Media Release
Treasures on Tour!
21 February 2005
A cuneiform clay tablet dating back to 2050 BC, Melbourne’s first newspaper The Melbourne Advertiser, and the Ortelius Atlas mapping the world as it was known in 1574 are some of the State Library of Victoria’s collection treasures touring regional Victoria during March 2005.
Travelling Treasures takes Library collection experts on the road with selected treasures, visiting regional public libraries and schools and providing first hand access to rare manuscripts, books and artefacts.
Travelling Treasures will visit a host school each day and a library at night. Heritage collection specialists will offer audience members an opportunity to ask questions and view the treasures. All sessions are free of charge.
In March, the State Library’s Rare Books Librarian, Pam Pryde, will visit Mildura, Ouyen, Manangatang and Swan Hill. In May the Travelling Treasures team will visit other regional centres including Kyabram, Cobram and Benalla.
This selection of items from the State Library of Victoria demonstrates the depth and breadth of the Library’s Rare Books Collection, which includes some of the earliest printed books and other unique documents and objects. Some of the treasures will feature in the State Library’s new permanent exhibition Mirror of the World: The world of books, which opens late in 2005.
Cuneiform clay tablet
Dating from the reign of Mesopotamian King Shulgi this ancient clay tablet records the delivery of sheep and goats in 2050 BC. The Sumerian method of writing required scribes to press wedge shaped marks into wet clay and the technique is one of the earliest known forms of writing.
Woodcut Block
This woodcut block from c1562 is a fine example of the detail and workmanship required to produce the illustrations common in early books. Delicately carved from pear wood, this exquisite botanical woodcut is from a volume produced by the famous Venetian herbalist of the 16th century Pietro Andrea Mattioli.
The Ortelius Atlas
Celebrated as the first comprehensive atlas of the world, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum is a fine example of Flemish geographer Abraham Ortelius’ work as a pre-eminent 16th century cartographer. This was the most comprehensive and accurate atlas known to humankind upon its production in 1574.
The Melbourne Advertiser
Melbourne’s first newspaper records the establishment and development of the fledging township. This copy has been handwritten by John Pascoe Fawkner and provides excellent examples of commerce, transportation and entertainment in 1838. Fawkner, one of the first Europeans to settle in the district of Port Phillip, later became known as the ‘father of Melbourne’.
Peron (Baudin) Expedition report
This amazing set of printed maps, illustrations and diagrams records the observations of French explorer Nicholas Baudin during his celebrated scientific voyages along the Australian coastline, in 1801–03. A contemporary of Matthew Flinders, Baudin charted the southern Australian coastline in the period just prior to the Napoleonic Wars between England and France.
Travelling Treasures will visit:
Tuesday 8 March
School sessions: Bendigo Bank Centre, Upstairs Function Room, Twelfth Street, Mildura
Evening session: Mildura Library, 180–190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura
Library bookings: 03 5018 8350
Wednesday 9 March
School sessions: Ouyen Secondary College, Fuller Street, Ouyen
Manangatang P-12 College, 4105 Mallee Highway, Manangatang
No evening session
Thursday 10 March
School sessions: Swan Hill Secondary College, Pye Street, Swan Hill
Evening session: Swan Hill Library, 53-56 Campbell Street, Swan Hill
Library bookings: 03 5036 2480
Library evening session times: 6–7pm. Sessions are free of charge but bookings are essential.
For interviews with State Library Rare Books Librarian, Pam Pryde, and for Travelling Treasures photo opportunities at schools and libraries please contact the Library's Media Coordinator.
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