Paul Brunton: The Thrill of the Chase SERIES TICKET

A Friends of the Library 3-part Lecture Series

The Thrill of the Chase: Great State Library collections and the people who acquired them

Join Emeritus Curator Paul Brunton OAM for an insider’s view of the how the great research libraries must pursue their quarry with knowledge, persistence, diplomacy and sometimes a bit of craftiness. The stories behind these collections can be fascinating and indeed unbelievable.

Lecture 1 (15 Aug)

• The bookseller and HCL Anderson: How the Mitchell Bequest was saved for the nation, 1905
• Lady Strathallan regrets: The punch-up over the Macquarie papers, 1914
• The Trustees relent: The Cook Endeavour journal and the Bradley First Fleet journal, 1923

This lecture deals with the acquisition of three major collections - the initial bequest from David Scott Mitchell; the papers of Lachlan Macquarie and his family; and the William Bradley journal and maps and the loss of a major item, Cook’s Endeavour Journal.

Lecture 2 (22 Aug)

• The subterfuge of Ida Emily Leeson: Acquiring the Angus & Robertson archives, 1932
• The Princess and Mr Ifould: The Tasman Map, 1933
• Plundering Blenheim: The purchase of the Duke of Marlborough’s copy of the 1483 Macrobian map of the Great South Land, 2012

This lecture deals with the acquisition of the archive of the publisher and bookseller Angus & Robertson; the Tasman Map showing Dutch knowledge of Australia after Tasman’s voyages of 1642-4; and the map which stimulated southern hemisphere exploration.

Lecture 3 (29 Aug)

• Painting the Picture: The surprises of the Pictures Galleries

Join State Librarian Dr John Vallance in conversation with Paul Brunton as they discuss how taste, provenance and history have shaped our amazing painting collection.

Book all 3 lectures and save  - click on the green tickets button.
All lectures 11am-12noon, Metcalfe Auditorium.  Booking Essential.

To book for only 1 or 2 of the lectures, click on the individual links below:

1. 15 August: The acquisition of three major collections
2. 22 August: The acquisition of the Angus & Robertson archives, The Tasman Map, Macrobian Map
3. 29 August: Painting the Picture: The surprises of the Pictures Galleries

Telephone enquiries: 9273 1593