Previous find of the month
December 2015
"Three Antiquities Writing a Book"
Writing the Bicentennial History of Canberra
The ANU to the Rescue
In March 1983, before the suggested transfer took place, Professor John Molony of the ANU History Department proposed the DCT fund two scholarships. The DCT would advertise the scholarships subject to the awardees enrolling at the ANU for a degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The ANU would then supervise the candidates' research and writing of the remaining volumes.
In September 1983, the DCT advertised for persons interested in the three-year Ph.D Scholarships at a flat rate of $11,000 adjusted annually. Out of the 14 applicants received, Eric Sparke and James (Jim) Gibbney were successful. Work on the books commenced on the 20th of January 1984. The project was unique in that all three authors worked together rather than as individuals to produce the set.
The Christmas card includes this drawing; presumably representing the three authors "in conference".
During 1984 and 1985, the Information and Public Relations Branch contacted many Federal Departments and agencies to advise them of the project and to seek assistance with access to research material. All responded helpfully.
In July 1985, the ACT and Island Territory Council of the Australian Bicentennial Authority (ABA) endorsed the History of Canberra publications as a Bicentennial Activity. This authorised the use of the Bicentennial symbol and logo on the books.
Emeritus Professor Manning Clark, AC, launched Canberra 1913-1953 (Gibbney) and Canberra 1954-1980 (Sparke) at Olims Ainslie Hotel on the 19th of April 1988. Two years later, ACT Chief Minister, Trevor Kaine, launched Canberra 1920-1913 (Gillespie) at the Albert Hall on the 12th of March 1991.
Order form for Canberra 1913-1953 and Canberra 1954-1980
More Than Just Books
ArchivesACT's copies of the History of Canberra illustrate the importance of archival provenance. We are fortunate that this Christmas card and invitations remained with the books. They provide context and authenticity to these particular volumes, linking them back to the authors and a key individual in their production. These items, along with the authors' personal messages, are a lasting reminder of Neville Braidwood's involvement in their publishing. They are no longer just books but are now a small piece of Canberra's history.
Special Thanks To Mary Ryan, Steve Ryan and David Wardle for their assistance with this month's Find.
Files Used
- 87/7368: PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION - PRODUCTION OF PROPOSED HISTORY OF CANBERRA
- 88/3345: PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION, HISTORY OF CANBERRA, DISTRIBUTION LIST
- 88/13685: PUBLIC AFFAIRS BRANCH, HISTORY OF CANBERRA 1981 - 1990
- 89/19960: PUBLIC AFFAIRS BRANCH, HISTORY OF CANBERRA - PRODUCTION OF
- 92/7555: HERITAGE & MUSEUMS SECTION, HISTORY OF CANBERRA - 1988 BOOK LAUNCH
Links to Webpages About Neville Braidwood
- Family Notices. (1928, February 4). The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), p.1: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32088466
- Social And Personal. (1949, April 18). Maryborough Chronicle (Qld. : 1947 - 1954), p.4: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article147552465
- Family Notices. (1950, October 13). Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), p.6: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56960463
- Postings end speculation. (1969, December 5). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p.1: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107907013
- Retiring today. (1987, January 29). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p.6: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119478373
- $10 house a bargain in any terms. (1989, June 11). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p.24: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122269084
- Billiongraves - Elaine & Neville Braidwood: http://billiongraves.com/record/Neville-William-Braidwood/14670421#given_names=Neville&family_names=Braidwood
Links to Webpages About the History of Canberra Books
- Photo of Gibbney, Sparke and Gillespie discussing the History of Canberra project: https://digitalcollections.anu.edu.au/handle/1885/10156
- Scholarships for history work. (1984, January 25). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p.3: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116386341
- Writing Canberra's history. (1984, April 14). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p.17: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125003468
- Bicentenary endorsement. (1985, November 19). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p.7: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127538744
- Durable, valuable contributions to our local culture. (1991, May 18). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p.25: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122363505
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