THE INNAUGURAL AUSTRALIAN SYMPOSIOUM ON FURNITURE HISTORY
TO BE HELD AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
CANBERRA, MARCH 24-25 2007
REGISTRATION FORMS AND THE PROGRAMME OF SPEAKERS/SUBJECTS CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM FROM THE PDF DOCUMENTS LOCATED TO THE RIGHT OF YOUR SCREEN. Please follow the directions under the PDF logos
Read below for a brief overview of this event
Proudly convened by The Furniture History Society of Australasia and the Friends of The National Museum of Australia
The Inaugural National Furniture History Symposium will offer for the first time an opportunity for like-minded people to share in current expert knowledge. Over two days, participants will have a variety of papers from experts ¨C professional and amateurs, plus the opportunity to participate in local field trips. The programme has been designed to include a mix of longer keynote papers and shorter well-illustrated and interactive sessions focussed on a particular pieces or topics.
The Friends of the National Museum of Australia will be hosting the event that includes use of the NMA is fully equipped audio-visual Visions theatre. The theatre provides comfortable seating with full audiovisual support to aid in presenting a clear and lively programme. The associated friends lounge, public foyer, lakeside grounds provide a wonderful setting for morning/afternoon teas and lunches. An optional symposium dinner will also be held at the museum on the Saturday evening, providing a chance to socialise and catch up with colleagues.
The content will cover a broad cross-section of interests in the subject, to appeal to academics and novices alike. The objectives are to further interests of members of the convening groups, and others, in the history, preservation and display of significant items of furniture and associated decorative arts. By providing a platform for presentation and discussion it is hoped increase an understanding of the work performed by institutional staff in curatorial and conservation roles, and to bring importance and appreciation to the private research that contributes to the subject by no small means.
Below is a list of subjects and presenters that have been confirmed. There are one or more to be confirmed so log back in to see updates.
First Fleet Table and selected furniture from the store of the National Museum of Australia - Rebecca Nason and David Thurrowgood discuss the acquisition of the table made of Casuarina sent back to England by Dr. John White, the appointed Surgeon General to the First Fleet in 1787, and interesting furniture selected from the store.
Whose Choice? - The influence of women on Australian furniture - Elaine Lawson, adviser to the Official Establishments Trust
Integrated architecture: Marion Mahony and Walter Burley Griffin’s Furniture and Interiors - Anne Watson, Curator of Architecture and Design, The Power House Museum NSW
Peter Thomson, Scottish Delineator - Jim Martin, Vice chairman of the Furniture History Society (NSW). Discoveries and findings of Jim's research on this elusive furniture designer
The Giles Grendys Daybed in the National Gallery of Victoria, c. 1735-40 - Amanda Dunsmore Curator of decorative Arts and Antiquities, National Gallery of Victoria
The Caroline Simpson collection and Historic Houses Trust – two institutions merge, - Scott Carlin, Curator Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales
Ruth Lane Poole – Pioneer Australian Furniture and Interior Designer – Susan Withycombe, biographer on Ruth Lane-Poole, Lane Pooles influences on furniture and interior design
The Dating Game - When and under what circumstances are metal furniture fixtures useful? Ray Gurney, furniture (and associated metals) conservator, private practice, Sydney. Trained at London College of Furniture and West Dean College, Chichester.
Impact of Forestry and CSIRO on the use of Australian cabinet timbers in early 20th Century - Facilitated Panel discussion
Importance of our 20th century furniture legacy – Greg Peters, Furniture Conservator in private practice, architectural designed furniture for iconic Australian buildings
The Influence of Anglo-Indian and Anglo Chinese Furniture in Colonial Australia - Warwick Oakman, third generation antique dealer and furniture and architectural historian. Hobart, Tasmania
20th Century furniture materials, a history and time line – Alan Perry, retired cabinet maker and furniture restorer/conservator
Tasmanian Colonial Furniture - Peter Hughes, Curator of Decorative Arts, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
The symposium will run from 10am both days, until extra curricula activities at 3pm. Individual registrations will cost $160 per person, including morning and afternoon teas, lunches, attendance at all sessions, a bound set of papers, and participation in field trip. Registration will be limited due to the seating in the theatre. The optional Symposium dinner on Saturday night 24 March will be at extra cost.
The symposium is being organised by unpaid volunteers from the Canberra contingent of the FHS with the support of the Friends of the National Museum of Australia. Due to the generous donation from the Museum of its facilities and staff, any surplus earned will be used to support furniture research at the Museum.
For further information email us at .
or ring Greg Peters and Jim Kennedy on 0414 710 573 or 0418 449 655 respectively.
