the magazine of the powerhouse museum winter 08

celebrating
150 years
CONTENTS POWERPICKS
ISSUE 90 – JUNE JULY AUGUST 2008

02 From the director from the director

03 News: Sydney Design 08
04 Powerpicks
06 Cover story: Celebrating 150 years of there is a clear understanding
Sydney Observatory across government of our
08 150 years contribution to the state will be
09 Members news critical to securing the support
10 Members calendar to maintain our programs and
11 Exhibitions at a glance continue initiatives to revitalise
12 The Powerhouse Foundation the visitor experience. I am
13 Play: July school holidays conscious there are some
14 New exhibition: Modern times permanent galleries which
16 Sydney Observatory news have not changed much since
17 Powerhouse Discovery Centre news the Museum opened in 1988.
18 Collection news Together the staff and I will
work to bring these into the 21st
century.
Shortly after my arrival
It’s a fascinating experience to Dr Anne Summers, Deputy
get to know a new organisation. President of the Board of
I’ve been struck by the warmth Trustees, hosted a welcome
COVER
of the welcome, by the spirit of luncheon attended by over 50 of
The time-ball tower at opportunity that exists amongst Sydney’s most influential women.
the magazine of the powerhouse museum winter 08
Sydney Observatory, from the staff, and a sense of the I intend to build on these
inside the telescope
dome. The time ball was potential to build relationships introductions, strengthening
dropped for the first and enhance the community’s links with the city, with academic
celebrating time at midday on 5 June
150 years 1858. Photo by Marinco regard for the Powerhouse. and research bodies, community
Kojdanovski. From meetings with staff I’ve groups and business.
been gaining an understanding The warmth of the welcome
of people’s passion for the from the Board of Trustees, staff
collection and our exhibitions and managers has confirmed an
and programs. Staff have earlier impression that people
spoken of opportunities for us care deeply about this Museum.
to have a stronger identity, and I look forward to meeting as
this will be one of my priorities many of the Museum’s members

festival of design
in my first year. Another priority as I can in the months ahead.
will be to build relationships
Trustees Dr Dawn Casey PSM FAHA
with key partners. Ensuring that Director
Dr Nicholas G Pappas, President
Dr Anne Summers AO, Deputy President
Professor Shirley Alexander above: A modernist The Powerhouse Museum’s the inaugural Design NSW:
vision of Australia:
Mr Mark Bouris the interior of the
annual design festival returns Travelling Scholarship, valued
Ms Trisha Dixon Australian Pavilion at in August. Find out what design at $18,000, to an emerging local
Where to find us Editorial Expo 67 in Montreal,
Mr Mark Nicholaeff means to you through a 17-day designer. The scholarship has
1967, designed by Robin
Ms Margaret Seale Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Powerline is produced by the Boyd and featuring program of exhibitions and been established to enable a
Mr Anthony Sukari Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney Print Media Department Grant and Mary events at the Museum and young designer to undertake
Featherston’s wing
Ms Judith Wheeldon Opening hours 10.00 am – 5.00 of the Powerhouse Museum sound chairs; from satellite events across Sydney. professional development
pm every day (except Christmas PO Box K346, the exhibition Modern This year’s highlights include a activities abroad.
times. Photo courtesy
Day). School holiday opening Haymarket NSW 1238 National Archives of major exhibition capturing the The Powerhouse is also proud
Senior Management
hours 9.30 am – 5.00 pm Editor
Australia (AA1982/206, 28). spirit of modernism, Modern to co-produce the exhibition
LEFT: Sydney Design
Dr Dawn Casey PSM FAHA,
takes to the streets times: the story of modernism in Workshopped. A mainstay in
Contact details Melanie Cariss
Director with architect-led Australia. the Sydney Design calendar,
walking tours of
Jennifer Sanders, Postal address Design
modernist landmarks
Young Blood Designers Workshopped has been
Deputy Director, Collections and Outreach PO Box K346 Trigger such as Harry Seidler’s Market is on again to showcase exhibiting new Australian design
Australia Square.
Mark Goggin, Haymarket NSW 1238 Photography Photo by Marinco
and sell new Australian design, in high-profile commercial
Associate Director, Operations and Services Telephone (02) 9217 0111 Powerhouse Museum unless Kojdanovski. while the internationally settings for seven years. This
Kevin Sumption, Infoline (02) 9217 0444 renowned Designboom mart, year Workshopped returns to
otherwise stated.
Associate Director, Exhibitions, Projects and Education (02) 9217 0222 joins us for the first time with Chifley Plaza in the CBD.
Planning Every effort has been made to locate designers from across the Further afield, Sydney
Keith Edwards, powerhousemuseum.com owners of copyright for the images
globe discussing and selling Design’s many partners and
in this publication. Any inquiries
Associate Director, corporate, chief finance The Powerhouse Museum, part of the should be directed to the Rights and their wares. Designmart has supporters will present a great
officer Permissions Officer, Powerhouse
Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
Museum. previously been held at major program of exhibitions, events,
also incorporating Sydney
Observatory and the powerhouse design events in New York, walks and talks at venues
ISSN 1030-5750 © Trustees of the
discovery centre, is a NSW Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Tokyo, Seoul and Stockholm. across Sydney. Stay tuned for
government cultural institution.
The Powerhouse Museum the launch of the full program in
powerhousemuseum.com with Arts NSW will present June at sydneydesign.com.au

2 powerline Winter 08 powerline Winter 08 3

POWERPICKS
building ties with Timor-Leste
Rogerio Martins and Daniel Sera
from the Timor-Leste Ministry
of Education and Culture spent
three weeks at the Powerhouse
Museum in April. Part of the
team establishing the Timor-
Leste National Museum, Rogerio
and Daniel were in Sydney on
an AusAID Australian Leadership
Award Fellowship, designed to
foster partnerships across the
Asia-Pacific region and support
museum development as a
critical part of nation building. At
the Powerhouse they received
practical training in museum
lights go out,
stars come out
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conservation and digital
storytelling techniques, and also
met with curators, registrars and
exhibition designers.
Rogerio says the experience
was rewarding, ‘because
in Timor now we want to
implement a program of
recording digital stories about
ceremonial rituals, traditional
dance and music, and past
times in Timor-Leste. By visiting
we can make a comparison
about building design, collection
supports, design and themes of
exhibitions.’
Lights went out all over Sydney
for Earth Hour at 8.00 pm on
29 March 2008. Clouds, light
rain and distant electrical
storms put a slight dampener
on observations of the night
sky, but not on the event.
Fortunately, there were plenty
of gaps in the clouds so that
the large number of visitors to
Sydney Observatory could still
see the rings of Saturn and
other spectacles in the sky.
The next opportunity to
Digital storytelling
in the Soundhouse
Vectorlab. (top) senior
conservator Mary
Gissing, Daniel Sera and
soundhouse educator
Bea Harrison. (bottom)
soundhouse vectorlab
manager peter mahony,
Rogerio Martins and
yvonne walsh. Photos
by Nitsa Yioupros.
experience the natural brilliance
of the night sky is Sydney
Observatory’s Festival of the
Stars in July 2008. City office
buildings and landmarks
such as the Harbour Bridge
and Opera House will turn off
their lights, so that Sydney
Observatory’s visitors can
experience a spectacular view
of the stars from telescopes
throughout the grounds and
inside the domes. Check the
calendar for details.
Indigenous women’s journey
Some of Australia’s most
accomplished Indigenous
women gathered at the
Powerhouse Museum in March
to celebrate the launch of
the exhibition Yinalung yenu:
women’s journey. The evening
began with a welcome to
country led by artist and Elder
Aunty Euphemia Bostock. Dr
Nicholas Pappas, President
of the Board of Trustees, then
welcomed Dr Dawn Casey to
her first official function as
director of the Museum.
Dawn Casey, herself an
Indigenous woman, remarked
on the ‘amazing’ timing of
her arrival at the Museum
coinciding with the launch of
the exhibition. She also spoke
of her pleasure in being able
Left to right: Dr
Marlene Kong and
her niece Phoebe
Clarke, Aunty Beryl
Carmichael, Aunty Sue
Blacklock, Dawn Casey,
exhibition curator
Fabri Blacklock, and Dr
Marilyn Clarke. Photo
by Sotha Bourn.
honouring our
volunteers
The Museum’s new Volunteer
Centre was officially opened
by the Hon Linda Burney,
Minister for Volunteering, on
10 March. The Minister also
Sydney Harbour
Bridge seen from the
presented awards to Museum
volunteers who have contributed
Observatory before
and during Earth Hour. 20 or more years of service.
Photos by Nick Lomb. The new Volunteers Centre
is situated adjacent to the
Museum in the historic Ultimo
Post Office. Designed by NSW
Government Architect Walter
Liberty Vernon, it was completed
in 1901 and operated until 1985.
Now it is set to become a hub
where volunteers can meet, hold
events and take part in training.
to introduce an Indigenous
woman minister of parliament to
officially launch the exhibition.
The Hon Linda Burney,
Minister for Fair Trading, Youth,
and Volunteering, and the first
Indigenous member of the NSW
Parliament, told guests of her
‘pride in being a woman of the
first peoples of this country’.
She paid tribute to the six
women who tell their stories in
the exhibition: doctors Marlene
Kong and Marilyn Clarke, Elders
Aunty Sue Blacklock and Aunty
Beryl Carmichael, artist Bronwyn
Bancroft and barrister Professor
Larissa Behrendt. Their stories
reflect the resilience and
fighting spirit that has sustained
Indigenous communities against
all the odds.
‘Student fashion’
provides a glimpse of
what to expect from
the next generation
of Australian fashion
designers. Showcasing
outfits and textiles
by top graduating
students from four
Sydney fashion design
Dr Nicholas Pappas,
President of the Board schools, the exhibition
of Trustees, Linda
Burney, Minister for
Volunteering, and June
is at the Powerhouse
Fitzpatrick, a Visitor
Services volunteer until 14 September 2008.
for 21 years. Photo by
Cyborg dress by Robby Tjia from the University of
Sotha Bourn.
Technology, Sydney. Photo by Gavin Bradstreet.
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150 YEARS
A Sydney landmark since
1858, the Observatory has
undergone major work in
the lead up to its 150th year.
observing
150 years
Story Dr Nick Lomb, Curator of Astronomy
In Australia it is rare for a
building to reach the grand
old age of 150 years. Sydney
Observatory, however, is more
than just a building. It is an
institution that has been focused
on the one field of endeavour,
astronomy, throughout its long
history. Though the emphasis
changed from research to
education in 1982 when it
became part of the Museum
of Applied Arts and Sciences,
now known as the Powerhouse
Museum, the Observatory’s focus
on astronomy was undiminished.
These 150 years of continuity at
Sydney Observatory are even
rarer than just its advanced
age. No wonder there is much
happening to celebrate this
milestone!
Constructed between 1855
and 1858, Sydney Observatory
was designed by Colonial
Architect Alexander Dawson. The
working part of the Observatory
is housed in the building’s west
wing, with a telescope dome,
slits for the specialised transit
telescope and a tall tower
for the time ball, while to the
east was a residence for the
Government Astronomer. As
befitting the importance of
the Observatory it was built of
stone, using wonderful Sydney
sandstone. This stone has lasted
well but, like the stone used for
other colonial buildings, was
in need of major maintenance
by the 1990s. At that time the
NSW Department of Commerce,
under its Centenary Stonework
6 powerline Winter 08
Program, began a long, staged
program of maintenance of
the Observatory building.
Over the last decade or so
the department has done
magnificent work replacing
weathered stone in places such
as the time-ball tower and the
balustrade of the residence
balcony. This program is now
reaching its culmination, with the
final stage of work on the west
wing due for completion by the
150th anniversary in June.
The Department of Commerce
is also building a new telescope
dome near the main entrance
to the Observatory, where the
Government Astronomer Henry
Chamberlain Russell first built
a dome in 1870 to house a
borrowed telescope. The final
telescope dome at that spot
was a 1950s building with a
copper dome that housed the
Observatory’s astrographic
telescope, a telescope
designed to photograph
the sky. This building was
demolished in 1987 when the
telescope was transferred to
Macquarie University. The new
dome will have its original
copper dome as well as
the astrographic telescope,
which will be on display as a
magnificent introduction to the
Observatory and its history.
The dome will also house a
modern working telescope so
that the Observatory can better
accommodate the growing
number of people interested in
looking at the sky.
The Government Architect’s
Office in the Department of
Commerce is also assisting
with preparations for the 150th
anniversary in a variety of
ways. A heritage architect is
supervising the restoration of
the Fort Phillip Signal Station,
built prior to the Observatory
in 1848 and now part of an
expanded Observatory site.
The station’s role was to
receive information from South
Head Signal Station about
the type and origin of ships
entering Sydney Harbour,
and to communicate that
information using two giant
flagstaffs on either side of the
building. Radio communication
eventually led to the closure of
the station and the demolition
of the flagstaffs in the 1930s.
The station’s interior is now
being carefully restored with
the replastering of its internal
walls. In addition, through the
generosity of the Bruce & Joy
Reid Foundation the Museum
has reinstated the southern
flagstaff, which will fly both
historic and specially designed
astronomical flags for the first
time to mark the Observatory’s
150th birthday.
Finally, the grounds of
the Observatory are being
landscaped with new plantings
guided by a garden map
published by Russell in 1880,
while inside a new exhibition
will pay tribute to one of the
Observatory’s original functions
(see story page 16).
THE OBSERVATORY
CELEBRATIONS
BEGIN ON 5 JUNE,
WHEN THE TIME
BALL DROPS AT
MIDDAY, JUST AS
IT DID FOR THE
FIRST TIME ON
THAT DAY IN 1858.
Highlights of the 150th celebrations
5 June
Time ball drops The time ball drops at 12 noon and 1.00 pm
Flags fly from the Historical and astronomical flags unfurl on
Signal Station the giant new flagstaff
Exhibition launch Launch of Observing the weather
7–9 June
Drama A new play that tells the dramatic tale of the
1877 attempt to murder astronomer Henry
Chamberlain Russell
Time ball drops Cannons accompany the time ball drop at 12
noon and 1.00 pm
Weather From making lightning in your mouth to
demonstrations creating a cyclone in a bottle
Activities Make your own sundial, face painting and
Above: The newly more fun activities for all ages
completed
Observatory, about
1860, unknown 13 June
photographer. Lecture The always entertaining Fred Watson from
Left: The west wing
under wraps during the Anglo-Australian Observatory explains
the final stages of the ‘Why Uranus is upside down’
restoration program,
March 2008. Photo by
Gregory Anderson. 14 & 15 June
Above Right: The time
ball at dusk. Photo by
Weather and Speakers include Professor Neville Nicholls
Marinco Kojdanovski. Astronomy seminar of Monash University on detecting climate
at the Powerhouse change, Mike Bailey from Channel 9 on
Museum weathering the media and Dr Nick Lomb on
Sydney Observatory’s 150-year history
4 & 5 July
Festival of the Stars Sydney’s big buildings turn off their lights
so stargazers can enjoy spectacular views
of the Southern Cross, Jupiter and Saturn.
Plus take part in ghostly torchlight tours, an
astronomy night fair, talks and jazz
For all the details go to www.sydneyobservatory.com.au
powerline Winter 08 7
150 YEARS
The letters of
Government
Astronomers provide
a unique insight into
the first 50 years of
Sydney Observatory.
‘your
obedient
servant’
Story Irma Havlicek, online producer
‘Sir, I have the honor to request
that you will take the necessary
steps to have some repairs
to the vane and Time Ball
machinery effected. The vane
will not show the direction of the
wind being too stiff to turn, and
the Time Ball requires so much
force to put it up that we are in
constant fear that the wheels will
break. Mr Lewis repaired the Ball
before and I would like him to do
it again as he understands it all.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your
Obedient Servant H.C Russell.’
Written to the Colonial
Architect on 24 April 1871, this
letter is one of some 60 000
copies of Sydney Observatory
letters now bound into books
in the collection of State
Records NSW. In order to further
research the early years of the
Observatory, the Museum’s
curator of astronomy Dr Nick
Lomb recently borrowed ten
books to commence transcribing
these valuable documents. Most
are letters from the first men to
hold the position of Government
Astronomer: William Scott,
Government Astronomer from
1858 to 1862; George Robarts
Smalley, from 1864 to 1870; and
Henry Chamberlain Russell, from
1870 to 1905.
The content and tone of the
letters provide great insights
into their characters and reveal
the impact they each had in
8 powerline Winter 08
leading Sydney Observatory.
Most of the letters are from
Russell’s long and resolute
leadership. The letters reveal
a man of integrity who was
tenacious and meticulous in
his work and processes — not
a man to suffer fools, but one
who supported his diligent staff,
seeking pay increases and
better conditions for them.
The letters also reveal
a great deal about the
beginnings of scientific enquiry
in colonial NSW. We are
able to see the Government
Astronomer’s key role in
mapping the southern sky and
establishing meteorological
observation stations around
the colony. There are letters
to the Smithsonian Institution
in Washington and to the
Astronomer Royal at Greenwich;
letters requesting permission
to spend money on various
scientific instruments and
books; and replies to questions
from the public. There is also
a rich vein of letters to the
Colonial Architect seeking,
often tenaciously, improvements
and repairs to the Observatory
buildings and grounds.
Beginning in June to coincide
with the 150th celebrations,
a selection of these letters
as well as transcriptions are
being posted daily on the
Sydney Observatory blog,
sydneyobservatory.com.au/blog
from the members manager
The recent launch of the new
Zero Gravity Space Lab and
the revamped Space exhibition
is a rare chance for members
to experience the illusion
of being in a weightless
environment and find out
what it’s like to live on the
International Space Station. If
you haven’t visited one of our
most popular exhibitions for a
while, now is definitely the time
for another look.
Turning from life in space
Behind the scenes: to high society in 18th-century
Naomi Williams,
London and the new exhibition
former national
chair of Australian Silver: Paul de Lamerie from
Decorative & Fine Arts the Cahn collection. A rare
Societies, launches
the Silver exhibition. chance to see an extraordinary
Paul Cahn speaks to private collection of silverware
the media about his
extraordinary silver by one of England’s legendary
collection. Inside the silversmiths, the exhibition
Space exhibition as the
Zero Gravity Space Lab closes on 22 June, so don’t
is wired up by a team of miss the opportunity to visit.
electricians. Photos by
Marinco Kojdanovski I hope that many of you were
and Sotha Bourn. able to enjoy our first Young
Above: H C Russell in
his office at Sydney
Blood kids market in April. If you
Observatory, 1890–1900, missed it be sure to get along to
photo by Charles
Bayliss.
Left and below (detail):
Letter from Russell to
postmaster warren, 13
November 1890.
MEMBERS
the markets during the Sydney
Design 08 celebrations, which
will feature stalls brought to you
by the international art, design
and architecture resource,
Designboom. And make sure to
keep your eyes out for special
member offers during Sydney
Design!
I’d like to take this opportunity
to welcome back Leonie Jones,
who has been away on
maternity leave and rejoins
the team to share the Members
Services Manager role. I look
forward to working with her to
continue to bring our members
the exceptional range of
benefits you’ve come to expect.
Finally, next time you visit the
Museum, don’t forget to drop
by the Members Lounge on
level 4, meet the members team
and relax with complimentary
refreshments while the kids
enjoy our dedicated play area.
Alana Adye,
acting Members Services Manager
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CALENDAR
JUNE JULY AUGUST 2008
DATE / LOCATION
7–9 June
10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Sydney Observatory
14 June
10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Powerhouse Discovery Centre
4 & 5 July
From 6.00 pm
Sydney Observatory
5–20 July
10.30 am – 3.00 pm
12 July
10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Powerhouse Discovery Centre
8–11 & 15–18 July
10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Powerhouse Discovery Centre
15–18 July    Media MashUp for ages 12–16
9.30 am – 4.00 pm
Soundhouse Vectorlab
8 August
2.00–5.00 pm
8–24 August
9 August
10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Powerhouse Discovery Centre
22–31 August
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EVENT / COST
Observatory 150th party
$7 adult, $5 child, $20 family.
Open Day: Music
$8 adult, $5 conc/child, $25 family (2A,2C),
members free.
Festival of the Stars
Cost: $15 adult/$12 members, $12 conc/$10,
$10 child/$8, $45 family/$32.
Tickets at the gate or book for express
entry: www.sydneyobservatory.com or call
(02) 9921 3485.
Minibus departs George Street, near the
MCA, every 20 minutes from 6.00 pm.
Space cadets: Powerhouse
school holiday program
Free with Museum entry
Open Day: Australian icons
$8 adult, $5 conc/child, $25 family (2A,2C),
members free.
School holidays at Castle Hill
Cost: $270, $243 members for four days.
Bookings: www.shvl.org or (02) 9217 0392.
Symposium: Modern times
Bookings moshtix.com.au or 1300 438 849
Sydney Design 08
www.sydneydesign.com.au
Open Day: Design
$8 adult, $5 conc/child, $25 family (2A,2C),
members free.
Ultimo Science Festival
www.ultimosciencefestival.com
MARK THESE EXCITING EVENTS IN YOUR
CALENDAR & VISIT THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE
FOR A FULL LISTING OF WHAT’S ON.
DESCRIPTION
Time to celebrate with a specially
commissioned historical drama, kids
activities, demonstrations and birthday cake!
Demonstrations of a Mastertouch piano
recorder, tours of the piano collection, live
hip-hop and a talk on Australian rock history.
Enjoy spectacular views of the stars as the
city’s light go out. Plus take part in ghostly
torchlight tours and an astronomy night fair.
Dress up, look up and play up as you
explore outer space these holidays. Don’t
stop at infinity.
From the Sydney 2000 Olympic torch to
Harry’s Cafe de Wheels, this day focuses on
home-grown icons in the collection.
Tours, talks and fun activities. For details
contact the Discovery Centre.
Build skills in scripting, shooting, editing,
sound and music production while you make
a short film to screen for friends and family.
Curators, architects and designers such as
Mary Featherston will explore the powerful
influence of modernism.
Australia’s premier design festival is back.
Highlights include an expanded designers
market showcasing the work of avant-
garde international designers, a range of
stimulating speakers and, of course, design
virtuoso Krispin K.
Celebrate innovation in design as part of
Sydney Design 08.
Be amazed by the many ways that science
shapes your world at this festival of ideas
and hands-on activities for all ages.
EXHIBITIONS AT A GLANCE
Silver: Paul de Lamerie from the
Zero Gravity Cahn Collection
Space Lab Level 3, UNTIL 22 JUNE
Level 1
Focusing on the extraordinary work of Paul
de Lamerie (1688-1751), London’s leading
18th-century silversmith, this exhibition
features 70 fabulous Rococo pieces.
Find out what it’s like to live and work in Further, faster, higher: a sound and light
space, in a fun interactive that creates experience
the illusion of being in a weightless LEVEL 1
environment, with commentary by Imagine Loco 1243 roaring past you in
Modern times, Australian astronaut Dr Andy Thomas. the Museum’s Transport gallery. This light
and sound show brings to life the story of
late nights Yinalung yenu: women’s journey
transport in Australia.
Level 4
Thursdays 14, 21 and
Fridays 15, 22 August Six prominent Indigenous women share their Nuclear matters
6.00–8.00 pm inspirational stories and reveal the important LEVEL 1
roles that women have played in Australian
society. Our new home / Meie uus Kodu:
Modernism transformed life Estonian-Australian stories
in Australia during the 20th LEVEL 2
century. From jazz clubs to Student fashion
espresso bars and abstract Level 2, UNTIL 14 september Engineering excellence
art, modernism defined an Get a glimpse of the next generation LEVEL 3
top: the observatory
at night. above: kids exciting new cosmopolitan of Australian fashion designers through
culture. Be inspired by the spirit
in space’s new zero garments by some of the top-graduating
gravity lab. below:
Designmart, the
of modernism at special night students from Sydney-based schools.
international design viewings of the Modern times Sydney Observatory
bazaar, is a highlight
of Sydney Design
exhibition featuring live jazz, Australian International Design Awards
08. Photo courtesy entertainment and refreshments. LEVEL 3, Opens 28 June Observing the weather
designboom. Check the website for details.
top right: Melbourne’s
Opens 5 June
The Powerhouse selection from the
Legend Espresso
and Milk Bar Australian International Design Awards
designed by Clement program features outstanding achievements
Meadmore, 1955–56.
Photo courtesy Ion in design.
Nicolades. below
right: Modern
icon from modern Inspired! Design across time
times: Bill Buckle’s LEVEL 3 What was Sydney’s hottest day? Our
Goggomobil Dart, 1959.
wildest storm? Sydney Observatory looks
Photo by Sotha Bourn. A survey of decorative arts and design
at 150 years of weather recording, charts
from the 1700s to today. Features fashion,
our weather extremes and examines how
furniture, textiles, glass, and ceramics.
climate change will impact on weather in
the future.
Modern times: the
story of modernism
Travelling Exhibitions
in Australia
Level 2, opens 8 August Winning sky photos: the David Malin awards
Brisbane Planetarium, until 14 July
Greening the Silver City: seeds of bush
regeneration
Modern times looks to the city and its Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, until 19 June
skyscrapers, cafes and swimming pools, Goulburn Library, 26 June – 14 September
where modernist ideals of functionalism,
internationalism and the healthy body
radically transformed Australian culture in
the tumultuous decades from 1917 to 1967.
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THE POWERHOUSE FOUNDATION
foundation news
The first Powerhouse Foundation
President’s Circle Luncheon for
2008 was held in March. Guest
speaker Dick Smith AO spoke
engagingly of his adventures
around the world. Dick Smith
has been a great supporter of
the Powerhouse Museum and
was awarded the Museum’s
highest honorific title, Life
Fellow, in 2002. Over 45 guests
attended the luncheon, which
was an excellent opportunity for
networking.
The Foundation’s multiple
aims of fundraising, supporting
the collection, and building
relationships are successfully
enhanced through our
President’s Circle Luncheons.
We are pleased to welcome
Trust Company Limited as the
major sponsor of the President’s
Circle Luncheon series for 2008.
Trust Company Limited has
In March Dr Anne
Summers ao, Deputy
President of the Board
of Trustees, hosted a
lunch for distinguished
women of Sydney to
welcome Dr Dawn Casey
to Sydney. Pictured
from left: Jennifer
Sanders, Anne Summers,
Dawn Casey, Sandra
Yates Ao, chair of the
sydney writers’ festival,
and Catherine Harris,
mca board member.
Photo by Marinco
Kojdanovksi.
12 powerline Winter 08
supported the Foundation since
its inception in 2004 and the
Museum is very grateful for their
support.
Over the past few months,
the Museum has welcomed two
new Foundation Ambassadors:
Mr David Goodsall and Mr Yosi
Tal. It is through the dedicated
involvement and commitment
of its Ambassadors and donors
that the Foundation can
continue to build the Museum’s
collection.
If you are interested in
attending special Foundation
events, or supporting the
Foundation through a donation,
please contact the Foundation
Office on 02 9217 0564 or go to
www.powerhousemuseum.com/
foundation.
Laurie-Anne Bentley
Corporate Development Manager
laurieb@phm.gov.au
PLAY
Powerhouse Wizard 2008
Nominations are now open for
the Powerhouse Wizard 2008.
Sponsored by Wizard Home
Loans, the award recognises
emerging leaders in Australian
innovation and achievement,
and includes a $5000 career
development scholarship.
Past winners include engineer
and science communicator
Dr James Bradfield Moody,
filmmaker Khoa Do and
astrophysicist Dr Naomi
McClure-Griffiths.
For more information go to
www.powerhousemuseum.com/
wizard Zoe, our favourite
space cadet, talks
to public programs
Left to right: Dick The Powerhouse Foundation producer Helen
Smith, Dr Nicholas
Pappas, President of The Foundation thanks the
Whitty about playing
the Board of Trustees;
Jennifer Sanders, following recent donors for in space during the
Deputy Director; and
Jack Ritch, Chairman
their generous contribution. school holidays.
of the Powerhouse
O Anna-Rose Baker
Foundation. The
helicopter in the O Mr and Mrs David Calmyre
background was flown
2 Lesley A Chapman
by Dick Smith on his epic
solo circumnavigation
of the world in 1982–83
and donated to the
Museum in 1990. Photo by
O
U
O
Dr John L Cummine
CWA Fynn
George Freedman
kids in space
Sotha Bourn. O Terry Gagen
Top right: The
O B H Hope
Powerhouse Wizard
Wand, designed by the O Craig Lavender
Jumbana Group. Zoe is a very bright and grown- the astronaut’s living quarters on Zoe inside the Zero
b Warren Lee & Erica Jacobson Gravity Space Lab.
up six-year-old girl who loves the International Space Station, Photo by Marinco
U David Maloney
visiting the Museum. I caught up but even more exciting is the Kojdanovski.
U Janet McDonald AO and
with Zoe in the Space exhibition new Zero Gravity Space Lab
Donald McDonald AC
where she announced, ‘I’ve where you can experience what
2 Mr & Dr Mottram
decided to be an astronaut it’s like to be weightless. ‘This Space Cadets: winter holiday program 5–20 July 
U RACI Pharmaceutical Science Group –
NSW when I grow up!’. is such fun’, according to Zoe. ‘I
¶ RFC Group Limited Zoe wanted to talk about felt like I was floating. I felt like Astronauts and Dress up as an astronaut or
2 Ian & Joanne Ritchie some of the things she had a real astronaut at work. Some aliens ball style your own alien costume
O Keith & Janet Winsbury learned in the exhibition about of my friends felt funny at first 1.00 – 2.00 pm before you Moon rock-on.
2 Frank Zipfinger living in space: ‘Did you know and they had to hang onto the
that astronauts can’t eat cake in hand rail. But I didn’t feel bad Musical planets Play ‘Musical planets’ tracking
space? The crumbs would float at all.’ She added that Kerrie, 11.00 am – 12 noon satellites from orb to orb.
around the spacecraft and that the space curator, had told her
could be dangerous. If they got astronauts sometimes feel sick Out-of-this-world Camera alert! There’ll be plenty
inside any equipment, it might when they first get into orbit. star program of opportunities to snap your
stop working. I wouldn’t want to ‘But they get used to it and soon 10.30 am – 3.00 pm favourite space cadet against
go into space on my birthday!’ feel fine.’ the intergalactic backdrop of
‘Even bread can be a problem ‘You know what would be their choice.
because it makes crumbs. The great?’ said Zoe. ‘A holiday
Russian cosmonauts pack their program about space with all Mystery alert Track down the mystery object
bread in little bite-size pieces. the fun stuff you’ve had in other 10.30 am – 3.00 pm in a quest into the Space
DONATION CATEGORIES
But on the International Space holidays — dress ups, dancing exhibition. Could it be hiding in
j Governor b Custodian Station, they use soft tortillas and stories.’ It’s impossible the Zero Gravity Space Lab?
¶ President’s U Investor instead, because they don’t to argue with Zoe, so these
Circle 2 Supporter crumble’. school holidays we’re inviting Spooky space Enter into a strange world of
∞ Leader O Friend Inside the exhibition is a space cadets aged 3–10 to the 11.00 am – 3.00 pm shadows, light and spooky
£ Collector Habitation Module that’s just like Museum to explore life in space. space stories.
powerline Winter 08 13
NEW EXHIBITION
A major new exhibition for Sydney
Design 08 reveals how modernism
transformed Australian society.
modern times
Story Ann Stephen, Curator, Design & Society
Modern times: the story of modernism
in Australia is the first exhibition to
survey modernist visual art, design and
architecture locally. It also encompasses
animation, fashion, popular culture, film
and photography — highlighting the broad
ambitions of modernism, which aimed
to do nothing less than to transform art
and life. The exhibition spans the five
decades from 1917 to 1967, a tumultuous
period marked by global wars, revolutions,
economic depression, social and
technological transformations, events that
would profoundly shape the possibilities of
modernist culture.
A major focus of Modern times is the
transformation of city life. During the first
half of the 20th century, Australia’s moribund
ports became complex metropolises,
realising the promise of city life with cars,
freeways and new forms of entertainment —
cinemas, milk bars, cafes, pubs, swimming
pools — the beginning of what is today
called the ‘leisure economy’. Inside the
exhibition, visitors will be able to step inside
a 1950s milk bar, complete with milk shakes
and juke box, and be immersed, via a large-
scale audiovisual panorama, in the sensual
pleasures of modern swimming pools.
Modernism was fundamentally a style of
urban life celebrating the romance of cities
and a vehicle of optimism, encapsulating the
possibilities of the 20th century. Modernism
promised to make a better future as part
of an international movement. It defined a
new cosmopolitan culture, inspired by the
European avant-gardes that became known
in Australia through publications, touring
exhibitions, émigrés and expatriates.
The exhibition will reveal the local impact
of key international movements such as
the Bauhaus. Artist Ludwig Hirschfeld-Mack
taught a Bauhaus seminar in colour theory
in Germany during the early 1920s and
the exhibition looks at how he adapted
his experiments with colour, light and art
education to teaching school children,
following his settlement in Australia at the
outset of World War II. In the 1960s, Bauhaus
principles for the design and manufacture
of high-quality furniture for everyday use
14 powerline Winter 08
inspired a new generation of local artists ‘being hustled by
and designers, such as Clement Meadmore
and Janet Dawson whose work is featured
a modern crowd
in the exhibition. into the modern
Modern times also looks at the influence
of manufacturers and retailers who city streets,
embraced the modern, collaborating with where electric
artists and designers to launch experimental
art and design projects — from the ‘Modern trams, motor
Rooms’ of Burdekin House in 1929 to
Robin Boyd’s ‘House of Tomorrow’ home-
cars, concrete
show in 1949. Later, skyscrapers, office and steel, colour
towers and their plazas set the stage for
abstract fountains, murals and other new and human beings
kinds of public art. In Sydney, the émigré seem all messed up
architect Harry Seidler played a major role
in reshaping the Australian city and the and doing jazz ...
exhibition will look at his Australia Square Here are subjects
tower as well as featuring a recreation of
his first Sydney studio. Modern times also waiting to be
highlights the ‘space age’ aesthetics of the
Cold War years, through such iconic designs
treated.’
Jean Curlewis, ‘Sydney Harbour’, Art in
as Roy Grounds’ dome for the Academy Australia, Sydney, 1928
of Sciences in Canberra and Bill Buckle’s
Goggomobil Dart sports car.
Finally, the exhibition traces the modernist
cult of the healthy body, which not only
inspired new designs for hospitals, schools,
factories and playgrounds but also new
forms of dress. The extraordinary towelling
‘health’ suits designed by Ella and Percy
Grainger in the 1930s will be displayed
alongside items from the Museum’s
collection of Speedo swimwear and Berlei Above: William Street
at night, 1969, photo by
Publication
foundation garments, both of which used David Mist (96/44/1-5/4/178).
new fabrics and mass publicity to fashion Left and far left: Edited by Ann Stephen, Philip
Olivetti’s Sydney
modern bodies. showroom designed by
Goad and Andrew McNamara,
Both the Modern times exhibition Gordon Andrews, 1954– Modern times brings together
56, featured abstract
and accompanying publication are the murals and typewriters
25 essays and over 250
culmination of many years of research — in displayed on terrazzo images. Co-published with The
tables cantilevered Miegunyah Press, an imprint of
a collaboration between the Museum, the off the wall. photo
University of Melbourne and Queensland (far left) attributed to Melbourne University Publishing.
University of Technology — that captures for laurence le guay. RRP: $49.95, Powerhouse
the first time the excitement, diversity and members receive a 10%
vision of modernism in Australia. discount
Available from the
Modern times: the story of modernism Powerhouse Shop or online at
in Australia opens on 8 August 2008. A powerhousemuseum.com.au/
symposium featuring talks by architects, publish
designers and curators will be held on 8
August. Check the website for details.
powerline Winter 08 15
OBSERVE
SYDNEY OBSERVATORY
weather watching
Sydney Observatory is usually
associated with telescopes
and astronomy. However,
when it began operating the
Observatory had a variety
of additional tasks such as
timekeeping, surveying and
weather recording. As part
of the Observatory’s 150th
anniversary celebrations, a small
but exciting new exhibition will
illustrate its role in beginning
systematic weather observations
in NSW.
In the 1850s the first
Government Astronomer
Reverend William Scott set up
a chain of country observing
stations. Thirty years later the
Government Astronomer H C
Russell began publishing the
first daily Australian weather map
in The Sydney Morning Herald.
The Observatory’s weather role
was eventually taken over by
the Commonwealth Bureau of
Meteorology in 1908.
What people tend to
remember about the weather
16 powerline Winter 08
though is not the everyday, but
the extremes. A second part of
the exhibition will ask: What was
Sydney’s hottest day? Its wettest
day? Its wildest storm? A video
sets the scene, with people
who experienced these events
sharing their incredible stories.
Hands-on displays will enable
visitors to make clouds and to
learn why rain falls from some of
the many cloud varieties.
Of course it’s now impossible
to talk about the weather
without reference to global
warming. As the steps that
individuals can take to reduce
their carbon footprint are
increasingly reported in the
media, the exhibition’s section
on the hottest days instead
includes a demonstration of the
basics of global warming that
are rarely covered elsewhere.
Observing the weather opens
on 5 June 2008.
Story Dr Nick Lomb
Curator of Astronomy
conservators to the rescue
Many Powerhouse members
may not be aware that as well
as being a storage facility, the
Discovery Centre also houses a
laboratory dedicated to caring
for the collection. Earlier this
year the behind-the-scenes
work of Museum preservation
staff was highlighted at a
special ‘Collection Care &
Preservation’ Open Day.
The Open Day attracted over
500 people eager to learn how
to look after their own treasured
family heirlooms, and the
preservation team were on hand
to provide professional advice
about caring for everything from
old letters and photographs to
vintage needlework and cars.
Popular sessions included textile
conservator Suzanne Chee’s
guide to preserving and storing
wedding and christening gowns,
and Analiese Treacy’s talk on
In the 1890s Government
Astronomer H C Russell,
with photographer
James Short, took a
series of lightning
(above) and cloud
(below) photos from
the Observatory.
Right: This instrument
dates from the days
Sydney Observatory
made meteorological
observations, but
similar instruments are
still used today. What
does it measure? Come
and see the exhibition
to find out. Photo by
Chris Brothers.
Elka Graham and the
Hon Verity Firth MP in
the Display Store. Photo
by Kate Pollard.
DISCOVER
POWERHOUSE DISCOVERY CENTRE
how to start your own family
archive. Kids were also catered
for with a painting workshop.
A highlight of the day was
the opportunity to visit the
Collections Lab and see how
the Museum documents and
preserves objects. Visitors
were able to ask questions
as conservator Skye Mitchell
worked on an engine model
and a team of Discovery
Centre volunteers worked on
panels from the Australian AIDS
Memorial Quilt.
The day was a great success
and will become an annual
event in the Discovery Centre’s
monthly Open Day program. For
further information or to arrange
a visit, please phone us on (02)
9762 1300 or email castlehill@
phm.gov.au.
Kelly Mitchell
Powerhouse Discovery Centre
Visitors, volunteers and
conservators Suzanne
Chee (above) and Skye
Mitchell (left, centre)
at the Collection Care
& Preservation Open Day.
a birthday celebration
Former Olympic swimming star Of course, it wouldn’t be a
Elka Graham and the Hon Verity birthday celebration without
Firth MP, Minister for Women, a cake and the Discovery
were guests of honour when Centre was honoured with a
the Powerhouse Discovery cake baked by the Castle Hill
Centre celebrated its first branch of the Country Women’s
anniversary on International Association. Joining Elka
Women’s Day, Saturday 8 March Graham and Minister Firth to
2008. The theme of the Open cut the cake were the Museum’s
Day was ‘Famous Women in deputy director Jennifer
the Collection’ and one of the Sanders and Dr Anne Summers,
highlights was Elka Graham deputy president of the Board
sharing her Olympic memories. of Trustees.
powerline Winter 08 17
COLLECTION NEWS The powerhouse museum gratefully acknowledges
the support of the following organisations

Carriages under principal partners senior partners partners supporters platinum corporate state government
construction at the members partners
Clyde Engineering
works at Granville,
1900–20. Digital positive Amp
by Kate Pollard from
silver gelatin negative boeing australia
(88/289-1334). HALKEAS PRINTING
JAZZRIGHT PRODUCTION NSW Office for science &
SERVICES medical research
railcorp the powerhouse museum
is a statutory authority
renaissance tours of, and principally
sibelius australia funded by, the state
government.

gold corporate
members australian government
partners
Brookfield multiplex
australia council for
the creative leadership the arts
forum
australian research
DYSON council
standards australia/
australian design
awards
foundations
sweet art
tafe nsw Bruce & joy Reid
Foundation
transgrid
Gordon Darling
Foundation
silver corporate james n kirby foundation
members

art exhibitions australia

A unique record of
Australia’s industrial heritage
can now be explored on the
Museum website.
China Eastern Airlines
DUNLOP FLOORING
AUSTRALIA
IBIS WORLD SQUARE
KVB KUNLUN
MACQUARIE BANK
FOUNDATION
pdc creative
Sigma-Aldrich Pty Ltd
The photographic archive of Clyde did rise out of the ashes of the old and
weir minerals
Engineering, one of Australia’s largest and within 50 years had become the largest
longest-running engineering enterprises, engineering enterprise in NSW. associate corporate
members
was acquired by the Powerhouse Museum The Clyde photographic archive records
in 1987. The collection contains over 1300 the company’s broad range of work between
glass-plate negatives and is a rare record the 1880s and 1950. Clyde built hundreds
Victoria barracks

of a company’s industrial activities from of locomotives for the NSW government discovery

images of
the 1880s through to the 1950s. Thanks to a
recent digitisation project, this collection can
now be viewed on the Museum website.
and many were photographed, as were the members
numerous goods and passenger wagons the
hinchcliffe electrical
company produced. Agricultural equipment,

industry
Story Geoff Barker,
Assistant Curator, Design & Society
The origins of Clyde Engineering stretch
back to 1855 when William Henry Hudson
set up the firm of Hudson Brothers in a small
shop in Botany Street, Redfern. After winning
NSW government contracts for making
rolling stock and working on the ‘Garden
Palace’ for the 1879 Sydney International
Exhibition, the expanding business began to
look for new premises. A new site was found
at Granville, western Sydney, where Hudson
brought 200 acres of land in 1881.
The 1890s recession hit Hudson Brothers
hard, however, and by 1898 it was forced
into receivership. It was then that the newly
formed Clyde Engineering Company took
over Hudson Brothers (although William
Hudson remained a board member and
motivating force). The choice of a phoenix
as its logo was apt, for the new company
services
including Clyde’s own patented implements, wizard home loans
was also photographed. And there are kellyville
detailed photos of repair work to Wirraway
and Avro Anson aircraft from World War II,
when Clyde branched out into aviation.
The photographs also provide a
fascinating insight into the conditions of
the company’s workers. In 1923 Clyde had
2200 employees working round the clock
on eight-hour shifts at the many workshops
dotted across its Granville premises.
Some lived in houses specially built by the
company in Granville, while the works had
its own fire brigade, ambulance service,
rifle club and Australia’s first soccer club.
All these activities (except the soccer club)
are represented in this unique photographic
collection, which can now be searched at for more information on sponsorship opportunities
powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database and giving to the powerhouse museum please contact
dara vongsonephet on (02) 9217 0577.

18 powerline Winter 08 powerline Winter 08 19

FrOM THE COLLECTION
the olivetti lettera 22
Compact, lightweight and
sculptural, the Olivetti Lettera
22 portable typewriter was
designed by Marcello Nizzoli
in 1950. Nizzoli believed that
design was integral to product
development, not something
applied to a product after
its functional requirements
had been met. Where other
typewriter models were heavily
embossed and decorated with
a profusion of moving parts,
the Italian designer pared his
design back to essentials. In so
doing he developed a product
that came to be renowned as
the epitome of functionalist
design.
Olivetti products were revered Gift of Barbara Wright,
2006 (2006/102/1)
by modernists internationally.
During the 1950s the Australian
designer Gordon Andrews
designed showrooms for Olivetti
in Europe and Australia. In
Sydney, Olivetti’s showroom
featured abstract murals
and typewriters displayed on
terrazzo tables cantilevered off
the wall (see story page 14).
To coincide with the
exhibition Modern times: the
powerhousemuseum.com
story of modernism in Australia,
the Olivetti Lettera 22 will be on
display with a small collection of
modernist telephones, cameras
and radios, next to the cafe on
level 3 from 8 August 2008.