POWERLINE

+ the magazine of the powerhouse museum spring 03

more than heroes and legends

_australian sporting achievement
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+ O2
03
From the director
Power picks
TRUSTEES
Dr Nicholas G Pappas, President
Dr Anne Summers AO,
06 New exhibitions – Australian Design Awards selection Deputy President
contents 07 New exhibitions – Sport: more than heroes and legends Mr Mark Bouris
issue 71 11 Members news: Les Blakebrough Ms Trisha Dixon
Ms Susan Gray
12 Members calendar
Professor Ron Johnston
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2003 14 Members scene: our annual dinner Mrs Janet McDonald AO
Mr Anthony Sukari
15 Travelling exhibition: William Holford
Ms Kylie Winkworth
16 New acquisitions: Ken Done tapestry
17 Rules of engagement: advice for parents SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Dr Kevin Fewster AM, Director
18 New acquisitions: Sydney Opera House
Jennifer Sanders, Deputy Director,
19 Splendid Isolation: Walkman and GameBoy Collections and Exhibitions
Mark Goggin, Associate Director,
20 Conservation of historic Wedgwood
Programs and Commercial Services
21 Fresh Fruits: student fashion Michael Landsbergen, Associate
22 Observe: historic Sydney Observatory Director, Corporate Services
Kevin Sumption, Associate Director,
23 Corporate partners
Knowledge and Information
24 New exhibitions at a glance Management

www.phm.gov.au

As some of you may be aware,
I recently co-authored a book,
Gallipoli: the Turkish story. As a
result I was invited to give a
from the talk on Anzac Day at Sydney
Observatory on how the
director seasons, celestial events and
weather were critical to every
phase of the Gallipoli
campaign, from the fateful
landing on 25 April to the final
evacuation eight months later.
My talk was just one of the
many special programs and
events offered at Sydney
Observatory. It’s a great place
to visit at any time — whether
you want to star-gaze through
telescopes, take a 3-D journey
through space, or enjoy a
picnic with the best views of
our stunning harbour — but
2003 has some added
highlights.
Some of the world’s top
astronomers were in Sydney
recently for the 25th General
Assembly of the International
Astronomical Union and the
Australian Festival of
Astronomy at Darling Harbour
in July. Dr Nick Lomb, the
Museum’s curator of
astronomy, was involved in the
organisation of both events.
During the festival the
Powerhouse and the
Observatory hosted three
exceptional public lectures.
In late August and early
September Mars is closer to
Earth than it has been for the
past 70 000 years. To
celebrate this rare event the
Observatory has an exhibition
on Mars that covers early
astronomical theories of life on
the planet, recent explorations
and our fascination with
Martians.
Launched earlier this year, our
3-D Space Theatre has proved
an enormous success with
three programs so far, Elysium
7: express flight to Mars, A
flight through the solar system
and Observing Sydney in 3-D.
The latter is narrated by actor
John Howard and explores the
Observatory’s role in the
development of Sydney
complete with magnificent 3-D
views from the site.
On 18 October, a Members Day
at the Observatory will focus
on heritage, history and
archaeology. Find out more
about this special event on
page 22. And remember the
Observatory organises a
special program of events for
children every school holidays.
If you haven’t been before, I
encourage you to take the kids
this October.
Dr Kevin Fewster AM
Director

FRONT COVER: CATHY FREEMAN,
EXULTANT AFTER HER GOLD MEDAL
WIN AT THE SYDNEY 2000 OLYMPIC
GAMES. HER RUNNING SUIT IS
FEATURED IN THE EXHIBITION SPORT:
MORE THAN HEROES AND LEGENDS.
SEE STORIES ON PAGES 7-10.
PHOTO COURTESY NEWSPIX.
Where to find us
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Darling Harbour Sydney
Opening hours 10.00 am – 5.00 pm every day (except Christmas
Day). School holiday opening hours 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
Contact details
Postal address: PO Box K346, Haymarket NSW 1238
Website www.phm.gov.au, Telephone (02) 9217 0111,
Infoline (02) 9217 0444, Education (02) 9217 0222
The Powerhouse Museum, part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
also incorporating Sydney Observatory, is a NSW government cultural institution.
Powerline is produced by the Powerhouse Museum
PO Box K346, Haymarket NSW 1238
Editor: Judith Matheson
Editorial coordinator: Deborah Renaud
Design: Triggerdesign
Photography: Powerhouse Museum unless otherwise stated.
Every effort has been made to locate owners of copyright for the images in
this publication. Any inquiries should be directed to the Rights and
Permissions Officer, Powerhouse Museum.
ISSN 1030-5750 © Trustees of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
 +
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powerpicks
MEDAL COMMEMORATES PADDLE-STEAMER
TRADE ON THE MURRAY-DARLING RIVER SYSTEM

colonial The Royal Australian Mint has reproduced

medal
revived
The reproduction medal marks
the 150th anniversary of the
beginning of commercial
navigation of the Murray-
Darling River system.
From 1853 until World War I,
Australia’s river systems were
essential economic lifelines.
Paddle steamers proliferated
on the nation’s waterways and
brought supplies to rural
towns and returned to coastal
cities with produce.
an 1850s commemorative bronze medal
from the Powerhouse collection.
produced. These are now lost
but a small number of bronze
examples were issued in 1856
(and in a later restrike of 1919),
of which the Museum’s is the
oldest surviving example.
Using a laser scanner, the
Royal Australian Mint has
created a digital duplicate of
the Museum’s medal, from
which steel dies will be made
to strike copies. The
reproduction is an initiative of ≈ CERAMIC TILE WITH ISLAMIC ORNAMENT. PHOTO COURTESY
OF GENERAL PALESTINIAN DELEGATION TO AUSTRALIA.

the Murray-Darling Basin

The original River Murray Commission (MDBC), which The great richness and depth of people and their strong national
Steam Navigation medal manages the land and water Palestine's cultural heritage will identity, as reflected in this
shares the distinction of being resources of the Murray- be on display in a new temporary collection. It also provides an
the first to be commissioned Darling Basin and has had a exhibition opening at the opportunity to reflect on the
by an Australian colonial strong association with the treasures Powerhouse in mid October. unresolved Palestine question,
government (the other marked Museum over the past 10
the cessation of convict years. This reproduction of Palestine Treasures of Palestine presents a
one of the most challenging and
emotive dilemmas of the
illustrates the significant role selection of traditional costumes,
transportation to Tasmania, contemporary world. A range of
medals often play as embroidery, jewellery, ceramics,
also in 1853). Following the public programs is planned to
reminders of past ambitions, sculptures, metalwork, and
successful navigation of the accompany the exhibition.
events, and achievements. The mother-of-pearl inlay work, as
Murray to Swan Hill and These will include a Palestine
medals will be for sale in the well as contemporary paintings,
beyond, the South Australian 'cultural day' with costume
Museum shop from October. posters, maps and photographs
Legislative Council ordered parade, music and food, and film
drawn from the collection
three gold medals to be Paul Donnelly screenings.
assembled by Mr Ali Kazak, Head
and Sandra McEwen of the General Palestinian The exhibition is supported by
Delegation to Australia. the Community Relations
ABOVE: PADDLE STEAMERS ON THE MURRAY RIVER. PRODUCTION LASER SCAN Commission, NSW Ministry for
The exhibition invites visitors to
TAKEN BY THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT OF THE ORIGINAL RIVER MURRAY STEAM the Arts and Premiers
NAVIGATION MEDAL. THE MAIN (OBVERSE) DESIGN FEATURES THE PADDLE STEAMER engage with the Palestinian
‘LADY AUGUSTA’ IN FRONT OF THE BARGE ‘EUREKA’ STACKED WITH WOOL BALES. Department.
PHOTO FROM THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM’S TYRRELL COLLECTION.
+ 04 powerline spring 03

a lot of hot air

A number of hot-air engines small machines, they were

from the Powerhouse
Museum’s collection will be on
display at the Sydney Antique
Machinery Club’s annual
Clarendon Classic Rally on 13-
14 September.
Powerhouse conservator and
club member Dave Rockell
plans to fire up two of the
engines, one made by UK
company Robinson and one
by US firm Rider-Ericsson.
Both demonstrate the
simplicity of the Stirling cycle
on which these engines work.
Used for pumping and running
made from the 1880s to the
1920s and were supplanted by
small electric motors.
Another engine on display is
fully sectioned to reveal its
working parts. In addition,
there are two household fans
that ran, perhaps perversely,
on hot air: a US Lake Breeze
and a German Draeger. The
rally will be held at
Hawkesbury Showground, a
short walk from Clarendon
railway station, across the
road from Richmond RAAF
JUDITH PUTS HOLOFERNES’ HEAD IN A SACK, DETAIL FROM
base. A BIBLICAL TALE IN NEEDLE LACE, ENGLAND, MID 1600S.

For those with a passion for the intricate

laced with beauty of lace, the Museum’s Lace Study
passion Centre is now open every weekday.

If your image of lacemakers is
nimble-fingered women with
delicate ivory bobbins
engaging in a gentle pastime,
think again, says curator Lindie
Ward, who is part of the new
lace ‘openhouse’ initiative at
the Powerhouse
‘A benign activity? Don’t be
mistaken. Lace is a story of
lust and violence,’ says Lindie.
‘We have one tiny lace
rectangle from the mid 1600s
in our collection which tells the
ancient story of the wild and
powerful Judith seducing
Holofernes and then hacking
RIDER-ERICSSON HOT AIR ENGINE.
his head off to save her nation.
The lacemaker has highlighted
the blood rushing from his
neck with bright red silk
thread!’
And this is not an isolated
example. Needle lace panels
and stumpwork embroidery
from the period often depicted
gruesome tales and powerful
biblical stories. The Museum’s
Lace Study Centre provides
public access to about 300 of
the most significant examples
of handmade lace in the
Powerhouse collection, dating
from the late 1500s.
The centre is now open to the
public each weekday from
10.30am – 1.30pm, staffed by a
team of specialist volunteers,
who bring an extraordinary
level of enthusiasm and
expertise to the project.
‘Everyone with a passion for
these intricate textiles is
invited to use this unique
resource. You can view
different styles of lace from all
over the world, conduct
independent research, use the
microscope for detailed study
and find out more from the
volunteers,’ says Lindie.
Bookings essential for groups.
Phone (02) 9217 0222.

PREMIER BOB CARR (CENTRE) WITH ROS AND JOHN MORIARTY AT THE
OPENING OF BALARINJI: ANCIENT CULTURE, CONTEMPORARY DESIGN.
PHOTO BY MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI

The Premier of NSW, Bob Carr,
opened the new Powerhouse
Balarinji exhibition Balarinji: ancient
culture, contemporary design
on show on 3 July. He is pictured here
with John Moriarty who, with
wife Ros, created the
trailblazing Balarinji design
studio 20 years ago. The
exhibition was sponsored by
the Australian Graphic Design
Association, which hosted a
viewing of the exhibition for
their members and the Sydney
design community later that
evening.
Balarinji designs have adorned
everything from Qantas jets to
silk kiminos. The exhibition
covers the studio’s work from
its earliest days to its
emergence on the world stage.
Balarinji: ancient culture,
contemporary design is on
display within Bayagul until
May 2004.
+ 05 powerline spring 03
a partnership
of design
Paul Priestman, of prominent
UK design company Priestman
Goode, was one of the visiting
guest speakers at the 2003
Sydney Design Week program
at the Powerhouse Museum.
Priestman discussed several of
his recent design
commissions, including a new
fleet of trains for Virgin that
attempts to ‘recapture some of
the romance of rail travel’.
Since the inaugural program in
1997, Sydney Design Week has
become a highlight of the
design community’s annual
calendar. Sydney Design
Week 2003 saw a further
evolution of the program with
the ongoing support of The
Sydney Morning Herald.
As the media partner for
Sydney Design Week, The
Sydney Morning Herald
provided valuable support
which allowed the 2003
program to be promoted
widely to the paper’s
readership. In addition to this,
the Sydney Design Week
program was again enhanced
by the involvement of long-
term supporters The Royal
Australian Institute of
Architects (NSW Branch) and
the Design Institute Australia
(NSW Council). Joining the
team in 2003 was the
Australian Graphic Design
Association, who also
PAUL PRIESTMAN, ONE OF THE VISITING GUEST
SPEAKERS FOR SYDNEY DESIGN WEEK.
supported the Museum’s
exhibition Balarinji: ancient
culture, contemporary design,
a featured exhibition in the
Sydney Design Week program.
Highlights of Sydney Design
Week 2003 at the Museum
included the exhibition Great
expectations, accompanied by
a series of public lectures by
visiting British designers, made
possible by the British Design
Council. Sydney Design Week
also saw the launch of The
Sydney Morning Herald Young
Designer of the Year Award
and the Powerhouse Museum
Selection from the Australian
Design Awards 2003 (see
page 7).
The Museum is also pleased to
announce a new corporate
partnership with LogicaCMG,
as sponsor of Great
expectations. LogicaCMG is a
global solutions company
providing management and IT
consultancy, systems
integration and outsourcing
services. Andrew Tindell, Chief
Executive of LogicaCMG says,
‘There are many synergies
between the exhibition, the
Powerhouse and LogicaCMG,
and we look forward to
working with the Museum on
this project.’
Hit the rock ’n’ roll heritage trail
in Kings Cross with Spinning
around curator Peter Cox, or
visit the sites of Sydney’s
trailblazing green bans with
EcoLogic curator Anni Turnbull
during History Week on 13-21
September. These are two of
the tours by Powerhouse
THIS SIGN WAS MADE BY MAX TAPLIN FOR THE KELLY’S BUSH PROTESTS.
STUDENTS FROM SANTA SABINA COLLEGE PERFORM AT THE POWERHOUSE.
PHOTO BY SOTHA BOURN.
The travelling exhibition
Creating a gothic paradise:
Pugin at the Antipodes has
inspired several delightful
choral musical performances at the
Powerhouse.
moments ‘The great Victorian architect
Pugin expressed his spirituality
through the design of religious
buildings and artefacts. This
spirituality also has a choral
tradition,’ says Education
Officer Rita Orsini. The Sydney
University Musical Society,
accompanied by the energetic
and powerful Samoan Youth
Choir of the House of Praise
Church, performed hymns and
spiritual songs to an enthralled
weekend audience in June.
Four catholic school choirs, St
Mary’s Cathedral College,
Santa Sabina College
(Strathfield), St Vincent’s
College (Potts Point) and St
Patrick’s College (Strathfield)
have also enchanted visitors
as part of the Pugin program.


walks
through
history
Museum curators for the
annual celebration of history
organised by the History
Council of New South Wales.
Bookings are essential. For
more information and
bookings phone Peter Cox on
(02) 9217 0330 or Anni Turnbull
on (02) 9217 0168.
Marianna Lopert from Santa
Sabina College said after the
performance:
‘It was very exciting to perform
to the public and have our
voices carried throughout the
Museum. During these
experiences the choir is forced
to lift our level, and the
atmosphere is really wonderful
… we will all have gained from
the experience.’
Certain exhibitions lend
themselves to a musical
enhancement. During Star
Wars: The Magic of Myth, five
Sydney schools (Carlingford,
North Sydney Girls, Pittwater,
Summer Hill and Roseville),
made the theme from Star
Wars resound from the Turbine
Hall.
Recitals are presented when
suitable partnerships arise as
part of the Museum Live!
program. The next event is a
classical guitar recital
performed by St Laurence’s
College (Queensland) on 24
September 2003.
+ 06 powerline spring 03
THE 2003 POWERHOUSE SELECTION FROM THE AUSTRALIAN
DESIGN AWARDS DEMONSTRATES PRODUCT DESIGN AT ITS BEST.
story_ROB RENEW, SENIOR CURATOR, ENGINEERING & DESIGN
Australian ingenuity
Several Australian design ‘icons’ are included in this
year’s Powerhouse Museum Selection from the
Australian Design Awards. They are the Sunbeam
Mixmaster, the Albion cricket helmet and the Eveready
Dolphin Lantern. While all three products have been on
the market for many years, they have been
comprehensively redesigned to enhance their
performance and appearance.
Sunbeam’s Mixmaster, for example, was first introduced
onto the Australian market in 1948 and has been a
stalwart in the nation’s kitchens ever since. The new
Mixmaster Compact features a removable hand mixer
with a separately powered stand to rotate the bowl.
Meanwhile, Eveready’s Dolphin Mk 5 Lantern is a
redesign of a product which has been a world leader
for over 30 years. The redesign builds on the Dolphin’s
reputation for reliability in extreme environments.
The Powerhouse has been making its annual selection
from the awards since 1992, allowing the Museum to
update its collection of outstanding products from
Australian designers and manufacturing companies.
There are four main criteria for selection: excellence in
design, innovation, sustainability, and advantage to
Australian industry.
All the chosen products have achieved high standards
in such areas as safety, functionality, performance,
ease of use, and appearance. Each product
incorporates at least one important technical
innovation. All have been designed with regard to
improving durability and serviceability, reducing energy
and materials use, and minimising harmful wastes. The
products are likely to provide opportunities for
Australian companies to establish or maintain leading
positions in Australian and international markets.
One of the greatest challenges for product designers
today is to work with engineers and other technical
staff in developing products based on the first
application of a new technology. Products of this type,
such as the Ultrasonic Cardiac Output Monitor, are well
represented in this year’s Powerhouse Museum
Selection. Perhaps this will give some hope to those
who have been disappointed by the small number of
Australian inventions adopted commercially overseas.
These innovative products provide significant
improvements in functionality and performance over
competing products and give Australian companies
opportunities in world markets.
The number of innovative medical devices entered in
the Australian Design Awards is increasing each year
and in 2003 five medical products are included in the
Powerhouse Museum Selection. Products such as the
Betachek G5, a blood glucose testing device for
monitoring diabetes, demonstrate outstanding
achievement by Australian designers, engineers and
medical researchers in developing and testing new
technologies and then applying them to functional
appliances. This product received the 2003 Australian
Design Award of the year for its world-leading product
innovation and design, the result of a successful
collaboration between three companies with expertise
in electronic and optical design, medical diagnostics,
and product design.
The Powerhouse Museum Selection is on display in the
2003 Australian Design Awards exhibition in the
Succcess and innovation gallery on level 4.
Supported by the Australian Design Awards, a division of Standards Australia.
TOP ROW FROM LEFT: GRADIFLOW BF400 LABORATORY INSTRUMENT;
BETACHEK G5 DIABETES MONITOR; ALBION CRICKET HELMET;
DEMAIN SERIES ANGLE GRINDER.
BOTTOM ROW FROM LEFT: EVEREADY DOLPHIN MK5 LANTERN;
ULTRASONIC CARDIAC OUTPUT MONITOR; MIXMASTER COMPACT;
AUTOSET SPIRIT AIRFLOW GENERATOR AND HUMIDIFIER.
PHOTOS COURTESY AUSTRALIAN DESIGN AWARDS.
+ 07 powerline spring 03
sport, science and the
theory of everything
WHEN SCIENCE CURATOR JESSE SHORE TOOK ON SPORT HE
DISCOVERED THAT IT RELATES TO JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING.
Sure I like sport. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, first
playing catch with my dad, graduating to stoop ball,
punchball and stick ball with the neighbourhood kids
in the street, softball in any nearby field, touch
football (USA style) in the street or nearby patch of
concrete, and basketball on blacktop (although I was
hopeless at it). Never wanted to be an athlete but
liked to play.
Sure I like science. I’ve wanted to be a scientist since
I was 12 years old. I became one. But I found it more
fun being a curator of science where I could tell the
story of science rather than do it. I thought it might
be real fun to combine science and sport and create
an exhibition which communicates both.
When the Powerhouse acquired more than 350 items
from the Sydney Olympic Games, I went to view the
new collection to see what might be relevant to my
idea but I found only a few items in this potentially
fantastic resource that even loosely related to the
science or technology of sport.
I moped for five minutes before the penny dropped
— the science of sport could be too narrow and dry
sport: more than heroes and legends_opens 26 september
a subject — I needed to broaden it out. That’s when I
expanded (or exploded) the exhibition concept to
include the science, technology, design, culture and
fashion of sport. This makes it a true amalgam of the
main subject areas of the Museum.
The exhibition Sport: more than heroes and legends
covers everything from the theories of Isaac Newton,
who described in 1671 how spinning tennis balls curve
in flight, and Benjamin Robins' New principles of
gunnery published in 1742, to Einstein’s theory of
relativity (and how it relates to global positioning
system devices used in some sports) and the way
sports clothing influences fashion off the field.
Displays also cover changes in design and materials in
such items as tennis racquets, bicycles and prosthetic
legs for sprinting. Plus there are stories of the
emotional involvement in sport of fans as well as
players and sporting heroes both famous and unsung.
The main surprise in developing this exhibition has MAIN PHOTO: ANDREW SYMONDS TAKES A CATCH OFF HIS OWN
BOWLING AT THE GABBA, 2002. THE AERODYNAMICS OF BOWLING IS
been to find how many connections one can make ONE OF THE TOPICS EXPLORED IN THE NEW SPORT EXHIBITION.
between sport and nearly everything else. PHOTO COURTESY NEWSPIX.
INSET: CURATOR JESSE SHORE COMES TO GRIPS WITH SPORT’S
DIVERSITY. PHOTO BY MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI.
+ 08 powerline spring 03

OVER THE PAST 150 YEARS, AUSTRALIANS’ DETERMINATION TO

IMPROVE OUR PERFORMANCE AND ENJOYMENT OF SPORT HAS
LED TO A HOST OF INNOVATIONS. HERE IS A SELECTION.

australia’s
1. Australian Rules 1858
Developed in Melbourne in the 1850s as a winter
sport for cricketers, Australian Rules is a remarkable
innovation in organised leisure. Fans claim that it was
the world's first football code to be played as a

sporting firsts
formally organised competition, that some Melbourne
clubs are the oldest of any code in the world, and
that the game (at least in the southern states of
Australia) has the largest audience anywhere as a
percentage of the population.
2. 18-footer skiff racing 1891
The first form of sailing to be developed as a
spectator sport with large audiences, prizes and
commercial sponsorship, skiff racing began on
Sydney Harbour in the 1890s. Originally the races
were for boats of all sizes, but soon the main
competitors were specially designed 18-footers
(about 6 m long). There were no limits set on sail
area, crew numbers, or the design of hull and rigging
but intense competition inspired improvements in the
design and technology of the skiffs.
3. Australian crawl 1902
Until the 1890s competitive freestyle swimming was
done with the head out of the water. Australian
Richard Cavill adapted a stroke he observed
Solomon Islanders using, which combined an up-and-
down kick with an alternating overarm stroke. This
new style was first used in competition in 1902 at the
International Championships and set a new world
record for the 100-yards race. The stroke became
known as the Australian crawl.

sport: more than heroes and legends_opens 26 september

+ 09 powerline spring 03
THEN PRIME MINISTER BOB HAWKE CELEBRATES AUSTRALIA II’S VICTORY IN THE AMERICA’S CUP IN SEPTEMBER 1983. PHOTO COURTESY NEWSPIX;
AUSTRALIAN SURF LIFE SAVING CLUBS WERE THE FIRST IN THE WORLD. PHOTO BY HARVIE ALLISON, COURTESY WWW.HARVPIX.COM;
DICK JOHNSON AND RACECAM AT BATHURST IN 1984. PHOTO FROM THE AUSTRALIA INNOVATES WEBSITE, COURTESY THE SEVEN NETWORK.
4. Surf lifesaving movement 1906
Australian surf lifesaving clubs were the first in the
world. In 1903 a group of swimmers formed the
Bronte Beach Surf Club and rigged up some rescue
equipment. Soon after in 1906, Australian lifesavers
developed the surf reel, which allowed lifesavers to
reach swimmers in distress and be towed back to
shore. Surf lifesaving by volunteers has saved many
lives and is now an integral part of Australia’s beach
culture. The rescue methods pioneered in Australia
have been used throughout the world.
5. Speedo swimwear 1928
Speedo became an early pioneer in swimsuit design
and has remained at the forefront of innovation ever
since. The one-piece cotton ‘racing back’ costume for
men which exposed their shoulders and back like a
singlet was introduced in 1927. Considered daring, it
was very ‘fast’ in the water. Other innovations
followed. Research into hydrodynamics (movement
through water) of garments, led to the use nylon,
lycra and ‘paper’ (lycra/nylon) fabrics, the removal of
modesty skirts from men’s and women’s costumes,
and the raising of hiplines and necklines on women’s
swimwear. Speedo has continued to innovate with the
aqua-blade and Fastskin suits.
6. Synthetic radio broadcasts 1930s
Cricket was immensely popular in the 1920s and
1930s and ‘synthetic’ radio broadcasts were devised
by the ABC to enable matches played in the UK to be
broadcast in Australia as they were played. News of
games was transmitted over continents via land-
based telegraph lines and across oceans via
underwater cables. Relying on the decoded
messages, local commentators created a lively play-
by-play broadcast, complete with sound effects, to
rapt listeners across the country.
7. Camera-Graph photo finish 1947
This Australian invention is similar to an American one
of about the same time. The Camera-Graph was
developed in Australia in 1946 by fashion
photographer Athol Shmith and Bertran Pearl to
photograph the finish of horse races. The Australian
system used a neon tube and was set into the
winning post. It captured pictures of the last second
of a race with great accuracy.
8. World Series Cricket 1977
In 1977 cricket-loving media owner Kerry Packer set
up a competition to broadcast on his TV network.
Packer’s World Series Cricket competition was livelier
and more colourful than previous one-day matches.
He introduced day-night games and a white ball that
was easier to see at night. Instead of wearing whites,
the players wore coloured clothes to contrast with the
ball (earning it the nickname ‘the pyjama game’).
9. Racecam 1979
Channel 7 introduced the system at the 1979 Bathurst
1000 car race to give TV viewers a driver’s eye view
of the action. Racecam broadcast live images from
racing cars, using a network of car-mounted
cameras, miniaturised microwave radio transmitters,
and relays in helicopters. A refined system is now
used in a variety of different sports.
10. Australia II’s winged keel 1983
Australia was the first country in the world to beat
America in the America’s Cup, wresting the trophy
from the New York Yacht Club after 132 years of
competition. In 1983 Australia II, backed by Perth
businessman Alan Bond, and skippered by John
Bertrand, defeated the US yacht Liberty in a series of
seven races. The Australian yacht featured a
revolutionary winged keel, designed by Ben Lexcen,
which the Americans tried unsuccessfully to outlaw.
The whole country was jubilant and the win prompted
the then Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke to
comment ‘…any boss who sacks anyone for not
turning up today is a bum’.
11. Sportswool 2000
This double-sided fabric with merino wool on the
inside and polyester on the outside was used by
Australian athletes in the 1998 Commonwealth Games
and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The fabric is
ideal for sportswear because it releases moisture
from the garment keeping athletes cool during
exercise, but retains warmth before and after sporting
activity. Sportswool was developed by CSIRO and The
Woolmark Company and was first made commercially
in 2000.
See more Australian innovations
on the Australia innovates website at
www.phm.gov.au/australia_innovates
Compiled by Angelique Hutchison
and Judith Matheson.
+ 10 powerline spring 03
a national necessity
OUR NEW EXHIBITION SPORT: MORE THAN HEROES AND
LEGENDS EXPLORES AUSTRALIA’S PASSION FOR SPORT.
story _ ANNI TURNBULL, ASSISTANT CURATOR AUSTRALIAN HISTORY, ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
Australians are obsessed with sport. It is a major key
to our identity. In 1871 English novelist Anthony
Trollope visited Australia and duly observed ‘sport
was clearly a national necessity.’ A century later
social commentator Donald Horne noted in 1965 that
‘sport to many Australians is life and the rest shadow’.
Why does sport matter so much to us? Why does it
arouse such passion? On the one hand, we’ve got a
great climate, plenty of wide-open spaces, a mostly
healthy diet, and a tough ‘outdoors’ tradition. On the
other, most of Australia’s population lives an
increasingly sedentary life and enjoys its sport
through cable television or in vast stadiums. Whether
we are participants or spectators, there are many
reasons why sport holds such an important place in
Australian society.
Sport produces many of our best known heroes and
legends. Australians love their sporting heroes. We
remember, idolise, eulogise, write songs and create
legends about some, such as Sir Donald Bradman,
Betty Cuthbert, Dawn Fraser, Ian Thorpe, Cathy
Freeman, even Phar Lap while dismissing or
forgetting others. Annette Kellerman, for example,
was a major sporting star in the early 20th century
but how many people know her name today? Not
only a swimming champion, she was a distance
swimmer, performer and film star whose career
spanned 40 years. A new documentary about
Kellerman has reignited interest in her extraordinary
achievements.
Sport is a barometer of the changing values of our
society. In 1995, the Australian Football League (AFL)
was the first sport in Australia to introduce a race
abuse rule or code. It is now an offence for any
player or official to insult or vilify another on the
grounds of race, religion, ethnicity, colour, nationality
or background. The rule vindicated the courageous
stands taken by Indigenous players Nicky Winmar,
Michael Long and others.
Sport is an inspiration. Charismatic coach Brian
Gorjian turned around the fortunes of the Sydney
Kings basketball team. The Gorjian touch reversed a
long losing streak in just one season. Gorjian, who
also works the motivational speaker circuit, created a
team of winners with a mix of ball skills, fitness, flair
ST KILDA FOOTBALLER NICKY WINMAR LIFTS HIS JUMPER TO SHOW HIS
PRIDE AS AN INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN AFTER A RACIAL SLUR DURING A
MATCH AGAINST COLLINGWOOD IN 1993. PHOTO COURTESY NEWSPIX.
sport: more than heroes and legends_opens 26 september
and competitive spirit. He claims the high he gets
from coaching is better than being a player. ‘As a
player, the high when you win is for you and maybe
some for your team. But as a coach, it’s for the team,
the fans, the board and yourself.’
Sport changes lives. Eight years ago David Liddiard,
former professional rugby league player, used his
fame on the field to begin the National Aboriginal
Sporting Corporation Association (NASCA). The
association takes Indigenous sports stars to
Aboriginal communities around Australia to raise
awareness, and promote a strong focus on health,
education and participation in sport. NASCA also
works with the Sydney Kings to encourage inner-city
kids to regularly attend lessons at Alexandria Park
Community School. The kids who do are rewarded
with a weekly bus trip to a Kings game. The Kings
also held a six-week basketball clinic for the school,
run by Kings coach Brian Gorjian and players.
Sport drives innovation in other fields. David Howell is
a prosthetic limb-maker. Ten years ago David went to
a meeting of para-athletes and saw them run. He was
impressed with the times they recorded but not with
the performance of their prosthetic limbs and offered
to work with them. One of the first was Neil Fuller,
who became a national and Olympic champion. ‘I’m
never bored; each patient is a new challenge. These
athletes are single-minded, they train six days a week
and don’t want to miss. It’s like being a coach, you
make the prosthesis for them, and they develop and
run faster times. It’s a fairly evocative, emotional time
when they break a world record. They become part
of your family too.’
Sport offers a lifetime of spectator enjoyment.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Warwick Bruce is an ex-
rugby player and athlete. He’s a collector of
memorabilia with a passion for the games and the
people who play them. He admires excellence in any
field but sport offers a more precise measure: ‘You
can't always judge the best musician or surgeon but
you can judge the best in sport. It’s how high they
jump or how fast they run. The good thing in sport is
you can measure it.’

+ 11 powerline spring 03
MEMBERS CAN WIN AN INVITATION TO THE CELEBRITY-
PACKED LAUNCH OF SPORT BY RENEWING NOW!
L
‘DIAMOND SHIP-FORM’ AND ‘DIAMOND PLATTER’ BY LES
BLAKEBROUGH, TASMANIA 2002. PHOTO BY MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI.
Funds donated by the
Collection Companions of
collection Powerhouse Members have
enabled the Museum to
companions acquire two significant new
porcelain works by
aquisition distinguished Tasmanian
potter Les Blakebrough.
Both are new forms for
Blakebrough, and reflect his
increasing interest in the
dazzling white, translucent
material he calls Southern Ice
porcelain. The platter is the
only one to survive from about
six made, and the vessel is
+
from the
members
manager
DETAIL OF THE ETERNITY TAPESTRY, DESIGNED BY MARTIN SHARP AND
WOVEN BY THE VICTORIAN TAPESTRY WORKSHOP, WHICH IS ON DISPLAY IN
THE MEMBERS LOUNGE. ON LOAN FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GALLERIES.
based on a ship form he had
noticed in Federico Fellini’s
films. The diamond pattern on
these objects is made by
masking the clay with shellac,
and then sponging it back.
The surfaces have been
compared with the subtle
texture of damask. The
Museum holds a number of
works by Blakebrough from
the 1960s to the 1980s. These
fine new shapes reflect the
developments in his career.
They are on display in the
Members Lounge.
The festive season will be
upon us sooner than we think
so I’d like to remind you all
about our great Christmas and
New Year’s Eve events. It pays
to book early, especially for
New Year’s Eve at the
Observatory, which is a hugely
popular night out for family
and friends, especially
overseas visitors.
But back to what’s happening
in spring. Our terrific new
exhibition Sport: more than
heroes and legends opens on
26 September. This exhibition
strikes right at the heart of
+
members
+ news
+ walk-throughs
+ exclusive events
+ family activities
+ special offers
BOOK NOW!
FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE
what it is to be Australian. At highlights for me was the
the other end of the spectrum, chance to meet some of you
we also have a special
members viewing of Great
personally.
Our new Members Lounge on
expectations. For anyone with
level 5 wouldn’t be the special
an interest in design, this is a
chance to see how the
place it is without the Eternity
tapestry, designed by Martin
creative process works. And
Sharp, greeting everyone. I’d
don’t forget that Mars is closer
like to gently remind you that
to Earth than it has been for
we are seeking sponsorship to
70 000 years at the moment,
assist the Museum in
so now is a great time to visit
purchasing the tapestry. If you
Sydney Observatory. See our
can help, contact Senior
calendar overleaf for more
Curator of Decorative Arts and
details of all these events.
Design Grace Cochrane on
The annual Members dinner (02) 9217 0388.
on 19 July was a fabulous
Jane Turner
night (the pictures tell the
story, see page 14). One of the
 coming soon…
+ 12 powerline spring 03
Christmas Party Join us in the Members Lounge on Sunday 7
December for music, festive fare and children’s entertainment,
including a craft workshop to make Christmas presents. See next
Powerline for more details or book now on (02) 9217 0600.

+ Saturday 6 September
Kids craft: Fathers Day gift workshop
Make a memorable one-off gift for dad in our Fathers
Tuesday 9 September
NASA talk: Stardust and Genesis
A rare opportunity to join NASA scientists to find out
Day craft workshop. more about the Stardust and Genesis sample return
At least one accompanying adult must be in missions, which are collecting particles from deep
september attendance to supervise and assist their child. space for return to earth.
1.00 – 3.00 pm 6.00 – 8.00 pm
Cost: $8 per member child. Cost: $5 members/$7 guests

+ Thursday 9 October
Tea and textiles
Curator Christina Sumner has just returned from
Thursday 9 October
Age of Aquarius legends night
Enjoy a fun night at Sydney Observatory to learn
Central Asia. She will be talking about recent about the legend of Aquarius. 3-D Space Theatre
acquisitions and more. session, telescope viewing (weather permitting) and a
october 10.00 – 11.30 am
pizza supper are included.
6.15 – 10.00 pm
Cost: $5 members/$10 guests.
Cost: $18 members/$55 member family. Bookings
essential. Phone Sydney Observatory on (02) 9217 0485.

+ Saturday 1 November
First Quarter moon viewing
See the fascinating detail on the moon’s surface as
well as other interesting celestial objects.
8.15 – 10.00 pm (weather permitting)
november Cost: $8 members/$6 child/$22 family/$12 guests.
Bookings essential. Phone Sydney Observatory on
(02) 9217 0485.
Friday 14 November
Legends of Pegasus pizza night
Join in for a fun night at Sydney Observatory to learn
about the legend of Pegasus. 3D theatre session,
telescope viewing (weather permitting) and a pizza
supper are included.
8.15 – 10.00 pm
Cost: $18 members/$55 member family. Bookings
essential. Phone Sydney Observatory on (02) 9217 0485

spring 03
New Year’s Eve This is one not to be missed. Sydney Observatory is a
spectacular site in its own right, but it’s even better when fireworks
over the harbour are part of the deal. See next Powerline for more
members+
details or book now on (02) 9217 0600.

Saturday 20 September Friday 26 September

Exhibition walk through: Balarinji
Join Decorative Arts and Design Curator Anne-Marie
Van de Ven to explore the creative process of
Indigenous design studio Balarinji, from concept
through to product development. See designs for
everything from Qantas jets to silk kimonos.
2.00 – 3.00 pm
Cost: $5 members/$10 guests
Saturday 11 October
Kids quiz: Sport
See how much you can learn about sport in Australia.
It’s also a chance to win a $50 gift voucher from the
Powerhouse shop.
1.00 – 3.00 pm
Cost: $8 member child/$10 guest child
Wednesday 19 November
Members viewing: Sport
Discover the heroes and legends of Australian sport
and get a hands-on experience of scientific
phenomenon such as how your body works to play
sport.
6.00 – 8.00 pm including pizza, wine and soft drinks.
Cost: $25 adults/$12 children/$65 family (2A+2C)
Sport: more than heroes and legends
Special Members Viewing
Find out why Australians are passionate about sport.
This exhibition displays more than 100 items belonging
to top Australian athletes including Ian Thorpe’s
Speedo Fastskin swimsuit and Louise Sauvage’s
wheelchair from the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
6.00 – 8.00 pm including pizza, wine and soft drinks.
Cost: $25 adults/$12 children/$65 family (2A+2C)
Saturday 18 October
Members Day at Sydney Observatory
A special day of history and exploration including
guided tours of the Signal Station, and a presentation
of the results of an archaeological dig held on the site
in February.
Cost: members free/$8 guests.
Bookings essential. Phone Sydney Observatory on
(02) 9217 0485.
Saturday 22 November
Exhibition walk through: Balarinji
Join Curator James Wilson-Miller for a tour of the
Balarinji exhibition which showcases the work of one of
the original trailblazers in Indigenous-based design in
Australia. Includes a performance by the National
Aboriginal Dance Conference.
Cost: $5 members/$10 guests
how to book for
members events
Due to limited places, bookings are essential for
every event. Please ring the Members hotline on
(02) 9217 0600 to make your booking before you
send in payment. Please leave a message quoting
your membership number, what event you are
booking for and the number of members and
guests. We will confirm your booking.
Payment for members events
We accept: credit card payments by phone, fax or
mail; cheques; money orders; or cash at the level 4
entrance to the Museum. We pay for all events
once bookings are confirmed, so if you are unable
to attend your event, please let us know ASAP or
we will charge you to cover costs.
All events are held at the Powerhouse Museum
unless otherwise stated. All dates, times and
venues are correct at time of publication
Members e-newsletter
If you would like to receive the regular Members
e-newsletter with updates on all new members
events please call (02) 9217 0600 or e-mail
members@phm.gov.au with you membership
number and e-newsletter in the subject line.
special offers
Renew your Membership in the first three weeks of
September and go into the draw for an invitation
to the Museum’s exclusive celebrity-packed
launch of Sport: more than heroes and legends.
Renew your Membership in September, October or
November and go into the draw for a family pass
to our New Year’s Eve event at the Observatory.

ABOVE FROM LEFT: SPRING IS A GREAT TIME FOR AN EVENING VISIT TO SYDNEY OBSERVATORY. OUR NEW SPORT EXHIBITION Introduce a new Member to the Museum and go
EXPLORES AUSTRALIA’S PASSION FOR SPORT. PHOTO BY MARK EVANS, COURTESY NEWSPIX. LOUISE SAUVAGE WINS GOLD IN THE into the draw for a beautiful Royal Doulton
SYDNEY 2000 PARALYMPIC GAMES. HER WHEELCHAIR IS ON DISPLAY IN SPORT: MORE THAN HEROES AND LEGENDS. PHOTO BY
BRETT FAULKNER, COURTESY NEWSPIX. HAVE FUN WITH OUR KIDS CRAFT WORKSHOPS. PHOTO BY SUE STAFFORD collectors item valued at $475.
+ 14 powerline spring 03
members
scene
The annual Members
Dinner on 19 July was an
astronomical occasion.
PHOTOS BY GEOFF FRIEND
ABOVE: BARRIE BUTT
GUEST SPEAKER FOR THE EVENING,
NOTED ASTRONOMER DR PAUL
MURDIN FROM THE INSTITUTE OF
ASTRONOMY, CAMBRIDGE, UK.
ROYAL CROWN DERBY ‘CROCODILE’ PAPERWEIGHT DESIGNED BY JOHN
ALBITT (PICTURED RIGHT). PHOTOS COURTESY ROYAL DOULTON.
SUZANNE AND JOHN ALLEN.
invitation
from Royal
Doulton
The Royal Doulton Company
invites Powerhouse members
to the 2003 tour of John Albitt,
designer of Royal Crown Derby
paperweights.
Born in Ipswich and now living
in Somerset, John has been
associated with Royal Crown
Derby since 1993. John’s work
is held in a number of private
collections and museums in
New Zealand, Belfast and
Cambridgeshire.
At each in-store event John
will share his knowledge and
give an insight in to the
inspirations behind his
designs. His first paperweight
for Royal Crown Derby was the
Hummingbird, introduced in
1993. John works initially with
LEO FROM EUROPEAN CATERING
ADDS THE FINISHING TOUCHES.
pencil drawings, then moves to
full colour illustrations. In the
case of paperweights he then
creates a clay model and
prepares full artwork, fitting
colours on to the modelled
shape.
As a special offer to
Powerhouse Members
attending the talks, make a
purchase from the Royal
Crown Derby collection to the
value of $599 and receive a
free copy of Royal Crown
Derby paperweights book
(RRP $69.95) along with a
Goldcrest paperweight (RRP
$139). Please present your
Powerhouse Museum
membership card at time of
making purchase.
LEFT: STRING DUET TWO TO
TANGO ENTERTAINED DINERS.
BELOW: FRANCESCA VON BRAUN-
BATES AND MICHAEL BATES.
THE SCENE IS SET FOR A STARRY
NIGHT. BELOW FROM LEFT: CATHY
MILETTA, PENNY VLAHOS AND
MARIA VALOS.
John Albitt will be in-store at:
Doulton & Company,
Chatswood Chase
Thursday 30 October, 6 – 8pm
(02) 9411 7770
David Jones, Market Street
Sydney
Friday 31 October, 12 – 2pm
(02) 9266 6328
David Jones, Wollongong
Monday 3 November, 12 – 2pm
(02) 4252 5678
For appearances in other
states, please phone Royal
Doulton Customer Service on
1800 252 034.
John Albitt’s itinerary is correct at time of
printing, but may change. Please contact
the store to confirm.
+ 15 powerline spring 03

artisan of influence
A TRAVELLING EXHIBITION FROM THE NATIONAL
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN POTTERY SHOWCASES THE
WORK OF TALENTED POTTER WILLIAM HOLFORD.

William Holford (1840-1914) was
a skilled modeller and mould
maker who arrived in Australia
in 1876 and enjoyed a
successful career across three
states. His work and influence
is the subject of a small
travelling exhibition of pottery
made between 1887 and the
1930s.
The 50 items in the exhibition
range from bread crocks to
water filters and have been
selected from the collection of
the National Museum of
Australian Pottery, Wodonga, by
its owner-director Geoff Ford.
They track Holford’s career with
examples of his work and
works by other potters that
were influenced by him.
Trained in Staffordshire,
William Holford worked for
some years at the famous
Minton Pottery, and arrived in
Australia in 1876 after two
years in New Zealand. He
worked first at a number of
potteries in Victoria, then
briefly at the Lithgow Pottery
in 1882-83, where he made
distinctive moulds for a range
of slip-cast domestic wares
such as plates, basins, bread
plates, pickle jars and jugs.
He set up the Phoenix Pottery
in Sydney, then established his
own Standard Pottery in what
is now Lane Cove, before
leaving for Adelaide in 1887.
After some time working at
Trewenack’s Pottery in Magill
and at Koster’s Pottery in
Norwood, in 1890, with his son
Thomas and two partners, he
set up the first of a series of
his own potteries including the
London Pottery Works (1890;
1903-1906) and the Adelaide
Pottery Co in Maylands (1891-
1905), and the Federal Pottery
Co (1906-1909).
William Holford’s work is
recognised by its competently
made forms and characteristic
decoration. One of these is
the flower and fern pattern
that became known as the
‘Premier’ design. Mould
makers like Holford often took
their moulds with them when
they moved to new potteries.
At other times the moulds
remained in the pottery and
influenced others. The
exhibition also features
documents, photographs,
tools and catalogues.
William Holford’s art and
design influence on Australian
pottery is on display near the
schools entrance on level 3.
Grace Cochrane, Senior
Curator, Australian Decorative
Arts and Design
An exhibition by the National Museum of WATERMONKEY (LEFT) AND JUG, MAJOLICA GLAZE WITH FERN-LEAF
Australian Pottery, Wodonga, Victoria.
Supported by Northcote Pottery and
DECORATION. DESIGNED BY WILLIAM HOLFORD AND ATTRIBUTED TO
LITHGOW POTTERY ABOUT 1882.
Bendigo Pottery.
CHEESE COVER AND PLATE, CANE WARE AND MAJOLICA GLAZED,
DECORATED WITH COW HANDLE AND WILLIAM HOLFORD’S ‘PREMIER’
PATTERN, MADE BY ABRAHAM JAMES AT HIS POTTERY IN
COORPAROO, QUEENSLAND ABOUT 1891.
PHOTOS COURTESY GEOFF FORD.

POWERHOUSE
MUSEUM SHOP
Open 7 days, 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

Books, CDs, writing accessories, art glass &

ceramics, scarves & textiles, jewellery and
watches, greeting cards, educational toys

For more information call (02) 9217 0331

Or email shops@phm.gov.au. Delivery available. Free gift wrapping.
Gift selection service. Comfortable browsing atmosphere.

powerhouse members receive 10% off selected merchandise

Powerhouse members receive 10% off all Powerhouse Publishing titles in the Powerhouse Shop and mailorder.

BOOKS FROM
POWERHOUSE
PUBLISHING
woven impressions
ARTIST AND DESIGNER KEN DONE HAS RECENTLY ADDED A MAJOR
NEW WORK TO HIS DESIGN ARCHIVE AT THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM.

Ken Done has donated his prized tapestry Twenty- kg. It is woven from fine Australian wool dyed in the
eight views of the Opera House and the related small workshop’s own dye house.
painting Twenty-five views of the Opera House 15 to
The tapestry becomes part of the Ken Done design
the Powerhouse Museum under the Commonwealth
archive, acquired by the Museum in 2001, which
Government’s Cultural Gifts Program.
includes designs associated with events of national
The magnificent tapestry was woven by the Victorian significance such as the Australian Pavilion in World
Tapestry Workshop in Melbourne and is based on Expo '88 and the programs for the opening and
Done’s series of 25 small canvas paintings (each closing ceremonies of the Sydney 2000 Olympic
Now available!
measuring 25 x 20 cm) of the Sydney Opera House. Games.
WHAT’S IN STORE? These paintings, exhibited in Paris during 1996, depict
Ken Done, a Museum Life Fellow, has earned a
light and colour on the surface of the Opera House
A HISTORY OF RETAILING special place in the history and development of
and its surrounding waters. Reminiscent of French
IN AUSTRALIA Australian art through his distinctive graphics and, at
impressionist painting, they provided an interesting
times controversial, mass-production of images.
Kimberley Webber and Ian Hoskins challenge for the Victorian Tapestry Workshop, which
Made a member of the Order of Australia for services
is renowned for fostering collaborations between
An engaging historical journey that brings to to art, design and tourism in 1992, Done’s contribution
contemporary artists and the workshop weavers.
life Australia’s colourful retail heritage. to the development of Australian identity during the
Discover shopkeepers’ stories plus retail For Twenty-eight views of the Opera House, the latter part of the 20th century is indisputable,
technology and fashion. weavers worked closely with Done in choosing the particularly his portrayal of Australia as a colourful,
initial design and colours. Using three visual sophisticated, relaxing and fun place to visit.
128 pages with over 200 illustrations.
reference sources — 35 mm slides of all the
Done’s Twenty-eight views of the Opera House
RRP $34.95 paintings, a selection of the original artworks, and the
tapestry is on display on level 2 of the Powerhouse
overall design to which Done had added oil pastel
Museum (Musical instruments… made and played
borders (all kept close to the loom for reference) —
exhibition foyer).
they commenced the tapestry in 1998, completing it
40 weeks later in 1999. Hand-woven and measuring Anne-Marie Van De Ven,
286 x 398 cm, the tapestry weighs approximately 34 Curator Decorative Arts and Design

TWENTY-EIGHT VIEWS OF THE OPERA HOUSE TAPESTRY DESIGNED BY KEN DONE, WOVEN BY THE VICTORIAN TAPESTRY WORKSHOP,
SYDNEY/MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 1998-1999 WITH GRAND PIANO, STUART & SONS, NEWCASTLE, 1999. PHOTO BY JEAN-FRANCOIS LANZARONE.

Reprint by popular demand!

RAPT IN COLOUR
Claire Roberts and Huh Dong-hwa (eds)
Discover the beauty, wondrous colour and
fascinating patterns of Korean wrapping
cloths and costume from the Choson
dynasty.
108 pages with 68 beautiful illustrations
RRP $32.95

And coming soon...

2004 Sydney Observatory sky guide, the
ever popular annual. Available Dec 03.
EcoLogic: creating a sustainable future, an
essential resource book. Available Nov 03.
Powerhouse books are available from the
Powerhouse Shop, good bookstores and
by mailorder. For more information
contact Powerhouse Publishing on (02)
9217 0129 or email phpub@phm.gov.au
www.phm.gov.au/publish
+ 17 powerline spring 03
HOW DO YOU KEEP UP WITH CURIOUS (AND NOT SO CURIOUS)
CHILDREN IN THE MUSEUM? SOME TIPS FOR THE ADULTS.
story_HELEN WHITTY, EDUCATION SERVICES COORDINATOR, photo_GREG ANDERSON
rules of engagement
The whole family can enjoy a day at the Museum. You
can have fun and learn something about yourself,
each other and the society around you. Here we
outline six steps for a satisfying day out.
1. Plan it
To make the most of your visit, make sure you plan it
well. You can visit the exhibitions or you can join in
public programs that include demonstrations, tours
and performances. To find out what’s new, check out
our regular publications, such as the new Exhibitions
+ events booklet, or go to our website. The monthly
What’s on lists the times and dates of all exhibitions
and public programs. Phone (02) 9217 0202 to be
placed on the mailing list or pick one up on arrival.
Call (02) 9217 0222 to find out the plans for each
holiday program or book into special activities. When
you arrive for your visit, pick up a copy of the Guide,
which has a map showing the location of exhibitions,
plus details of services and facilities, including where
to find food, toilets and shops. You can make
enquiries about daily events at admissions or the
information desk on level 4.
2. Explain it
Give your children some idea of where they are going
and what they will see. Explain that the Powerhouse
Museum is housed in the shell of an old power
station and is filled with many precious things called
objects. The objects come from the Museum’s vast
collection. The Museum’s job is to preserve and
protect this collection. That’s why some objects are in
cases and you can’t touch them. There are also films
and videos to see and interactives to play with.
3. Stage it
Stage your visit so that the exhibitions you visit are in
decreasing order of complexity. The children’s
concentration levels will be the highest in the first
exhibition you visit. At this early stage, they will be
more likely to help you read the labels and look at
the objects. The Bayagul, Cyberworlds and EcoLogic
exhibitions have special label trails for children. Later
on, exhibitions with large objects, interactives and
public programs with hands-on activities will extend
their concentration. Check the Guide for the locations
of the popular interactive KIDS units. A new series of
childrens trails, catering for 5-12 year olds is also
being developed. The first of these, Dressing up, was
launched in August. Using the trail, children follow a
series of clues around the ‘... never done’ and What’s
in store? exhibitions to find selected objects.
Whichever path you take, allow for rest stops and free
time. Encourage children to scan exhibitions in their
own time and then focus on an area of interest.
4. Go with it
In any one visit you will be caregiver, minder, follower,
leader, interpreter, font of all knowledge and an active
listener. The children will want to make their own
connections but it is also an opportunity to share
some family stories. The interactives are sure to be a
winner with the kids but the objects will ‘speak’ with a
little help. Questions are a useful way to keep them
interested and talking.
Some questions for very young children might be:
What are all the things you can see in this showcase?
How many wheels on the train? How many colours in
that costume? How can you tell this is very old? What
does it sound like? Do we have something like that at
home? Does grandma?
5. Express it
Debrief on what you have seen. What did you all like
the best? What is your favourite thing in the Museum?
You could choose a postcard from the shop and
send to grandparents or best friends. Buy a souvenir
of your visit. Talk about it in the car or on the train on
the way home.
6. Plan to come back
There is always much more to do and see at the
Powerhouse Museum.
+ 18 powerline spring 03

A RECENT ACQUISITION SHEDS LIGHT ON

HOW THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE WAS BUILT.
story_DES BARRETT, CURATOR photos_MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI

how did Utzon’s

design stand up?
A fascinating collection of architectural and
engineering drawings and some engineering models
of the Sydney Opera House were recently donated to
the Museum by Ove Arup and Partners, who were the
principal engineering consultants on the technically
complex and socially controversial project. The new
acquisitions will feature in an exhibition to mark the
50th anniversary of the design competition for the
Sydney Opera House, which is planned for 2005.
Just over a year after the design competition opened
in December 1955, NSW Premier John Joseph Cahill
announced that Jørn Utzon, a relatively unknown
architect living and working in Hellebaek, north of
Copenhagen, had won first prize with Scheme 218.
Utzon’s collaboration with Ove Arup began soon after
he won the competition. The architect’s original
design required considerable intervention from the
structural engineer. Arup recognised Utzon’s design
talents, but there were structural implications for what
he had proposed. One of Arup’s biggest challenges
was that while the ‘shells’ of the Opera House roof
had obvious aesthetic appeal, the shapes devised by
Utzon were free form without geometric definition and
their structural viability was unproven.
The intense collaboration between architect and
engineer continued throughout the first two stages
(1959-1966) of the three-stage project. In 1966 Utzon,
who had gained world recognition for his Opera
House design, resigned from the project. He left
Sydney and never returned.
Among other things, Ove Arup and Partners has
donated a timber wind-test model, which was used in
experiments to gather data about the wind-pressure
distribution over the shells, and a spherical model
which was important to ‘work out’ the geometry of the
roof. There are also several portfolios of drawings that
Utzon presented to Premier Cahill in 1958. He
prefaced one set of drawings with ‘I am happy with
this book … I am able to give a project which realises
in a practical form the vision of the competition’.

MAIN PHOTO: A TIMBER WIND-TEST MODEL. INSET: MODEL

DEMONSTRATING THE SPHERICAL DERIVATION OF THE
GEOMETRY FOR THE ROOF SHELLS.
+ 19 powerline spring 03
splendid isolation
THE REVOLUTION IN MOBILE AND WEARABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS HAS INFLUENCED EVERYTHING FROM
FASHION AND MUSIC TO SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR.
Two of the most significant products to emerge over
that time were the Sony Walkman in the late 1970s
and Nintendo GameBoy a decade later. Both used
advances in transistor and microprocessor
technologies, and applied them to personal
consumer products. The Museum’s collection
contained neither of these items but a request to all
Powerhouse staff earlier this year promptly produced
suitable examples of each. They are valuable
additions to our collection, which represents the
changing uses, design and impact of new
technologies over the latter part of the 20th century.
When the Sony Walkman (model # TPS-L2) was
released in 1979, it was the first (truly) portable and
wearable personal cassette player. Sony reconfigured
existing technology into a compact package that was
attractive, portable, simple to operate and delivered
high quality sound. It was an immediate commercial
success internationally and within months several
other manufacturers issued imitations of the design.
The original model had no speaker, so the listener
had to don the headphones supplied. So
revolutionary was this product that the design team
at Sony had reservations about the isolation a user of
the Walkman might experience. They countered this
with two features. The first was a button on the top
which, when depressed, mutes the audio program,
engages a small microphone and plays the sound of
the immediate environment into the headphones. The
second feature was provision for two sets of
headphones. Both features were deleted from
subsequent models when it became clear that a
major part of the appeal of the Walkman was the
isolation and individually programmed listening
pleasure it provided.
Once music had gone ‘private’ in public, the
floodgates opened. The years since the Walkman’s
first appearance have seen continuous change and
adaptation in a variety of products and mechanisms.
The Walkman’s impact has gone far beyond product
design into fashion, music and social trends.
GameBoy was the first portable, hand-held game
system with interchangeable games and it remains
the most popular game console in history. Since its
inception in 1989, through to 1996 when Nintendo
began production of the GameBoy pocket model, it
has sold in excess of 500 million units. Gunpei Yokoi,
who designed GameBoy, had been employed in
Nintendo's games department since the 1970s. In 1981
Yokoi teamed up with Shigeru Miyamoto (who later
produced Super Mario Brothers) to develop Donkey
Kong. GameBoy’s initial success was in part due to
the decision to bundle the Tetris game with all
purchases. Tetris, a real-time, puzzle-based game,
was developed by Russian Alexey Pajitnov in 1984.
Like the Sony Walkman, GameBoy is a personalised
accessory. The use of such portable, electronic
devices in public spaces tends to isolate the user
from their surroundings. Studies show that this ‘non-
social behaviour’ in public is abhorred by many and
yet there is an increasing tolerance of the use of
such items as mobile phones and digital assistants.
The relatively short history of the electronic game
industry has produced great successes and failures.
Constant adaptation and innovation in interface
design and delivery media have kept the games in
TOP INSET: THE FIRST SONY WALKMAN MODEL RELEASED IN 1979.
demand. Meanwhile they have had a huge impact on BOTTOM INSET: CAMPBELL BICKERSTAFF ENGAGES IN SOME ‘NON-
SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR’ WITH THE GAMEBOY CONSOLE. PHOTOS BY
other media including film (computer-generated JEAN-FRANCOIS LANZARONE.
graphics) and music; plus fashion and language. BELOW: GAMEBOY SCREEN GRAPHIC COURTESY OF NINTENDO
AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.
Campbell Bickerstaff, Assistant Curator Information
and Communication Technology
+ 20 powerline spring 03

POWERHOUSE MUSEUM CONSERVATORS HAVE COMPLETED

RESTORATION OF TWO SIGNIFICANT WEDGWOOD PIECES.
story_GOSIA DUDEK, CONSERVATOR photos_NITSA YIOUPROS

to the rescue!
The two imposing black-and-white jasper vessels that
have been restored were made at the Wedgwood
factory in England in the late 1870s. The ‘War and
peace’ ewer and the ‘Apotheosis of Virgil’ vase were
centrepieces at Sydney’s International Exhibition in
1879. They were subsequently acquired by the Art
Gallery of NSW. After periodic displays and many
years in storage, the condition of the vases
significantly deteriorated.
The restoration process was complex and time-
consuming. Both objects had suffered extensive
staining. The cover of the ‘Virgil’ vase was broken into
many pieces and a large section of the cover was
missing. The ewer’s handle was broken into several
pieces and its base had considerable breaks and
losses.
Conservators used a combination of techniques to
clean the vases. These ranged from brush vacuuming
and swabbing with cleaning solutions to repeated
applications of poultices and ultrasonic baths.
Broken parts were then carefully reassembled and
glued, making sure that the many broken pieces were
realigned perfectly.
Missing areas were filled with specially developed
epoxy putty mixed to match the colour and texture of
the original surfaces. Reconstruction of the missing
section of the ‘Virgil’ cover was a complicated
procedure. This involved taking silicone moulds and
casting the replacement pieces in epoxy putty.
The restoration work was generously sponsored by
Waterford Wedgwood Australia. The vases are on
long-term loan from the Art Gallery of NSW and will
form part of the display in the Museum’s new
Decorative Arts and Design Gallery scheduled to
open in late 2004.

ABOVE: COVER OF THE ‘APOTHEOSIS OF VIRGIL’, STONEWARE VASE

BEFORE AND AFTER RESTORATION.
RIGHT: AFTER RESTORATION. ‘APOTHEOSIS OF VIRGIL’, STONEWARE
VASE (BLACK JASPER DIP WITH WHITE JASPER RELIEF DECORATIONS),
DESIGN OF RELIEF ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN FLAXMAN (1755-1826). MADE
BY WEDGWOOD IN ENGLAND ABOUT 1878. HEIGHT: 66 CM. FROM THE
ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES COLLECTION.
+ 21 powerline spring 03

fresh fruits
In the Museum’s recent competition Fresh Fruits,
fashion students were invited to create a new and
exciting fashion ensemble inspired by the exhibition
FRUiTS: Tokyo street style – photographs of Shoichi
Aoki. The brief was to create an outfit based on a
recent personal obsession, using a variety of textiles
and costumes along with funky, fashionable and avant-
garde styles, materials and construction methods, and
photograph it in a streetscape.
The best entry won $1000, and their work is on display
at the Powerhouse Museum. All entrants were invited to
wear their ensemble to the Museum for the
announcement of the winner and to participate in a
promotion on the Sydney Monorail (pictured above).
The result was a visual feast and a true celebration of
the FRUiTS ethos.
The winning entry (main photo), by Donna Sgro, aged
27 and Nilou Zibaee, aged 18, is called ‘Ping-pong
ensemble’. The skirt, made with handmade resin
shapes, is teamed with vintage marching girl jacket
and belts, feather pillbox hat and key-ring toys.
The FRUiTS exhibition is on display on level 5
until 26 January 2004.

MAIN PHOTO COURTESY DONNA SGRO,

INSET PHOTOS BY MARINCO KOJDANOVSKI.
 +
+ 22 powerline winter 03

observe
EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF OBSERVATORY HILL
WITH TOURS OF THE SANDSTONE SIGNAL STATION

VIEW OF SYDNEY OBSERVATORY

FROM 1871 SHOWING THE SIGNAL
STATION AND SIGNAL MASTS IN THE
FOREGROUND BUILT ON THE
REMAINING WALLS OF FORT PHILLIP.
PHOTO BY NSW GOVERNMENT
PRINTING OFFICE, POWERHOUSE
MUSEUM COLLECTION.

uncovering
An archaeological dig has confirmed
Observatory Observatory Hill as one of the most
Hill’s history historically interesting parts of Sydney.

An archaeological dig on the

site of Sydney Observatory
has revealed evidence of its
former use as a windmill and a
fort and has confirmed
Observatory Hill as one of the
most historically interesting
parts of Sydney.
Observatory Manager Toner
Stevenson says, ‘Astronomy is
the big picture for the
Observatory but the site has
far wider significance. We are
developing new programs that
are designed to broaden
public interest in the history of
Observatory Hill, which reflects
how Sydney has developed
and changed over the years.’
The dig uncovered many
hidden treasures and gave
further insight into the layers
of occupation. Archaeologists
from the NSW Department of
Commerce (Design and
Heritage section) uncovered
artefacts from the pre-
European environment, as well
as clay smoking pipes cast
with naval emblems and
government-stamped bottles
and utensils.
It also revealed evidence of
the clearing of the hill for
construction of the new
colony’s first windmill prior to
1804, the construction of Fort
Phillip from 1804-6, which
appears to have taken
advantage of the steep natural
slope of the hill, and the use
of the hill by the military.
Fort Phillip was never
completed but a section of its
walls was used as the platform
for the Signal Station, built in
1847. Now the oldest building
on the site, the station is
another treasure soon to be
unveiled for the public. ‘One of
the main tasks is the
conceptual development of
this site and the planning of
further investigation in and
around the fort walls on which
it stands. A team of curators,
historians, conservators and
archaeologists will start work
on this in the next few months,’
says Toner.
A SELECTION OF ARTEFACTS
UNCOVERED BY THE DIG AT SYDNEY
OBSERVATORY, AND THE DIG IN
PROGRESS (ABOVE).
PHOTOS BY SOTHA BOURN.
A SELECTION OF THE ARTEFACTS
UNCOVERED BY A SELECTION OF THE
ARTEFACTS UNCOVERED BY

members day
at Sydney
Observatory
Powerhouse Members have a
special opportunity to explore
the history of Observatory Hill
on Saturday 18 October. There
will be guided tours of the
sandstone Signal Station
throughout the day. Built on
the remains of the rampart of
Fort Phillip, the cottage was
used to communicate
information about ship
movements on Sydney
Harbour until the 1920s. This
building has been stabilised,
but with otherwise minimal
interference, its interior
finishes and structure show
the layers of its occupation
and use.
At 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm join
archaeologist Caitlin Allen for
a presentation of what was
revealed by the archaeological
dig in February. See evidence
relating to all phases of
occupation on Observatory Hill
and learn how and what
makes an archaeological dig
exciting. The film Observing
Sydney in 3-D, narrated by
actor, John Howard, will be
shown throughout the day.
For costs, bookings and other
details phone (02) 9217 0485
or see the Members calendar
on page 12.
+ 23 powerline winter 03
THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES
THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS
+principal partners
+senior partners
SPORT: MORE THAN HEROES & LEGENDS
+partners
AUSTRALIAN POSTERS
SPORT: MORE THAN HEROES & LEGENDS
GRAND MARNIER
GRAND MARNIER / POWERHOUSE
MUSEUM FASHION OF THE YEAR
ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA SYDNEY DIVISION
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE 2002
+supporters
ARAB BANK AUSTRALIA
WATTAN PROJECT
AUSTRALIAN GRAPHIC
DESIGN ASSOCIATION
BALARINJI: ANCIENT CULTURE,
CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
+founding corporate members
INTEL AUSTRALIA
LOGICA CMG
NSW DEPARTMENT OF LANDS
TRANSGRID
+landmark corporate members
ARAB BANK AUSTRALIA
CAPITAL TECHNIC GROUP
CONNELL WAGNER
DUNLOP FLOORING AUSTRALIA
MINCOM LIMITED
DICK SMITH
DICK SMITH AUSTRALIAN EXPLORER BELL
206B JETRANGER III HELICOPTER
ECOLOGIC: CREATING A SUSTAINABLE
FUTURE
LEGO AUSTRALIA
METRO MONORAIL
SPORT: MORE THAN HEROES & LEGENDS
MINCOM LIMITED
LIFE FELLOWS DINNER 2003
BOEING AUSTRALIA LIMITED
SPACE: BEYOND THIS WORLD
DELTA ELECTRICITY
ELECTRICITY DISCOVERY CHALLENGE
ROYAL DOULTON AUSTRALIA
SWAROVSKI INTERNATIONAL (AUST)
SYDNEY INSTITUTE
TASCO
THE RACI INC, NSW BRANCH
INTEL YOUNG SCIENTIST 2002,
SOUNDHOUSE™ AND ONLINE PROJECTS
STEAM LOCOMOTIVE 3830
STEAM LOCOMOTIVE 3265
NHK TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.
CYBERWORLDS: COMPUTERS AND
CONNECTIONS
NIKON
SYDNEY OBSERVATORY
NOVOTEL SYDNEY ON DARLING HARBOUR
OFFICIAL SYDNEY HOTEL
GREAT WHITE NOISE
‘SOUNDING THE MUSEUM’ PROGRAM FOR
THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
WEIR WARMAN LTD
WORMALD
COLES THEATRE, TARGET THEATRE,
GRACE BROS COURTYARD, K MART
STUDIOS
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: NEW BRITISH
DESIGN STORIES
SOUNDHOUSE™ MUSIC ALLIANCE
SOUNDHOUSE™ MUSIC AND MULTI MEDIA
LABORATORY
THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
SYDNEY DESIGN WEEK
YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA
YAMAHA DISKLAVIER GRAND PIANO
new exhibitions at a glance
SEPTEMBER_OCTOBER_NOVEMBER 2003

Sport: more than heroes and legends
LEVEL 4, FROM 26 SEPTEMBER 2003
What is it that drives Australians to be
faster, fitter and more competitive?
What makes a sporting hero? What
compels us to support our heroes rain,
hail or shine? Discover the triumphs,
the fashion, the science and the
passion of sport. This interactive
exhibition brings together material from
60 different sports. Special admission
prices apply.
Great expectations:
new British design stories
LEVEL 3, UNTIL 1 FEBRUARY 2004
Featuring more than 100 British design
projects, Great expectations highlights
the creative process of turning ideas
into products across a range of fields.
Treasures of Palestine
LEVEL 3, FROM 17 OCTOBER 2003
The great richness and depth of
Palestine's cultural heritage is
displayed through a selection of
traditional costumes, embroidery,
jewellery and artworks plus
contemporary paintings, posters and
photographs.
Childhood memories of migration:
images, imagining & impressions
LEVEL 3, FROM MID NOVEMBER 2003
This exhibition explores the stories of
child migration from the official and
individual perspectives through toys,
drawings, interactives and memorabilia.
Balarinji: ancient culture,
contemporary design
LEVEL 2, UNTIL 30 MAY 2004,
WITHIN BAYAGUL
The original trail-blazers in Indigenous
design, Balarinji celebrates twenty
years of award-winning work — all with
their signature blend of traditional
motifs and contemporary graphics.
Golden Threads: the Chinese in
regional New South Wales 1850–1950
and My Chinatown
LEVEL 3, UNTIL 12 OCTOBER 2003
The Museum’s new Australian
Communities Gallery features two
exhibitions that celebrate the
significant and diverse contributions
made by Chinese-Australians to our
history and heritage.
Closing soon — don’t miss out.
Intel Young Scientist 2003
LEVEL 3, FROM 25 OCTOBER 2003
An inspirational exhibition of models,
photographs and multi-media
presentations created by the top NSW
science students for the Intel Young
Scientist Awards.
Australian Design Awards
LEVEL 4, SUCCESS AND INNOVATION
GALLERY, UNTIL JUNE 2004
Improved versions of the Sunbeam
Mixmaster, Eveready Dolphin torch and
Test Series cricket helmet are among
the 14 products in the Powerhouse
Museum Selection from the Australian
Design Awards 2003.
Fruits: Tokyo street style —
photographs by Shoichi Aoki
LEVEL 5, UNTIL 26 JANUARY 2004
Pink hair, kimono and platform shoes
— discover fantastic fashion from the
streets of Tokyo. Shoichi Aoki's
extraordinary photographs chronicle a
'fashion revolution in Tokyo's suburbs'
from the mid 1990s to now.
Engineering Excellence
LEVEL 4, SUCCESS AND INNOVATION,
UNTIL 23 NOVEMBER 2003
Outstanding engineering projects from
the Institute of Engineers (Sydney
division) awards program.
Schools Spectacular
LEVEL 2, FROM 21 NOVEMBER 2003

William Holford’s art and design Celebrating 20 years of the Schools

influence on Australian pottery Spectacular with the costumes, glitz
LEVEL 3, UNTIL 10 NOVEMBER 2003 and glamour of the variety
entertainment show in which thousands
Fifty Australian pottery items from the
of students perform each year.
National Museum of Australian Pottery,
Wodonga showcase the work and
design influence of William Holford
(1841–1912).

FROM LEFT: LACE TABLECLOTH, AUSTRALIA, ABOUT 1925; ANDREW SYMONDS AT THE
GABBA 2002, PHOTO COURTESY NEWSPIX; EARLY SKIFF RACING ON SYDNEY
HARBOUR, PHOTO FROM THE TYRRELL COLLECTION, POWERHOUSE MUSEUM.

exhibitions at travelling exhibitions

Sydney Observatory
Intel Young Scientist 2002
Mars: the closest encounter Newcastle Regional Museum
UNTIL JUNE 2004 UNTIL 21 SEPTEMBER 2003

Mars is closer to Earth this year than it

has been in recorded history. View Spinning around: 50 years of Festival
Mars through the Observatory’s Records
telescopes and learn about the most Melbourne Museum
recent explorations of the red planet UNTIL 23 NOVEMBER 2003
as well as early astronomical theories
of life forms.
+

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from the
collection
This neckpiece was made in
1988 by Australian jeweller
Margaret Kirkwood, using
stirling silver and mokume
gane, which is a ‘married’
metal. In this process different
metals are beaten together to
simulate wood grain.
It is one of a selection of 22
contemporary neckpieces
from the Museum’s collection
that are now on display on
level 4, representing local and
international jewellery from the
late 1970s to the present. Once
a symbol of prestige and
fashion, the neckpiece is now
also a form of creative, political
and personal expression. The
materials used in these
neckpieces show the bold and
sometimes radical directions in
contemporary jewellery design.
ISSN 1030-5750
72
9 771030 575004
www.phm.gov.au