Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The
Great
Wall
of China
+
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powerpicks
O2 From the director Trustees
03 Powerpicks
Dr Nicholas G Pappas,
President
a visit by fijian conservators and a posting
contents
06 Matali Crassett Dr Anne Summers AO,
Deputy President
from the great wall of china walkers.
08 New exhibition: Great Wall of China
issue 83 10 On the Great Wall trail Mr Mark Bouris
Ms Trisha Dixon
11 Members news
Mr Andrew Denton
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2006 12 Members calendar Ms Susan Gray
14 Members scene and prizes Ms Margaret Seale
Mr Anthony Sukari
15 Recent acquisition: Althouse and Geiger Ms Judith Wheeldon
16 Guan Wei's fable
Senior Management
18 Footy Legends
Dr Kevin Fewster AM, Director
20 Australian Design Awards Jennifer Sanders, Deputy Director,
Collections and Outreach
21 Design Hub
Mark Goggin, Associate Director,
22 Sydney Observatory news Operations and Services
23 Corporate partners Kevin Sumption, Associate Director,
Exhibitions, Projects and Planning
24 Exhibitions at a glance
Dominic Curtin, Associate Director,
Finance and Systems
About the time this issue I wish to thank the Chinese these spectacular photographs
arrives in your mailbox, several Ministry of Culture and the when he and curator, Dr Claire
exhibitions produced by videos that are a hallmark of 7, Accor Asia Pacific, Sharp, Powerhouse Museum
Governance in Pacific Island
museums around the globe. Powerhouse productions. I Qantas, National Geographic conservators worked
Museums.
The Great Wall of China especially want to encourage Channel and the Australian closely with Savita and
walkers and bloggers emma nicholas and brendan fletcher photograph
promises to be one of the you to see our Sharp National University, without Tubuka, with support from ‘The program is the realisation themselves at the forbidden city in beijing.
best. I take special pride in the Immersive Theatre and its whose help this international the Business Unit of TAFE of a long-term mutual goal and
fact that Great Wall has been breathtakingly beautiful 12- project could not have been New South Wales, Ultimo, to has strengthened links with
Intrepid walkers, Brendan brick structure snaking along
jointly curated and developed metre panoramas of the Wall, realised. complete two modules of the Fiji Museum. Powerhouse
Fletcher and Emma Nicholas, exposed ridgetops, clinging to
by our own staff in association taken at various points from the Certificate in Museum conservators have gained
with the National Museum of China’s far western deserts to
As Powerhouse Members you
can, of course, visit free as
Practice. The opportunity to increased knowledge of the walking set out to walk the 3000-
kilometre length of the Great
impossible cliffs, plunging into
the abyss,' they write.
China, Beijing. Sydney will be
the first city in the world to see
Shanhaiguan in the east, where
the Wall meets the Yellow
often as you like. I look forward
gain formal recognition for this
training and knowledge was
manufacturing techniques, use
and care of Fijian materials
the wall Wall in early June. They have
‘We’re not hiking the wall we
to seeing you there. been posting a regular web
this wonderful show. Sea. Museum photographer considered significant by both in the collection. Before their originally imagined. There won’t
log on the Museum’s website
Jean-Francois Lanzarone took Dr Kevin Fewster AM conservators. return journey, Tubuka and be watchtowers around every
powerhousemuseum.com Director
Tubuka and Savita also
Savita selected basic supplies,
ever since.
bend or dragons lurking in the
equipment and reference The blog gives a first-hand moats. But what we’ve found
spent one day a week at
material for shipment to account of the remarkable in researching our trip is that
the Australian Museum and
Front Cover The Ming dynasty Where to find us Powerline is produced by the Print Media Department Fiji to aid their work. This diversity of the wall and its the reality of the wall is more
Great Wall at Jinshanling, were involved in a wide range
Luanping, Hebei. Photo by Jean- of the Powerhouse Museum collaborative support will people and environs. ‘When we fascinating and as great a
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney of practical activities and
Francois Lanzarone. be continued in every way started thinking about walking mystery to us as any mythical
Opening hours 10.00 am – 5.00 pm every day (except Christmas PO Box K346, Haymarket NSW 1238 discussions. Visits to other
possible,’ said Pat Townley, the Great Wall, we imagined wall ever could have been.’
Day). School holiday opening hours 9.30 am – 5.00 pm Editor: Judith Matheson institutions across Sydney
manager of Preservation and a six-month journey on a wall
Editorial coordinator: Deborah Renaud and in Canberra provided So check them out at: www.
Contact details Heritage Management at the with almost mythical qualities
Design: Triggerdesign opportunities to establish powerhousemuseum.com/
Postal address: PO Box K346, Haymarket NSW 1238 Powerhouse. — a perfectly preserved
Photography: Powerhouse Museum unless otherwise stated. a wide range of specialist walkingthewall/
Telephone (02) 9217 0111 Every effort has been made to locate owners of copyright for the images professional contacts.
in this publication. Any inquiries should be directed to the Rights and
Infoline (02) 9217 0444, Education (02) 9217 0222
Permissions Officer, Powerhouse Museum.
The Powerhouse Museum, part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
ISSN 1030-5750 © Trustees of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
also incorporating Sydney Observatory, is a NSW government cultural institution.
+ 0 powerline spring 06 + 0 powerline spring 06
Seven-year-
old Matthew
Sullivan collected Great Wall:
some great the book
autographs,
including former
Socceroos coach
Rale Rasic’s, The Great Wall of China the past, present and future of
exhibition is accompanied by the Great Wall of China. There
at the launch a richly illustrated book that is also a series of interviews
of The World explores the social, cultural, by oral historian Sang Ye with
technological and military
Cup dream histories of the Wall, as well as
people living along the Wall.
dynasties, dragons
and warriors
The Great Wall of China is Complementing this collection The exhibition also includes respectively, provide added SPRING PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
the world’s largest heritage of objects is a series of some key imperial objects context for exhibition objects,
structure and one of breathtaking photographic from the Palace Museum as do a number of interactives, Exhibition launch d factory
China’s most popular tourist panoramas, 12-metres wide, relating to the Qing dynasty developed by the Powerhouse An exclusive invitation to Explore the impact of
destinations. And yet the epic which create an immersive (1644–1911) a period when Museum. For family groups, a members to attend the manufacturing giant China on
story of its construction is little experience for the visitor. They China was ruled by the print trail has been developed launch of this internationally Australian designers in our
known and cloaked in legend. follow the wall across China's Manchu, one of the northern featuring Museum mascot developed exhibition on monthly design forum on 26
vast expanse from its desert peoples, and when the wall no Zoe in a search for the hidden September 27. October.
The first major international
origins in the west to the longer fulfilled any strategic dragon. The Great Wall of China A weekend with Kylie
travelling exhibition about
East China Sea and include function. It was during this seminar Enjoy a dinner menu devised
the wall will open at the The exhibition is accompanied
sections of the wall rarely time that the wall began its Eighth wonder of the world? and supervised by Chinese-
Powerhouse in September. by a book with 12 essays
The Great Wall of China:
visited by tourists. remarkable transformation commissioned from leading The exhibition presents an extraordinary Explore the history, strategic Australian chef and author
from military structure to
dynasties, dragons and In the exhibition, the history
heritage icon. An examination
experts in China, America collection of treasures never before seen importance and cultural Kylie Kwong in the Grand
warriors represents the of the Wall is charted from and Australia and illustrated significance of the Great Wall Foyer on 14 October or come
culmination of four years of its inception as a series of of The Great Wall of China with photographs taken
outside China. They include: in this all-day seminar on along to a demonstration and
close collaboration between discontinuous long walls built today concludes the exhibition. by Museum photographer September 30. tasting of Kylie’s food on 15
the Powerhouse Museum and by warring states (from 475 Initiating, developing and Jean-Francois Lanzarone and • A bronze permit inlaid with • A gold headdress ornament October.
Chinese Moon Festival
the National Museum of China. BCE) to the iconic sections realising an international images of objects included in gold text dating from the in the form of an ox head
Sydney Observatory celebrates Film screenings
It sheds new light on the of Ming dynasty (1368–1644) exhibition of this magnitude the exhibition. (see details on Warring States period (475–221 with deer horns dating to the
BCE) declaring that the bearer Northern Dynasties (420–581). with an evening of music, A weekend program of films
wall’s history and reveals the walls to the north of Beijing is complex and has drawn page 5) poetry, storytelling, mooncakes
need pay no tax when crossing It was worn by a noblewoman and documentaries about the
remarkable lives of the people that we associate with the heavily on the expertise and telescope viewings on 6
An exciting program of events, strategic passes. of the Xianbei people and was Great Wall.
who built and defended the Great Wall of China today. The of staff from both the October.
including performances by the unearthed in present-day Inner
wall over 2000 years. wall’s history is also linked Powerhouse and the National • A life-size terracotta warrior
Flying Fruit Fly Circus, food Mongolia.
with the development of the Museum of China. Objects (pictured above) from the
An extraordinary collection of tastings with award-winning
Silk Road trade routes and the from The Palace Museum, mausoleum of Qin Shihuang, • Bricks from Ming dynasty
treasures never before seen chef Kylie Kwong and family
outside China, with more
introduction of Buddhism into Gansu Provincial Museum, activities will complement the first Emperor of China sections of the Great Wall. FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
China. Gansu Provincial Research (reigned 221–210 BCE). It was
than 150 objects from major the exhibition, culminating in • A beautifully painted Ming
Chinese institutions, many of Visitors will see tools and Institute of Archaeology, Chinese New Year celebrations Qin Shihuang who ordered that
dynasty (368–1644) plan of a Zoe’s lucky charm show The Pocket
them designated ‘grade one weapons used in the Dunhuang Municipal Museum in February 2007. many of the long walls built Gods, pirates, floating cities Dress up like an Imperial
section of wall outside Beijing
national treasures’ will feature construction and defence of and the Shanhaiguan Great during the preceding period of and shipwrecks in an animated Warrior, make a take- home fan
The Great Wall of China: dynasties, dragons (pictured above). It is inscribed
in the exhibition. the walls, paintings and plans Wall Museum will also be on and warriors opens 28 September. the Warring States be linked to show about the God of and hear stories from the Far
with detailed information about
of the walls, and objects that display. Principal sponsor form a great wall. Longevity running throughout East in our play space for the
Badaling Cablecar Company its use as a military structure.
relate to the cultures of various Audiovisual programs relating • Inscribed wooden slips the October school holidays. under 8s.
• A rare painting of the
northern peoples and Han to the construction, re-building from the Han dynasty (206 The dragon and the pearl Zoe and the search for
Manchu-Qing Qianlong
Chinese whose lives have and archaeology of the walls BCE–CE 220) that were used the hidden dragon
Emperor dining after a deer The Chinese dragon is a
been inextricably linked to the and the Great Wall as a tourist to convey information about
hunt at an imperial hunting magical creature that can A free print trail for families
wall. phenomenon, produced by enemy movements. These
park beyond the Great Wall. appear anywhere. Even in a that leads to dragons and
the National Museum of China were excavated from the ruins Museum! Find the pearl, hear other mythical creatures on
and the Powerhouse Museum of ancient beacon towers and • A photograph of Gough
from dragon experts and even display in the exhibition.
military structures in the Gobi Whitlam standing on the Great
see a dragon.
desert. Wall at Badaling in 1971.
powerhouse shop
Too good to miss! Powerhouse Members receive 10% off.
members
Photographing the Great Wall encompassed a
journey across China from east to west and 2000 Enjoy a meal with Kylie Kwong
years of Chinese history.
and see 'the great wall of china'.
an exclusive range of
merchandise with a
‘Great Wall’ theme. +
The Powerhouse Shop is open
Spring will be spectacular at our Castle Hill site. Book our events calendar for full
10.00 am – 5.00 pm, 7 days a
at the Powerhouse Museum, early to avoid disappointment details of member events and
week, 9.30 am – 5.00 pm in school
holidays.
from the with a range of exhibitions to as Debbie Rudder takes information on how to book.
tempt the whole family. Be members on an exclusive tour
members among the first to visit our of the new Castle Hill storage
And a reminder to let us
know your email address if
For more information: manager new blockbuster The Great
Wall of China: dynasties,
facility featuring an in-depth
look at some interesting
you would like to receive our
phone (02) 9217 0331 fabulous monthly e-bulletin,
dragons and warriors engines. See page 14 for
fax (02) 9217 0372 featuring special offers and
opening on September 28. photos from July’s successful
email shop@phm.gov.au last minute events. Just email
Or for a stimulating exhibition Castle Hill tour.
us at members@phm.gov.au or
experience, visit Inspired!
If you haven’t yet visited On drop in next time you visit us in
Design across time, which is
Handcrafted mahjong set $169.95.
the box: great moments in the Members Lounge.
now a favourite amongst our
Australian television 1956–
Silk covered accessories: money bag $12.95; visitors. Kathryn Watson,
2006 why not join curator
diary $19.95; mini-memo pad $5.95; Acting Members Manager
mini-notebook $5.95. from the great wall exhibition, Our behind-the-scenes Peter Cox on a members tour
gold headdress ornament
Exquisite mini-ceramics: 3D notebook $49.95; from inner mongolia (420–581). curator-led tours continue to as he explains some of the
fridge magnet set $29.95; mobile phone strap collection of the national delight members, and we are
museum of china.
stories behind the objects in
$14.95; book mark $24.95.
Exhibition curator Claire Roberts, publication contributor Sang Ye and Powerhouse Museum photographer Jean-
Francois Lanzarone on the tourist platform at Badaling during their long journey across China.
thrilled to offer another event this landmark exhibition. See
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spring
how to book for members events
Unless otherwise stated, bookings and pre-payment are Three full working days are required for a refund for Powerhouse
essential for all events. You can book by phone on (02) 9217 events. Unfortunately we can’t refund or transfer bookings for
0600 for events at the Powerhouse Museum or (02) 9217 0485 for SoundHouse VectorLab workshops.
events at Sydney Observatory. All events are held at the Powerhouse Museum unless otherwise
Thursday 7 September Free Radicals Fred Pearce, environmental consultant and author of When porcelain jar depicting child Thursday 12 October Free Radicals Our monthly series of talks and debates on issues that will affect tv favourite, mr squiggle, in
the rivers run dry, discusses droughts, floods and empty rivers. at play, yuan dynasty (1271-1368) our future looks at businesses supplying 'green'. on the box; from the museum's
6.00–8.00 pm, level 2 Café, series 2 collection of the national 6.00–8.00 pm, level 2 Cafe, series 2 speedo collection; it's
enter via Macarthur Street. Free entry. No bookings required. Supported by Brisbane Riverfestival, the British Council (Australia) and Random House. museum of china; earthenware enter via Macarthur Street. Free entry. No bookings required. members shopping discount day
female equestrian figure, sui in november.
dynasty (581-618) collection of
Friday 8 September Partial lunar eclipse Rise early to see this partial eclipse when 19% of the Moon’s the national museum of china; Thursday 12 October Castle Hill curator-led Debbie Rudder, curator Power & Technologies, will introduce you
aunt clara's friendship quilt,
4.00–6.00 am Cost (inc breakfast): $15 adults, $12 conc, surface will be in the Earth’s shadow. Sydney Observatory will tour to the Museum’s amazing engine collection. Highlights include
$10 children, $45 families. Members: $13 made in australia, early 1900s. 10.30 am–12.00 pm
adults, $10 conc., $8 child, $34 family provide breakfast and telescope viewing. Cost: members only, adult $25 the 1867 Otto and Langen gas engine - one of only four surviving
examples of the first commercially viable internal combustion
Thursday 14 September Fascinating fabrics Lindie Ward, Assistant Curator, International Decorative Arts & engine.
Design, invites you into the Museum basement store to explore
11.00 am–12.30 pm Suitable for ages 12+
the fascinating use of fabrics and techniques to create inventive
Cost: members only, adult $15
shapes to fit and enhance the human body.
Saturday 14 October An evening with On Saturday enjoy an exquisite menu devised and supervised
7.00–11.00 pm Kylie Kwong by Kylie Kwong in the Grand Foyer. Kylie will talk about the
$170/$150 (members) per head significance of each dish and curator Dr Claire Roberts will host
Bookings essential (02) 9217 0600
an exclusive viewing of the Great Wall of China exhibition.
Mon 18 Sept–Fri 6 Oct Watch an artist at work: Acclaimed Beijing-born artist Guan Wei creates a new artwork in
Sunday 15 October Tastings with On Sunday come along to see Kylie demonstrate her craft and
1.00–5.00 pm Guan Wei the Museum’s Asian Gallery. Come along and watch him paint.
11.00 am–3.00 pm Kylie Kwong talk about her recent trip to China. Tastings throughout the day.
NOTE: Weekdays only Free with Museum entry
Free with Museum entry
Wednesday 27 Exhibition launch: The Great Wall of China is the world’s first major touring Thursday 19 October 'On the box' Join exhibition curator Peter Cox for an in-depth look at On the
September 'The Great Wall of China' exhibition telling the story of one of the world’s most remarkable curator-led tour box: great moments in Australian television 1956-2006. Hear the
11.00 am–12.00 pm
heritage structures. Join us to celebrate the opening of this Cost: PHM members: $10; non-members $15 stories behind the objects, the stars and the collectors and find
6.00 pm Ages 18+ only. Includes
exciting new exhibition. out what was involved in creating this fabulous exhibition.
refreshments.
Cost: members only, $35
Thursday 28 September d factory Join in the discussion as Nell Schofield talks to architects and Thursday 26 October d factory Join in the discussion as our panel of experts explore the impact
6.00–8.30 pm Free entry. No bookings required engineers about making the impossible possible in architecture. 6.00–8.30pm Free entry. No bookings required. of manufacturing giant China on Australian designers.
Courtyard Cafe
Saturday 30 September Teenager computer Turn your home computer into a recording studio. Learn to mix, Saturday 28 October Teenager digital-video Create your own video in this hands-on workshop combining
music workshop arrange and record original music tracks using loops, samples, editing workshop digital imaging and sound production skills. You’ll learn how
10.00 am–3.30 pm 10.00 am–3.30 pm
beats and bass lines. This workshop will allow participants to Cost: PHM members $70; Non-members to use video editing software Sony Vegas, which turns your
Suitable for ages 11–16yrs only.
SoundHouse VectorLab make their own original music scores and learn a range of Soundhouse VectorLab $100 (includes student membership) computer into a virtual television studio. Let our digital media
Cost: PHM members $70; Non-members
$100 (includes student membership) techniques for producing music on the home computer. experts expand your skills in video production, with time allowed
for personal project development.
Saturday 30 September The Great Wall seminar Explore the history, strategic importance and cultural Thursday 9 November The Speedo story Learn more about the Museum’s extensive collection of Speedo
9.30 am–4.45 pm Enquiries and bookings: email significance of the Great Wall with international and local swimwear and accessories dating from the 1930s to the present
judithrutherford@bigpond.com 11.00 am–12.30 pm Suitable for ages 12+
or tel/fax 61-2-9417 2585 experts. Presented with The Asian Arts Society of Australia (TAASA). with Glynis Jones, curator, Australian decorative arts & design,
Cost: members only, $15
including designs produced for the Australian Olympic Games
Saturday 30 September High Moon viewings Observe a high evening pass of the moon in the year of major team and the Australian Commonwealth Games team.
8.15–10.00 pm Cost: $15 adults, $12 conc, $10 children, $45 lunar standstill. View the first quarter moon through telescopes
families. Members cost: $13 adults, $10 conc,
Sydney Observatory $8 child, $34 family and see a special 3D Space Theatre program.
Daily 30 Sept–15 Oct Zoe's lucky charm show Gods, pirates, floating cities and shipwrecks … in an animated Thursday 9 November Transit of Mercury This is the last Transit of Mercury visible from Australia until 2032.
11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm Free with Museum entry and interactive show, Zoe pieces together the story of one of the 6.00–11.00 am Drop in for a quick view or stay for the entire event! Details on
Museum’s most mysterious objects — the God of Longevity. Sydney Observatory www.sydneyobservatory.com
Daily 30 Sept–15 Oct The Pocket play space The Pocket takes you to China. Dress up like an imperial warrior, Saturday 25 November Teenager DIY podcasting Mix up music tracks with an original voice-over to produce your
10.00 am–3.00 pm Free with Museum entry make a take-home fan and hear stories from the Far East. workshop own 'live' radio show, and save it as an mp3 file to keep. Bring
10.00 am–3.30 pm
your own favourite CDs, an mp3 player to save your podcast
Suitable for ages 11–16yrs only.
SoundHouse VectorLab onto, and lots of enthusiasm!
Cost: PHM members $70; Non-members
Thursday 5 October Early Australian quilts Dr Kimberley Webber, senior curator, Australian History & Society
$100 (includes student membership)
and their makers tells the history of pieced and quilted textiles in Australia through
11.00 am–12.30 pm
a selection of the 19th century quilts in the collection.
Suitable for ages 12+
Cost: members only, adult $15
Sunday 26 November Powerhouse Members Take advantage of a red-hot 20% discount on all stock in the
discount shopping day Powerhouse Shop. This is your chance to complete all of your
10.00 am–5.00 pm
Christmas shopping, so join us for a selection of gifts that range
from the exciting to the unusual. There is sure to be something
Thurs 5, Tues 10 October Rocket design workshop The Chinese invented rockets about 1232. They were called to suit everyone.
6.00–10.00 pm Cost: $20 child/$18 Members child ‘arrows of flying fire’. Special rocket-launching workshops will be
Sydney Observatory Bookings essential held during the school holidays.
Friday 6 October Chinese Moon Festival Celebrate China's Moon Festival with Sydney Observatory’s Thursday 30 November d factory Join in the discussion as Nell Schofield talks to designers and
6:15–8.00 pm Cost: $22 adults, $16 child/conc/$68 Family southern hemisphere version, an evening of music, poetry, 6.00–8.30 pm Free entry. No bookings required artists working together to create thought-provoking public art.
(2 adults /3 children). Members: $20 adults,
Sydney Observatory $14 child/$60 family. Bookings essential storytelling, mooncakes and telescope viewing of the full Moon.
+ 14 powerline spring 06 + 15 powerline spring 06
I first laid eyes on this majestic name of Komeroff, (?)… It approximately 50 painters, 24 The female nude is no girlie
glass painting over 20 years was a show piece, always signwriters, six silkscreeners, pin-up, though no doubt
ago when I was researching positioned inside the business two ticket writers and had she was popular with the
an exhibition on trade union entrance… It was taken from a carpenters’ shop of six, a apprentices. The allegorical
australian history curator
members get a closer look kimberley webber with banners for the Powerhouse the George Street business to saleman, two estimators, three image represents the muse of
at our tour in july. members in the transport
open display area at castle
Museum. I was tracking down the next premises in Sussex office staff and one truck painting, seated at the base
hill on 4 july. the Sydney firms responsible Street… it survived a fire and driver. When he retired in 2000, of a classical column holding
for banner painting and I was moved to the new factory he offered the Powerhouse the attributes of the trade — a
could not believe my eyes next door at 333 Sussex Street, Museum the painting. The brush and easel. A portrait
when, inside a small front built for Jack Althouse, the trade was effectively obsolete. bust, sketches, drawings and
office off Paramatta Road in son of the founder. This was He knew of the Museum’s a canvas are grouped at her
Camperdown, I was met by where many of the existing large collection of glass pub feet. A circular gold frame,
this naked siren. Althouse & Geiger employees paintings, initially acquired secured at four points to an
saw the panel in all its glory in through the Tooths Collection ornate art nouveau border,
In the 1980s the Althouse
the foyer above the entrance mostly dating from the early surrounds the figure. Above
& Geiger factory still had
castle hill holds a large doors to the factory. I first saw 20th century. and below the central cameo
several tradesmen who could
collection of costumes and this panel in 1953 … and now are two elegantly lettered
models. replicate the old skills of the The Althouse & Geiger glass
its final resting place is at the bands bearing the name of
trade, making everything sign was painted when trade
Powerhouse Museum where the company and its trades.
from trade union banners, skills were at their pinnacle,
it can be appreciated as the On either side are two
sports pennants to silkscreen and it was intended to display
finest example of early sign monumental vases displaying
advertisements. The manager the finest work of signwriters,
w Len Sims was himself a
work produced in Australia.’
painters and decorators. These
waratah blooms. The native
flora is derived from the
tradesman and proud of When the glass painting was tradesmen were skilled at
designs of French Australian
his firm’s history, and most executed, the firm’s work combining image and text on
artist Lucien Henry whose
particularly this glass painting. was regarded as the finest a public scale for all kinds of
Powerhouse Members would events. See the order form bookplates for Australian
members like to celebrate the launch
of the 2007 Australian sky
insert in this issue of Powerline He told me all about the
founders, J Althouse and F A
of its type. A contemporary
report from The Australian
advertising. The application of
oil paint and gilding on glass
Decorative Arts, are also held
to purchase your copy at the in the Museum.
giveaway guide. This popular book members' discount price, or Geiger, who were tradesmen
Decorator & Painter Journal of
1 December 1909 records that
required a high level of skill,
and this painting is a virtuoso This commercial glass painting
includes everything you need for your chance to win a copy, from Philadelphia. They
the two founders had ‘studied display. Glass painting required occupies a unique place in
to know about the night simply phone the Powerhouse migrated together to Sydney
drawing and painting at the all the work to be done from Sydney’s popular culture and
sky with monthly star maps, Members hotline after 10.00am in 1875 and established a
[Sydney] Art Society’s classes the back of the glass with complements the Museum’s
diagrams and details of all on Monday 10 September business first in Liverpool
... The firm’s advent made a the aid of a mirror, facing the collection of the building
the year’s exciting celestial and quote your membership Street, which rapidly expanded
lasting impression upon the front of the glass. All the tone trades, an integral part of NSW
number. to 584a George Street. The
trade ... the artistic character values of colour were applied urban and design history.
painting was created in the
of the work they carried out in reverse — with highlights
George Street site over several Ann Stephen, Curator
did much to develop an put down first and the deepest
years, around 1900. Australian History and Society
appreciation of good sign tones last. In 1918 the painting Now on display on level 5
As part of History Week, organised by
As Sims recalls, ‘Many work ...’ was awarded first prize in the History Council of NSW, curator Ann of the Museum, this glass
painting is a virtuoso display
tradesmen worked on this the Painters & Decorators Stephen and conservator Gosha Dudek will
of the signwriters’ art,
When Sims began his discuss ‘the siren of the sign’ on Thursday
masterpiece. The pictorial Exhibition at Sydney Town Hall. 21 September at 1.00 pm. Free with museum combining pictorial work,
apprenticeship with the entry, bookings essential. Enquiries: 9217 lettering, marbling and gilding.
artwork was done by Geiger 0353, ann@phm.gov.au Photo by marinco kojdanovski
firm in 1954 they employed
and a Russian artist by the
+ 16 powerline spring 06 + 17 powerline autumn 06
artist guan wei working in his studio, courtesy the artist and sherman galleries; opposite: other places: shenmu country, guan wei, ink on paper, 2006.
+ 18 powerline spring 06 + 19 powerline spring 06
Powerline an insight into the making of the film. intriguing, eccentric and popular
exhibits for over a century. Inspired
by the astronomical clock in the
story_khoa do Strasbourg Cathedral, the model can
be appreciated on many levels.
footy legends
Set in Sydney's western McDonald’s in Australia was forward to, something that of lads from Yagoona. There changed, but at its core the chasing dreams that seemed And what a mad, mad year
ORDER NOW—see insert
suburbs, Footy legends built here (then in the late brought us together, and most have been so many real-life main theme of Footy legends so far away. One of my hopes it was with pre-production in this issue
tells the story of Luc, and ‘90s, it was one of the first importantly, it was fun. stories of the most unlikely has stayed the same — that with Footy legends is to for Footy legends beginning 2007 Australian sky guide
his six mates, who enter a McDonald’s to close down). teams triumphing, and we if you believe in yourself, then make a film where every kid in the weeks following NICK LOMB
And that’s where the idea for
footy tournament to save knew that if we’d made such a anything is possible. The world from Yagoona to Penrith to the announcement. Later Compact, easy to use and reliable, the
So with not much to do, we Footy legends came from. Sky guide contains month-by-month
their families and bring back story, set entirely in our world, changed during this time, and Kalgoorlie, will believe that his in September 2005 I was
played footy. I joined the Four years ago, whilst I was constellations, tidal charts, Sun and
hope to their community. then it could be something inadvertently, I think our script dreams are possible. honoured to receive the Moon rise and set times, facts on all
Yagoona Twin Willows rugby making The finished people,
Footy Legends was released really refreshing and unique in changed with it. Powerhouse Wizard award. the planets, meteorite movements
league team (named after our my brother Anh and I were Footy legends was made plus details of the year’s most exciting
in cinemas nationally on 3 Australian cinema. I have great memories of
local pub), and we were the having dinner one night when Ultimately Footy legends isn’t during 2005, one of the most astronomical events.
August. visiting the Museum as a kid,
worst team in the competition. we thought: 'wouldn’t it be So we embarked on a journey a film about footy. It’s a film amazing years of my life. On Available October 2006
(a photo of me was even in
When I was 12, our family We had players who were great to make a film with footy to make Footy legends. about family, about friendship, Australia Day in January 2005, I RRP $16.95/ MEMBERS $15.25
an exhibition in 1988!), so the
moved to the suburb of big, players who were small, in it?' As we started talking, we about finding a place for heard my named called out by
Over the next two years, Wizard award is something Powerhouse books
Yagoona, just west of players from different ethnic realised that while Australia yourself in the world. It’s about the Prime Minister as the 2005
the script was written by I am really proud of. And are available from the
Sydney’s Hume Highway. Most backgrounds, but we had no is a sports-mad country, we realising broken dreams and Young Australian of the Year.
myself, Anh and Anh’s wife, the scholarship money that Powerhouse Shop,
people travel past Yagoona players with any talent. Every don’t have many films with ambitions. It’s about finding a It was an exciting moment,
Suzanne. Working with Anh came with the award really bookstores and mailorder.
when they’re on their way game, we would lose by forty sports in it. That night, we way home. and one which will stay with
and Suzie was a wonderful helped with finishing Footy For more information or
somewhere, but not many points. came up with the concept me forever. However, I couldn’t
process, where we knew Watching the film now takes legends. It has been great to order contact
actually stop here. Yagoona’s for the film, and realised that help but think to myself: 'how
But it never stopped us from each others’ strengths and me back many years, to days to be associated with the
only claim to fame was that through sports, anything was are we gonna make Footy opposite: the yagoona team, with Powerhouse Publishing
playing. We loved our footy. complemented one another. on the football field, days Powerhouse this past year and anh do (centre) as luc. Photo
in the 1970s, the first-ever possible — even for a bunch legends now? I’m never gonna by tram do. this page: dao minh on (02) 9217 0129 or email
It was something we looked During that time the script out in the last light of dusk, I hope you all enjoy the film. sinh as grandad (left) director
be around.' khoa do and leslie dayman as bob;
phpub@phm.gov.au
The Powerhouse Wizard award is peter phelps and khoa do on the
sponsored by Wizard Home Loans. set. Photos by mark rogers.
powerhousemuseum.com/publications
+ 20 powerline spring 06 + 21 powerline spring 06
www.dhub.org
those who donated them.
This was a wonderful result, and I would again
like to thank all those who have given. Every
donation brings the endowment fund that
A sleek barbeque, artificial heart pump, ambient cordless lamp and fun much closer to its $5 million target, from which
foldaway trike for kids are just some of the products on show in the Museum collections inevitably an increasingly savvy design news and reviews across all
the capital can be spent on acquiring and
2006 Australian Design Awards exhibition. spend the majority of time audience. Raw data just design fields. Over time it will
conserving significant objects for the collection.
in storage. Painstakingly wouldn’t cut it. also feature competitions, We hope that 2006 Annual Appeal will be even
documented and stored podcasts, blogs, promotions more successful than the previous year — and
The solution was to create an
by registrars, many objects and merchandise. Design Hub encourage all Powerhouse members and
online design magazine using
acquired by our state and gives these collections and friends to consider giving what you can. Every
clever by design
the latest in web creativity
national institutions may never resources a contemporary donation makes a difference.
tools, while providing an inroad
be publicly displayed, for a context and appeal for its
to some of the most important
raft of different reasons. The audience, which includes
design and decorative arts
Powerhouse Museum alone emerging and professional For further information on the Foundation, or
collections in the world.
holds more than 400,000 designers, people working and how to donate go to www.powerhousemuseum.
Since 1992 the Powerhouse Museum has recognised The winner of the 2006 Australian Design Award Design Hub was developed
objects. researching in the field, and com/foundation or contact the Foundation
excellence in Australian product design with its own of the Year, the ResMed S8 flow generator and by the Powerhouse Museum
anyone with a general interest Office on 9217 0564.
award as part of the annual Australian Design Awards HumidAire 3i humidifier system, is also featured in Today most major museums with the University of Western
in design. Malcolm Moir, Corporate Development Manager,
program. The Museum’s selection criteria include the exhibition. Designed to prevent airway collapse deal with this lack of access Sydney and the University
by digitising collection records of Technology, Sydney, and The goal now for Design Hub malcolm@phm.gov.au
good design, innovation, and the significance of a in sleep apnea patients by providing positive air
product to Australia’s material culture. The selected pressure to the upper airway during sleep, this device and making parts of the officially launched during is to build momentum and
products are displayed in the Success and innovation is more than 60% smaller than earlier models, making collection searchable online. Sydney Design 06. It currently get as many institutions on
exhibition and some are added to the Museum’s it more appealing and easier for patients to integrate The Powerhouse Museum has includes the Powerhouse board as possible. Through
Recent Donors
permanent collection of Australian industrial design. into their lifestyle. always played a leading role Museum collection along continuing research and
in this area. When the Museum with a range of articles, and development, assisted by an Anthony McIntyre
Once again the Australian Design Awards exhibition Other products in the exhibition include a new style was looking for a way to make overseas collections will be Australian Research Council Macquarie Bank Foundation
features a diverse range of products — from of police vest, a cordless drill, a system for preventing its design and decorative added progressively as they (ARC) grant and the project’s
consumer and sporting items to advanced medical man overboard, and a GPS device for use by golfers arts collection available join the Design Hub project. partners at UWS and UTS, this David S Clarke AO
technology. The Jeppe Utzon barbeque represents to track their game on the green. online, and link up with similar specialist team will ensure the
Design Hub is the only online Amanda & Ric Porter
a new approach to barbeque design — its sleek collections around the world success and survival of this
The exhibition also includes design models from a design resource that brings
stainless steel finish is designed to complement — like the V&A Museum and landmark project.
The Finkel Foundation
number of finalists in the Student Awards category of together design collections —
contemporary architectural trends. The striking San Francisco MoMA — the
the Australian Design Awards. The Gold prize winner and the expertise that comes www.dhub.org
titanium VentrAssist is an implantable pump designed challenge was to look beyond
in this category, EV — Ergonomic Violin, is an electric with those collections — in
as a permanent alternative to heart transplantation. the searchable database Nicole Bearman
violin designed with interchangeable removable a magazine-style format that
The only moving part is a rotating impeller which models already in use. It had Design Hub Editor
frames that can be customised to the player. A ‘self includes interviews, essays,
‘floats’ in the blood, reducing wear and potential for to be relevant and exciting to
supporting’ option means that the player no longer
blood clots. It is currently completing clinical trials in
needs to grip the instrument under the chin and
the USA and Europe.
reduces the incidence of shoulder problems.
The NEOZ rechargeable cordless lamps provide
The Powerhouse Museum is the only Australian
ambient lighting for dining tables in commercial and
museum that actively collects and records
domestic environments. The lamps are available in a
contemporary Australian industrial design, and the
number of designs and can be switched to different
Powerhouse Museum Selection from the Australian
light levels such as ‘candle’ and ‘fade’. The system
Design Awards is a key part of building this collection.
includes base stations, power supplies, storage razor jr scuttlebug by ideation the Design Hub graphic identity
trays and trolleys and is an evolution of the V3 range Angelique Hutchison, Curator, Product Design design and funtastic ltd in created by Mark Gowing
the australian design awards is typeset in the 50 most
that is currently exported to high profile hotels and Supported by Australian Design Awards, a division of Standards Australia. selection at the powerhouse. influential typefaces in design drawers from the collector's cabinets featured at
Photo by marinco kojdanovski history. the foundation's boardroom luncheon hosted by
restaurants in over 50 countries. museum deputy president, dr anne summers ao.
+
+ 22 powerline spring 06 + 23 powerline spring 06
observe
celebrate the CHINESE MOON FESTIVAL The powerhouse museum gratefully acknowledges
AND EGYPTIAN SUN GODS in spring. the support of the following organisations
+principal partners
DICK SMITH
Find the Rabbit (it is upside-down
and almost eclipsed by the
Earth’s shadow) in this image
taken during last year's lunar
eclipse by Dr Nick Lomb. ON THE BOX: GREAT MOMENTS IN Dick Smith Australian Explorer Bell THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: Dynasties, Coles Theatre, Target Theatre, the great wall of china:
AUSTRALIAN TELEVISION 1956–2006 206B Jetranger III helicopter dragons and warriors Grace Bros Courtyard, K Mart Dynasties, dragons and warriors
chang-O flies to the Moon THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: Dynasties, studios
fleeing from her husband Dragons and warriors
Hou Yi. image courtesy the
Gutenberg press project
www.wikipedia.com.
+senior partners
EcoLogic: creating a sustainable THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: dynasties, powerhouse wizard museum mascots: zoe and cogs THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: Dynasties,
future dragons and warriors ON THE BOX: GREAT MOMENTS IN Dragons and warriors
AUSTRALIAN TELEVISION 1956–2006
sydney design 06
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: Dynasties,
Dragons and warriors
V
on the box: great moments in
australian television 1956–2006
bluescope steel indesign magazine SoundHouse™ Music Alliance ansto Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
The rabbit is a common
theme among many cultures
can offer an evening of music,
poetry, storytelling, mooncakes
s aaa tours in sydney
sydney design 06
d factory SoundHouse™ music & multimedia
laboratory
science education program Official Sydney Hotel
sun gods
Sydney design 06 Mincom Limited science education program
Chinese legend of the ‘jade event, is celebrated this year LIFE FELLOWS DINNER 2006
electrolux
rabbit’, the rabbit appeared on in China, Japan, Korea and electrolux global design
and city of sydney tourism nsw trust co of australia
laboratory
the Moon because Chang-O Vietnam on the evening of sydney design 06 Poloxygen sydney design 06
(also called Chang-E), who
was married to revered archer
Friday 6 October. At our Moon
Festival, learn more about
eclipses engineers australia, sydney division
inspired! design across time
tv week
Monument
Sydney design 06
engineering excellence 2005 Radio 2Ue
Hou Yi, fled to the Moon Chang-O and Hou Yi, who on the box: great moments in
on the box: great moments in australian television 1956–2006
after eating her husband’s represent the Moon and the australian television 1956–2006
During History Week Egyptians had their own home beautiful
immortality pill, given to him Sun, and embody night and
in September, Sydney constellations, which played Sydney Design 06
as a reward. When Chang-O day, yin and yang.
Observatory astronomer a role in their mythology and
arrived on the Moon she was
Chinese astronomy and Melissa Hulbert delves rituals. Melissa will show how
so exhausted that she spat out +platinum corporate members +gold corporate members +silver corporate members
rocket technology will feature into one of history’s most they relate to our skies today,
the pill’s casing. This casing
throughout the school holidays fascinating cultures, the using images from the tombs
turned into a jade rabbit
with special rocket-launching ancient Egyptians, and and temples. Amp adobe multiplex Arab Bank Australia PDc Creative
and Chang-O turned into a
workshops. The Chinese explains their links with boeing australia corporate culture sinclair knight merz Dunlop Flooring Australia tabcorp
three-legged toad. Chang-O Throughout time, eclipses
invented rockets about 1232. modern astronomy. GE jcdecaux transgrid hasbro TAFE NSW: SYDNEY INSTITUTE
commanded the jade rabbit have inspired awe and wonder.
They were called ‘arrows of thomson playford lilyfield printing MACQUARIE BANK FOUNDATION THOMSON TELECOM AUSTRALIA
to make pills of immortality in The night sky and the stars Find out what the Egyptians
flying fire’ because the black massmedia studios nsw department of lands Weir minerals australia
the form of tiny moons so she were an important part in believed when their day
powder burst into flame and
could return to earth and give ancient Egyptian life. The turned briefly to night. Melissa
sent the rocket flying into the
these to her husband.* 24-hour day and the 365- will also show spectacular
air. There will be children’s + state government partners +australian government partners
day calendar were concepts images of a recent eclipse
You don’t have to be Chinese storytelling every day at 2.00
first used by the Egyptians. over Turkey. Join Melissa on
to be enchanted by the Moon. pm. For further details see the
Pyramids and temples Tuesday 19 September from the powerhouse museum is australia council for the arts
Though Sydney Observatory Members Calendar, page 12. a statutory authority of,
totality in turkey, 2006; ceiling throughout Egypt were aligned 3.00–4.30pm. Talk includes and principally funded by, australian research council
cannot offer immortality, it * Source: Latson, Marie-Louise, 1984, the nsw state government.
Chinese traditional festivals, New World
of the hathors temple at and built according to the afternoon tea. For details and
dendera in egypt.
Press, Beijing, China. stars. bookings on (02) 9921 3485. casino community benefit fund nsw
environmental trust
for more information on sponsorship opportunities and giving to the powerhouse museum please contact miranda purnell on (02) 9217 0577.
Powerhouse Membership
It makes a great gift!
exhibitions at a glance
I wish to join Powerhouse Members I wish to renew my membership
september_october_november 2006
Membership number (if renewing):
The Great Wall of China: dynasties, Inspired! Design across time
dragons and warriors Level 4
INDIVIDUAL 1 year 2 years 3 years
Level 4, from 28 September Standard $60 $108 $153
Featuring fashion, furniture, textiles,
Built over a period of more than 2000 glass, graphics, ceramics and Concession/country*
$30 $54 $77
years, the Great Wall of China is both metalwork. Inspired! surveys 300 Name to go on card
an astonishing monument and the years of decorative arts and design. *Concession applies to full-time students, seniors, pensioners, unemployed.
symbol of ancient empires. Featuring Discover the power of objects and Country members must live more than 150 km from Sydney GPO.
treasures never before seen outside the pleasure of people who use and
China, this exhibition tells the story of treasure them. HOUSEHOLD** 1 year 2 years 3 years
the Great Wall, from its pre-dynastic Standard $85 $153 $217
beginnings to its iconic status today.
Paradise, Purgatory and Hellhole: a Concession/country* $50 $90 $127
history of Pyrmont and Ultimo ** A household is up to two adults and all students under 18 years at the same address. Country
Other histories: Guan Wei’s fable for a
Level 3, Australian Communities households must be more than 150 km from Sydney GPO. Concession applies to full-time students,
contemporary world Gallery Until 15 October
Level 5, from 11 october seniors, pensioners, unemployed and all adults in the household must be eligible for concession.
Experience some of the many human
An exhibition of mural paintings stories from a community that hasn’t
created by the acclaimed Chinse-
Name to go on first card
stopped shifting and changing, from
Australian artist Guan Wei for the rural estate to industrial suburb and
Museum’s Asian Gallery. Guan Wei’s Name to go on second card
today’s highly developed urban
fable is inspired by the epic voyages environment.
of Zheng He, the 15th century Chinese Card number (for concession memberships)
navigator, and artefacts from the
Our new home (Meie uus Kodu):
Museum’s collection.
Estonian Australian stories
Level 3, Australian Communities
I wish to give a gift membership
In your face: contemporary graphic Gallery
design GIFT MEMBERSHIP RECIPIENT
From late November
Level 3, closes 5 November
This new exhibition in the Australian Name
From advertisers and animators to a Communities Gallery will focus on the
tattoo artist, this fascinating exhibition Estonian community that settled in and
gives the inside story on graphic Address
around the Thirlmere district of New
design. In your face explores what South Wales.
makes some designs stand out from Postcode
the crowd.
Engineering Excellence
Level 4, Success and Innovation
Phone number (BH)
On the box: great moments in gallery
Australian television
Outstanding engineering projects
Email
Level 4
from the Engineers Australia (Sydney
Fifty years of Australian television Division) Engineering Excellence Please send the membership to The giver Directly to the recipient
broadcasting are celebrated in this awards.
landmark exhibition. From Pick-a-Box Future renewal notices to be sent to: The giver The recipient
to Blankety Blanks, Number 96 to Strasburg Clock
Neighbours, On the box showcases Level 4 Card message (if applicable)
rare costumes, props and sets from our
most loved television programs. Following a long period of preservation
work the treasured ‘Strasburg’ model,
based on Strasbourg Cathedral’s
GIFT MEMBERSHIP GIVER
Australian Design Awards
Level 4 in Success & Innovation famous astronomical clock, returns
gallery to a new location next to the new Name
The Powerhouse selection from the decorative arts and design gallery,
Australian Design Awards features Inspired! Design across time. Address
outstanding achievements in design.
Postcode
Fax
PAYMENT DETAILS
Total cost of membership: $
I would also like to make a donation to the Powerhouse Foundation of $
to help build our collection (donations over $2.00 are tax deductible).
atn 7 news crew from the 1960s. Photo: Seven Network; bronze,
I enclose a cheque/money order for this amount made payable to
gold and silver ornament for a horse-drawn carriage (475–221 Powerhouse Members.
bce). collection of the national museum of china; animation still,
suburban harmony by silent/telemetry orchestra, directed by
steve scott, pod, sydney.
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Sydney Observatory Card number Expiry /
Smart works: design and the
handmade Cardholder name
By the light of the southern stars
From 30 March 2007
Look behind the Southern Cross, hear
Aboriginal stories about the sky and This exhibition will show the work
see instruments from Australia’s first of selected Australian and New Signature
major observatory. Zealand makers who, as all or part
of their practice, design for their Date that gift should be received by
own production or develop working
relationships with industry, locally While all effort will be made to meet deadline, please allow 14 days processing.
and internationally. Covering furniture,
lighting, metalwork, jewellery, ceramics, Please complete all relevant sections and return to the members department:
glass, textiles and fashion, attention
+ By fax on 9217 0140 + By post to: Powerhouse Members
will focus on design processes and
sustainable practice. PO Box K346, Haymarket, NSW 1238 or phone the Members hotline on 9217 0600.
Please phone the Members Hotline for information about other gift membership
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