10 April 2006
The Hills hoist, the Sunbeam Mixmaster, build-it-yourself guides for houses and caravans, masonite and Venetian blinds are the inspiration for the latest exhibition at the Sir Louis Matheson Library at Monash University's Clayton campus.
The Home, on show until 30 June, features 123 rare materials related to the home and garden that are housed in the Monash University Library Rare Books Collection.
Monash Rare Books Librarian Mr Richard Overell has curated the exhibition.
"The exhibition examines the home in the context of architectural and social history, with a particular focus on Australia in the 20th century," Mr Overell said.
"Australia was one of the most highly urbanised settlements in the world by the 1890s, and the home is still a central focus."
Items on display include books and magazines complete with plans, construction advice and interior and exterior designs dating from the early 1800s through the art deco period of the 1930s and the post-war boom period of the 1950s to the present. Particular attention is paid to the kitchen, living room, bathroom and verandah.
"In 1952, owner-builders were responsible for most of the houses under construction, and the number of build-it-yourself guides and books, complete with ready-made plans, reflected this trend," he said. "It wasn't unusual then to see many families living in tents and caravans on site while slowly building their dream homes.
"In the 1950s and 1960s, laminex was the popular new plastic covering for kitchen table and bench tops, and of course the most famous piece of wonder sheeting material - masonite - was Rolf Harris's wobble-board."
Among the highlights of the exhibition are the original water-colour sketches of the life of the Bain family at Kew during the 1950s. The sketches were sent back to England in letters to relatives.
A 1927 booklet, Makeshifts and Other Home-Made Furniture and Utensils, provides suggestions for making furniture out of kerosene boxes.
For further information or virtual tour visit the Exhibitions website.
Exhibition notes:
What:
The Home exhibition, Monash University Library Rare Books Collection
When: Until 30 June. Viewing hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Saturday and Sunday 1pm-5pm.
Closed on public holidays.
Where: Exhibition Room, Sir Louis Matheson Library, Monash University, Wellington Road , Clayton.
For information and images contact: Mr Richard Overell, Rare Books Librarian on +61 3 9905 2689, or Ms Karen Stichtenoth, Media Communications on +61 3 9905 1253.
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