Media Release 14 Feb 2008
Visitors to the State Library are now able to rediscover WA’s past thanks to a new exhibit and tours showcasing the remarkable work of the Historical Records Rescue Consortium.
Set up in 2003 with the help of a $3 million Lotterywest grant, the Historical Records Rescue Consortium had the mammoth task of preserving over 700,000 items that were rapidly deteriorating from the JS Battye Library of West Australian History.
Five years later the project is exceeding all expectations, saving over 800,000 pages of newspapers, 75,000 photographic negatives (of which 45,000 are available online) and nearly 150 motion picture films.
The exhibition, To the Rescue! celebrates the achievements, milestones and struggles faced in saving these unique records, many of which date back to the mid 1800’s.
Now visitors to the Library can participate in behind the scenes tours that bring to life many of the rescued treasures. Project manager Pat Beament said that while people are generally aware that the Library holds a large collection of historical records and memorabilia many don’t realise how close these records were to being lost through deterioration.
“Free to the public and hosted by those directly working on the rescue, these tours are great way of connecting the public with Western Australia’s past and for those with an inquisitive mind, there is a treat in store!” Some memorable artefacts that have been rescued include never before seen photographs of Sir Charles Court as a young boy and portraits of WA’s WW1 soldiers.
“There are so many remarkable stories that have been uncovered. In the tours you’ll get to see newspapers with scandalous headlines, original photographic plates and artefacts from momentous occasions”.
All tours are free and bookings are recommended as places are limited – call 9427 3111.
Media enquiries:Doug George, Manager: Public Programs, State Library of Western Australia
Ph. (08) 9427 3150 Email: doug.george@slwa.wa.gov.au
Pat Beament, Project Manager, Historical Records Rescue Consortium
Ph. (08) 9427 3313 Email: pat.beament@slwa.wa.gov.au
Set up in 2003 with the help of a $3 million Lotterywest grant, the Historical Records Rescue Consortium had the mammoth task of preserving over 700,000 items that were rapidly deteriorating from the JS Battye Library of West Australian History.
Five years later the project is exceeding all expectations, saving over 800,000 pages of newspapers, 75,000 photographic negatives (of which 45,000 are available online) and nearly 150 motion picture films.
The exhibition, To the Rescue! celebrates the achievements, milestones and struggles faced in saving these unique records, many of which date back to the mid 1800’s.
Now visitors to the Library can participate in behind the scenes tours that bring to life many of the rescued treasures. Project manager Pat Beament said that while people are generally aware that the Library holds a large collection of historical records and memorabilia many don’t realise how close these records were to being lost through deterioration.
“Free to the public and hosted by those directly working on the rescue, these tours are great way of connecting the public with Western Australia’s past and for those with an inquisitive mind, there is a treat in store!” Some memorable artefacts that have been rescued include never before seen photographs of Sir Charles Court as a young boy and portraits of WA’s WW1 soldiers.
“There are so many remarkable stories that have been uncovered. In the tours you’ll get to see newspapers with scandalous headlines, original photographic plates and artefacts from momentous occasions”.
All tours are free and bookings are recommended as places are limited – call 9427 3111.
Media enquiries:Doug George, Manager: Public Programs, State Library of Western Australia
Ph. (08) 9427 3150 Email: doug.george@slwa.wa.gov.au
Pat Beament, Project Manager, Historical Records Rescue Consortium
Ph. (08) 9427 3313 Email: pat.beament@slwa.wa.gov.au
