
imagine new ways we might
live and work in the future.
These local product designers
all have a global outlook.
Approximately half the work
done by the four consulting
groups is for international
clients. Sunbeam and Breville
are Australian-owned
companies whose products
are sold into international
markets. And the Electrolux
designers are part of a global
company with a focus on
designing products for the
Asia-Pacific region.
Sydney designers unplugged
has provided an opportunity to
increase the presence of local
product design in the
Museum’s collection and build
on the work done for our
popular Australian designers
at work website. Most
importantly the exhibition
offers our visitors an insight
into the people and processes
involved in the creation of the
everyday items that make our
lives just that little bit easier.
Sydney designers unplugged:
people, process, product
opens on 6 August. The
Museum’s annual selection
from the Australian Design
Awards will be on display from
4 July.
Angelique Hutchison,
Curator, Product Design
+ 07 powerline winter 05
Every August for the last few
SYDNEY DESIGN WEEK COMES
years we’ve seriously stretched
OF AGE WITH A NEW NAME semantics celebrating a ten-day
AND A 16-DAY PROGRAM. design festival known as Sydney
Design Week. In 2005 the
design event of the year is even
bigger and better and now at 16
days long has well and truly
outgrown its name to become
Sydney
simply Sydney Design 05.
But how did it all begin? In fact
it started back in early 1997
Design 05
when the then editor of The
Sydney Morning Herald’s
Domain section, Ross Muller,
asked if the Museum would be
interested in exhibiting the
winners of the second SMH
Young Designer of the Year
Award. It was also at this time
that the Museum’s then senior
curator of Australian
decorative arts and design,
Judith O’Callaghan, was
planning the first exhibition for
the newly launched Design
Gallery. So, together with other
Museum representatives, the
Design Institute of Australia,
CLOCKWISE: SCENES FROM THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM’S the Royal Australian Institute of
LAUNCH OF SYDNEY DESIGN WEEK 2004; THE 2004 YOUNG Architects (RAIA), UTS and the
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD DISPLAY; INTERNATIONAL
GUEST SPEAKER WILLIAM SAWAYA WITH YOUNG DESIGNER OF University of NSW, these two
THE YEAR AWARD RUNNER-UP ALANA DI GIACOMO. PHOTOS BY
MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI.
early protagonists met and
worked out our first year
program.
In the years that followed the
players changed but the basic
elements of Sydney Design
Week had been established:
guest designers, master
classes, design competitions
and prizes along with
compelling Powerhouse
exhibitions such as Caroline
Casey; Mod to memphis:
design in colour 1960s–80s;
Marc Newson: design works;
and Great expectations: new
British design. Speakers and
masterclass participants have
included Ron Arad, Carl
Pickering, Harry Seidler, Paul
Priestman, Marc Newson,
Shigeru Ban, William Sawaya
and Tom Kovac.
Last year Sydney Design Week
evolved yet again with an
extensive program that
included many more events
throughout the CBD and
beyond (including Parramatta).
This established SDW firmly in
the public’s mind as a cultural
event not to be missed, aided
by regular email bulletins, a
fluoro pink brochure, and the
quirky egg (and sometimes
chicken and egg) logo.
As the program has expanded,
the festival has also become a
sought after design market.
Tourism Sydney is taking on
Sydney Design 05 as its key
event for August and design
writers from overseas will be
dropping in to check out
design Sydney style. With
highlights ranging from the
Morris & Co and Sydney
designers unplugged
exhibitions at the Museum,
workshopped in the city, the
Parramatta Design Excellence
Awards, specialist architecture
tours by the RAIA, and
lectures, demonstrations,
tours, student events and
another d factory design
evening at the Powerhouse,
Sydney Design 05 will be the
name on everybody’s lips from
August 6 to 21 this year.
For more information go to
www.sydneydesign.com.au.
Robert Swieca, Coordinator,
Sydney Design 05
+ 08 powerline winter 05
MORRIS & CO, AN ART GALLERY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
TRAVELLING EXHIBITION, IS A HIGHLIGHT OF SYDNEY DESIGN 05.
story_ROBERT REASON, CURATOR, ART GALLERY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
fabulous furnishings
William Morris — the man behind the firm Morris &
Co, which bore his name for 80 years — remains a
remarkable figure more than a century after his
death. Many of his ideas, concepts and activities still
seem relevant and modern at the beginning of the
21st century. The popularity of his work endures and
he remains an influential figure with young designers
today.
Morris found gothic and medieval art to be of great
beauty compared to the machine-made goods of
mid 19th century Britain. His design sources are
varied, but what is interesting about his best designs
is the mixture of representational and patterned
images. William Morris’s greatest skill as a designer
was his ability to create repeating patterns, a
technique he taught to others, who then executed the
work. Directly related to this is Morris’s socialist
interest in the role of the artist/craftsperson and the
relationship between society and the objects it
produced. He firmly established within his own
company a philosophy based on handmade quality
and a return to the practice of individual workers
completing all stages of an object’s production.
Adelaide and the Art Gallery of South Australia have a
long association with the work of Morris & Co. From
1884 until 1929 the wealthy Adelaide couple Robert
and Joanna Barr Smith and their family were major
clients of Morris’s London shop, furnishing many of
their South Australian houses almost exclusively from
the firm. As early as 1899 the gallery’s honorary
curator, Harry P Gill, discussed his wish to purchase
WREATH, DESIGNED BY WILLAIM MORRIS, ABOUT 1876, MORRIS & CO, GOUACHE, PENCIL ON PAPER, 75 X 50.8 CM. MORGAN THOMAS AND MARY OVERTON
BEQUEST FUNDS AND THE ART GALLERY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA FOUNDATION 2003.
Morris designs in letters to the Barr Smiths and the
president of the gallery’s board, Sir Samuel Way.
However it was not until 1917 that the gallery made its
first and finest purchase of a Morris & Co tapestry,
The adoration of the Magi from South Australian
businessman George Brookman.
In 1982 the first Morris & Co furnishings belonging to
the Barr Smith family were donated to the gallery, and
in 1989 Christopher Menz, then Curator of European
and Australian Decorative Arts, was given a brief to
collect and preserve as much of the family’s Morris &
Co work as possible. The gallery also acquired
material from London to build the largest collection of
Morris & Co furnishings outside Britain. In 2002
Christopher Menz curated the impressive Morris & Co
exhibition showcasing the gallery’s vast collection of
the company’s textiles, furniture, carpets, wallpaper,
drawings and pamphlets.
Morris & Co is now an Art Gallery of South Australia
travelling exhibition and will open at the Powerhouse
Museum in August as a highlight of Sydney Design
05. Included in the exhibition is the magnificent
Adoration of the Magi tapestry designed by Edward
Burne-Jones and produced in the workshop of Morris
& Co in about 1900. Hanging, designed in the 1890s
by May Morris, William Morris’s daughter, is another
beautiful work in richly embroidered silks on a green
silk ground. Wallpapers include Trellis, Morris’s first
wallpaper design, and the magnificent Acanthus, one
of the companys’ most expensive papers. This piece
was rescued from one of the Barr Smith’s houses in
1982 as it was being demolished.
Of particular interest is a rare and significant drawing
in Morris’s own hand for the wallpaper Wreath. Highly
worked in colour and in its resolution of the design
elements, the drawing provides a fascinating glimpse
into Morris’s creative process. Freely drawn flowers
and acanthus leaves are developed into a vigorous
diaper (diamond) construction of curves and scrolls
in pencil. Base areas of green and blue are then
added, after which Morris narrows his focus to small
detailed sections in gouache showing the subtle
tonal variations he required of his wallpapers.
Morris created Wreath as the master working drawing
for his printers Jeffrey & Co, including extensive
annotation, which largely discusses the shading of
the acanthus leaves. Jeffrey & Co would have then
traced and multiplied the repeat pattern so that a
series of wood blocks could be cut for printing the
wallpaper. Colour tests would then have been carried
out, and in this case the written comments, which
were sent back to Morris, remain attached to the
drawing.
Morris & Co is accompanied by a lavishly illustrated
full-colour catalogue by Christopher Menz, now
Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Christopher will give a public lecture on Morris’s work
on 20 August at the Powerhouse and is guest
speaker at the Annual Members Dinner on the same
day.

+ 10 powerline winter 05
WHEN SMOKY DAWSON RECENTLY DONATED SOME MEMORABILIA FROM HIS LONG CAREER,
HE MADE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE MUSEUM’S PERFORMING ARTS COLLECTION.
Australia’s favourite cowboy
SMOKY DAWSON’S COWBOY HAT WAS MADE BY THE
FAMOUS JOHN B STETSON COMPANY OF SCOTTSDALE,
ARIZONA. HIS COMIC BOOKS HAD A DISTINCTLY
AUSTRALIAN FLAVOUR, AS DID HIS COMPOSITION ‘RIDIN’
WITH A SMILE AND A SONG’, THE SMOKY DAWSON THEME
SONG. GIFT OF SMOKY DAWSON, 2004. PHOTO BY JEAN-
FRANCOIS LANZARONE.
+
+ 11 powerline winter 05
members
OUR ANNUAL MEMBERS DINNER IS ONCE AGAIN
A HIGHLIGHT OF SYDNEY’S DESIGN FESTIVAL
PETER JACKSON (LEFT) ENJOYS A TALK WITH DAVID STRATTON AT
` THE STATE THEATRE. PHOTO BY JEAN-FRANCOIS LANZARONE. + news and photos
+ prizes to be won
Filmmaker Peter Jackson is most respected film critics,
+ exclusive events
well known for avoiding the Mr Jackson gave a very
once in a spotlight. But in the case of personal insight into the + family activities
lifetime
the Powerhouse and its
staging of The Lord of the
Rings Motion Picture Trilogy —
creation of the trilogy as well
as his own journey as a
filmmaker, from humble
+ special offers
The Exhibition he made a rare beginnings in New Zealand to
exception to be guest of world-famous director. Along
Smoky Dawson has lived a long life entertaining to welcome them home. In 1952 they began the
honour at our special event ‘An the way he treated the
audiences as a singer, songwriter, scriptwriter, radio Smoky Dawson radio show, which stayed on air for
Evening with Peter Jackson’ on packed house to never-
presenter and all round performer (including knife ten years and featured both Smoky and Dot.
Sunday 12 March. before-seen out-takes from
and double-headed axe thrower and sharp shooter). Including Smoky Dawson’s dramatic adventure serials
the making of the films — Members e-newsletter
A pioneer of Australian country music, he was our first (The adventures of Jindawarrabell and The For the two thousand strong
footage which may never be
cowboy entertainer. Through his radio serials, comic adventures of Smoky Dawson), the program was audience in the packed If you would like to receive the regular Members
seen again. For all those
books and songs he created the persona of a happy- syndicated nationally to 69 radio stations and auditorium of the State e-newsletter with updates on all members events
lucky enough to be there, the
go-lucky singing cowboy. broadcast in prime time on 2GB. His character Theatre, there was truly magic please call (02) 9217 0600 or email
night gave new meaning to
became ‘Australia’s favourite cowboy’, with his horse in the air. Interviewed by David members@phm.gov.au with your membership
Born in 1913 in Melbourne, Herbert Dawson was raised the expression ‘a once in a
Flash, his faithful sidekick Jingles and their young Stratton, one of Australia’s number and e-newsletter in the subject line.
in Warrnambool. After the death of his mother and lifetime experience’!
friend Billy, fighting the evil outlaw Grogan while
brother, he spent three years in an orphanage and
adhering to Smoky’s ‘code of the west’. Sometimes
has recalled that, even at that early age, music
soothed him. By the age of eight or nine he was
making up songs. He began his musical career in
1934 when he formed a country and western group
they would pause to explain the moral of the story,
sing a song or enjoy a bowl of cornflakes, thanks to
the program’s sponsor Kellogg’s. This persona
+
became the hero of the Smoky Dawson comic books. The first few months in the Zealand’s WETA Workshop. Of place during Sydney’s design
and began doing live radio broadcasts on Melbourne
radio station 3UZ. While working in radio he met his Smoky had a long and distinguished recording and Museum this year were a course, capping off this festival in August, with special
future wife Dot (Florence Cheers) who presented a performing career. When he wasn’t working he used from the fabulous mixture of hobbits exclusive suite of events was guest this year, Christopher
children’s program. The couple were married in 1944. his skills in whip cracking, story telling, sharp and elves, as the Powerhouse ‘An Evening with Peter Menz, curator of the Morris &
shooting and trick riding to raise money for charities
members hosted our most successful Jackson’ at the State Theatre. Co exhibition and now Director
Smoky served in World War II with the First Australian exhibition ever, The Lord of the See the members scene page of the Art Gallery of South
Army Entertainment Unit, performing for troops on the
and community projects. He was inducted into the
Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown in 1978,
team Rings Motion Picture Trilogy — for some great photos of the Australia. So book early as this
frontlines of New Guinea. He recorded locally for EMI The Exhibition. We hope you WETA Workshop at work. event is always popular with
received an MBE in 1983 for services to country music
in the 1940s with his group the Rocky Canyon Boys, had the chance to come along members and their guests.
and was awarded the Order of Australia in 1999. He But now something to look
releasing singles such as ‘I’m a Happy-Go-Lucky to some of the special
and Dot still present the Australian country music forward to in these colder Remember, the Members team
Cowhand’ (1941), ‘Just a Sprig of Golden Wattle’ (1945) members events including
showcase on community radio station 2NSB-FM. months! Why not indulge in a is available seven days a week
and ‘The Lights of Cobb & Co’ (1948). after hours viewings, prosthetic
Peter Cox night of fantastic company, via email, phone or in the
In 1950 Smoky and Dot travelled to the USA where he makeup application displays,
Curator, Australian History and Society food and entertainment at our Members Lounge, so feel free
worked in radio, appeared in Broadway productions, and a lecture by Richard
Annual Members Dinner? The to drop in and meet us next
Taylor, director of New
recorded songs and performed at Nashville’s Grand dinner will once again take time you are in the Museum.
Ole Opry. When they returned to Australia, they were
greeted by a crowd of well-wishers at Sydney Airport A TABLE SETTING FROM THE ANNUAL MEMBERS DINNER.
The Members team
+ 12 powerline winter 05
+ Friday 17 and Saturday 18 June
june
+ Monday 4 July
Exhibition walkthrough
Animal, vegetable and mineral: the weird and
wonderful world of the Powerhouse Museum 1880–1939
july Not to be missed! Animal, vegetable and mineral
tells the fascinating story of the early days of the
Museum when it collected the ‘weird and the
wonderful’ and its role was to educate working men
and women about life in a changing world. Senior
curator Kimberley Webber will take you on an in-
depth tour of the exhibition, followed by light
refreshments in the Members Lounge.
11.00 am – 12.30 pm
Cost: members $5; guests $10
+
Discover everything you need to know about Einstein, space
travel and the skies above us at Sydney Observatory in July.
+ Thursday 11 August
‘Tea and textiles: teaching young girls to sew’
Join senior curator Kimberley Webber for an
entertaining and informative talk on the Museum’s
collection of samplers and children’s needlework.
august Following the talk, we invite you to enjoy a cup of
tea and light refreshments in the Members Lounge.
11.00 am – 12.30 pm
Cost: members $5; guests $10
FROM THE EXHIBITION MORRIS & CO,
THE ADORATION OF THE MAGI
(DETAIL), DESIGNED BY EDWARD
BURNE-JONES AND J H DEARLE
(FLORAL GROUND) 1887, MORRIS &
CO, 1900–02, WOOL, SILK, 251.2 X
372.5 CM. MORGAN THOMAS
BEQUEST FUND 1917, ART GALLERY OF
SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
winter 05
members’ calendar
Sydney Observatory
Festival of astronomy
Take a torchlight tour of the signal station, view
Jupiter, the constellation Centaurus and the gibbous
moon through telescopes, hear 15 minute astronomy
talks, purchase the latest astronomy paraphernalia
at our night fair and generally have an
astronomically entertaining time. There will be a
coffee cart and sausage sizzle on site. A mini-bus
departs from Circular Quay every 20 minutes from
5.30 pm.
6.00–10.00 pm
Cost: members $12 adults / $10 conc / $8 children / $32 family; guests $15
adults / $12 conc / $10 children / $40 family, For details phone 9217 0485.
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July
Sydney Observatory
Einstein extravaganza weekend
Students, families and friends are invited to a
weekend of science activity and fun. Enjoy the
keynote lectures each day at 2.00 pm; meet our
‘special’ guests Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton,
Marie Curie and Valentina Tereshkova, the first
woman in space; join the space race by launching a
rocket with our ‘famous’ rocket designers Sergei
Korolev (Russia) and Wernher von Braun (USA); see a
special 3-D theatre program; view the skies through
telescopes; and hear our wandering minstrels.
10.30 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: members $6 adults / $4 conc / $4 child. For details phone 9217 0485.
+ 13 powerline winter 05
Saturday 16 July
VectorLab: digital video editing
The home studio movie maker
The video editor has never before had such powerful
or flexible creative tools. This course covers all the
principal areas of video editing and working with
video images including editing and sequencing,
effects and filters, text titles, file types, formats and
output options for TV, DVD CDrom and the Web. Bring
your own digital video camera.
10.00 am – 3.30 pm
Cost: members $100; guests $130
Saturday 20 August
Annual Members Dinner
Sydney’s annual design festival is once again the focus
of our Annual Members Dinner. Enjoy a gourmet meal
and fine wine in a wonderful location, followed by a
fascinating after dinner talk by Christopher Menz,
curator of the Morris & Co exhibition and Director of
the Art Gallery of South Australia. This is your chance
to experience the highlight of the Members calendar.
Places are limited so book early!
From 7.00 pm, Grand Foyer, Powerhouse Museum.
Cost: members $135; guests $160; table of ten $1150
+
Book now for a night of fine food and fun at the event
of the year, the Powerhouse Annual Members Dinner.
how to book for members events
Due to limited places, bookings are essential for every
event. Please ring the Members hotline on (02) 9217
0600 to make your booking before you send in
payment. For events at Sydney Observatory, please
ring (02) 9217 0485. Please leave a message quoting
your membership number, what event you are booking
for and the number of members and guests. We will
confirm your booking.
Saturday 18 June
Members discount shopping day
Saturday 25 June
SoundHouse™
digital music workshop for teenagers
Warm up this winter at the Powerhouse shop! We
invite all members to a special shopping day, where In this workshop the Museum’s SoundHouse™ and
you can choose from our range of simple, stylish
goods for fabulous gifts or a treat for yourself. Just
VectorLab will become your own production house
as the Museum’s digital media experts work with
show your membership card to enjoy a special 20% you to devise, write, project manage, and produce
discount on most items with free gift wrapping. your own digital music projects. Hot winter special:
bring a friend and you will both save 25% on your
10.00 am – 5.00 pm
course fees! Call the members hotline for more
Cost: free
details.
1.00–5.00 pm
Cost: members $60; guests $90 (includes $30 student membership)
+ Books, toys, designer vases, bags, lampshades and wallhangings.
Shop ’til you drop on our members discount shopping day!
Saturday 16 July
Harry Potter excursion: Gleewarts Express
Saturday 30 July
SoundHouse™
digital photography workshop for teenagers
Powerhouse Members are invited to take a magical
journey on a real 38 class steam train to celebrate Take your digital photography skills to the next level in
the launch of the new book Harry Potter and the this workshop. Whether you are new to the field of
half-blood prince. No muggles will be allowed as you digital photography or want skills and tips to improve
travel in style to Hogsmeade and receive your copy your work, this course is the one for you. Bring your
of the new book. Wear your Hogwarts uniform and own digital camera and work with our team of digital
make sure you pack your wand! media experts. Hot winter special: bring a friend and
you will both save 25% on your course fees!
Seats are strictly limited. Early bookings are essential
by return owl on 0422 272 521 (8.00 am – 8.00 pm) or 1.00–5.00 pm
0418 976 899 (8.00 pm – midnight) or by email Cost: members $60; guests $90 (includes $30 student membership)
gleewarts@gleebooks.com.au. Presented by
Gleebooks.
5.45 am – 12.45 pm
Cost: $90 (price includes a copy of the new book at 9.01 am, two meals and
a donation to the Fred Hollows Foundation)
CHEF STEFANO MANFREDI WORKS
HIS CULINARY MAGIC AT LAST
YEARS ANNUAL MEMBERS DINNER.
Saturday 27 August
SoundHouse™ digital video course for teenagers
Create your own video in this workshop which
combines digital imaging and sound production
skills. You’ll learn how to use video editing software
Sony Vegas, which turns your computer into a virtual
television studio. This hands-on workshop includes
time for project development — let our digital media
experts expand your skills using your own digital
video camera. Hot winter special: bring a friend and
you will both save 25% on your course fees!
1.00–5.00 pm
Cost: members $60; guests $90 (includes $30 student membership)
payment for members events
We accept: credit card payments by phone, fax or
mail; cheques; money orders; or cash at the level 4
entrance to the Museum. We pay for all events once
bookings are confirmed, so if you are unable to attend
your event, please let us know ASAP or we will charge
you to cover costs.
All events are held at the Powerhouse Museum unless otherwise stated. All
dates, times and venues are correct at time of publication.
+ 14 powerline winter 05 + 15 powerline winter 05

members NO HOBBITS HERE! ACTOR JED BROPHY

scene PROWLS THE AUDITORIUM IN FULL

MAKEUP AND COSTUME.

FORMER MUSEUM DIRECTOR JACK

Powerhouse members were
among the fascinated
WILLIS DIED IN NOVEMBER 2004. HE
audience at the WETA JOINED THE MUSEUM IN 1948 AND
Workshop prosthetic makeup
display held at the Museum in WAS DIRECTOR FROM 1960 TO 1978.
February this year.
PHOTOS BY MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI
& MIKE JONES.

RICHARD TAYLOR, DIRECTOR OF
WETA WORKSHOP, APPLIES THE
MAKEUP BASE.

Penfold’s deputy, Frank
We are very happy to
more announce that Ms J Wagner of
members Wallerawang was the winner of
the family holiday to New
prizes Zealand, courtesy of Air New
Zealand and Powerhouse
Members. We trust that Ms
Wagner and family will enjoy
the trip.
And now a special offer from
Powerhouse Publishing to
celebrate the opening of
Greek treasures: from the
Benaki Museum in Athens. For
your chance to win a copy of
the beautifully illustrated
vale
THE TOP PART OF THE MASK IS
FITTED FIRST, THEN THE NOSE
AND CHIN ARE ADDED.
Jack Willis
Born in Sydney in 1918 and
educated at North Sydney
Boy’s High School and the
University of Sydney, Jack
Willis worked as a chemist in
the paint industry and on
essential oils before being
YOUNG VISITOR BRYANT STRONG
HAS A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH AN appointed botanical research
ORC.
officer at the Museum in 1948.
Together with the other
research officers he engaged
in extensive fieldwork and
published a range of articles
on essential oils culminating in
the publication of The
eucalypts: botany, cultivation,
chemistry and utilization (co-
authored with former Museum
FROM MAN TO MONSTER: THE
director, Arthur Penfold).
TEETH COMPLETE THE EFFECT.
When Penfold retired in 1955
he had hoped that Willis would
succeed him. However, Willis’s
youth and the long service of
Morrison, counted against him.
It was another five years
before he was made director
exhibition book, featuring over and then he was unabashed in
160 colour plates and in-depth his enthusiasm. Writing to
Penfold who was then
information on the Benaki
collection, simply phone the overseas he declared, ‘So
Powerhouse Members hotline there it is, after all the
struggles, the reports and
(02) 9217 0600 after 10.00 am
on Friday 10 June 2005. The recommendations, the verbal
first three members to call will battles and discussions, the
receive this fantastic ups and downs, the hopes and
publication. If you aren’t lucky fears, I have made it at last — I
enough to win, you can only hope I can prove equal to
purchase your copy at the the task and carry on the work
Powerhouse Shop when which you so ably began way
visiting the exhibition or back in the thirties … ’
contact Powerhouse Publishing (15 March 1960).
(see the mailorder form with Willis developed the research
this issue). program, modernised exhibits,
appointed the Museum’s first
designer and extended the
education programs. Most
importantly for today’s
Powerhouse, he continued to
lobby government about the
desperate need for a new site
and a new building. In his time
as director over 30 sites were
considered, ranging from the
Queen Victoria Building and
The Rocks to a site adjacent
to Macquarie University at
Ryde.
The one site that he did not
consider seriously was the
former Ultimo Power House.
As he somewhat ruefully
admitted in a later interview,
he inspected the site with the
deputy director, Howard
McKern, and found ‘a
complete mess … [there was]
a huge hole in the ground full
of greasy green water and all
the panes were out of the
windows. I made the classic
remark … nobody would make
a museum out of this lot!’
Willis retired in 1978 but
retained a keen interest in the
Powerhouse, spending his first
years of retirement writing its
history, From palace to
Powerhouse, a work that has
been an invaluable resource
for the current history. In 2001
he was awarded the
Powerhouse Museum
Distinguished Service Award in
recognition of his contribution. JACK WILLIS’S GREAT PASSION WAS RESEARCH. THIS PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN IN THE
1950S SHOWS HIM INSPECTING THE EUCALYPTS HE HAD PLANTED AT CASTLE HILL TO
Kimberley Webber, INVESTIGATE WHICH VARIETIES HAD THE MOST COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL. ALTHOUGH
Senior Curator, Australian HE ACCEPTED ITS INEVITABILITY, WILLIS ALWAYS REGRETTED THE CLOSURE OF THE
MUSEUM’S RESEARCH LABORATORIES.
History and Society
+ 16 powerline winter 05 + 17 powerline winter 05

a wizard’s wish
The face of the world is
changing. As we enter the
new millennium, industries are
beginning to acknowledge
that sustainability is an
important part of their bottom
line. This transformation
represents a shift in focus
towards acknowledging the
entire lifecycle of the products
we produce, operating more
efficiently and using
sustainability as a driver for
innovation. Companies and
individuals have found that
working with a socially
conscious vision has many
advantages, from improved
productivity and company
image to reductions in
wastage and employee
attrition.
I believe that the next wave of
innovation will focus largely on
THE MUSEUM IS NOW CALLING FOR NOMINATIONS FOR POWERHOUSE resources, from natural A POWERHOUSE EXHIBITION CELEBRATING THE WORK OF THE AWARD-WINNING INDIGENOUS
WIZARD 2005. SO WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A WIZARD? resources to human and DESIGN STUDIO BALARINJI WAS A RECENT HIT IN TWO PRESTIGIOUS JAPANESE GALLERIES.
information resources. This
wave will be driven by
achieving better eco-

wizard’s work effectiveness of production

In September last year Dr James Bradfield Moody,
well known panellist on television’s The new inventors,
was made the first Powerhouse Museum Wizard. This
award, sponsored by Wizard Home Loans, recognises
emerging leaders in Australian innovation and
achievement.
James believes passionately in the role young
socially conscious business people can play in
society. In the last five years he worked with the
United Nations as co-facilitator and Australian
representative of the Youth Advisory Council to the
UN Environment Program (UNEP), as founder and co-
chair of the Space Generation Advisory Council in
support of the UN Program on Space Applications, as
member of the Science and Technology delegation to
the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development
(2002), and executive secretary of the taskforce on
Science and Technology for the Millennium
Development Goals. He has attended the World
Economic Forum as a Global Leader of Tomorrow
(2003), was chief systems engineer for FedSat, the
first Australian Satellite to be launched in 30 years,
and in 2000 was named Young Professional Engineer
of the Year promoting ‘socially conscious
engineering’. James is also founding president of the
International Young Professionals Foundation and
Young Engineers Australia, and a member of the
federal government’s National Environmental
Education Council. He was recently appointed
POWERHOUSE WIZARD DR JAMES BRADFIELD MOODY AT THE
MUSEUM IN 2005. PHOTO BY MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI.
Director, Divisional Business Strategy, CSIRO Land
and Water, the largest water research and
development organisation in Australia.
The list is exhausting but James’ energy and passion
haven’t waned during his term as Powerhouse Wizard.
He plans a range of activities with the Museum,
including hosting the student program for Sydney
Design 05 in August and participating in the Sydney
Design 05 Hypothetical. In this forum a team of
panellists will interpret the future of urban planning
using modelling technology to map an array of
unfolding outcomes and alternative scenarios.
The Museum is now calling for nominations for
Powerhouse Wizard 2005, spanning the areas of
design and decorative arts, Australian history, and
science and technology. Like James, the new Wizard
will receive $5000 to assist their career development
and will also have the opportunity to promote their
work and achievements through public programs at
the Powerhouse Museum.
Nominations close on 30 July. See the nomination
form in this issue of Powerline or go to
powerhousemuseum.com/wizard. The 2nd
Powerhouse Wizard will be announced at the
Museum's Life Fellows Dinner on 22 September 2005.
Rita Bila, Corporate Development Officer
and design, by taking the load
off the environment and
sustainably utilising
Balarinji in Japan
complementary ecosystem
services. Essentially,
sustainable development will
be driving the next wave of
innovation.
In the future we will know
more and more about the
planet, where to find water
and how to protect our vital
ecosystems. Technologies
such as spatial information
allow us to understand how to
manage our resources more
effectively and where to focus
our efforts. And tools such as
whole-of-lifecycle design allow
us to build products for the
long-term.
I strongly believe that this
vision for the future presents
Australia with an incredible
opportunity. We have some of
the most precious natural
resources and some of the
most innovative people.
Sustainability provides
Australia with the prospects to
develop new technologies
which will continue to
challenge our values and
practices in the future.
Dr James Bradfield Moody
Powerhouse Wizard 2004
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR VIEWS OF THE BALARINJI EXHIBITION AT
THE GGG GALLERY, TOKYO; INTERPRETER MS YUMI AODA (LEFT)
WITH FABRI BLACKLOCK AND ANNE-MARIE VAN DE VEN AT THE
EXHIBITION OPENING IN TOKYO. PHOTOS COURTESY GGG GALLERY,
TOKYO, AND DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO.
Since they were established almost 20 years ago, Dai
Nippon Printing’s Duo Dojima (ddd) gallery in Osaka
and the Ginza Graphic Gallery (ggg) in Ginza, Tokyo,
have collaborated with a number of major cultural
institutions to hold exhibitions of international and
Japanese graphic design. The result has been an
impressive record of thematic design exhibitions and
dozens of exhibitions dedicated to individual graphic
designers from all over the world.
The Powerhouse Museum and the ddd and ggg
galleries first made contact (through former Museum
trustee Gene Sherman) when we were attempting to
put together an exhibition on the work of designer
Ikko Tanaka. Unfortunately that project did not go
ahead when Mr Tanaka died suddenly in 2002, but a
connection had been made. Some time later, ddd
gallery approached the Powerhouse with an invitation
to help identify, and possibly help develop, a suitable
exhibition of Australian graphic design. After much
discussion, ddd gallery chose to tour the Museum’s
Balarinji: ancient culture, contemporary design
exhibition, which had been displayed in our
Indigenous gallery from June 2003.
Ros and John Moriarty of Balarinji and I were invited
to refine the content of the exhibition with an
emphasis on graphic design. Globally oriented
graphics such as Balarinji’s designs for Qantas planes
and the logo for the Australian Pavilion at World Expo
2005 in Aiichi, Japan, were selected, along with
posters for regional events such as the Moree Croc
Fests and the Walk for Reconciliation march across
Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2000.
Working with experienced staff at ddd and ggg
galleries and their curatorial consultant, Ms Chikako
Tatsuuma, meant that eveything progressed well and
the exhibitions opened to an enthusiastic and
responsive audience, first in Osaka in November 2004
then Tokyo in February this year. At the opening
ceremonies John and Ros Moriarty spoke about their
approach to design and the history of the company,
including the significance of John’s Yanuwa heritage. In
Osaka I presented a paper on Indigenous Australian
graphic design from 1930 to today, co-presenting the
same paper in Tokyo with Fabri Blacklock, the
Museum’s assistant curator of Koori history and culture.
To the delight of all involved, the reaction to the
exhibition and talks was overwhelmingly positive: ‘I
am impressed by Balarinji's use of colours. Their
works are so powerful and very contemporary’, one
young student wrote in the visitors’ book. ‘I want to
know more about Australian Indigenous people and
culture. What Balarinji is doing and their activities and
return to the Australian Indigenous community. I think
it is wonderful’, wrote another.
In Japan we were overwhelmed by the hospitality
offered and (to borrow John Moriarty’s words) made
to ‘feel very safe and comfortable’. The whole
experience, involving such generous gestures of
goodwill, cultural exchange and professional
collaboration, not to mention the opportunity to
display such globally significant examples of
Australian graphic design, will make it a highlight of
my career for many years to come.
Anne Marie Van de Ven
Curator, Decorative Arts and Design
+ 018 powerline winter 05 + 19 powerline winter 05

NEW RELEASES FROM POWERHOUSE PUBLISHING

Remember! Members receive 10% discount on all titles from the Powerhouse Shop and mailorder.
RESTORATION WORK ON THE MUSEUM’S MUCH LOVED
STRASBURG CLOCK MODEL IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN
SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WHEN IT WILL TAKE PRIDE OF
PLACE IN THE GALLERIA.

Yesterday’s tomorrows: the

Powerhouse Museum and its

a monumental clock
precursors 1880–2005
GRAEME DAVISON AND KIMBERLEY
WEBBER (EDS)
Celebrating 125 years! Edited by
eminent historian and author Graeme
Davison and Powerhouse senior curator
Kimberley Webber, this richly illustrated
and engaging book looks at the
Museum’s fascinating history. For 125 The model of the Strasburg on display for 32 weeks in procession at the top of the
years, the Powerhouse Museum and its
Clock, which was to become Sydney, and the exhibition, clock is another welcome
precursors have been the place where
people have come to reflect on the one of the Museum’s most which was extended twice, return.
past and see the future. Yesterday’s popular exhibits, was built in included lectures and a 24
tomorrows invites you to reflect on the
Various original working parts
1887–89 by Richard page booklet. It seems highly
ways in which technology and design that have been replaced for
Bartholomew Smith, a Sydney likely that Smith saw the clock
have changed, and are still changing, conservation reasons will also
our world. watch and clockmaker (with during this time and was
be displayed alongside the
288 PAGES, WITH OVER 275 IMAGES, assistance from local inspired to make one of his
clock. Of particular interest will
RRP $55.00 — SPECIAL PRICE FROM woodcarver James own.
THE POWERHOUSE SHOP AND
be the notes that Smith
Cunningham). When the
MAILORDER $49.95 / MEMBERS $44.95 Smith’s clock was on display engraved on these devices
Museum’s first curator, Joseph
Published in association with University when the Museum opened in over the years, which act as a
Maiden, saw the clock he
of NSW Press. its new premises in Harris St, diary of his work. In one
decided he must have it for
Ultimo, in 1893 and quickly engraving Smith writes: ‘ This
the collection and wrote to
became a favourite with piece of mechanism has
Smith in November 1889
visitors. It also became the become [unworkable] after
asking if the model was for
focus of a long and often being in the hands of a
sale. Despite initial resistance
difficult relationship between plumber named Rumsey for
from Smith, the clock was
the Museum and the model about 16 years who
purchased by the Museum in
maker who was by all completely destroyed many
1890 for £700. For the next 50
accounts a genuine eccentric. parts of this mechanism’.
years Smith maintained that
Smith continued to carry out (Obviously written after a
the price was too low, though
maintenance work on the period when Smith was
he was prepared to overlook
clock until 1939, and also gave persona non grata with staff at
this for an opportunity to have
lectures and demonstrations, the Museum.) On another we FROM TOP LEFT: THIS PHOTO OF
his model on public exhibition,
which were popular in spite of see a plaque that Smith RICHARD SMITH APPEARED WITH AN
in an educational ARTICLE BY HIM IN A 1900S EDITION
the rather erratic nature of his installed acknowledging his OF SCIENTIFIC AMERICA. SMITH
establishment where people ANNOTATED HIS COPY OF THE
presentation. He was at debt to various ‘gentlemen’ ARTICLE WITH NOTES ABOUT THE
could learn something about
various times banned from who had assisted with MAKING OF THE CLOCK; THE
timekeeping, religion, STRASBURG CLOCK; THE FIGURE OF
working on the clock following restoration work on the clock. THE CHILD, THE FIRST OF THE ‘FOUR
astronomy and old clocks. STAGES OF MAN’, WHICH APPEAR IN
Greek treasures: from the Benaki
outbursts and arguments with Some of the names were
ROTATION EVERY QUARTER HOUR;
Museums in Athens Richard Smith was only 25 Museum staff but it seems not subsequently scratched out CONSERVATOR KEITH POTTER AT
WORK ON THE CLOCK. PHOTOS BY
A fascinating insight into the life and years old when he started even the reputedly tough by Smith, apparently after MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI.
beauty of the Greek world and its work on his model and had Arthur Penfold, director of the disputes regarding the
succession of colonies and empires
spanning eight millennia. Beautifully never been to Strasbourg to Museum from 1929–55, had working of the clock.
illustrated with ceramics, gold jewellery, see the famous clock on the heart to enforce the ban
toys, textiles, Byzantine painted icons,
Smith died in 1942, a colourful
which it was based. So why permanently.
metalware, ornate weaponry and oil character who left an
and how did he build it? We
paintings. In July 2002, after being on important legacy to the
know for sure that he was
264 PAGES WITH OVER 160 IMAGES, display almost constantly for people of Sydney and beyond.
RRP $45.00 — SPECIAL PRICE FROM influenced by the work of
115 years, the clock was The clock, which is described
THE POWERHOUSE SHOP AND Scottish clock and instrument
MAILORDER $39.95 / MEMBERS $35.95
removed for extensive affectionately by Keith Potter
maker James Ferguson
restoration. Since then as more ‘logical horror than
(1710–76) as Smith engraved
See the mailorder an acknowledgment to him on
conservator Keith Potter has horological’, is without doubt
been kept busy cleaning and one of the Museum’s most
insert in this issue. the back of the clock. Recent
lubricating the entire loved treasures. Visitors will be
investigations have also
mechanism and returning to able to see it restored to its
revealed another possible
working order some features original glory from September
solution to the puzzle. In
that have not operated for this year on level 4.
December 1886, The Sydney
many years. These include two
Morning Herald carried an Des Barrett, Curator,
cherubs that stand beside the
advertisement for the display Engineering and Design, with
clock face: one which strikes
of ‘the only perfect model of additional information by
Powerhouse books are available a gong on the quarter hour,
from the Powerhouse Shop, good the Great Astronomical, Keith Potter, Engineering
the other a sand glass. A
bookstores and by mailorder. Mechanical and Apostolic Conservator.
For more information or to order, crowing cock that
Clock of Strasburg ever
contact Powerhouse Publishing accompanies St Peter’s denial
on (02) 9217 0129 constructed’. The clock was
of Christ during the apostolic
or email phpub@phm.gov.au
powerhousemuseum.com/publications
+ 20 powerline winter 05 + 21 powerline winter 05

THE PATH PROJECT HAS CREATED STATE-OF-THE-ART STORAGE

FACILITIES FOR THE MUSEUM. IT WILL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN
2006 AND DISPLAY A RANGE OF STRANGE AND MAGNIFICENT
OBJECTS, SOME NOT SEEN FOR HALF A CENTURY OR MORE.

the path to Castle Hill

In mid 2004 the Powerhouse Museum began one of
the largest museum storage relocation and
consolidation projects ever undertaken in Australia.
Known as the PATH project (Powerhouse at the Hills), it
involved moving about 20 000 objects — comprising
70% of our collection, in terms of bulk rather than
sheer numbers — from rented premises in the city to
new purpose-built storage facilities at Castle Hill. Cars,
horse-drawn vehicles, buses, fire engines and model
sailing ships were among the objects being moved
during the project.
The new state-of-the-art stores at Castle Hill join five
stores already on the site and mean that, for the first
time since the 1940s, the Museum’s entire collection
will be housed in premises that are owned and
operated by the Museum.
Only about 5% of the Museum’s vast collection —
about 350 000 objects — is on display at any one
time. Until work began on the PATH project, objects not
on display were stored in three separate locations
across Sydney in a variety of specialised museum
stores and warehouses totalling 15 000 square metres.
Almost from its inception the Museum has grappled
with the problem of inadequate storage. The
Technological, Industrial and Sanitary Museum grew
out of the 1879 International Exhibition at the Garden
Palace in Sydney’s Botanical Gardens, which burnt to
the ground in 1882. The fledgling Museum was
subsequently housed in the Agricultural Hall — little
more than a tin shed — in the Domain. Within two
years the Museum had outgrown the shed and by 1888
attendance was declining because the building was
too cramped to put many of the objects on display.
Relief came in 1893, when the Museum was renamed
the Technological Museum and moved to new
premises in Harris Street, Ultimo. With space once
again, the Museum collected objects both familiar and
exotic. Chinese musical instruments, Australian
decorative arts, Japanese swords, model locomotives,
reproductions of the 'treasures' of Europe and the
latest in technology — these were the drawcards that
kept visitors flowing in.
By 1945, when the Museum became the Museum of
Applied Arts and Sciences, the collection had grown to
such an extent that exhibition and storage areas were
again becoming overcrowded. Several off-site
warehouses were used to house the rapidly expanding
collection.
The situation was critical by the time the NSW state
government announced in 1979 that the Museum would
move to the disused Ultimo power station and tram
shed site just up the road from its Harris Street
building. At this time the collection was stored in the
top floor attic of the old building in Harris Street and in
three off-site stores at Redfern, Alexandria and
Arncliffe. The Redfern store was part of a modern
building and was clean and air-conditioned. This store
was used to house many of the small and fragile
objects. The Alexandria store was a converted wool
shed and the Arncliffe store was a disused factory.
Both these stores were far from what could be
considered ‘ideal’ storage conditions for Museum
objects.
The refurbishment of the old tram shed in the early
1980s included new facilities for more appropriate
object storage. This combined with newly leased
premises in Jones Street, Ultimo, and the construction
of stores at Castle Hill allowed the Museum to
consolidate its storage in three locations. The
Museum’s Castle Hill property had previously served
as a eucalypt plantation and scientific research centre
until the 1970s.
Broadly speaking, the collection falls into three distinct
areas: decorative arts and design, social history, and
science and technology. The decorative arts
collections tend to be the smaller and more fragile
parts of the collection and these objects are mostly
stored in the on-site store at the Museum. The science
and technology parts of the collection tend to be the
bulkier items and mainly reside in off-site stores. The
social history collections are shared equally between
on and off-site stores.
The lease on Jones Street was due to expire in late
2005, so in early 2002 the Museum began to look
again at various storage options. Expanding facilities at
the 2.8 hectare Castle Hill site, which already housed
some of the largest objects in the collection, was the
preferred option. The NSW state government
subsequently allocated 12 million dollars to construct
two new state-of-the-art object stores, to supplement
the existing five stores on site. Construction of the new
stores began in June 2003 and was completed ahead
of schedule in June 2004.
During the construction stage, planning for the
relocation of the collection from Jones Street to Castle
Hill began. This involved a total survey of the stored
collection at both Jones Street and Castle Hill to
determine the criteria for how the collection would be
stored. We needed to know the volume, method of
storage and which collection areas the objects fell into.
For the first time in its history, the Museum has had
the opportunity to rationalise its approach to storage
and create a more logical arrangement of objects.
Previously objects in ‘off-site’ stores tended to be
stored where they would fit. This project enables us
to store the objects by collection type, which
inevitably makes the collection more accessible to
Museum staff, researchers and the public.
Many of the objects located at Jones Street and
Castle Hill have not been seen for many years as they
have been stored in old packing crates. The PATH
project is using this opportunity to unpack crates and
identify the contents. In the process many strange and
amazing things have come to light. These include an
old model of Christopher Columbus’ ship the Santa
Maria that is actually a valve radio with part of the
rigging forming the aerial. The dilemma about this
object is whether it should be stored with the other
ship models or with the radios! Other remarkable
objects found were a very old timber model of
Pyrmont Bridge and a sectioned full-size rocket with
transparent panels so that you can see how it works.
Televisions that were stored on pallets high in the
racking of G store have been photographed and
many will find their way into the upcoming exhibition
celebrating 50 years of television. Approximately 60
vehicles have been moved to Castle Hill including
cars, horse drawn vehicles and a solar car. Steam
traction engines, buses, Harry’s Café de Wheels and
a fire engine have also been moved into the new
display store.
In late 2003, the Museum’s new collection information
database program (EMu) came online and we saw the
PATH project as an ideal opportunity to check and
update a large number of object records and add
digital images of objects to the electronic database.
With current advances in technology, we have also
introduced portable computing into the stores using
personal data assistants. These PDAs are connected to
a wireless link allowing the PATH team to relocate
objects from the floor ‘live’ using barcodes on the
object and the location. This has made object
movement and tracking more accurate as well as
increasing efficiency.
Two small enthusiastic teams including registrars,
conservators and project officers, many of whom are
new employees to the Museum, are carrying out the
relocation. One team is based at the Jones Street
store and is responsible for the processing, packing
and preparation for transport of the objects to Castle
Hill. The second and smaller team is based at Castle
Hill and is responsible for putting the objects into their
final locations as well as the movement of objects
between stores at Castle Hill.
The PATH project will conclude by the end of June
2005 and from July the store will become fully
operational as the Museum’s Collection Access and
Support Centre, the focus for documentation and
preservation of the Museum’s extensive collection. It is
anticipated that the display store will be open to the
public from mid 2006 and will present new and
exciting challenges for the future.

USING A FORKLIFT, PATH PROJECT OFFICER
SARAH MILGATE REMOVES A SURF REEL
DONATED BY SOUTH CURL CURL LIFE SAVING
CLUB FROM RACKING AT THE JONES ST STORE.
THE SURF REEL IS TAGGED AND PHOTOGRAPHED
PRIOR TO BEING LOADED ONTO THE TRUCK FOR
THE TRIP TO CASTLE HILL.
THE SURF REEL IS UNLOADED AT THE DOCK OF
CASTLE HILL’S NEW H STORE.
PATH PROJECT OFFICER SKYE MITCHELL USES A
BARCODE SCANNING POCKET PC TO ENTER
LOCATION DETAILS FOR THE SURF REEL IN ITS
NEW HOME ON LEVEL 2 OF H STORE.
A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF LEVEL 2 OF H STORE AT
CASTLE HILL. THESE SHELVES WILL BE FILLED
WITH RARELY SEEN OBJECTS FROM THE
COLLECTION WHEN THE PATH PROJECT IS
COMPLETED.
 +
+ 22 powerline winter 05 + 23 powerline winter 05

observe
IN MARCH THIS YEAR THE OBSERVATORY THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES
WELCOMED A STELLAR COUPLE. THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS

+principal partners

DICK SMITH

SPORT: MORE THAN HEROES & LEGENDS THE LORD OF THE RINGS MOTION DICK SMITH AUSTRALIAN EXPLORER BELL INTEL YOUNG SCIENTIST 2004, COLES THEATRE, TARGET THEATRE,
PICTURE TRILOGY — THE EXHIBITION 206B JETRANGER III HELICOPTER SOUNDHOUSE™ AND ONLINE PROJECTS GRACE BROS COURTYARD, K MART
STUDIOS

+senior partners

ECOLOGIC: CREATING A SUSTAINABLE STEAM LOCOMOTIVE 3830 POWERHOUSE WIZARD GREEK TREASURES: FROM THE OUR PLACE: INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA NOW
FUTURE STEAM LOCOMOTIVE 3265 BENAKI MUSEUM IN ATHENS

CROWN PRINCE FREDERICK AND PRINCESS MARY GET A ROYAL WELCOME

AT SYDNEY OBSERVATORY. PHOTOS BY MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI.

observing ‘A handsome prince, a beautiful THE LORD OF THE RINGS MOTION

PICTURE TRILOGY — THE EXHIBITION
THE LORD OF THE RINGS MOTION
PICTURE TRILOGY — THE EXHIBITION
THE LORD OF THE RINGS MOTION
PICTURE TRILOGY — THE EXHIBITION
POWERHOUSE MUSEUM @ CASTLE HILL

royalty princess ... and a happy ending’ SYDNEY DESIGN 05 GREEK TREASURES: FROM
THE BENAKI MUSEUM IN ATHENS

+partners +supporters

Greenwich and Paris
Observatories may be used to
receiving kings and queens
but for Sydney Observatory it
was a very new experience
when on Monday 7 March
City of Sydney Lord Mayor, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE NIKON SOUNDHOUSE™ MUSIC ALLIANCE YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA NSW TREASURY
Clover Moore, welcomed the SYDNEY DESIGN 05 SYDNEY OBSERVATORY SOUNDHOUSE™ MUSIC & MULTIMEDIA YAMAHA DISKLAVIER GRAND PIANO THE CURIOUS ECONOMIST:
LABORATORY WILLIAM STANLEY JEVONS IN SYDNEY
royal visitors and suggested
ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA, SYDNEY DIVISION RAILCORP ARAB BANK AUSTRALIA
that the journey to the official TRANSGRID RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE 2004 LOCOMOTIVE NO 1 THE CURIOUS ECONOMIST:
unveiling of the Hans Christian PACIFIC SOLAR PROJECT WILLIAM STANLEY JEVONS IN SYDNEY THE CURIOUS ECONOMIST:
Andersen bust, the original of June’s INDESIGN MAGAZINE SBS RADIO
WILLIAM STANLEY JEVONS IN SYDNEY

Crown Prince Frederick and which was stolen in 1984, was WESTRAC NOVOTEL SYDNEY ON DARLING HARBOUR

Australian-born Princess Mary
of Denmark visited to unveil a
bust of Hans Christian
not unlike one of Andersen’s planetary D FACTORY GREEK TREASURES: FROM
THE BENAKI MUSEUM IN ATHENS OUR PLACE: INDIGENOUS
AUSTRALIA NOW
OFFICIAL SYDNEY HOTEL SYDNEY’S CHILD
TOYS: SCIENCE AT PLAY
fairytales: ‘It has a handsome
prince, a beautiful princess …
huddle MINCOM LIMITED
LIFE FELLOWS DINNER 2004

Andersen as part of his 200th a mysterious disappearance, a

year birthday celebration.
Local Fort Street primary
school students greeted the
royal couple with drawings of
fairytale characters, the Army
band played anthems, and the
Garrabarra Indigenous dance
group performed a ceremonial
dance. Over 250 VIP guests
and an estimated audience of
500, including office workers
on lunch break, royal watchers
and local residents, enjoyed
the perfect weather and views,
both of the romantic couple
and the harbour.
search far and wide and a
In late June three bright
happy ending.’
planets engage each other in
The royal couple enjoyed a a complex celestial dance as
tour of the Observatory and they bunch together low in the
then lunched with guests, western sky. These close
including Powerhouse director approaches, or conjunctions,
Dr Kevin Fewster and of Mercury, Venus and Saturn
Australian Hans Christian on the 26th and 27th of the
Andersen ambassadors month will be one of the
children's author Mem Fox, TV highlights of this year’s
personality and Powerhouse celestial calendar.
trustee Andrew Denton, author
In the middle of June the
Bryce Courtenay and actor
elusive innermost planet
Geoffrey Rush.
Mercury appears just above
Toner Stevenson, the north-west horizon. Each
Manager, Sydney Observatory night after it first appears,
Mercury moves closer to
Venus, which in turn climbs
higher towards Saturn. On 26
June the climbing duo will
A SOLAR SYSTEM MONTAGE pass by the ringed planet at a
FEATURING THE RINGED PLANET,
SATURN. © NASA.
separation of less than three
moon-widths. By the next
evening they are a little further
from Saturn, but Mercury will
be so close to Venus that you
may not be able to separate
the two planets without a
telescope.
The last time these planets
could be seen from Australia
less than two moon-widths
apart was over 150 years ago.
Such groupings of the planets
can provide a spectacular
sight, however to see them
close together you will need to
find a spot with a view towards
the north-west horizon not
blocked by shrubs, trees or
houses.
Nick Lomb,
Curator of Astronomy
+platinum corporate members
BOEING AUSTRALIA
PDC CREATIVE
+ state government partners
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND GIVING TO THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM PLEASE CONTACT MIRANDA PURNELL ON (02) 9217 0577.
+gold corporate members
EBSWORTH AND EBSWORTH
INTEL AUSTRALIA
MASSMEDIA STUDIOS
MULTIPLEX
NHK TECHNICAL SERVICES
THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM IS A
STATUTORY AUTHORITY OF, AND
PRINCIPALLY FUNDED BY,
THE NSW STATE GOVERNMENT.
CASINO COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND NSW
+silver corporate members
2DESIGN
ARAB BANK AUSTRALIA
CAPITAL TECHNIC GROUP
DUNLOP FLOORING AUSTRALIA
MACQUARIE BANK FOUNDATION
NSW DEPARTMENT OF LANDS
PETTARAS PRESS
STREET VISION
TAFE NSW: SYDNEY INSTITUTE
THE RACI INC, NSW BRANCH
THOMSON TELECOM AUSTRALIA
WEIR WARMAN LTD
+australian government partners
AUSTRALIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS
AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND
HERITAGE
+the powerhouse foundation
ANNE & ALAN SLADE
ANONYMOUS
MR W L CHAPMAN
DR K FEWSTER AM & C SCOTT
THE GREATOREX FOUNDATION
JEWELLERS & METALSMITHS GROUP
OF AUSTRALIA, NSW INC
JANET MCDONALD A0
P MILNE
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
AND TRADE
MISS SUSAN NICHOLSON
RICHARD POTTER & SARAH LANCE
WILLIAM SAWAYA
MARGIE SEALE & DAVID HARDY
TRUST CO OF AUSTRALIA LTD
DR K M WEBBER
B J WILLOUGHBY
KYLIE WINKWORTH
+foundations
BRUCE AND JOY REID FOUNDATION
GORDON DARLING FOUNDATION
SUNTORY FOUNDATION
VINCENT FAIRFAX FAMILY FOUNDATION

exhibitions at a glance
JUNE_JULY_AUGUST 2005
Greek treasures: from the Benaki
Museum in Athens
LEVEL 4, UNTIL 4 SEPTEMBER 2005
From one of the world’s most renowned
collections, this exhibition features
artworks and artefacts spanning 8000
years of Greek history including
ceramics, gold jewellery, Byzantine
painted icons, metalware and oil
paintings.
Morris & Co
LEVEL 4, FROM 18 AUGUST 2005
From the collection of the Art Gallery of
South Austraila, furniture, tapestries,
embroideries, curtains, fabrics, carpets,
textiles and wallpapers designed and
made in the workshop of William Morris
& Co.
Sydney designers unplugged: people,
process, product
LEVEL 3, 6 AUGUST – 9 OCTOBER 2005
Look behind the scenes of Sydney’s
leading product design studios to
discover what it really takes to be a
product designer!
Student fashion
LEVEL 3, UNTIL 21 AUGUST 2005
Award-winning designs by students
from Sydney’s top fashion schools.
Sydney Morning Herald Young
Designer of the Year
LEVEL 2, 6 – 21 AUGUST
A preview of the design stars of the
future for Sydney Design 05.
Australian Design Awards
LEVEL 4, FROM 4 JULY 2005
The Powerhouse selection from the
Australian Design Awards features
outstanding achievements in design.
FROM LEFT: FROM MORRIS & CO, ADJUSTABLE-BACK CHAIR UPHOLSTERED IN
BIRD FABRIC, PHILIP WEBB AND WILLIAM MORRIS, ABOUT 1875–1900, ART
GALLERY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA; LOCOMOTIVE NO 1; FROM SYDNEY DESIGNERS
UNPLUGGED, CLARK SINK PLUG, NIELSON DESIGN ASSOCIATES 1998.
exhibitions at
Sydney Observatory
3D virtual reality
Put on your 3-D glasses and take a
journey through space in our 3-D
Space Theatre.
By the light of the southern stars
Look behind the Southern Cross, hear
Aboriginal stories about the sky and
see instruments from Australia’s first
major observatory.
travelling exhibitions
Sport: more than heroes and legends
SciTech Discovery Centre, Perth
UNTIL 23 OCTOBER 2005
Our Place: Indigenous Australia now
National Museum of China, Beijing
UNTIL 16 JUNE 2005
+
Give a gift membership
www.powerhousemuseum.com
Powerhouse Museum 125th
Anniversary Membership Package
To mark the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the Powerhouse Museum,
Powerhouse Members offer a special commemorative membership package.
For $125 you can purchase a family membership, two bottles of the limited edition
Locomotive No 1 Powerhouse Museum 125th Anniversary 2003 Bimbadgen Estate Chardonnay and
LEVEL 4, FROM 2 JULY 2005 2002 Bimbadgen Estate Shiraz, and an invitation for you and your friends to
Locomotive No 1 has a facelift attend a private wine tasting at Bimbadgen Estate in the Hunter Valley,
complete with a new audiovisual about
redeemable anytime within the next year.
the history of railways in NSW and a
magnificent collection of locomotive
models.
GIFT MEMBERSHIP RECIPIENT
Animal, vegetable and mineral: the
weird and wonderful world of the Name
Powerhouse Museum 1880–1939
LEVEL 3, UNTIL 17 JULY 2005 Membership number (if applicable)
The story of the Museum’s founding
vision: to explain the ‘science’ of Address
everyday life.
Suburb Postcode
Toys: science at play
LEVEL 3, UNTL 18 JULY 2005 Phone (H)
What makes a spinning top stay
upright? How does a doll talk? This Email
exhibition has the answers for curious
minds of all ages. Delivery Instructions
Paradise, Purgatory, Hellhole: a history
of Pyrmont and Ultimo HOUSEHOLD MEMBERSHIP DETAILS
LEVEL 3, UNTIL 29 JANUARY 2006
I wish to purchase Powerhouse Museum 125th Anniversary Membership
Experience some of the many stories
from a community that hasn’t stopped Package $125.00
changing. Two adults and all students up to the age of 18 at the same address
The curious economist: William Number in household adults students < 18 yrs.
Stanley Jevons in Sydney
LEVEL 4 Name on 1st card
Discover the remarkable story of
Name on 2nd card
William Stanley Jevons, the founder of
Additional cards are available at a processing cost of $3.50 per card.
modern economics, who lived in
Sydney from 1854 to 1859.
Number of children in each age bracket
Engineering Excellence
LEVEL 4, UNTIL NOVEMBER 2005 Under 5 yrs 5 to 12 yrs 12 to 18 yrs
Outstanding engineering projects from
the Engineers Australia, Sydney PAYMENT DETAILS
Division, Engineering Excellence
awards. Total cost of membership: $125.00
I would also like to make a donation of $
to help the work of the Museum (donations are tax deductible).
Total amount to be paid $
I enclose a cheque/money order for this amount made payable to
Powerhouse Members.
Please charge this amount to my credit card:
Visa Amex M/card Diners B/card
Card number Expiry /
Cardholder name
Signature
I hereby declare that I am over the age of 18 years and I will take full responsibility to ensure that no
person under the age of 18 years will take delivery of this wine.
Gambling in Australia: thrills, spills
and social ills
GIFT MEMBERSHIP GIVER
Broken Hill Geocentre
UNTIL 19 OCTOBER 2005
Name
Coffs Harbour City Gallery
20 AUGUST – 15 OCTOBER 2005
Membership number (if applicable)
Intel Young Scientist 2004
Address
Northern Regional Library, Moree
UNTIL 6 JUNE 2005
Suburb Postcode
Clarence Regional Library, Grafton
9 JUNE – 1 AUGUST 2005
Phone (H) Phone (W)
Newcastle Regional Museum
4 AUGUST – 18 SEPTEMBER 2005 Email
Works wonders: stories about home Message to go on gift card
remedies
Albury Regional Museum, Albury Please send this gift to: giver the recipient
UNTIL 17 JULY 2005
Future renewal notices to be sent to: giver the recipient
Port of Yamba Historical Society
30 JULY – 5 SEPTEMBER 2005
Date that gift should be received by
While all effort will be made to meet deadline, please allow 14 days processing.
Please complete all relevant sections and return to the members department:
+ By fax on 9217 0140 + By post to: Powerhouse Members
PO Box K346, Haymarket, NSW 1238 or phone the Members hotline on 9217 0600.
Please phone the Members Hotline for information about other gift membership
TURN OVER FOR DETAILS categories or visit: www.powerhousemuseum.com/members
from the
collection

This five-branch silver

candelabrum was presented to
Sir Charles Cowper (1807–75)
by the Sydney Railway
Company in recognition of his
contribution to building the first
railway in NSW from Sydney to
Parramatta. As chairman of the
company, Cowper worked
tirelessly to overcome labour
and financial difficulties,
eventually convincing the
government to take over the
line which opened in 1855. In
1869 the line was extended to
Goulburn, to the satisfaction of
the graziers and merchants
there who had been key
lobbbyists for the railway and
among the first shareholders in
the company.
The candelabrum was made in
the workshop of Robert
Garrard II, one of London’s
foremost silversmiths. It was
part of a six-piece silver set
valued at £662 12s, a
substantial sum in the mid
1800s. This piece was
purchased at auction by the
Museum in 2003 and will go on
display in July this year as part
of the revamped Locomotive
No 1 exhibition.

ISSN 1030-5750
01

9 771030 575004

www.powerhousemuseum.com