State Library of NSW showcases 15 fascinating objects from its collection
The State Library of New South Wales has highlighted 15 remarkable items, such as a lock of hair from Mary Shelley, which was sent to Alexander Berry posthumously in 1851 and later donated by Alexander Hay around 1941. Among the collection is the smallest book, measuring 6mm by 6mm, featuring the Lord's Prayer in six different languages. Additionally, bread wrappers gathered by Susan Stephenson during the 1960s were contributed in 2024. Edward Close's sketchbook from 1817 captures colonial life, while the earliest Australian political cartoon from 1808 illustrates Governor Bligh's arrest. Other notable pieces include Karla Dickens's 2018 artwork 'Rum runners', Schindler's list from 1945, and John Lewin's 'Birds of New South Wales' (1813). The library's inaugural book order from 1826 did not include any fiction.
Key facts
- Smallest book in collection: 6mm x 6mm, Lord's Prayer in six languages, published by International Gutenberg Society, Mainz.
- Lock of Mary Shelley's hair sent to Alexander Berry after her death in 1851, donated by Alexander Hay around 1941.
- Bread wrappers collected by Susan Stephenson in 1960s, donated to library in 2024.
- Edward Close sketchbook from 1817 acquired in 2009.
- Dharawal wordlist is one of 250 Indigenous languages wordlists.
- Earliest Australian political cartoon from 1808 depicts arrest of Governor Bligh.
- Karla Dickens's 'Rum runners' (2018) critiques colonial legacy.
- Schindler's list from 1945 came with Thomas Keneally's papers in 1996.
- Cigarette cards from 1906 featuring jockeys, opposed by Sydney Parents & Citizens Association in 1914.
- Playbill from 1800 found in Sydney Gazette, printed by George Hughes at Government Press.
- Ladies purse from 1844 owned by Scott family, including Rose Scott.
- John Lewin's 'Birds of New South Wales' (1813) first illustrated book printed in Australia.
- Tea leaves from Kamay/Botany Bay taken by Mary Bryant in 1791.
- First book order in 1826 for Australian Subscription Library, no fiction.
- Holtermann collection of 3,500 glass plate negatives discovered in 1951 in Chatswood.
- Sarah Cobcroft portrait (1856) by Joseph Backler, presented to library in 1962.
- Fergus Hume's 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab' (1886) sold over 750,000 copies.
Entities
Artists
- Mary Shelley
- Edward Close
- Karla Dickens
- John Lewin
- Maria Lewin
- Henry Beaufoy Merlin
- Charles Bayliss
- Joseph Backler
- Fergus Hume
Institutions
- State Library of New South Wales
- International Gutenberg Society
- Sydney Parents & Citizens Association
- Australian Subscription Library
- Government Press
Locations
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- Mainz
- Sydney
- Chatswood
- Kamay/Botany Bay
- Wilberforce
- Hawkesbury River
- Melbourne
- London
- Brünnlitz