POWERLINE

+ the magazine of the powerhouse museum autumn 06

on the box

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contents
issue 81
MARCH APRIL MAY 2006
+ J
from the
director
powerhousemuseum.com
Front Cover Detail of
Television TEST PATTERN.
photo by alan merry.
back cover ‘A perfect little
house’ - doll’s house made by
Alison and Wilf Pownall.
O2 From the director
03 Power picks
06 Zoe and Cogs move in
08 New exhibition: On the box
10 New exhibition: Engineering excellence
11 Members news
12 Members calendar
14 Members scene and prizes
15 Recent acquisition
16 Sustainability: Free radicals
18 Exhibition: Designtech
19 New website: Remembering Rowe Street
20 Regional internship: Learning on the job
22 Sydney Observatory news
23 Corporate partners
24 Exhibitions at a glance
powerhouse museum director
kevin fewster with Pan
zhenzhou, secretary General,
branch committe of the
chinese communist party and
former director-general of
the national museum of china.
Where to find us
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney for the 2008 Olympic Games,
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 Every effort has been made to locate owners of copyright for the images
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.
Early in January I briefly
abandoned Sydney’s summer
for a freezing Beijing winter on
a visit to the National Museum
of China to formalise and
announce our joint project
to present the first major
international exhibition about
the Great Walls of China,
opening in Sydney on 29
September 2006.
The Powerhouse Museum
is one of a select number
of major museums around
the world with which the
National Museum of China
has signed memorandums
of understanding to develop
exhibitions and other shared
programming. The great walls
of China exhibition is a true
collaboration, being jointly
curated and developed by
staff from both museums.
The exhibition will tell the story
of one of the world’s most
remarkable and enduring
heritage structures. Built over
a period of 2000 years, as
part of successive defensive
and offensive strategies,
these serpentine walls have
long been acclaimed as
extraordinary achievements of
architecture and engineering.
In 1987 some sections were
included on the United Nations
World Heritage List. In recent
times the walls have become
an iconic symbol of China, as
well as sites of mass tourism.
Their histories reflect the
complex and diverse cultures
of the people who have lived
around them.
I am pleased to announce a
Powerhouse Members tour to
China and the Great Wall will
be arranged in conjunction
with the exhibition (see details
on opposite page). The timing
of both the exhibition and the
tour could hardly be better,
given the intense interest in
China as the world eagerly
anticipates the 2008 Beijing
Olympics. It promises to be
Powerline is produced by the Print Media Department
of the Powerhouse Museum
PO Box K346, Haymarket NSW 1238 the Great Wall of China, the
Editor: Nicole Bearman 29 September 2006 to
Editorial coordinator: Deborah Renaud 19 February 2007.
Design: Triggerdesign Xian, as well as Shanghai
Photography: Powerhouse Museum unless otherwise stated.
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
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powerpicks
Trustees
Dr Nicholas G Pappas,
President
the first major international exhibition about
Dr Anne Summers AO,
Deputy President
the great walls of china.
Mr Mark Bouris
Ms Trisha Dixon
Mr Andrew Denton
Ms Susan Gray
Ms Margaret Seale
Mr Anthony Sukari
Ms Judith Wheeldon
Senior Management
Dr Kevin Fewster AM, Director
Jennifer Sanders, Deputy Director, Ornamental carriage axle in the
shape of a horse head, bronze,
Collections and Outreach
inlaid with gold and silver,
Mark Goggin, Associate Director, warring states period (475-221
B.C.e). height 8.8cm. collection
Operations and Services of the national museum of
Kevin Sumption, Associate Director, china, beijing.
Exhibitions, Projects and Planning
Dominic Curtin, Associate Director,
Finance and Systems
the great wall built in the ming dynasty at jinshanling, east of beijing.
photo taken during a field trip by claire roberts & rob renew, april 2001.
one of the greatest exhibitions
the Powerhouse has ever
staged.
the great Experience China's rich history and
My trip to Beijing coincided
with Qantas inaugurating walls of contemporary culture first-hand.
regular, direct, Sydney
to Beijing flights. Very
china
appropriately, Qantas is one
of our sponsorship partners
For the past three years artefacts, including 24 ‘grade-
for the exhibition. Our other
staff at the Powerhouse one national treasures’ will be
confirmed partners are: the
Museum and the National borrowed from five museums
Beijing Badaling Cablecar
Museum of China in Beijing in China: the National Museum
Company (established and
have been working together of China; Gansu Provincial
majority owned by Australian-
to develop what will be Museum, Gansu Provincial
Chinese businessman Mr
the first major international Institute of Archaeology;
William Chiu) which built and
travelling exhibition about the Shanhaiguan Greatwall
operates the first tourist cable
long walls that were built in Museum; The Municipal
car at the Great Wall; Accor
northern China over a period Museum of Dunhuang and
Hotels; Channel 7; and Sharp.
of 2000 years. The last of the Palace Museum in Beijing.
The great walls of China is a
mammoth undertaking for the
Museum, made possible only
these long walls – the brick-
clad crenellated walls that
Themes that will be explored
include the origin, construction
N hanging scroll, 'banqueting after hunting' by guiseppe castiglioni (1688-1766),
ink and colours on silk. collection of the palace museum, beijing.
follow the mountain ridges and function of the long walls,
through the generous support
and valleys north of Beijing cultures of the people living To highlight the landmark The gain an insight into China’s
of all our partners.
and were built during the either side of the walls, the great walls of China exhibition, ancient history and culture
Dr Kevin Fewster AM
Director
Ming dynasty (1368-1644), are introduction of Buddhism travel the Powerhouse Museum and
Renaissance Tours are proud
and its modern economic
and social transformation.
recognised by people around which followed the silk road
the world as ‘The Great Wall of trade routes along the walls through to present a study-led tour The tour, coinciding with the
exploring the rich history and 2006 Shanghai International
China’.
Curators Claire Roberts and
in the northern and western
China, and the significance of China fascinating contemporary Arts Festival and the Beijing
Rob Renew at the Powerhouse
the walls today as important development of China.
Expressions of interest are now
Music Festival, will also allow
you to experience the best
sites of cultural heritage and of
Museum, and Wang Fang
tourism. being taken for the tour, to be of Chinese culture and arts
at the National Museum of
held in October-November this performances. Experience
China in Beijing, have been Claire Roberts,
year. Visit Beijing, the host city China – ancient and modern
working together to select Senior Curator
– with Renaissance Tours.
museum objects, as well as The great walls of China is on at the
models, maps, drawings, Powerhouse Museum For more information
impressive Terracotta Warriors
photographs, and archival and call 1300 727 095 or visit
outside the ancient capital
film and television footage, renaissancetours.com.au
for the exhibition. Over 120
and its dazzling architecture
and urban planning, and
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¶ teapot made in Sydney in
more than
karaoke
Kylie: an exhibition inspired
a raft of fun activities during
the summer school holidays.
If you'd chatted to a Museum
Gallery Officer and asked what
song they never want to hear
again, the answer was likely
to be Shannon Noll’s rendition
of 'What about me' or Delta
Goodrem’s 'Born to try'. These
were just two of the songs
which were sung over and
over in Powerhouse Singstar™.
Young visitors to the Museum
were encouraged to belt
out their favourite pop tunes
on stage using Singstar™
technology for the Sony
Playstation 2 gaming platform.
Singstar™ is far more
sophisticated than traditional
karaoke because it rates
the performer. The coding
technology behind this
scoring is called ‘digital
signal processing’. It is not
speech recognition, as many
people might believe, rather
it analyses the signal that
comes in from the user for
frequencies. The frequency
is dependent on the pitch or
note of the user. Every song is
stored with information about
the correct note and how long
to hold it; this is displayed
on screen as a target. So
as the user sings the game
analyses and at short intervals
asks, ‘does it match what is
stored?’ It then calculates a
score based on how close the
performance came to meeting
the target.
To view the Kylie exhibition to
commentary by costumier Eliza
Godman, simply download
the free podcast onto your
MP3 player from the Museum
website powerhousemuseum.
com/kylie
Kylie: an exhibiton is on show
until 7 May 2006.
download the kylie podcast
for an audio tour of the
exhibition. two budding young
singers get into powerhouse
singstartm. photos by jean-
francois lanzerone.
a spectacular display of
estonian folk dancing at the
wollondilly heritage centre.
r within the Cyberworlds
guide to
pathology
estonian
exchange
On a stormy Sunday in
November, the exhibition From
Estonia to Thirlmere: Stories
from a unique community
opened at the Wollondilly
Heritage Centre, near Picton.
Personal stories, treasured
objects and oral history films
relate the experience of
Estonian migrants to Thirlmere
and the working life of Estonian
poultry farmers.
Wollondilly Heritage Centre
is staffed by volunteers who
regularly produce innovative
community exhibitions. For this
exhibition, the group wanted
to use new technologies and
make their own films. They
looked to the Powerhouse
We all know of forensic
pathologists in novels, on
television and the big screen,
but the breadth and depth of
pathology and its disciplines
still remains a mystery to
many. Pathology is the branch
of medicine that seeks to
understand the causes and
processes of disease. As
part of The Royal College of
Pathologists of Australasia’s
50th Anniversary celebrations,
the exhibition Blood bugs
and bodies – the mystery of
pathology will bring to life this
medical science. The exhibition
features hands-on interactive
Museum and Migration
Heritage Centre to provide
specialised assistance.
Museum curators and audio-
visual staff worked closely with
Doreen and Ben Lyon as they
perfected interview techniques
and participated in filming,
editing and production.
The collaboration has
contributed to our knowledge
of museum practice and the
value of community exhibitions.
Museum visitors will have the
opportunity to experience the
results when our own exhibition
about Estonian migration and
settlement opens later this year.
Susan Sedgwick, Curator,
Australian History and Society
elements and displays relevant
to the different disciplines
of pathology, including
anatomical pathology,
forensics, chemical pathology,
genetics, haematology,
immunology and microbiology.
There is also a mock autopsy
room on display. Children
under 12 years must be
accompanied by an adult to
visit this special enclosed
section of the exhibition.
Blood bugs and bodies – the
mystery of pathology is on
display 4 - 12 March 2006.
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cubes of
inspiration
The latest addition to the
Museum’s new decorative arts
and design gallery Inspired!
Design across time is a series
of six interactive cubes for
children. Placed at child
height, the cubes encourage
young visitors to appreciate
the value and integrity of real
museum objects through text,
image and sound.
Themes of fashion, function,
inspiration, materials and
creative process are explored
in ways that will hopefully
inform, entertain and amuse
children aged 5-10. Objects
were chosen from the
Museum’s decorative arts
collection and include a
French porcelain chamber pot
from the 1740s, an emu-egg
1885 and a bracelet made by
Scottish artist Peter Chang in
2004.
Developed by James
Laurendet from the Museum’s
Interactives Department, the
cubes were a collaborative
effort, with input from
Education and Visitor Services,
Print Media and Curatorial.
‘The challenge faced by all
was to present young visitors
with a set of conventions to
help them read the exhibition
on their own terms and in
their own time,’ says Helen
Whitty, Program Development
Coordinator.
Inspired! Design across time
is a new permanent gallery
that showcases the Museum's
outstanding collection of
international and Australian
fashion, furniture, textiles,
glass, ceramics, graphics,
jewellery and metalwork.
Actor and writer Graeme Blundell speaks about Graham
Kennedy at a conference on the history of Australian television,
organised with University of Technology Sydney and held at the
Museum on 8 and 9 December. Read more about TV on page 8.
Photo by Geoff Friend.
Y
In November 2004 Powerhouse Lizzie Muller: Iamascope by
Museum Director Kevin Sid Fells; Absolute 4.5 by
the Fewster and the Vice Ernest Edmonds and Mark
Chancellor of UTS Ross Fell; Cardiomorphologies by
beta_space Milbourne launched beta_ George Poonkhin Khut; Play@
experience space, an experimental
environment where visitors can
beta_space, which consisted
of two experiences - Sprung!
engage with the latest in art by Brigid Costello and Alister
and new technology. Located McInnes and Resonating
Residences by Alyssa Rothwell;
exhibition, beta_space is and Sonic Tai Chi by Joanne
an interactive theatre space Jakovish and Kirsty Beilharz.
with a changing program
Beta_space makes it possible
of installations created by
artists and computer science
for the Museum to present new
experiences in an exhibition
students and staff from the
about a subject that just won’t
Creativity and Cognition
sit still. For the people at CCS,
Studios (CCS) at UTS.
it exposes their work to the
At the time of the launch of general public and allows them
beta_space, a memorandum to use the research for further
of understanding was also development of their work.
signed making official the
In 2006, you can expect more
precinct partnership between
thought-provoking and exciting
the Museum and UTS. The
new media art in beta_space.
beta _space collaboration is
clockwise from top: sonic tai in many ways the first concrete Matthew Connell,
chi and cardiomorphologies,
Photos by greg tuner, and expression of that partnership. Curator, Information and
iamascope. Communication Technology
2005 saw five new installations
all organised by CCS curator,
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After a summer of fun our new mascots have
taken up permanent residence in the Museum.
story_Helen Whitty and Michael van Tiel, Education and visitor services
zoe and cogs move in
The Museum’s new mascots Zoe and Cogs are best
friends. They established this friendship under the
motto ‘live close and visit often’. Zoe is a local girl,
alert and curious about the world, and Cogs lives in
the Museum, together they have many adventures.
It sounds like the basis of an enduring relationship,
which we hope will engage young visitors so much
that they too will visit frequently.
Following the popular success of their live show
(produced by Nigel Sutton of NDS productions)
during the summer holidays, Zoe and Cogs will
start appearing throughout the Museum, in a variety
of different ways, to identify programs designed
especially for young visitors. Currently you will find
Zoe on children’s labels in special cubes scattered
throughout the Inspired! Design across time
exhibition. With help from Zoe, children can find out
how some fascinating objects from our collection
were made and where they came from.
left: zoe & cogs at one of their live performances during the summer holidays. photo by jean-francois lanzarone. above: zoe & cogs enthral young visitors in the museum.
The summer show will return for a new season with on level 3 of the Museum and leads children to a
a new ending in the April holidays, and look out for new play space called The Pocket. The Pocket is the
Cogs' Museum tours on Sundays in May and June. favourite hangout of Zoe and Cogs and all Museum
visitors under the age of 10. From 11.00am to 3.00pm
There was great debate about how to bring Zoe and
on weekends and holidays and 10.30am to 12.30pm
Cogs to life in the Museum. Many forms of puppetry
weekdays, young visitors can marvel at Cogs’ garden,
were explored, from shadow puppets to full-size
which features 19th century zoological models, and
suited characters. Being a museum of creativity
dress up and play in front of the funhouse mirrors.
and innovation we wanted something different, so
Zoe has selected some of her favourite story books
it was decided Zoe and Cogs would be animated
for visitors to the play space and had a hand in
as extension puppets. In extension puppetry the
choosing the craft activities. Neighouring The Pocket
puppets are strapped to the body of the puppeteer,
is SoundHouse VectorLab and the Lace Study Centre,
who is dressed all in black. While the children’s
where young visitors can play with state-of-the-art
attention is focused on the puppets, adults are more
computers or get an introduction to bobbin lace
likely to focus on how the puppeteer manipulates the
making. You never know what is going to happen
puppet and interacts with the audience. The Museum
next in The Pocket precinct, so remember, like Zoe,
commissioned Kassandra Bossell, a local Sydney
visit often!
sculptor, to create the Zoe and Cogs puppets.
To keep up to date with the adventures of Zoe and
When Cogs is recharging his batteries you will find
Cogs visit their web page powerhousemuseum.com/
him on display on LooLoo Street. LooLoo Street is
zoeandcogs and sign up for the monthly e-mail.
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A new exhibition tells the story of one of
our society’s most popular pastimes.
story_PETER COX_CURATOR, AUSTRALIAN HISTORY AND SOCIETY
on the box
At 7.00pm on Sunday 16 September
1956 Bruce Gyngell welcomed viewers
to television by launching Sydney’s
Channel 9, the first station to go to
air with regular transmission. The
highly anticipated 50th anniversary
of this event is significant to many in
the industry and especially to those
viewers who remember TV’s first night.
Recently, as Australian television
entered its 50th year, two networks
were already screening celebration
specials. Whatever meaning we assign
to the coming anniversary, it presents
an opportunity to reflect on television’s
place in Australian life and culture.
After work and sleep Australians spend
on average more time watching TV than
on any other activity; over three hours a
day in fact. Television is entwined in our
daily rituals of entertainment, relaxation
and information. Love it or hate it, TV is
a potent and pervasive cultural form.
This museum has a tradition of
demonstrating the latest in television
technology that stretches beyond fifty
years. In 1947 visitors to the Museum of
Applied Arts and Sciences were thrilled
to see a non-working television receiver
and miniature model of a TV studio.
By 1950 a closed-circuit system was
in place, but the live pictures were low
definition and the system unreliable.
In 1954 a higher definition Pye system
was set up, allowing visitors to see
themselves televised along with the
Strasburg Clock Model. This popular
exhibit remained on show for six years.
Now the Museum has developed a
new television exhibition. This time the
focus is on the Australian programs that
have kept us entertained and informed
for 50 years. Titled On the box: great
moments in Australian television 1956-
2006, the exhibition shows Australia’s
rich history of achievement in television.
It is true that many programs are
quickly forgotten. However some shows
and televised events are enshrined in
the public memory as great moments.
These accumulated moments have
contributed to our sense of who we are
as a community. They stand as part of
the nation’s cultural heritage, alongside
great cinema and literature, and are
worthy of commemoration and analysis.
Focusing on locally-produced rather
than imported shows, the exhibition
recalls many of these highlights and
looks at the impact of television on the
everyday lives of Australians since 1956.
It pays tribute to the stars, explains
changing technology, explores how
programs are made and asks how
audiences use television.
To tell this colossal story we have
amassed a huge collection of artefacts
– original costumes and props from
Australia’s favourite shows, as well
as television receivers, technical
equipment, awards, scripts, set plans,
fan collectibles, promotional items,
photographs and unusual memorabilia.
There are costumes from Homicide,
Prisoner, A Country Practice, Brides of
Christ and McLeod’s Daughters, plus
outfits worn by Aunty Jack, Maggie
Beare from Mother & Son, Sharon of
Kath & Kim, Humphrey B Bear and
many more. Get a close look at Ossie
Ostrich, Mr Squiggle and some familiar
items from Play School and see props
from a range of programs including a
diary room chair from Big Brother and
the famous hamburger telephone from
Home & Away. Or pore over original
scripts from Skippy the Bush Kangaroo,
The Sullivans, Neighbours and Hey Dad!
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from top left: Two of australia's well-known television comedians, Paul hogan and norman gunston, during the 1970s. photo courtesy the seven network; the king of australian television,
graham kennedy. photo by barrie bell; john burgess and adriana xenides, wheel of fortune. photo courtesy seven network; les dayman, jack fegan and leonard teale in homicide. photo
courtesy the seven network. below: radiola television, awa australia, 1956. from the powerhouse museum collection.
A selection of classic footage shows
how television has kept us entertained
for five decades, and interactive
exhibits provide the experience of
television production. You can try your
hand at vision switching, play at being
a network programmer or test your
knowledge of TV trivia.
The exhibition takes a journey through
the genres of television programs
– variety, comedy, children’s, drama,
news and current affairs, game shows,
reality, infotainment and advertising.
It points to the conventions and
narrative techniques of each genre,
and draws comparisons between the
production of these formats over the
decades. Genres shift and merge but
it is remarkable how after 50 years,
programming still falls into the same
categories, with reality TV perhaps the
only new genre to emerge recently.
Other things remain unchanged, even
as technology is undergoing a digital
transformation into an uncertain future.
Australians still hunger for drama
that tells stories about people like
themselves. They still want to hear
Australian accents on television, but
equally like to be entertained by the
best on offer from overseas. The
makers of television still use technical
skill, creative ideas, storytelling
and performance to set up a visual
language that arranges images to
communicate.
On the box: great moments in Australian
television 1956-2006 opens on 6 April
and is accompanied by an exciting
public program with something for
everyone. See the calendar on pages
12-13 or visit the Museum website for
the full program.
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+ 10 powerline autumn 06 + 11 powerline autumn 06

The 2005 Engineering Excellence Awards highlight another
year of incredible achievement and innovation.
engineering excellence
A potentially life-saving
new skin-cancer screening
system is among the
innovations celebrated in the
new exhibition Engineering
Excellence 2005. SolarScan
is an Australian invention that
uses sophisticated computer
software to help doctors
diagnose malignant moles.
Fast and accurate, the system
is expected to significantly
improve the early detection of
skin cancer – a critical factor
in saving lives.
How does it work? The doctor
uses a special hand-held
camera to take pictures of a
suspicious mole. The enlarged
pictures are then analysed
by computer software that
precisely measures the mole’s
CSIRO, SolarScan is expected
to make it much simpler for
doctors to monitor changes in
the appearance of moles and
to diagnose skin cancer early,
when it is easiest to treat.
SolarScan was the big winner
at the recent Engineering
Excellence Awards, receiving
the prestigious Bradfield
trophy for ‘the best of
the best’. It is one of five
outstanding projects selected
from the awards to feature in
Engineering Excellence 2005,
presented in partnership
with the Sydney Division of
Engineers Australia. While they
all reflect the diversity and
scope of engineering today,
one project highlights the
skills of the next generation of
and to integrate knowledge
gained on the racetrack. The
Wollongong team recently
became the first competitors
from outside the USA to win
the event and their award-
winning car is on show at the
Museum.
Two other projects featured in
the exhibition have achieved
international success. The
Nucleus Freedom speech
processor is the latest
development in cochlear
technology by Cochlear
Limited, the pioneering
Australian company that
launched the world’s first
cochlear implant system more
than 20 years ago. Since then
it has transformed the lives of
over 60 000 hearing-impaired
members
read on to find out how you can win a
family zoofari holiday.
products on the market and
has generated phenomenal
export demand.
Closer to home, the Rhodes
Waterside development at
Homebush Bay on Sydney
Harbour is an exciting example
of urban renewal, recognised
for its achievements in
infrastructure. The former
industrial site will soon be
home to a large residential
community, a shopping
centre and state-of-the-art
commercial office space.
Hyder Consulting’s integrated
plan for transport links,
communication systems and
other infrastructure at Rhodes
demonstrates the significant
role engineers play in shaping
the way we live.

colour, texture and shape,
comparing it to malignancies
in a database built up
over many years of clinical
research.
The result of over ten years of
joint research by the Sydney
company Polartechnics, the
Sydney Melanoma Unit at the
University of Sydney, and the
engineers.
A team of students from the
University of Wollongong
designed, built and raced
a formula-style car in the
SAE World Championship, a
competition which challenges
engineering students to apply
their studies to automotive
design and manufacturing,
individuals across the globe.
Also attracting international
attention is the Standard
Communications MT400
satellite beacon for use in
maritime search and rescue.
The most technologically
advanced digital beacon in the
world, the MT400 is also much
more affordable than existing

Engineering Excellence 2005 is
experience the thrill of feeding a giraffe at western
now on display in the Success plains zoo, dubbo.
and innovation gallery.
Melanie Cariss, Zoofari Lodge, part of Western
Exhibition Editor Plains Zoo in Dubbo, is
on offering members who renew
by 30 April 2006 the chance
zoofari to experience an African-style
Safari right here in Australia.
Zoofari Lodge, which recently
won the NSW Tourism Award
for Unique Accommodation, is
a retreat located in the African
Savannah section of the zoo.
The Zoofari experience
includes three guided tours,
beginning with a Sunset
Safari tour where you will get
up close to many exotic and
endangered animals. Take a
+ news and photos
+ prizes to be won
night-time trek through the zoo
+ exclusive events
after dinner and then retire to
the luxurious accommodation. + family activities
Awaken to the chorus of the
Siamang apes and gibbons,
+ special offers
then feed the giraffes and
catch a glimpse of elephants
and other magnificent
creatures. After breakfast you
will be free to explore the
savannahs of Western Plains
Zoo at your own pace with a Members e-newsletter
two day access pass. If you would like to receive the regular Members
For more details see page e-newsletter with updates on all members
14, call 02 9217 0600 or visit events please call (02) 9217 0600 or email
powerhousemuseum.com/ members@phm.gov.au with your membership
members/competition number and e-newsletter in the subject line.

+
Powerhouse members have
enjoyed an exciting new series
from the of events at the Museum and
Sydney Observatory in recent
members months. From a fascinating
manager look at our Digital Photography
department (see photos on
page 14) to Anni Turnbull’s
fabulous walking tour of
Pyrmont and Ultimo, our new
program of behind-the-scenes
tours and events has provided
a unique insight into the
collection, the history of the
Museum and its surrounding
precinct.
Don’t despair if you missed
'stumpy' the formula sae champion. photo courtesy the faculty of unwind in the members lounge
engineering, university of wollongong. while the kids play. the summer tours because
there are plenty more on offer
for members in the current
calendar. See our online
calendar for regular event
updates. Be sure to also note
the coming schedule for our
ever-popular Soundhouse
VectorLab workshops for
teenagers.
I hope that all of the members
who joined us during The Lord
of the Rings Motion Picture
Trilogy – The Exhibition have
experienced a rewarding and
enjoyable year of membership
with the Museum. Highlights in
the coming year include the
Great walls of China exhibition
and members tour to China,
and the opening of our new
Castle Hill storage facility.
I’d like to take this opportunity
to thank you for your support
and remind everyone to look
out for membership renewal
forms in the post to ensure
your eligibility to go into the
draw for a chance to win one of
the wonderful prizes on offer.
When you're in the Museum,
don't forget to stop for a rest
and enjoy the facilities in the
Members Lounge.
Leonie Crane,
Members Manager
+ 12 powerline autumn 06
autumn
events calendar
DATE / LOCATION
Thursday 16 March
11.00 am – 12.30 pm
Saturday 18 March
2.00 pm
The tour will depart from the
Museum of Sydney forecourt
in Bridge Street.
Saturday 25 March
10.00 am – 3.30 pm
Soundhouse VectorLab
Saturday 25 March
11.00 am – 5.30 pm festival
Quarry Green, Ultimo
Thursday 30 March
6.00 pm – 8.30 pm
Sunday 2 April
2.00 – 3.30 pm
Coles Theatre, level 3
Wednesday 5 April
6.00 – 8.00 pm
8-12 April
weekdays 10.30 am & 12.30 pm
weekends 12.30 & 2.30 pm
Saturday 8 April
11.00 am – 2.00 pm
Daily from 8 April
10.30 am
small screen, King's cinema
Wednesday 12 April
11.00 am – 12.30 pm
17-21 and 24-28 April
Weekdays 11.00 am & 1.00 pm
Saturday 28 April
8.15 pm – 10.00 pm For ages 8-12 years.
Sydney Observatory
EVENT / COST
Spotlight on shoes
Suitable for ages 12+
Cost: members only – adult $15
Lucien Henry’s Sydney:
sculpture and architecture
from Sydney’s first cultural
heyday
Cost: members $15; guests $18
Teenager computer
music workshop
Suitable for ages 11-16yrs only.
Cost: members $70; non-members $100
(includes student membership)
Bookings are essential.
Ultimo Pyrmont uptown
Enquiries: tel (02) 9552 1140.
All about Eames
Free, no bookings.
Free radicals
Free with Museum entry. No bookings.
Exhibition launch
On the box: great moments in
Australian television 1956-2006
Cost: members $35 (adults only), includes
refreshments. Bookings are essential.
The Dora Fay Davenport
Show:
how to achieve domestic bliss
Bananas in pyjamas
Free with museum entry. No bookings.
Skippy the bush
kangaroo
Free with Museum entry. No bookings.
Celebrate ‘Yuri’s Day’
Suitable for ages 12+
Cost: members only – adult $15
Live Zoe and Cogs show
For ages 4-8 yrs.
Free with Museum entry. No bookings.
Family Saturn night fever
Usual night costs apply. No bookings.
+ 13 powerline autumn 06
how to book for members events
Unless othewise stated, bookings and pre-payment are essential Three full working days are required for a refund for Powerhouse
for all events. You can book online at www.powerhousemusuem. events. Unfortunately we can’t refund or transfer bookings for
com/members or by phone on (02) 9217 0600 for events at SoundHouse VectorLab workshops.
the Powerhouse Museum. For bookings for Sydney Obervatory All events are held at the Powerhouse Museum unless otherwise
phone (02) 9217 0485.
green indicates members event
stated. All dates, times and venues are correct at time of
publication.
DESCRIPTION
Lindie Ward, Curator, Australian Decorative Arts & Design, will matisse lanzarone in the
soundhouse vectorlab;
Wednesday 19 April Kylie: an exhibition Join curator Lindie Ward on a tour of Kylie: an exhibition and
bring to light some extraordinary shoes from the Powerhouse Maggie Dence as mavis curator-led walk-through hear her unique perspective on the costumes and ideas that go
bramston, 1960s. photo 11.00 am – 12.00 noon
Museum’s extensive collection and discuss the cultural context, courtesy seven network; Cost: members $10; guests $15 into creating the image of today’s pop star. An entertaining and
manufacturing processes and historical changes in shoe design yuri, first man in space. fascinating insight into Kylie's world.
and manufacture.
The French artist and sculptor Lucien Henry worked in Sydney Sunday 23 & 30 April Mr Squiggle & friends To celebrate 50 years of television the man behind Mr Squiggle,
during the 1880s, when much of the city’s outstanding public 11.00 am & 1.00 pm For children of all ages. Norman Herrington, will remind us of one of the most loved
architecture and sculpture was created, including the GPO, the Coles Theatre, level 3 Free with museum entry. No bookings. children’s TV stars in Australia along with Miss Rebecca.
Lands Office and the Phillip Fountain. This walking tour will visit
these and other city landmarks, and discuss the controversies Thursday 27 April d factory Discover the secrets of designing attention-grabbing advertising
and debates surrounding their creation. Tour led by Dr Charles 6.00 – 8.30 pm Designing for the box for television when host Nell Schofield talks to design
Pickett, Curator, Australian History and Society. Free, no bookings. professionals and industry creatives. DJ and bar.
Your home computer is also a recording studio. Learn to mix, Saturday 29 April Teenager digital-video Create your own video in this hands-on workshop combining
arrange and record original music tracks using loops, samples, editing workshop digital imaging and sound production skills. Learn to use the
10.00 am – 3.30 pm
beats and bass lines. Participants will make their own original video editing software Sony Vegas, which turns your computer
Suitable for ages 11-16yrs only.
music scores and learn a range of techniques for producing Soundhouse VectorLab into a virtual television studio, and discover techniques such as
Cost: members $70; non-members $100
music on the home computer. (includes student membership) multiple layers and chromakey. Let our digital media experts
Bookings are essential. expand your skills in video production, with time allowed for
personal project development.
Visit the Powerhouse stall at this year's festival, featuring music, Thursday 4 May Linda Jackson In the mid-1970s Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson forged a unique
dance performance, kids activities, craft and food stalls. A free and Jenny Kee vision of Australian dress; one that refused to look to the trend-
11.00 am – 12.30 pm
community event. driven fashion mainstream for inspiration and instead drew
Suitable for ages 12+
on Australia’s cultural and natural landscape. In this tour by
Cost: members only, adult $15
To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Eames’s feted Australian Decorative Arts & Design Curator, Glynis Jones, we will
lounge and ottoman, this month’s panel of specialists reflect on explore aspects of Kee and Jackson’s inspiration and creative
the legacy of two of the 20th century’s greatest designers. processes through their archives, textiles and clothing.
Diseases and the bugs that cause them – the what, when and Sunday 7 May Free radicals Find out what it takes to be an eco-warrior.
how of disease pandemics. 2.00 – 3.30 pm How can I make a difference?
Coles theatre, level 3 Free with Museum entry.
Join us for the launch of On the box: great moments in Australian Saturday 13 May Stop-motion animation Old-school animation in the digital age - this workshop explores
television 1956-2006, a new landmark exhibition celebrating the workshop for teenagers Stop-motion animation (the technique behind films like Wallace &
10.00 am – 3.30 pm
50th anniversary of Australian television broadcasting. From Gromit and Harvey Krumpet). From creating models and sets, to
Suitable for ages 11-16yrs only.
historic first words to the latest developments, On the box Soundhouse VectorLab capturing animation frame by frame on your computer and onto
Cost: members $70; non-members $100
showcases over 600 objects including technology, costumes, (includes $30 annual student membership) final editing with titles and effects, you’ll make your own original
props, memorabilia, and entire sets. Bookings are essential. short animated movie.
It’s 1957 and the most popular show on the box is The Dora Fay Sundays 14, 21, 28 May Museum tour with Cogs Join our problem-solving robot on a tour of level 4 of the
Davenport Show. This fun fictional live show is set in a TV studio 11.30 am & 2.00 pm Suitable for all ages. Museum, including On the box.
home when domestic bliss was on the verge of changing forever. Free with Museum entry. No bookings.
Meet the mischievous B1 and B2, stars of ABC-TV’s Bananas in Sunday 14 May Dishhh: Join our audience of TV insiders large and small as they
Pyjamas. 2.00 – 3.30 pm TV’s worst kept secrets describe their experiences of getting on, off and inside the box.
Free with Museum entry. No bookings.
A boy and his kangaroo explore the bush in this children’s Friday 5 May First quarter moon See the moon at its best through Sydney Observatory
favourite from the late 1960s. viewing telescopes.
6.30 – 8.15 pm
Usual night costs apply. Bookings essential. Tel (02) 9241 3767
Sydney Observatory
April 12 is the 45th anniversary of human spaceflight. Celebrate Saturday 27 May That’s not funny: this is A rare chance to hear three of Australia’s funniest writers,
this milestone by going behind the scenes with Curator of Space 3.00 – 4.30 pm funny! Geoffrey Atherden (Mother and Son), Rick Kalowski (Comedy Inc)
Technology, Kerrie Dougherty, to inspect some of the Museum’s Free with Museum entry. No bookings. and Paul Fenech (Fat Pizza), in conversation.
rarely seen space hardware treasures.
Saturday 27 May Teenager digital Explore the limitless possibilities in working with digital images.
darkroom workshop Using Photoshop software, participants will use a variety of tools
10.00 am – 3.30 pm
and processes to warp, bend, filter, effect and composit digital
Suitable for ages 11-16yrs only.
Soundhouse VectorLab photographs and images.
Cost: members $70; non-members $100 kylie minogue, can't get you
The Museum’s mascots, Zoe and Cogs, star in a live show filled
(includes student membership) out of my head, from the album
with fun, adventure and song. Bookings are essential.
Fever, 2001. lavendar dress
by stevie stewart and sandy
gordon, based on gucci design.
linda jackson and jenny kee at
the powerhouse museum.
Marvel at Saturn viewed through a telescope, and find out more Monday 12 June An afternoon fit for a King: Join Stuart Wagstaff, Noeline Brown and John Mangos in a PHOTO BY geoff friend. cogs
about the latest exploration in the 3-D Space theatre. tribute to the King of Australian television comedy. and theo tunks in the pocket
2.00 – 3.30 pm the Graham Kennedy tribute play space. PHOTO BY jean-
$10 plus Museum entry. Bookings essential on (02) 9217 0222 or powerhousemuseum.com/bookings francois lanzarone.
+ 14 powerline autumn 06 + 15 powerline autumn 06

members Geoff friend demonstrates

scene
the new technology and
technical equipment in
the digitaL PHOTOGRAPHY
DEPARTMENT.

Members seized the opportunity to get behind the scenes

of the museum for two special events in january. The first
group took a tour of the digital photography department with
photographer Geoff Friend, while curator Kimberley Webber
brought out some of the museum's treasured dolls and soft
toys for a special group of enthusiasts.
photos by marinco kojdanovski and geoff friend.

kimberley webber shares her

expertise and some of the
personal stories attached
to the museum's doll and
soft toy collection.

One woman’s homemade clothing and trousseau is

an important addition to the Museum’s collection.
young visitors to the museum
story_KIMBERLEY WEBBER_SENIOR CURATOR, AUSTRALIAN HISTORY AND SOCIETY
dress up to perform in the
pocket play space.

members
- zoofari lodge at the western plains zoo in dubbo.

prizes
If your membership is valid
at 30 April 2006 you can go
into a draw to win one of the
following fabulous prizes!
Keep an eye out for your
membership renewal in the
mail, call the Members Office
on 02 9217 0600 or renew
online at powerhousemuseum.
com/members
Zoofari Lodge
An unforgettable overnight stay
for 4 people at Zoofari Lodge
– Australia’s premier in-zoo
accommodation experience.
Spend the night in an African-
style, canvas-covered lodge
surrounded by exotic wildlife
and experience the sights
and sounds of animals in their
habitat after dark. Witness a
hippopotamus taking a late
night dip in the lake, visit a
giraffe eager to indulge in
leafy treats in the dawn light,
and understand what it’s like to
be stalked by a tiger!
Hasbro toys family fun packs
Win one of two packs valued
at $500 each
Hasbro, the worldwide leader
in children’s family games and
toys, has donated two huge
family packs to give away to
Powerhouse members. Each
pack is valued at $500 and
includes favourites like Play-
Doh, Monopoly, My Little Pony
and Star Wars collector packs.
bespoke by mum
On a particularly hot February day in 1964, Beverly
Steeper and dairy farmer Gilbert Silby were married
at Frankston Presbyterian Church, followed by a
reception at the Methodist Church Hall. The pair
met when Beverly was teaching at the local primary
Original promotional banner school and became engaged in 1963. They had
from The Lord of the Rings originally planned a two-year engagement but with
Motion Picture Trilogy – The a home to go to on the farm, decided to marry after
Exhibition. only a year. Forty years later Beverly Silby can still
remember her mother’s fury when told of the change
Tell us in 25 words or less
of plans. ‘I don’t think when she died mum had yet
why you enjoyed your visit to
forgiven me … you would have thought I told her that
The Lord of the Rings Motion
I was pregnant with quads … and she was so beside
Picture Trilogy – The Exhibition
herself it was a long time before she could tell me
at the Powerhouse Museum for
why. She had planned to make all my underwear by
your chance to win this original
hand for my trousseau and now she wasn’t going
banner, featuring a huge
to be able to … and when I said I would rather be
image of Gollum on both sides,
married than have handmade underwear that was
and be the envy of collectors
twice as bad, I was so ungrateful!’
worldwide!
Although she did not have the underwear, when
To enter, and for
Beverly married Gilbert her dress, the dresses of
more information, visit
the matron of honour, bridesmaid and flower girl,
powerhousemuseum.com/
members/competition
beverly's coronet and veil, her father's buttonhole, sketch of a dress and associated receipts and
TPL06/01390 papers, and a wedding cake tin; Zelma steeper with daughter beverly silby on her wedding day in 1964.
her mother’s outfit, the ‘going away’ outfit and her Whereas in the 1950s and 60s marriage was almost
trousseau were all designed and made by her mother, universal, with only four per cent of women and eight
Zelma Steeper. This remarkable collection, together per cent of men never marrying, by the 1970s this
with receipts for the materials, lists of guests, even figure had soared to 20 per cent.
her father’s buttonhole and her husband’s gloves,
As was customary, Beverly Silby resigned from her
was carefully preserved by Beverly Silby and recently
teaching position before her marriage to care for her
donated to the Museum. It provides an important
new husband. The Silbys had three sons and with the
document of traditional wedding practices and of
children came even more work caring for them and
the home dressmaking skills of women like Zelma
making their clothes. However, once the youngest
Steeper.
was in school, and it was more acceptable for
The popularity of ‘white weddings’ in the 1950s and married women to work, Beverly returned to teaching.
60s owed much to spectacular society weddings such
In keeping this collection together, Beverly Silby has
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier in 1956 and Princess
been conscious of its importance as a document of
Margaret and Lord Snowdon four years later. Yet, with
the life of one woman in post-war Australia. ‘I am just
the contraceptive pill available in Australia from 1961
an ordinary person with no claim to fame and certainly
and the publication of Germaine Greer’s The female
not to fortune of the monetary kind, but hope that
eunuch in 1970, attitudes to marriage and to women’s
in some way this collection will give an idea of the
roles as wives and mothers were changing. For a
clothes that people such as myself have worn … It is
while, the romantic white wedding seemed about to
a form of social history and I felt that it was worthy of
become a thing of the past. Mini-skirts and caftans,
recording. While reflecting my life and character it also
long hair and floral frocks were the norm for those who
reflects social changes through time.’
did marry and many Australian couples chose not to.
+ 16 powerline autumn 06
A new series of sustainability talks tackles
the issues that will affect our future.
story_Derek Williamson, Education and visitor services
free radicals
German philosopher George
Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel once
said ‘we learn from history
that we learn nothing from
history’ and perhaps this was
OK when the natural world was
bigger. The human population
developed as many isolated
little villages, surrounded by
rivers and forests and oceans,
which could deal with our
harvests and waste. Now
technology has increased both
our harvest and our waste,
while population increase has
shrunk the globe to the point
where the impact of our daily
activities is unquestionably
damaging the world. More
significantly, this damage
has placed our lifestyles and
the lives of billions of people
under threat.
At the Museum we have
been looking into our own
backyard to assess the
footprint being left behind.
(Read about footprints at
powerhousemuseum.com/
ecotude.) We have made
substantial reductions in both
energy and water use and
continue to assess the many
ways we interact with the world
to determine and improve on
the Museum's sustainability.
And there is that word -
sustainability. Recent research
suggested that 80 per cent
of people are uncertain of
its meaning though most
understand it has something
to do with the environment.
On the morning of 18 March 2003, 'NO WAR' was painted on the roof of the sydney opera house concert hall in protest of the commencement of the war in iraq. photo www.snappytim.com
Thecorporatelibrary.com
defines sustainability as: The
ability of a community or
society to develop a strategy
of economic growth and
development that continues
to function indefinitely within
the limits set by ecology and
is beneficial to all people and
the environment.
Recognising the need to
develop awareness in the
community and to encourage
people to be proactive,
the Museum produced the
permanent exhibition Ecologic:
creating a sustainable future in
2001. In early 2005 the theme
of ‘sustainable technologies’
was identified as a major focus
in the Museum’s strategic plan,
and in November last year a
new discussion series called
Free Radicals was launched.
Free Radicals was created
in an attempt to put into
perspective the varying reports
we hear from doomsayers,
naysayers, experts, pseudo-
experts, charlatans, politicians
and media personalities. This
forum brings together experts
from related fields to discuss
the many serious issues
surrounding the future of life
as we know it.
To introduce the series, Bernie
Hobbs led a panel discussion
about the state – or existence
– of Sydney’s ‘soul’. The
discussion visited topics like
religion, music, public transport
and design, identifying both
the good and bad attributes
that affect the life and survival
of our home.
Then we cut to the chase
for Free Radicals #2 with a
discussion about the highly
debated desalination plant
proposed for Sydney – which
has since been shelved. This
event was an opportunity for
many people to hear first-hand
the science and research
behind the arguments for and
against this controversial piece
of infrastructure. Although
the audience voted for the
‘against’ team, there was a
lively question time which
continued after the conclusion
of the event. Download audio
files of all the Free Radicals
talks at powerhousemuseum.
com/freeradicals
That is what Free Radicals is
all about, giving people the
opportunity to be a part of
these important discussions.
As sustainability affects all
our futures we all need to be
informed and deserve to have
our questions answered.
This year Free Radicals kicked
off with a discussion about
the impact of one household
appliance loved by Australians
– the air conditioner. With the
dilemma of global warming
and climate change now
facing humanity around the
globe, this debate asked
whether we can determine
a point at which people with
air conditioners should be
+ 17 powerline autumn 06
required to limit their use or
purchase renewable energy
for their operation.
In February’s mock trial on the
topic of activism, Will Saunders
and Dave Burgess, the pair
responsible for painting ‘No
War’ on the Sydney Opera
House appeared before His
Honour Justice MacDougall
of the Supreme Court to
defend their actions. The aim
was to give spectators the
opportunity to make their own
judgement about the role of
such actions in society. Are
they ever a good thing or are
they simply anti-social?
Later this year Free Radicals
will look at the changing face
of the places we live in and
discuss the balance town
planners should be looking
for between growth and
space. We will investigate the
potential threat of a pandemic
disease, debate Australia’s
role as a member of a global
community, and find out what
it takes to make a positive
impact on our ecological
footprint.
Sign up for email updates at
powerhousemuseum.com/
freeradicals
+ 18 powerline autumn 06 + 19 powerline autumn 06

A new website celebrates one of Bohemian

Sydney’s most famous landmarks.

remembering
rowe street
Rowe Street was the narrow
street between Castlereagh
and Pitt Streets, Sydney that
is remembered as the centre
of Sydney’s bohemian life. Its
buildings were demolished to
make way for the MLC centre
in the early 1970s.
With the 1891 Hotel Australia
(home to the Sydney Push)
at one end and the Theatre
Royal nearby, Rowe Street’s
tearooms, cafes, bars and
shops were frequented by
both famous visitors to the
city and regular local habitués.
In the years following World
War II, migrants from Europe
opened shops and galleries
that brought new cultural
experiences of fashion, design,
Design by the next generation.
art, music and food. All that
remains today is a short
laneway, however, Rowe Street
story_ANGELIQUE HUTCHISON_CURATOR, ENGINEERING AND DESIGN is fondly remembered by
thousands of people who value
what it represented to them
and regret its passing.
history is exemplified by
the objects in the Museum’s
collection with a connection
to the street, including hats
by Henriette Lamotte and
Maggy Hutchison; Steven
Kalmar furniture; Rhoda Wager
and Anina jewellery; works by
members of the Society of Arts
& Crafts of New South Wales;
Theatre Royal playbill posters
and an early cartoon by Ken
Done.
The look of the Remembering
Rowe Street interface pays
homage to the modernist
design aesthetics of the 1950s
and 1960s by sampling the
colour palette and illustration
style of fashion magazines
of the era. The site’s main
navigation tool is a simple
street sign, and a map of Rowe
Street illustrates the location of
each documented destination.
This virtual archive draws
on the Museum’s extensive
research files and objects, and
three years during the Rowe
Street volunteer history project.
The Powerhouse Museum
partnered with the Rowe
Street volunteers to produce
the multimedia archive. Key
volunteer contributors include
Andrew McMechan and
Jane Burns who researched
copyright and wrote the short
essays for each archive entry.
From the Powerhouse, Grace
Cochrane curated the archive,
Andrew Lawrence produced
the multimedia interactive, and
Kate Lamerton designed the
interface.
You can explore Remembering
Rowe Street on the web at
powerhousemuseum.com/
inspired/rowest or through
the interactive console in the
Inspired! Design across time
exhibition on level 4 of the
Museum.
Andrew Lawrence,
Interactive Producer
In December 2005 Mr Jack Ritch was appointed
as the inaugural Foundation Chairman. Mr
Ritch has served as a Foundation Ambassador
since its inception and brings to the position
extensive corporate experience and networks.
He has recently retired from an impressive
career in the property and investment
management industries, most recently as
Managing Director of AMP Capital Investors.
Mr Ritch is now Chairman of that company
and serves on a number of other business and
community boards.
Mr Ritch has great enthusiasm for the new role
saying, ‘The Powerhouse is a fantastic Museum
with wonderful wide-ranging collections and
passionate expert staff. I am honoured to
be involved in the important work of raising
support for the Powerhouse to enable it to build
these collections and mount the high quality
exhibitions it is famous for.'
Foundation Ambassadors and Museum staff
look forward to working with Mr Ritch towards
future Foundation successes. The appointment
marks another significant milestone in the
Foundation’s development.
Melissa Smith, Foundation Executive

designtech
The significance of Rowe in particular the stories and (02) 9217 0564 or foundation@phm.gov.au
Street in Sydney’s design archival material collected over

Recent Donors

Terence Measham AM Kylie Winkworth

Jim Baillie Graeme K Le Roux
L Wilson Mr Edward Simpson
From Japanese-inspired wedding gowns to a sculptured teapot design consultancy, Design Resource Australia.
Derek & Mary Wedekind Peter & Divonne Holmes à Court
and a guitar-shaped coffee table, the 12th annual designTECH
Shannon Dogon from Masada College St Ives created The Mr Howard McKern Robert Hogan
exhibition showcases outstanding major projects from 2005
Teapot in memory of her late grandmother. Her intricate design Dr Brian Vern-Barnett Verity Hinwood
Higher School Certificate Design and Technology students across
demonstrates her silversmithing skills and earned her the Alan Beverly Prescott Lesley A Chapman
NSW. Each year the Museum mounts this exhibition in association
Broady Memorial Award for integration of design with materials. F M Hooper Bruce Wolpe
with the Board of Studies and the Department of Education and
Lauren Proctor from The Hills Sports High School was a joint Anne Moten Judy Hart
Training to celebrate the excellence of students undertaking the
winner of this award with her project the Frangipani Box. The Graham & Charlene Bradley Carolyn Morgan
Design and Technology course.
beautifully crafted jewellery box is a gift for Lauren’s sister. Robert Albert AO William L Chapman
Twenty-four innovative student projects are displayed from a Each segment has its own drawer, and a hidden compartment Justice Peter Young D Leanne Tam
range of areas including fashion and jewellery, recreational disguised by the use of a magnet is a special feature of the box. J.O. Fairfax AO David Goodman
and sporting items, glassware, educational tools and children’s
Other highlights include contemporary jewellery made by fusing
toys, furniture and architectural designs, publications and print
different metals together in a purpose-built kiln, a traditional
campaigns. While the projects are diverse, behind each one is
Japanese technique known as mokume gane; the Divers Assist
a similar process of investigation, research and evaluation in
Vehicle (nicknamed DAVE), designed to carry heavy scuba-diving
response to a real life need or opportunity. Students apply their
gear to difficult-to-access dive sites; and VIDE, a community
creativity and skills in a wide range of materials and technologies
education campaign about violence in the domestic environment
to complete their projects. Each student’s journey from idea to
featuring a series of posters with compelling images and
reality is documented in an accompanying portfolio.
thought-provoking messages.
The Lifeguard infra-red pool alarm by Ryan Kirkpatrick from
DesignTECH is an annual highlight in the Museum’s program
Northern Beaches Secondary College, Manly Selective
and we are proud to be able to display the work of talented
Campus, received the Powerhouse Museum Award for the most
young designers. By showing both the finished projects and the
comprehensive approach to product innovation. The Lifeguard
processes involved in realising them, the exhibition is a great
contains an infra-red motion sensor that is placed nearby to
source of discovery and inspiration for visitors.
detect when a child enters the pool area, setting off an alarm
DesignTECH is presented in association with the board of studies nsw and the NSW The teapot by Shannon Dogon
inside the home. The alarm comes in two styles, as a mini- Department of Education and Training. from Masada College St
Ives. photo by jean-francois
lighthouse and garden bollard. As part of the Powerhouse award, DesignTECH is on at the Powerhouse Museum until 12 march 2006. The exhibition then travels
lanzarone. African Silk dress
to Bowral 15-20 March; Wagga Wagga 23 March to 2 April; Newcastle 5-30 April, Parkes 3-8
Ryan received one week’s work experience at leading product May; Tamworth 11-16 May and Ballina 19-24 May.
by Alexandra Mlodziejewski rowe street, 1960s. photo by geoffrey lee from walkabout foundation chairman jack ritch. photo sotha bourn.
from Bradfield College. magazine, courtesy mitchell library, state library of nsw.
+ 20 powerline autumn 06 + 21 powerline autumn 06
the museum's regional internship program is a
great way for museum professionals to share
their knowledge.
learning on the job
Our Regional Internship Program gives staff of
regional and community museums the chance
to work with highly trained professionals at the
Powerhouse. With the exchange of knowledge
and skills and the uncovering of connections
between heritage collections across NSW, the
Powerhouse Museum gains as much as the
regional participants. Here, one intern relates
her experience of the Museum.
Since retiring from Melbourne to Port Macquarie
three years ago I became involved as a
volunteer in two local museums. Having never
had a particular interest in history before, I can’t
explain why, but I became fascinated by objects
and their histories after attending a session on
researching objects and writing object files. It
was only a short period of time before I was
not only doing research, but looking after the
collection and displays at the Port Macquarie
Historical Museum with a small number of other
dedicated volunteers.
An internship seemed a great way to build on
the skills I had already learnt as well as gaining
new techniques particularly for our large textiles
collection. We are currently working on this as
part of the ‘Her Story’ project, a thematic study
of women’s stories, places and objects of the
Hastings, our local government area. I was very
excited to hear my application for an internship
at the Powerhouse was successful. I guess it
gives you a feeling of added credibility and
some recognition for one’s efforts in learning
new skills and techniques, even though my work
at Port Macquarie is entirely voluntary.
I remember walking into the Powerhouse
building that houses the workshops,
conservators, curators and library on the first
day and feeling totally overwhelmed. The
museum I work at has a tiny storage area and
an even smaller workshop! I spent the first
two days with Francis Fitzpatrick and Suzanne
Chee, conservation staff. They were great and
I couldn’t believe that I was actually learning
while working on dismantling an exhibition,
handling objects from the Powerhouse and
loan collections. I learnt condition reporting
and we have already implemented this back
at Port Macquarie using the photography and
paperwork techniques similar to those at the
Powerhouse. I also learnt proper storage and
handling methods and it is one thing to read
pictured left is another regional internship program participant, heather wade from the griffith pioneer
park museum, dressing a mannequin with powerhouse conservator suzanne chee.
new releases from powerhouse publishing
Remember, members receive 10% discount on all titles from the Powerhouse Shop and mailorder
Locomotive No 1
Margaret Simpson
For steam buffs and train lovers.
Locomotive No 1 hauled the
first train to run in NSW and
is one of the most historically
significant objects in the state.
It was instrumental in the
construction and early operation
of the first steam railway in NSW
which opened in 1855. This new
about them and an invaluable experience to edition traces the fascinating
story behind building the railway
learn and practise them on the job with the – the politics, the cost and
professionals. engineering problems – as well
as the design, construction and
The second two days were spent with textiles operation of Locomotive No 1.
curator Lindie Ward doing photography
20 pages, with over 35 images
and picture boards for the new decorative
ISBN 1 86317 116 9
arts and design gallery. I learnt a great deal RRP $9.95 / MEMBERS $8.95
about display techniques, how exhibitions
are developed from a curatorial perspective
and also some photography tips from staff
photographer Marinco Kojdanovski. Having
the opportunity to observe and ask questions
on the job is something most people at the
Powerhouse would take for granted, but for
small regional museums this is not often
possible. Now I have made a number of
contacts at the Powerhouse for our museum
and we will make sure we use them when we
have questions or problems in the future.
I spent my last day in the Powerhouse Library
and how wonderful that was. In fact, whenever
I had a spare moment I spent it in the library.
Everyone everywhere was very helpful and they
seemed very aware of issues facing smaller
museums. I was able to observe and learn On the box: great moments in
not only how the Powerhouse does things, but Australian television 1956-2006
Peter Cox
also how we might be able to achieve the best
As Australia celebrates 50 years
results in our small country museum with less
of television broadcasting in
resources. 2006, On the box looks at some
of the classic programs – from
This was stage one of my internship. Future soaps to news – and the stars
stages will involve myself and other volunteers of Australian television. Discover
how it all began and where it
from our local museums in further specialised
might be headed in the future.
training. I will also be conducting some training Richly illustrated and full of
sessions for other museums and the public fascinating information, this title
in our local area to share these skills and is recommended for anyone
interested in Australian television
experience in areas such as properly storing and its place in our lives.
textiles.
56 pages, with over 60 images
Overall, it was a great experience and one I am ISBN 1 86317 117 7
looking forward to sharing with others so that RRP $14.95 / MEMBERS $13.45
we make the best possible use of the time and
resources the Powerhouse Museum and its staff
gave to me. Special thanks to regional services
coordinator Rebecca Pinchin who helps Powerhouse books
make services from the Powerhouse Museum are available from the
accessible to regional museums such as ours. Powerhouse Shop,
Debbie Somers, Volunteer Curator, bookstores and mailorder.
Port Macquarie Historical Museum For more information or
For information about the Museum's Regional Services Program, visit to order contact
the website powerhousemuseum.com/regional Powerhouse Publishing
on (02) 92170129 or email
phpub@phm.gov.au
powerhousemuseum.com/publications

+ 22 powerline autumn 06
look skyward at sydney observatory and
see saturn at its best.
Z Image of Saturn taken by voyager II.
the secrets
of saturn
People often gasp when
they first see Saturn through
a telescope. Even a small
telescope shows Saturn as a
bright disc surrounded by an
impressive ring. The period
March to May 2006 is an ideal
time to see this spectacular
planet through a telescope
at Sydney Observatory, it also
coincides with our Easter
school holiday program, so
don’t miss out!
Above Saturn’s equator are
the rings, which extend from
66,000 to 140,000km out into
space and are less than one
kilometre thick. Looking at
the rings you might think they
are solid, but in fact they are
made up of millions of icy
particles that range in size
from a grain of sand to a small
car. The origin of the rings is
not clear; one theory is they
may have been formed from
a moon that was shattered
by the impact of a comet or
asteroid.
photo courtesy of: NASA/JPL
A spacecraft the size of a bus
is busy studying saturn.
A spacecraft the size of a
bus, named Cassini, is busy
studying Saturn, its rings
and 46 moons. It arrived on
1 July 2004 after a seven-
year journey from earth. In
2004 Cassini completed two
flybys of Titan, a moon larger
than the planet Mercury.
On Christmas day 2004 the
Huygens probe was released
on a collision course with
Titan, and on 14 January 2005
Huygens landed on Titan.
During its descent pictures
revealed mysterious features
that looked like rivers, lakes
and shorelines. In late 2005
Cassini flew past the moon
Enceladus and discovered jets
of fine icy particles towering
500km above its South Pole.
Cassini has until 2008, when
its primary mission ends, to
reveal the secrets of Saturn. To
learn more about Cassini and
Saturn visit saturn.jpl.nasa.gov
Dr Martin Anderson,
Astronomy Educator
• 2006 australian sky guide.
handbook
to the stars
Written annually by Sydney
Observatory’s Dr Nick
Lomb and published by the
Powerhouse Museum, the
2006 Sky guide contains
everything you need to
know about the night sky,
including month-by-month
constellation diagrams, tidal
charts, sun and moon rise
and set times, facts on all the
planets, meteorite showers
plus details of the year’s most
exciting astronomical events.
It makes a great gift and is
recommended for anglers,
+
observe
sailors, photographers,
journalists, teachers, students
– or anyone who looks up at
the stars and wants to know
more.
The Sky guide is compact,
easy to use and reliable, and
most of the astronomical
information provided is
suitable for the whole of
Australia.
Pick up your copy at
Sydney Observatory or the
Powerhouse Shop, RRP $15.00
/ members $13.50.
+ 23 powerline autumn 06
The powerhouse museum gratefully acknowledges
the support of the following organisations
+principal partners
DICK SMITH
sport: more than heroes & legends ON THE BOX: GREAT MOMENTS IN Dick Smith Australian Explorer Bell Greek treasures: from Coles Theatre, Target Theatre,
AUSTRALIAN TELEVISION 206B Jetranger III helicopter the benaki museum in athens Grace Bros Courtyard, K Mart
THE GREAT WALLS OF CHINA THE GREAT WALLS OF CHINA studios
the great walls of china
+senior partners
EcoLogic: creating a sustainable
future
THE GREAT WALLS OF CHINA powerhouse wizard GREEK TREASURES: FROM THE
BENAKI MUSEUM IN ATHENS
kylie: an exhibition
museum mascots: zoe and cogs
ON THE BOX: GREAT MOMENTS IN
AUSTRALIAN TELEVISION
THE GREAT WALLS OF CHINA on the box: great moments in
australian television 1956-2006
+partners +supporters
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Mincom Limited Railcorp ansto Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
d factory LIFE FELLOWS DINNER 2006 Locomotive no 1 science education program Official Sydney Hotel
engineers australia, sydney division nova 96.9 SoundHouse™ Music Alliance Arab Bank Australia NSW Treasury
engineering excellence 2005 kylie: an exhibition SoundHouse™ music & multimedia THE CURIOUS ECONOMIST: THE CURIOUS ECONOMIST:
laboratory WILLIAM STANLEY JEVONS in sydney WILLIAM STANLEY JEVONS in sydney
indesign magazine Poloxygen
tv week electrolux reserve bank of australia
d factory inspired! design across time
on the box: great moments in electrolux global design THE CURIOUS ECONOMIST:
australian television 1956-2006 laboratory WILLIAM STANLEY JEVONS in sydney
trust co of australia
+platinum corporate members +gold corporate members +silver corporate members
boeing australia adobe multiplex Arab Bank Australia street vision
PDC Creative jcdecaux NHK technical services Dunlop Flooring Australia tabcorp
thomson playford lilyfield printing sinclair knight merz hasbro TAFE NSW: SYDNEY INSTITUTE
massmedia studios transgrid MACQUARIE BANK FOUNDATION THOMSON TELECOM AUSTRALIA
nsw department of lands Weir Warman Ltd
pettaras press
+ state government partners +australian government partners +foundations
the powerhouse museum is australia council for the arts department of foreign affairs GORDON DARLING FOUNDATION
a statutory authority of, and trade
and principally funded by, australian research council japan foundation
the nsw state government. SUNTORY FOUNDATION
casino community benefit fund nsw VINCENT FAIRFAX FAMILY FOUNDATION
for more information on sponsorship opportunities and giving to the powerhouse museum please contact miranda purnell on (02) 9217 0577.

exhibitions at a glance
MARCH_APRIL_MAY 2006
On the box: great moments in
Australian television 1956–2006
Level 4, from 6 April
Fifty years of Australian television
broadcasting are celebrated in this
landmark exhibition. On the box
showcases rare costumes, props and
sets from our most loved television
programs. Delve into TV history with
classic clips, interactives and insights
from the trailblazers of Australian TV.
Explore historic technical equipment
and look forward to the new age of
digital TV.
Inspired! Design across time
Level 4, Decorative Arts
and Design Gallery
Featuring fashion, furniture, textiles,
glass, graphics, ceramics and
metalwork. Inspired! surveys 300
years of decorative arts and design.
Discover the power of objects and
the pleasure of people who use and
treasure them.
Kylie: an exhibition
Level 3, until 7 May 2006
Spanning the 17-year music career of
Kylie Minogue, this exhibition features
a collection of Kylie’s fabulous stage
costumes by top international fashion
designers. The exhibition also includes
photographs, accessories, artwork,
awards, sound and video.
Engineering Excellence
Level 4, Success and Innovation
gallery
Outstanding engineering projects
from the Engineers Australia, Sydney
Division, Engineering Excellence
awards.
Australian Design Awards
Level 4
The Powerhouse selection from the
Australian Design Awards features
outstanding achievements in design.
big brother diary room chair, lent by southern star. nucleus
freedom Bte speech processor. photo courtesy cochlear ltd.
detail of visor by dolce & gabbana, kyliefever2002 tour.
exhibitions at
Sydney Observatory
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
Gambling in Australia: thrills, spills
and social ills
Migration Museum, Adelaide
From 7 April 2006 – 9 oct 2006
+
Give a gift membership
www.powerhousemuseum.com
Blood, bugs and bodies: the mystery
of pathology
Level 2, 4-12 March 2006
Pathology is the branch of medicine
that seeks to understand the causes
and processes of disease. As part
of The Royal College of Pathologists
of Australasia’s 50th Anniversary
celebrations the exhibition Blood, bugs
and bodies brings to life this medical
science. Children under 12 years must
be accompanied by an adult to visit
the mock autopsy room in a special
enclosed section of the exhibition.
DesignTech 2005
Level 3, until 12 March 2006
DesignTECH showcases outstanding
major design projects by 2005 Higher
School Certificate students of Design
and Technology. This annual exhibition
features furniture, fashion, graphic
design, architecture and industrial
design.
Strasburg clock model
Level 4
Following a long period of preservation
work the treasured ‘Strasburg’ model,
based on Strasbourg Cathedral’s
famous astronomical clock, returns
to a new location next to the new
decorative arts and design gallery,
Inspired! Design across time.
Works wonders: stories about home
remedies
Level 2, 8 May – 12 June 2006
An exhibition about some of the weird,
wonderful and commonplace ways in
which people have dealt with sickness
and injury at home.
Student fashion
Level 3, 13 March – 13 June 2006
Student fashion provides a glimpse
of the next generation of Australian
fashion designers. The exhibition
showcases outfits and textiles from the
final year ranges of the top-graduating
students from three Sydney fashion
schools.
Fruits: Tokyo street style
Southland Museum, Invercargil,
New Zealand
Until 27 March 2006
Greek Treasures: from the Benaki
Museum in Athens
Immigration Museum, Melbourne
Until 28 May 2006
TURN OVER FOR DETAILS
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It makes a great gift!
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Country members must live more than 150 km from Sydney GPO.
HOUSEHOLD** 1 year 2 years 3 years
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Concession/country* $50 $90 $127
** A household is up to two adults and all students under 18 years at the same address. Country
households must be more than 150 km from Sydney GPO. Concession applies to full-time students,
seniors, pensioners, unemployed and all adults in the household must be eligible for concession.
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+ 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
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from the
collection

Currently on display in the

new children’s play space
called The Pocket, this doll’s
house was made for the
Pownall’s daughter Pam
on the family farm outside
Gunnedah in 1940. Her father
built the house while her
mother crafted the furniture
and accessories to reflect the
colour schemes of their own
home, Burleith. Great ingenuity
has been used in recycling
and adapting materials.
Saucepans are made from
scraps of dowel with buttons
for lids. In the wardrobes
miniature coat-hangers have
been formed from matchsticks
and bent pins. Curtains frame
views of sea and rocks (the
coast was a popular family
holiday destination). At the
time, a doll’s house was a
popular present for a girl,
encouraging her interest in
the domestic arts through the
management of this miniature
domain.

ISSN 1030-5750
01

9 771030 575004

www.powerhousemuseum.com