POWERLINE

+ the magazine of the powerhouse museum winter 06

sydney design

+ 0 powerline winter 06
contents
issue 82
JUNE JULY AUGUST 2006
+ @
from the
director
powerhousemuseum.com
Front Cover Sydney opera
house Mid 1960s, photo by max
dupain, gift of resmed Asia
Pacific Ltd 2005. reproduced
courtesy max dupain &
associates.
back cover Charles and
Ray Eames, lounge chair
and ottoman, USA, 1956. Gift
of Herman Miller (Aust) Pty
Ltd, 1987. photo by marinco
kojdanovski.
O2 From the director
03 Powerpicks
06 Launch: On the box
07 Sydney Design 06
08 New exhibition: In your face
10 Interview: Patricia Urquiola
11 Members news
12 Members calendar
14 Members scene and prizes
15 China study tour
16 New publication: Building a masterpiece
18 Recent acquisition: Mastertouch donation
20 New exhibition: Works wonders
21 Name a star
22 Sydney Observatory news
23 Corporate partners
24 Exhibitions at a glance
Australia recently lost one of
its foremost architects with
the passing of Harry Seidler.
Harry had been a good friend
of the Powerhouse Museum
for many years. He spoke at
numerous Museum events
and our collection includes
a range of models of major
Seidler buildings. We have
marked Harry’s contribution
to Australian architecture
and design by assembling in
the foyer several showcases
containing models of his work.
The Seidler display is but a
small example of the Museum’s
very strong collection holdings
and commitment to Australian
and international design in
all its manifestations. Design
is one on the Museum’s
key drivers — indeed our
corporate identity includes
the tag-line ‘Science + Design’.
This issue of Powerline
features a range of stories
relating to major design
exhibitions and programs
Where to find us
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney Museum in 2002. Alastair has
Opening hours 10.00 am – 5.00 pm every day (except Christmas
Day). School holiday opening hours 9.30 am – 5.00 pm
Contact details
Postal address: PO Box K346, Haymarket NSW 1238
Telephone (02) 9217 0111 Every effort has been made to locate owners of copyright for the images
Infoline (02) 9217 0444, Education (02) 9217 0222
The Powerhouse Museum, part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
also incorporating Sydney Observatory, is a NSW government cultural institution.
being held at the Museum in
coming months.
Foremost among this program
is our annual festival, Sydney
Design 06. As many members
will recall, this program used
to be called Sydney Design
Week but it has grown so
large that a week could not
do it justice. Sydney Design
06 encompasses a huge array
of exhibitions and programs
at the Museum and a host of
other venues across greater
Sydney. It is, without doubt,
the foremost design festival
in Sydney, if not Australia. This
is the tenth year the Museum
has co-ordinated this program;
it has been growing strongly
in both scope and impact in
recent years so I hope many of
you will get along to some of
its events.
Our elegant new book,
Building a masterpiece: the
Sydney Opera House, edited
by Powerhouse curator
Powerline is produced by the Print Media Department
of the Powerhouse Museum
PO Box K346, Haymarket NSW 1238 recently added to this holding
Editor: Tracy Goulding with a significant donation of
Editorial coordinator: Deborah Renaud Hindu and Buddhist bronzes,
Design: Triggerdesign Japanese netsuke and a large
Photography: Powerhouse Museum unless otherwise stated.
in this publication. Any inquiries should be directed to the Rights and
Permissions Officer, Powerhouse Museum.
ISSN 1030-5750 © Trustees of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
Trustees
Dr Nicholas G Pappas,
President
Dr Anne Summers AO,
Deputy President
Mr Mark Bouris
Ms Trisha Dixon
Mr Andrew Denton
Ms Susan Gray
Ms Margaret Seale
Mr Anthony Sukari
Ms Judith Wheeldon
Senior Management
Dr Kevin Fewster AM, Director
Jennifer Sanders, Deputy Director,
Collections and Outreach
Mark Goggin, Associate Director,
Operations and Services
Kevin Sumption, Associate Director,
Exhibitions, Projects and Planning
Dominic Curtin, Associate Director,
Finance and Systems
Anne Watson to mark the
50th anniversary of the
the
Sydney Opera House design
competition, is another
beta_space
example of the Museum’s
design focus. Until the
experience
publication of this book, it
was probably not well known
that we hold a considerable
collection of material relating
to Australia’s greatest building,
including the company archive
of Ove Arup & Partners, the
English engineering firm that
came to Australia specifically
to tackle the daunting Opera
House commission.
And finally, if you’re interested
in design, you should try to get
along to our monthly forum,
d factory. Every month host
Nell Schofield and keynote
speakers discuss a current
issue in design. d factory
always draws a good crowd
and, best of all, it’s free.
Dr Kevin Fewster AM
Director
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More of The museum's collection goes on
display in the community and IN cyberspace.
a century
of model
making
Her Excellency Professor Marie
Bashir AC, Governor of NSW,
was among the many guests
who visited the Museum’s
display of model engines
at the Sydney Society of
Model Engineers' centenary
celebration in March.
The society is the oldest
continuously operating club
of its kind in the world, with a
site at Luddenham in Sydney’s
west that boasts tracks for
ride-on model steam trains, a
dam for boats, a circuit for car
racing, and space for model
aircraft enthusiasts to spread
their wings.
Highlights of the Museum’s
display included a rarely seen
precision model of a naval gun
and a miniature lathe used
to manufacture tiny bolts and
screws. Other favourites were
the model of the Canterbury
Lamb (a steam locomotive
made in the 1830s for the
Canterbury and Whitstable
line in England), a detailed
traction engine with winch and
cable for ploughing, and a 19th
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powerpicks
From left: Karyn Paluzzano,
MLA for Penrith, Mr John
hill, President SSME, Jennifer
Sanders, Deputy director
Powerhouse Museum, and
Her excellency Professor
marie Bashir AC, governor of
nsw, admire the model of the
canterbury lamb.
young visitors are enthralled
by a model traction engine
(foreground) and portable
engine on display. photos by
Sotha Bourn.
Miniature engines continue to work their
magic on children and adults alike.
century coal tipper made in
Germany.
The Powerhouse has a world-
class collection of model
engines, many of which
were acquired from model
enthusiast Albyn Stewart
who amassed his collection
over many years. His main
interest was marine engines
which he tested in a pond at
his Wentworth Falls home in @ Hedda Morrison outside the western city walls of Peking. Photo by Alastair
Morrison, Spring 1941. Reproduced courtesy Alastair Morrison.
the Blue Mountains. Between
1938 and 1962 he sold over
Over the past 14 years the China, and Chinese culture,
250 models to the Museum,
Powerhouse has developed as well as Hindu and Buddhist
including the traction and
portable engines shown above. Hedda’s an important collection of the
photographs and memorabilia
iconography. So the public can
have permanent access to this
The miniature lathe was made
by Belvedere Smith who set
homepage of Hedda Morrison (1908–1991), amazing collection we are in
considered one of the finest the process of developing a
up a factory and foundry in
photographers to have worked narrative-based, information-
Hurstville, Sydney, in the 1920s
to make screws for use by
in Asia. The collection has
been built up largely through
rich website drawing directly
from the Museum's database.
model makers. He donated
the generosity of her husband The website is a work in
the lathe to the Museum in
Alastair Morrison, who was progress, at the moment
1953. Both Albyn Stewart and
made a Life Fellow of the focusing on material from
Belvedere Smith were patrons
Hedda's work in Germany
of the Society of Model
and China, but more will be
Engineers.
added as time and resources
allow. We welcome members'
comments on the site at
library of books relating to powerhousemuseum.com/
Peking, the photography of heddamorrison
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w %
scientific
accolades
In March the Powerhouse
Foundation hosted a dinner in
honour of Robyn Williams, host
of ABC Radio’s The Science
Show, celebrating his 30
year contribution to science
broadcasting and education.
Robyn has been a long term
supporter of the Powerhouse
and was made a Foundation
Ambassador in 2004. Over 160
high profile guests attended
including Her Excellency,
Professor Marie Bashir AC,
Governor of NSW, Peter and
Divonne Holmes a Court and
The Honourable Neville Wran
AC along with a host of media
personalities. Television and
radio host Geraldine Doogue
The Hon Neville Wran AC, Jill Wran and Robyn Williams. Photo by marinco
kojdanovski.
p Treasures, which are regarded
greetings
in lace
LAce study Centre Volunteers
Rae Ranc, Jenny Chioatto and
Dinah Hayes with some of the
lace Cards now on sale at the
Powerhouse Shop. Photo by
Marinco Kojdanovski.
was MC for the evening
introducing an impressive
line up of speakers including
Science Show presenter,
Susan Carleton, Malcolm Long,
Director of the Australian Film,
Television and Radio School,
and Dr Peter Farrell, CEO and
Chairman of ResMed. It was an
evening of scientific anecdotes
and accolades, where the
role of the Powerhouse as
one of Australia’s leading
science museums did not
go unacknowledged. The
dinner would not have been
possible without the support
of Trust Company, an ongoing
supporter of the Powerhouse
Foundation.
Since the Lace Study Centre
opened to the public in July
2004, it has attracted an
increasing number of lace
enthusiasts from Australia
and around the world — 1036
in January, our best month
yet. More and more visitors,
including large numbers of
design students, spend hours
studying the 300 examples
of handmade lace available,
assisted by an enthusiastic
team of volunteer teachers
from the Australian Lace
Guild of NSW. Now to keep
themselves even busier,
the volunteers have started
making greeting cards while

the pocket
rocks
demonstrating their lace
making skills. Their exquisite
lace cards, based on designs
by former staff member
Rosemary Shepherd, are sold
in the Powerhouse Museum
Shop.
The lace volunteers pictured
here are holding some of
the cards made by the many
different volunteers who look
after the centre. Rae Ranc
(left), Jenny Chioatto (centre)
and Dinah Hales, all skillled
lacemakers, have dedicated
many hours to the centre,
helping to make it the succes
it has become.
young visitors enjoy themselves playing dress up in the Pocket. Photo by
marinco kojdanovski.
By now every Powerhouse
member family is probably
aware of The Pocket and its
precinct on level 3. If not, you
must get down there because,
as they say, there is something
for everyone! The Pocket is a
free play area with different
zones for children to select
what they want to do, and staff
regularly in attendance to help.
During the Kylie exhibition the
big hits were the Kylie paper
dress-ups, the ‘You could be
so lucky’ charm bracelets, and
a frock which young visitors
decorated with their own
illustrated patches (just like
Kylie’s own). Now that On the
box has opened The Pocket
has taken on a television
theme. You can make your own
takeaway TV set complete with
a cast of paddle-pop stick
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Zoe and Cogs actors, see Mr
Squiggle in the television zone,
decorate your own costumes
in our very own Costume
Department, and if you’re lucky
spot a celebrity (B1 and B2
dropped in during April!). In
the July school holidays Zoe
and Cogs will be screen hosts
on a quiz show and thanks to
the Museum’s talented model
maker Iain Scott-Stevenson
young set designers can
arrange the furniture in their
own soapie set. Whew! Luckily
there are seats so parents can
sit back and watch it all unfold.
The Pocket is open 10.30 am
– 12.30 pm weekdays and
10.30 am – 3.00 pm weekends
and public holidays.
footy fever
The socceroos celebrate their
entry into the 2006 world
cup. Photo courtesy Football
federation Australia.
Many readers will remember
the thrill of watching the
Socceroos play their way into
the 2006 World Cup when
they defeated Uruguay in
Sydney last year. This was
the culmination of a long
soccer journey in Australia
which is celebrated in a small
exhibition opening in June, The
World Cup dream: stories of
Australia's soccer mums and
dads.
Through a series of interviews
with Socceroo families, the
exhibition looks at Australia's
passion for the sport and
explores what part post-
war migration has played in
developing a football culture
here. Also featured are
interviews with Rale Rasic,
Socerroo coach in 1974 (the
last time Australia competed
in the World Cup), and Les
Murray, the well known soccer
commentator and author. And
of course there will be footy
momorabilia and video clips
from some of the Socceroo's
most memorable moments,
including the recent victory
over Uruguay. The exhibition
is opening just in time for the
the 2006 World Cup kick off in
Germany, so don't miss it!
The World Cup dream is on at the
Powerhouse from 5 June–23 July. You
can also visit the exhibition online at
migrationheritage.nsw.gov.au
A Migration Heritage Centre exhibition in
association with the Powerhouse Museum.
’
The Great Wall of China: Negotiating the objects for
dynasties, dragons and The Great Wall of China
national warriors exhibition, which
opens in September, includes
required lengthy discussions
to arrive at an object list that
treasures many Grade One National suited the needs of both
Treasures from the National the National Museum and
Museum of China, Beijing, and the Powerhouse. Once the
other participating museums. objects were agreed upon,
In China Grade One National the National Museum of China
began the process of seeking
as having the greatest cultural approval from the Ministry
significance, are distinguished of Culture and the State
from Grade Two, Grade Three, Bureau for the Administration
Ordinary Objects, and Objects of Cultural Heritage so that
for Reference. An object may the objects could leave the
be accorded ‘grade one’ status country. Curators from both
because of its rarity, beauty, institutions are now developing
quality of execution, or its audiovisuals, interactives, films,
association with a particular exhibition text and a book
person or event. The decision that will interpret and provide
to give an object this special context for these remarkable
status is made by a committee objects associated with the
of experts. history of the Great Wall.
The Great Wall of China: dynasties, dragons
Within China there are strict
and warriors opens at the Powerhouse on
guidelines about how many 29 September.
national treasures can be
included in an exhibition and
Mounted guard, bronze,
han dynasty (206 BCE – 220). curators, museum directors
Collection gansu Provincial
museum. and officials must work
within these parameters.
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On the box opens at the Powerhouse and …

the stars come out

10
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Sydney Design 06 celebrates a decade of design festivals

with a program that is bigger and better than ever.

SD06 ten years young

The day started with the buzz
of a media launch where
Mr Squiggle (and creator
Norman Hetherington) met
the press, and Stuart Wagstaff
recalled the seat-of-the-pants
excitement of live broadcasts.
It ended with a glittering night
of excitement and memories
as the stars gathered at
the Powerhouse to revisit
the glory days of Australian
television. Legendary producer
Reg Grundy, creator of such
TV icons as Prisoner and
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Sydney’s
annual design festival, now known as Sydney Design
or SD06! To mark this decade-long fling with design,
the program has become bigger, bolder and better
than before. There are events from Paddington
to Pyrmont and Parramatta with the Powerhouse
Museum as usual the centre of activity.
The focus at the Powerhouse will be on graphic
design with the new exhibition In your face
showcasing the work of 16 contemporary Australian
graphic and visual communication design studios.
Designers featured range from advertisers and
animators to a tattoo artist, promising to make it a
fascinating exhibition. Complementing this will be
the Australian Design Awards, The Sydney Morning
Herald Young Designer of the Year Award, Electrolux
Design Lab and the 2006 Home Beautiful Product
of the Year Awards, which go public for the first time
Further afield, other Sydney Design favourites to
return include workshopped, now in the upmarket
shopping precinct Chifley Plaza. Showcasing the work
of new designers, a highlight this year will be a ‘meet
the designers day’. Also returning to the program is
a very comprehensive list of architecture and design
walks by both the Sydney Architecture Walks group
and the AAA (Australian Architecture Association), who
will expand their usual Sydney program to include
Parramatta, Wollongong and Newcastle. The Historic
Houses Trust will also host a walk of the landmark
Petit & Sevitt project homes of the 1960s. Finally,
Parramatta City Council will host a SD06 project in
one of the laneways of the Parramatta CBD.
And if you don’t feel like walking, there are exhibitions
galore in the city including a selection of work by
Droog Design at Object Gallery, wonderful images
of 1920s and ’30s design by Harold Cazneaux at the
this year. Come and see the 50 product finalists in Museum of Sydney, and an exploration of reworked
ten categories, view the judging process and have and reused design at the Ivan Dougherty and UTS
your say in the people’s choice vote. And of course galleries. Last but not least, the 2006 Sydney Teapot
Neighbours, officially opened
there will be a series of talks and master classes, Show joins the fold of SD06 with a display of the
the exhibition, reminiscing
with Paris-based designer Matali Crasset the keynote quirky and the jaunty at the Inner-city Clayworkers
about the days when the
speaker. Gallery.
panel of experts on his first
production, Wheel of Fortune, For some light relief, the ever-entertaining Krispin K All these and much more will take place from
consisted of a PA with an will be taking tours in the Inspired! Design across Saturday 5 August to Sunday 20 August. Check out
encyclopedia. We’ve come a time exhibition to solve all your burning design issues www.sydneydesign.com.au from the beginning of July
long way he concluded and and entice even the most jaded member of the for full program details.
congratulated the Powerhouse family with design tips and quips. And if you thought
Robert Swieca, Coordinator,
for an amazing record of a the inaugural Young Blood Designers Market was a
Sydney Design 06
remarkable 50 year journey of success, just wait until you see this year’s offering
Australian creativity on screen. which will be held on the evening of Friday 11 August
On the box: great moments in Australian and all day Saturday. Last year over 3000 people
television 1956–2006 is on at the
Powerhouse until 29 January 2007. shopped ’til they dropped on emerging design — this
year we could only go bigger and better.

Clockwise from top left: Gold Logie winner Hazel Phillips with No 96 star Elaine Lee and friend; Seeing
double! Norman Hetherington with his famous puppet Mr Squiggle; TV personality Stuart Wagstaff; Libbi
Gorr (aka Elle McFeast) and family; Reg Grundy (centre) with his wife Joy chambers (right) and curator
Peter Cox on a tour of the exhibition; TV personality and Powerhouse trustee Andrew Denton welcomes
guests to the launch; TV presenter and dfactory host Nell Schofield checks out the Big Brother diary
room chair; veteran newsreader Brian Henderson (right) with Powerhouse director, Kevin Fewster;
exhibition curator Peter Cox with assistant Curator Rebecca Bower, pleased with the result! 'Light to share', Lampadaire en quartiers/ Four quarters
Photos by Marinco kojdanovski and sotha bourn. of a lamp, designed by metali crasset, 2001.
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In your face, a new exhibition at the Powerhouse
on contemporary Australian graphic design, is a
highlight of Sydney Design 06.
story_Anne-Marie Van de Ven, Curator, Decorative Arts and Design
visual and vital
In the visually saturated world of the 21st century
we are surrounded by examples of graphic design
— from billboards, to television, magazines,
packaging and clothing, not to mention the world
wide web. Often it is virtually invisible, just part of
the background ‘noise’ of daily life. But every so
often a piece of design will make us sit up and take
notice because it is strikingly original or effective. Or
because it captures or anticipates something of the
mood of the moment, reflecting the essence of the
latest technology or style.
In your face: contemporary graphic design looks at
how these designs come into existence and what
makes them stand out from the crowd. Focusing
on 16 contemporary case studies it explores the
process of visualising an idea, the role of materials
and technology, and the commissioning, design
and production processes involved in realising a
graphic design solution. It acknowledges graphic
and visual communication design as a vibrant and
influential field of artistic practice, despite it still being
a relatively unrecognised discipline compared to
product design, contemporary art and architecture.
Featuring alternative and mainstream design for new
media, motion graphic, animation, music video and
web design, as well as large-scale super graphic and
billboard design, comic, poster, book and magazine
design, and even tattoo art — the exhibition is a
sweeping look at contemporary graphic design in
action. It also places graphic design in an historical
context, juxtaposing pieces drawn from the Museum’s
20th-century Australian design archives alongside
current design to look at changes in technology,
materials and styles. Designs from the archives
include collages from the 1930s, 1940s murals by
Douglas Annand, Martin Sharp’s designs for Oz
magazine from the ’60s and graphically illustrated
Above: Bird, bike and GO animation stills, suburban harmony by silent/telemetry orchestra, directed by steve scott, pod, sydney,
2004. Right: Community program identity for adelaide symphony orchestra 2006 season, designed by voice, adelaide, 2006.
ceramics by Stephen Bowers (1980s). Many illustrate Performance Space. Voice’s artistic designs for the
how contemporary graphic design has its origins 2006 Adelaide Symphony Orchestra stand in stark
in the modernist movements of the early 20th contrast to Qube Konstrukt’s giant mechanised robots
century. Then as now, artists and designers began for Toyota Vardis. Carefully crafted graphic design
experimenting with moving images, sound and music by 3 Deep Design, and multidisciplinary design by
and integrated illustration, typography, photography, Frost Design (including a stage set, a restaurant
collage and montage. Then as now, graphic design environment, a poster and annual report for the
was a barometer of the available technologies and Sydney Dance Company) will also be shown. The
the influence these had on contemporary life. Telemetry Orchestra’s Suburban Harmony music
video, a wondrous ’60s-inspired animation directed
However, what distinguishes graphic design of the
by Steve Scott from Pod, will be projected onto a
21st century from its predecessors is the rapidity at
large screen. Ongarato Design’s collaged, backlit
which communication ideas can now be generated
supergraphics for the Space furniture showroom
through pixels and digital technology. Today graphic
and Carby Tuckwell’s unique identity program for the
designers, animators, art directors, illustrators and
Japanese-inspired customised motorcycle store Deus
other creatives beaver away in boutique studios,
ex Machina demonstrate just how far applications of
designing content that is eventually applied across
graphic design extend into the environment.
many media and platforms from television to portable
entertainment and communication devices. This exhibition also reveals how Streetwize creates
community-focused comics, Chris O’Doherty (aka Reg
In your face presents cutting-edge design for a
Mombassa) developed an Aussie icon, and Crumpler
broad spectrum of clients ranging from individual and
bags evolved a distinctive and quirky global logo out
community groups to large corporations. It reveals
of a simple pavement stencil aimed at bike couriers.
that visual communication is a cross-disciplinary
It shows how Soap Creative spent many, many
field where graphic design merges with other
hours developing a complex, multi-layered website
areas of practice including art, photography, music,
design for the Mambo fashion label, and how Soap's
architecture, interior design, literature, film, television,
Ashley Ringrose and illustrator Nathan Jurevicius
digital media and engineering. It also invariably
collaborated with Film Victoria and the ABC to create
involves and is limited by, though sometimes oddly
a computer game called Kelman to the Rescue.
also enhanced by, the client’s brief.
Finally an amazing series of 23 ten-second
Pop culture heroes SpongeBob SquarePants, South
animations based on the designs of Nathan
Park’s Cartman and Charlie Brown’s beloved Snoopy
Jurevicius for output to subways, mobile phones and
make star appearances in Deuce Design’s corporate
digital television will shock everyone into realising just
identity for product licencers Haven. Another familiar
how pervasive visual communication has become.
design in the exhibition is the widely distributed ‘Talk
Willingly or begrudgingly each and every one of us is
Eat Live Laugh Shirazamataz’ billboard created by
being dragged into a visually saturated digital age!
kwp! for Yalumba, Australia’s oldest family-owned
winery. Less familiar designs include Tatudharma’s in your face: contemporary graphic design opens at the Powerhouse
Asian-inspired tattoo designs for individual clients, or on 5 August.
Suzanne Boccalatte’s seasonal posters for Sydney’s
 +
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members
Italian-based designer Patricia Urquiola inspired audiences at the
Powerhouse in May. Here she talks to powerline about her work. Members only tours at Castle hill
promise to be popular.

fatty elegance
Patricia Urquiola has been
described as the hottest
property in Italian design
right now. Having trained
and worked in Italy for over
20 years, she has designed
everything from furniture,
lighting and household
products to the interior of a
new nightclub in Shanghai.
Powerline interviewed Patricia
about her work, influences and
passions.
Tell me about the things that
inspire your work?
Travel has always been
important to my work. When
you are travelling, everything is
so new that a natural curiosity
comes out of your skin. You
become like a newborn,
absorbing a lot of energy
from around you. But I'm also
inspired by domestic everyday
objects, things that you might
find on the street or in a little
market. You might translate
these things — using another
sensibility — into a design. It
doesn’t always have to be a
big profound idea. Often I think
it’s simply an open mind and a
curious eye.
What was the inspiration
behind the Fat Fat series?
Fat Fat was really the
beginning of my incredible
relationship with the design
company B&B Italia, a
relationship that continues
to grow because of a gentle
dialogue that allows my ideas
to take form. I remember
saying to them that for me the
B&B style was perhaps too
elegant, too refined and that
I wanted to create something
that was not necessarily about
proportion and elegance.
Something fatty, something
with a few extra kilos — a
problem I think many of us can
relate to. So I proposed this
idea of a ‘fatty elegance’ and
they were really supportive
of these provocative ideas of
mine. I am hoping we can do a
‘fat’ sofa next year.
What do you think is special
about what a designer does?
I have friends who are artists,
designers and architects and
more or less, they all have that
sensibility and that need to
communicate with others. But
the difference with a designer
is that they are always moving
within limitations. They
need to solve very practical
problems such as how to use
something and even more
importantly, how to use it in
a contemporary way. While
there are many chairs, each
one gives us a sense of how
to sit at different moments
in history or in our own lives.
Whether it is about decoration
or a lack of decoration, the
designer puts this into the
work. Unless you take care of
these elements you are not a
designer. You may be an artist
creating strong pieces that
look like they could be sat on.
Or you could be an engineer
who creates chairs for sitting
on, but there is no design.
Good design is somewhere
between these things.
Your products don’t have an
instantly recognisable style.
What is the common thread in
your design work?
I think that in some ways
my products are all quite
‘essential’ — fundamentally
reproducible in an industrial
way. Unless you are doing
a one-off, you have to be
essential. But occasionally,
I might do something more
complex because I feel I need
to. For example, if you see my
work with the Foscarini lighting
company, the Bague lamp
is very simple. A perforated
metal net, cut and made in
an industrial way, covered
with silicon resin and with a
standard table lamp inside.
Then there is the Caboche
suspension lamp where the
mood is that of a very chic,
Murano. You might have this
very clean and simple table
and you need something which
is an object of desire while still
being very contemporary. We
began with this idea and the
lamp ended up looking like an
important handmade crystal
and glass lamp but it’s made out
of plastic and realised in an
industrial way. I like the irony
of that, that this very complex,
luxury product is really a few
pieces of plastic.
Did you grow up in a creative
environment?
There were lots of women
with a strong sense of
decoration in my home. They
were into antiques and would
go to London and Paris to
buy things. For example the
room where I played with my
F Senior curator Dr Kimberley Webber shows members some
of the museum's early sewing machines.
+ news and photos
brothers was decorated with + prizes to be won
these incredible wallpapers Only a tiny percentage of The first of these will take
and fabrics by the British
+ exclusive events
the Museum's collection is place on 4 July when Dr
interior designer David Hicks.
My mother loved his work. She
Castle Hill exhibited at the Powerhouse, Kimberley Webber, Senior + family activities
so next year to bring some of Curator, Australian History
also encouraged us to leave tours our many unseen treasures and Society, will introduce + special offers
Spain, to go to England, to to light the Museum will be members to some of our
France, to move around and to opening its Castle Hill storage domestic technology treasures.
see the world. facility to the public. But Nineteenth century sewing
before this we are offering machines, early experiments
Interview_Lily Katakouzinos,
a series of members-only with refrigeration and the
Educator, Design and
thematic tours where you still popular ‘Early Kooka’
Decorative Arts
will have the opportunity to stoves will be just some of the
Members e-newsletter
hear the stories behind our highlights of the tour.
collection of objects from cars If you would like to receive the regular Members
These tours are bound to be
to cookers, sewing machines e-newsletter with updates on all members
popular so make sure you events please call (02) 9217 0600 or email
to steam engines.
book early. For details members@phm.gov.au with your membership
and bookings phone number and e-newsletter in the subject line.
'Lazy '05' chairs / Small
(02) 9217 0600.
armchairs collection for

+
b&B italia, designed by Patricia
historical hanging lamp, like a urquiola.

The excitement of the On the
box launch certainly proved
from the to be a hit with our members.
It was the chance to mingle
members with the stars and be among
of our collection. A particular
treat will be Megan Hicks' talk
on medical boxes in August.
Be sure to join Megan as she
reveals medical artefacts and
other sites of interest. Make
sure you book early for this
exclusive tour as places are
strictly limited. See page 15 for
more details.

manager the first to see this fabulous

exhibition celebrating 50 years
of Australian television. For
those who want more, don't
miss our tribute to the King of
Australian television comedy,
Graham Kennedy, in June. This
is bound to be a memorable
event.
Detail, brick painted with an Other highlights coming up for
image of a military procession,
Western Jin dynasty (265–316). members in winter include a
Collection national museum of
series of curator talks on some
china, beijing.
of the more obscure aspects
anecdotes from days gone by.
To celebrate the opening
of The Great Wall of China:
dynasties, dragons and
warriors exhibition in
September this year, the
Powerhouse Museum and
Renaissance Tours are offering
a not-to-be-missed tour of
China, which will include visits
to Beijing, the Great Wall of
China, the terracotta warriors,
and special access to many
Congratulations to the lucky
winners of our fabulous
membership prizes, especially
the Zoofari Lodge overnight
stay. See page 14 for another
fantastic members giveaway.
And don’t forget to drop in
to the members lounge for a
coffee and a catch up next
time you’re at the Museum.
Leonie Crane,
Members Manager
+ 12 powerline winter 06 + 13 powerline winter 06

winter
how to book for members events

Unless othewise stated, bookings and pre-payment are essential
for all events. You can book online at powerhousemuseum.
com/members or by phone on (02) 9217 0600 for events at
the Powerhouse Museum. For bookings for Sydney Obervatory
phone (02) 9217 0485.
events calendar green indicates members event
Three full working days are required for a refund for Powerhouse
events. Unfortunately we can’t refund or transfer bookings for
SoundHouse VectorLab workshops.
All events are held at the Powerhouse Museum unless otherwise
stated. All dates, times and venues are correct at time of
publication.

DATE / LOCATION EVENT / COST DESCRIPTION

Sunday 4 June Free radicals Can we learn from our mistakes to protect the future of the Sunday 16 July Dishhh... What shape is this Critics, programmers and crystal-ball gazers describe the
2.00–3.30 pm Death by ignorance planet? 2.00 am & 3.30 pm box thing anyway? changing shape and content of TV. The final in the series of fun
Coles theatre, level 3 Free with Museum entry. No bookings.
Free with Museum entry. forums for die-hard TV fans.

Monday 12 June Fit for a King: Join Stuart Wagstaff, Tony Sattler, Noeline Brown and John Fri 21 and Sat 22 July Festival of the stars The RTA is turning off the floodlights on Sydney Harbour Bridge
2.00–3.30 pm the Graham Kennedy tribute Mangos in a tribute to the King of Australian television comedy. 6.00–10.00 pm Cost: $15 adults, $10 children, $45 families. to help return the stars to Sydney's sky. Come along to the
Bookings essentail on (02) 9921 3485 or
$10 plus Museum entry. Bookings essential on (02) 9217 0222 or powerhousemuseum.com/bookings Sydney Observatory online. Shuttle bus from Circular Quay. Observatory for the best view in town plus much more.

Sunday 18 June Dishhh: the dirt on TV Soapie survivors tackle the question: when your 15 minutes of Thursday 27 July d factory Nell Schofield talks to the experts about what increasingly
2.00–3.30 pm Getting off the box fame are up, what comes next? Hosted by TV presenter, soap 6.00–8.30 pm Your mobile day sophisticated portable media devices and services mean for
Free with Museum entry. No bookings. expert and pop culture junkie Andrew Mercado. Courtyard Café Free. No bookings. designers.

Wednesday 21 June
8.15–10.15 pm
Sydney Obervatory
Saturday 24 June
10.00 am – 3.30 pm
SoundHouse VectorLab
Saturday 24 June
10.00 am – 5.00 pm
Winter solstice Hear myths and legends about the winter solstice, view the night Saturday 29 July Teenager digital video Create your own video in this hands-on workshop combining
celebration sky through telescopes and enjoy a champagne supper. editing workshop digital imaging, editing and sound production skills. Time allowed
10.00 am – 3.30 pm
Cost: $25 adults, $22 concession. Members discounts apply. Bookings essential on (02) 9241 3767 or online. for personal project development.
Suitable for ages 11-16yrs only.
SoundHouse VectorLab
Teenager computer Turn your home computer into a recording studio. Learn to mix, Cost: members $70, non-members $100
(includes student membership)
music workshop arrange and record original music tracks using loops, samples, Bookings are essential.
beats and basslines. This workshop will allow participants to
Suitable for ages 11–16yrs only.
make their own original music scores and learn a range of
Cost: Members $70, non-members $100
(includes student membership) techniques for producing music on the home computer. Thursday 3 August Medical boxes Many of the Museum’s most interesting medical artefacts come
in boxes. There are 19th century medicine chests, battered first
11.00 am – 12.30 pm Suitable for ages 12+
aid kits, bush nurses’ cases, wartime field surgery kits, and much
Cost: $15 (members only)
more. Join Megan Hicks, Curator, Health and Medicine, as she
Members discount To celebrate the exhibition On the box, the Powerhouse Museum lifts the lid on a few medical secrets.
shopping day Shop would like to offer all members 20% off all product with
free gift wrapping. So come along on the day and check out our
exciting range of On the box merchandise and much more.
Sat 5 – Sun 20 August Krispin K – inspired tour! Performer Nigel Sutton returns as the design virtuoso Krispin K.
Daily 12.00 pm & 2.00 pm A Sydney Design 06 event Join him as he reveals the inspiration and gossip behind some
(except Saturday 12 August) Free with Museum entry. of the worlds most ingenious designs.

Thursday 29 June d factory Fashion designers talk about the thrills and spills of Fashion Sunday 6 August Celebrating Florence 1 Exclusive preview of the new film by Gillian Armstrong Unfolding
6.00–8.30 pm The business of fashion Week. 12.00 noon A Sydney Design 06 event Florence: the many lives of Florence Broadhurst.
Courtyard Café Free. No bookings. Cost: check sydneydesign.com.au Bookings essential (02) 9217 0222 or sydneydesign.com.au/bookings

Sat 1 – Sun 16 July The Pocket A place for under 8s to dress up, create craft and have fun. Also Thursday 10 August d factory This month’s d factory delves into the fascinating work of some
10.30 am – 3.00 pm Free with Museum entry. open during term time 10.30 am – 12.30 pm weekdays, 6.00–8.30 pm The subversive font of Australia's most subversive graphic designers.
10.30 am – 3.00 pm weekends and public holidays. Courtyard Café Free. No bookings.

Mon 3 – Fri 14 July TV dinner quiz show Test your TV trivia knowledge and take home prizes in this quiz Fri 11 & Sat 12 August Young Blood Now in its second year, Young Blood Designers Market returns to

?
12.00 noon & 2.00 pm Free with Museum entry. show for all the family hosted by comedian Nigel Sutton, with Friday 6.00–9.00 pm A Sydney Design 06 event showcase Australia’s best and brightest new designers. Meet the
special guests Zoe and Cogs. Saturday 8.00 am – 5.00 pm Free with Museum entry. designers, shop ’til you drop and enjoy great food.

Tuesday 4 July Castle Hill tour with Dr Be among the first to visit our new collection storage facility Sunday 13 August Celebrating Florence 2 Join Maggie Tabberer and a panel of experts for high tea,

10.30 am – 12.00 pm
Kimberley Webber at Castle Hill! This is a rare opportunity to see the Museum’s 2.00 pm A Sydney Design 06 event annecdotes and insights on acclaimed designer Florence
Cost: $15 (members only) important collection of home appliances, including classic Singer Cost: check sydneydesign.com.au Broadhurst. Bookings essential (02) 9217 0222 or sydneydesign.com.au/bookings
Parking available on-site. Morning tea sewing machines, early washing machines, mangles, stoves and
included.
much more. Thursday 17 August Matali Crasset — talk Paris-based designer Matali Crasset talks about how she uses
5.30 pm for 6.30 pm A Sydney Design 06 event design to gently question the way we live our lives.
Cost: $35 / $30 members & concessions Bookings essential (02) 9217 0222 or sydneydesign.com.au/ bookings

Saturday 8 July
11.00 am – 12.30 pm
Wednesday 12 July
10.30 am – 2.30 pm in outer space, enjoy a 3-D Space Theatre adventure and much
Sydney Observatory
An introduction to the
Lace Study Centre
Suitable for ages 12+
Cost: $15 (members only)
Family fun day
Cost: $10 children / one accompanying
adult free
Join curator Lindie Ward in the Lace Study Centre for an
in-depth look at the Museum’s lace collection dating from the
16th century to the present.
Graham kenendy, photo
courtesy seven network;
cards featuring fabric swatch
designs from the Museum's
collection are just some of
Go on a Mission to Planet Freeze, have your family photo taken the many items on sale at the
Powerhouse shop; radiola
television, AWA Australia 1956.
more. Coffee cart and sausage sizzle on site. photo by marinco kojdanovski.
Thursday 24 August
6.00–7.30 pm
Courtyard Cafe
Saturday 26 August
10.00 am – 3.30 pm
SoundHouse VectorLab
Free radicals In a new evening format, forward-thinking Sydneysiders look to
Creating the future the future for a sustainable city.
Free with Museum entry. No bookings.
Teenager digital Using Photoshop, participants will explore a huge variety of
darkroom workshop tools and processes to warp, bend, filter and composit digital
photographs and images.
Suitable for ages 11–16yrs only.
Cost: members $70; non-members $100
(includes student membership)
Sydney Observatory at night.
PHOTO by Roger Deckker;
Bookings are essential. Nigel sutton as Krispin K. PHOTO
by marinco kojdanovski.
+ 14

Discover China
deal: with
powerline winter 06

members
the Powerhouse!
travel to China!
members
scene

To mark the opening of The will be leading the tour which

There were several Great Wall of China exhibition includes days of discovery
shoemakers among the in September we’re inviting in and around Beijing,
members who recently Powerhouse members and Chengde, Qinhuangdao and
enjoyed a rare tour of the friends on a study tour of Xian. As the Powerhouse
Museum's Australian shoe The group discusses Zoe, China — one of the world’s Museum has special
collection with assistant
printed gold leather shoes oldest civilisations and fast relationships with a number
by donna-May Bolinger, 1997,
curator Lindie Ward. and a pair of green leather emerging as the economic of cultural organisations in
shoes by the public benefit
bootery ltd, about 1930.
and political superpower in China, sightseeing will be
photos by marinco kojdanovski.
our region. Rob Renew, Senior complemented by special
Curator of Engineering and ‘behind-the-scenes’ visits at
Design at the Powerhouse, a number of sites, along with

Many of the shoes, such as

these black winkle-pickers
by raoul merton, 1962,
members admire the Bondage
black suede stiletto sandals
by Dahto, about 1997.
A not-to-be-missed opportunity
appear in the powerhouse
publication Stepping out:
three centuries of shoes.
for Powerhouse members and
friends to see China up close.

the Great wall of china. photo by Frank Cahill

knitted woollen and leather

shoes by myra mogg, To celebrate the opening
about 1940 ; rubber surf
shoes, about 1920; leather of The Great Wall of China:
shoes for phantom of The
opera by jodie morrison, 1997.
dynasties, dragons and
warriors exhibition in
September we’re inviting
Powerhouse members and
friends on a study tour of
A not-to-be-missed opportunity for Powerhouse China, one of the world’s
oldest civilisations and fast
Chengde, Qinhuangdao and
Xi'an. Sightseeing will be
complemented by special
‘behind-the-scenes’ visits at
a number of sites, along with
regular talks by Rob.
Beginning in Beijing, China’s
ancient capital, the many
highlights will include the
Great Wall at Jinshanling and
Shanhaiguan, then on to the
Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang
and the remarkable terracotta
warriors near Xi’an. Once
the terminus of the ancient
Silk Route, Xi’an is the site of
China’s best preserved city
walls, dating back 14 centuries.

members and friends to see China up close. emerging as the economic

superpower in our region.
Forbidden City, the Temple
of Heaven, the Summer
The last stop is Shanghai, the
economic capital of China
Foreground: fabric boots, Exhibition co-curator Rob and the site of some amazing
Handpainted by mary Palace and, of course, the
shackman, 1971; pink leather Renew will lead the tour, which developments in contemporary
platform sandals by
Great Wall at Badaling. The
includes days of discovery architecture.
merivale, 1970–78. journey continues in the north
in and around Beijing,
to remote sections of the

w To mark the opening of The Great Wall of China exhibition the Bund, Shanghai. photo by Frank Cahill

To celebrate the opening of
more On the box: great moments
in Australian television
members 1956–2006, Powerhouse
Publishing is offering members
prizes a chance to win a copy of the
exhibition book. Filled with
images and stories from the
past and present, this book
takes you on a fascinating
journey through TV's greatest
moments. For your chance to
win a copy, simply phone the
Powerhouse Members hotline
(02) 9217 0600 after 10.00am
on Friday 16 June 2006 and
quote your membership
number.
in September
Dates we’re inviting Powerhouse members and
friends
20 on a study
October – 4tour of China2006
November — one of the world’s
Winners of our autumn oldest civilisations and fast emerging as the economic
Price
membership prizes!
We’re happy to announce that
and political
Per of
Curator
superpower in our region. Rob Renew, Senior
person, twin-share
Engineering and Design$6475
at the Powerhouse, will
Rose Rogenmoser was the
be leading the tour which includes$1400
Single supplement days of discovery in
and around Beijing, Chengde, Qinhuangdao and Xian. As
lucky winner of the Zoofari
Lodge prize, Michael Higgins
*Single travellers may request to share - please advise at time of booking
the Powerhouse Museum has special relationships with a
Includes
number of cultural organisations in China, sightseeing will
and Annaliese Wicks won
Return economy
be complemented by airfares
special Sydney–Beijing–Shanghai–Sydney
‘behind-the-scenes’ visits at inc. air taxes
the Hasbro Toys family prize
a number of sites, along with regular talks by Rob.
15 nights accommodation in centrally located 4-star hotels, most
packs, and Michael Butler is
meals,indeluxe
Beginning coach
Beijing, transport,
China’s ancientdomestic
capital, theflights,
manycomprehensive guided
now the lucky owner of the
sightseeing
highlights and athe
will include program of talks
Forbidden City,with
the your
Templetourofleader.
original promotional banner of
Heaven,
Golum from The Lord of the For full tour details contact Renaissance Tours on:Wall
the Summer Palace and, of course, the Great
Rings Motion Picture Trilogy at Badaling. The journey continues in the north to less
1300
visited 727 095
regions such as the 18th century Imperial Summer
– The Exhibition.
Resort at Chengde and remote sections of the Great Walls
Prizes courtesy of Zoofari Lodge and info@renaissancetours.com.au or
Hasbro Toys.
at Jinshanling and Shanhaiguan.
renaissancetours.com.au
Of course, no visit to China would be complete without
a visit to the mausoleum of Qin Shihuang and the
+ 16 powerline winter 06
A new book on the building of the Sydney Opera
house edited by curator anne watson uncovers
previously unpublished stories and images.
building a
masterpiece
It is now half a century
since the NSW Government
launched the competition
early in 1956 to give Sydney
a ‘national opera house’. By
December that year the 38-
year-old Danish architect
Jørn Utzon had submitted his
visionary designs and less
than two months later his
scheme was pronounced the
winner. Since then the Sydney
Opera House has become
one of the defining symbols
of a nation, an iconic signifier
whose distinctive outline has
been turned into marketing
magic on everything from
a coffee ad to an Olympic
logo. But the Opera House
is not just a monument with a
highly marketable silhouette.
It is, above all, an inspirational
tribute to the human
imagination — a landmark of
modern architecture and its
architect, Jørn Utzon, now an
internationally acknowledged
‘Nobel laureate’ of his
profession.
It is also an important part
of our history — a great feat
of imagination and ingenuity
that perhaps more than any
other 20th century structure
of its stature, has generated
many narratives. Through
ten essays by scholars and
experts drawn from around the
globe, Building a masterpiece
explores many of the untold
layers of these narratives.
These are the stories of the
individuals whose careers were
made or broken by the Opera
House, the companies whose
reputations were secured
through their association
with the building, and the
innovative technologies and
methodologies developed
to meet the demands of its
unprecedented design and
challenging construction.
The sydney opera house, mid 1960s. photo by max dupain. Gift of REsmed
Asia Pacific ltd 2005. reproduced courtesy Max Dupain & Associates.
Extending outwards, these
narratives are closely
intertwined with Sydney’s
social fabric: the workers
who built the Opera House,
the politicians, architects and
members of the public who
championed it and its often
beleaguered architect — and
those who found its design
simply incomprehensible and
its foreign architect just too
unorthodox.
With a foreword by Jørn Utzon,
Building a masterpiece begins
with reflections by acclaimed
Utzon author Richard Weston
on the universal appeal of the
Opera House and its role as
iconic monument. Fittingly the
book ends with an essay on
Utzon’s recent re-engagement,
and the implications of the
building’s heritage significance
for its future and its current
bid for World Heritage listing.
Bridging both essays are
explorations of the genesis
of the competition in the
1950s; the new technologies
pioneered in the construction
of the building; the story of the
workers, many of them recent
immigrants, who laboured on
a site that became a focus for
union activism in the 1960s;
and the response to and
impact of Utzon’s enforced
withdrawal in 1966.
In the process of exploring
new territory Building a
masterpiece has drawn on
the accounts and archives
of many individuals who
played a part in the Opera
House story: Robert Geddes
and Balthazar Korab who
submitted competition
schemes placed second and
fourth respectively; architect
and cartoonist George Molnar
and the late Harry Seidler,
also competition entrants,
+ 17 powerline autumn 06
who championed Utzon’s
building throughout their
lives; Elias Duek-Cohen and
Ted Mack who spearheaded
the campaign to have Utzon
reinstated in the late '60s;
Arup engineer Dr John Nutt
who was associated with
the building throughout its
construction; architect and
engineer Yuzo Mikami who
worked for both Utzon and
Ove Arup — and many others.
To the book’s great benefit
these new perspectives on
the Opera House story have
also drawn out new pictorial
material. Many of the book’s
200 or so images — from
competition schemes to
construction photos, to ‘Bring
Utzon back’ posters — have
not been previously published
and give a rich new dimension
to the story of the building’s
history.
Building a masterpiece set
itself the task of investigating
previously little-documented
aspects of the multi-layered
history of the Sydney Opera
House. At the heart of all
the narratives, however, is
still the magnificent building
on Bennelong Point, and
its architect Jørn Utzon.
As he created his visionary
scheme 50 years ago in
wintry Denmark, Utzon could
not have imagined the
remarkable journey on which
his competition design would
take him and so many others.
Nor could he have imagined
the enduring impact of his
creation on the heartbeat of a
city — or indeed a nation.
Anne Watson, Curator,
Architecture and Design
Building a masterpiece will be published
in August 2006. $55.00 pb / $70.00 hc / 10%
members discount.
Building a masterpiece is generously
supported by Arup, celebrating 60 years,
1946–2006.
+ 18 powerline winter 06 + 19 powerline winter 06
It’s the end of an era for the Mastertouch Piano Roll
Company but a generous gift means its memory will
live on at the Powerhouse Museum.
story_Michael Lea_Curator, Music and Musical Instruments
Mastertouch rolls out
In the first half of the 20th century the player piano
rivalled the gramophone and the wireless as a source
of home entertainment. A piano that played itself
meant you didn’t have to have a trained pianist in the
family to stand round the upright for a sing-along.
Or you could just sit back and enjoy your favourite
tunes played ‘live’ by a gifted artist in the comfort
of your own home. With the advent of television and
the 33 1/3rpm LP the popularity of the player piano
waned but that didn’t stop the Mastertouch Piano
Roll Company from continuing to do what it did best,
making and recording music in the traditional way.
Now after 86 years in operation the company has
closed its doors but not before its owner, Barclay
Wright, approached the Museum with the offer to
donate what must be one of the largest collections in
Australia relating to piano roll manufacture, complete
with player pianos, master piano rolls, roll making and
recording equipment and archival material. Due to the
significance and size of this donation the Museum
has also been greatly assisted by a grant from the
NSW Heritage Office to help with the cost of transport
and documentation of the collection.
The Mastertouch Piano Roll Company was founded
in 1919 in Sydney by G H Horton, at a time when
player pianos were in great demand both for home
entertainment and to accompany silent movies.
Barclay Wright bought the business in 1961 and
expanded its repertoire to include not only the
clockwise from Top left: Piano roll cutting machine,
cutting from a master roll; part of the keyboard
collection with a cabinet piano by adolphe raynor,
london, 1825–30 in the foreground; boxes of piano roll
masters; an early pianola (or 'push-up') player piano by
aeolian, usa, about 1905. Photos by marinco kojdanovski.
classical and popular music from the pre-World
War II period, the heyday of the player piano, but
also contemporary tunes. Of course there were still
classics like the Moonlight Sonata, White Christmas
or Mother Machree but these were complemented
by top 40 classics from the Beatles, Creedence
Clearwater Revival and Abba to Elton John, Billy Joel,
Kylie Minogue and Mariah Carey. Musicals were also
popular items including My Fair Lady and The Sound
of Music through to Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom
of the Opera and Les Miserables. Mastertouch kept
up with current musical trends, despite the rapid
changes occurring in methods of reproducing
recorded music.
But why is Mastertouch so important? As the last
surviving large-scale manufacturer of piano rolls
in the world using a traditional roll cutting method,
Mastertouch had no peer in recent years. Today QRS
in the USA is the only big manufacturer of rolls left,
but unlike Mastertouch, uses a modernised digital
production system. There are also a number of
smaller manufacturers of piano rolls around the world,
but none on the scale of Mastertouch.
Mastertouch is not only significant as a producer of
music rolls but also (due to the unique enthusiasm of
Barclay Wright and his employees and supporters)
as a living museum, preserving many artefacts and
equipment significant to the history of the player
piano. First developed in the late 19th century, the
player piano (or ‘pianola’ as it was often called
although this was a specific brand name) is unique
in musical history in that it combines a live piano
performance with pre-recorded musical data — the
experience of a live piano performance without a
musician.
Music roll technology is also interesting as an early
form of music data storage. To create a piano roll the
music is first played by a skilled pianist (known as the
artist) onto a special recording piano connected to
a master recording machine. This machine ‘records’
what is being played by punching holes of varying
length in a blank master roll. This coded data tells
the player piano which notes to play and for what
duration giving information relating to both the tune
and the rhythm. Once the master roll is cut multiple
copies of it can be made — just like a CD recording
today where data is stored in binary code, which can
be coped many times.
The Mastertouch Collection will be stored in the
Museum’s Castle Hill store, which is scheduled to
open to the public in early 2007. Plans are underway
for a small thematic case study of selected items
at Castle Hill and the development of a website
describing the Mastertouch collection and the history
of the company and piano roll production in Australia.
We will keep members up to date with progress.
+ 20 powerline winter 06
After touring NSW for two years, an exhibition about both strange and
commonplace home remedies comes to the Powerhouse.
The weird and the wonderful
Probably the most unusual
home remedy in the
Powerhouse Museum’s medical
collection — and certainly
the largest — is a multi-
wave oscillator, an electronic
device that takes up a whole
garden shed. It was built by
Mr Angas ‘Joe’ Jones at his
home in Dundas in the 1970s,
based on the design of the
first ever multi-wave oscillator,
which was invented by French
engineer Georges Lakhovsky
in the mid 1920s. Lakhovsky
viewed illness as a battle of
vibrations between the cells
of the body and disease
microbes. He believed that
radio waves from his multi-
wave oscillator reinforced the
body’s vibrations so that they
could repel disease.
Mr Jones was a radio and
telephone technician by trade
and an inveterate tinkerer after
hours. His unprepossessing
suburban house featured a
homemade hi-fi system, an
elaborate security set-up, and
a few more surprising devices
including the multi-wave
oscillator, housed in a garden
shed located in the double
garage in his back yard. Mr
Jones sat in it regularly for a
dose of therapeutic radiation,
until his death in 2003 at the
age of 85.
With its door open so that the
internal electronic system can
be viewed — along with its
1970s décor — the multi-wave
oscillator was added to Works
wonders: stories about home
remedies when it came to the
Powerhouse in May. The Works
wonders exhibition opened in
Hay in December 2003 and
has travelled to 15 other small
venues in regional NSW since
then.
Along the way the exhibition
has collected stories of many
home remedies as visitors in
each town record their own
favourites. For local displays,
children have drawn pictures
of remembered catastrophes,
chemists have dug into the
dimmest recesses of their
storerooms, and local people
have bravely revealed the
secrets of their medicine
boxes. At Wollongong there
was an ‘odour’ interactive
where visitors could take
a good sniff of an empty
bathroom cabinet that had
not lost its evocative smell.
At Newcastle Val Wallace
resurrected a poem she had
written some years ago. Called
‘Survival of the fittest’ it began:
Do you remember, as a child, if
you were crook or faint
The remedies that Grandma
had, were worse than the
complaint
However was it we survived,
with crazy insane cures?
No matter whether colds or flu,
diarrhoea or open sores
Granny had the answer, she’d
nod her knowing head
And most times when she’d
finished, we’d wish that we
were dead!
+ 21 powerline winter 06
Astronomer Ian Sansom gives the inside story on the
stars behind the Observatory’s Name-a-Star program.
starry starry night
Go out to the countryside,
where the stars shine brightly
in the wonderful inky black sky,
and you will see that some are
brighter than others, and some
have delicate, transparent hues
of orange, yellow or blue. Why
is this so? What is a star and
how do stars work? What does
this, Sydney Observatory’s
very successful Name-a-Star
program, kissing fine girls or
guys, and Annie Jump Canon
have in common? All will be
revealed.
Stars are born out of huge
clouds of gas and fine dust
called nebulae (wonderfully
described in their star-forming
phase as ‘stellar nurseries’).
A large dense nebula often
produces numerous large
stars which, contrary to logical
assumption, have very short
lives. The largest stars are very
hot and bright, and burn up
their fuel at an astonishing rate
— like James Dean, these big
stars live fast and die young.
Modest stars like our Sun are
very frugal with their fuel and
will live hundreds of times
longer, which is good news
for us.
Despite the rigours of moving
the exhibition every two A star’s colour (spectral
months, Powerhouse staff type) indicates its size and
are much healthier for the temperature. Notwithstanding
experience. They have tasted the colours on our bathroom
the bark of a quinine tree in taps, a blue star is very hot
Brewarrina, sipped grappa and a red star is relatively cool.
infused with rue at Leeton, Just as raindrops split sunlight
and taken a dip in the hot into the colours of a rainbow,
mineral baths at Moree. But
they have also declined advice
to hold onto an electric fence
to relieve arthritis (Newcastle),
smoke three cigarettes in
quick succession for migraine
(Broken Hill), or rub a cut
garden slug on their warts
(Lithgow). And they have never
felt the need to take a good
dose of castor oil to clean out
their system (everywhere).
Megan Hicks, Curator,
Health and Medicine
Works wonders: stories about home
remedies is on at the Powerhouse until
16 June.
Mr 'joe' jones (left) and Mrs
beryl jones testing the multi-
wave oscillator. The photos
were taken in the 1970s when
joe was in the process of
building his high-voltage
device inside a garden shed.
Photos from the family album.
we can separate starlight
into its spectral colours and
lines to reveal a great deal
about the star’s chemistry
and temperature. These
relationships between the size,
temperature, colour, brightness
and lifespan of a star were
independently plotted by
the Danish astronomer Ejnar
Hertzsprung in 1911 and the
US astronomer Henry Norris
Russell in 1913, on what
became known as the H-R
(Hertzsprung-Russell) diagram.
Spectral types (or classes) of
stars were classified at Harvard
between 1911 and 1924 by one
of the great female pioneers of
astronomy: a woman with the
unlikely name of Annie Jump
Cannon. Cannon had been
hired in 1896 by the director of
Harvard Observatory, Professor
Edward Pickering, as one
of ‘Pickering’s Women’. Not
as politically incorrect as it
sounds, Pickering employed
a group of women with
astronomical qualifications to
work as ‘computers’ — carrying
out astronomical calculations,
classifying spectra etc — for
the compilation of the Henry
Draper star catalogue. In doing
so, Pickering provided some
rare career opportunities in
science for women at the time.
Cannon was assigned the
task of developing a system,
previously started by two
predecessors, of classifying
stars according to their
spectra. She reduced the
complex 22 established
Late last year Dr Peter Farrell AM, on behalf of
classes to a logical sequence
ResMed, generously donated a portfolio of over
of seven spectral types, O B A
178 photographs by Max Dupain documenting
F G K M, from the hottest blue
the building of the Sydney Opera House.
O type stars to the coolest
Showing various stages of construction over
red M type stars. Astronomers
eight years, the earliest images are dominated
remember this valuable
by elaborate scaffolding before the classic
astronomical tool with the
profile of Jørn Utzon’s brilliant design begins
delightful mnemonic ‘Oh, Be A
to emerge. The photographs were originally
Fine Girl/Guy, Kiss Me’.
printed for Peter Hall, the government architect
Sydney Observatory's who took over on Utzon’s departure from the
Name-a-Star package is project, and were acquired by Dr Farrell at
often purchased as a gift auction. A selection are displayed on level 5
for a special occasion or to of the Museum and are also featured in the
remember a loved one, and forthcoming Powerhouse publication Building a
includes an evening visit to masterpiece: the Sydney Opera House.
the Observatory to view the
Dr Farrell is the chairman and CEO of ResMed,
star. During the star viewing,
the company he founded in 1983 to develop
we now provide a dozen non-
a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, a life
technical pages describing
threatening condition affecting millions around
how stars are born, live and
die. This information always
the world. He is recognised as a world leader
in innovation and entrepreneurship and has
seems to make the occasion
been honoured with many awards including
much more special — to
Australian Entrepreneur of the Year, Australian
know that their special star
Export Hero and National Entrepreneur of the
is 50 times larger and hotter
Year for Health Sciences of America.
than our Sun, for example, is
a lovely pale blue colour, that
it will live for another billion
years, and that the starlight
they are seeing left their star
Dr Farrell was introduced to the Museum by
broadcaster and Foundation ambassador,
Robyn Williams. In addition to this collection
donation, he has also given generously to
as the Crusades were starting the Foundation making him one of its first
almost a thousand years ago. Governors, the highest contribution category.
Their star then comes to life We are delighted to announce Dr Farrell will be
and becomes more than just a one of the guest speakers for the Foundation’s
twinkle in a telescope. President Circle Luncheon series in 2006.
Ian Sansom, Melissa Smith, Foundation Executive, (02) 9217
Sydney Observatory 0564 or foundation@phm.gov.au
For information about buying a Name-a-Star
package contact (02) 9217 0485 or visit
sydneyobservatory.com
Recent Donors
Whitney Drayton Dr Brian Vern-Barnett
Margaret Bourke Peter Sandilands
CWA Flynn Paradise Garage Australia
Paul & Dr Prapaipuk Mottram Helena Ferrier
Judith Wheeldon Enid Wilson
Melissa E Smith
In 1923 Annie Jump Cannon was
voted one of the 12 greatest
living women in america and
in 1931 awarded the national
academy of science's Draper
Gold medal and an honorary
doctorate from oxford. Image
courtesy university archives,
Dr Peter Farrell and Dr Kevin Fewster with one
university of delaware. of the donated Max Dupain photographs. PHOTO by
marinco kojdanovski.

+ 22 powerline winter 06
winter is the best time to view the
southern Cross at sydney observatory.
POINTERS
k The Southern Cross. photo by Geoff Wyatt.
the crux of
the matter
The Southern Cross is one of
the best known constellations
in the night sky. For hundreds
of years it has come to
symbolise the southern
hemisphere, appearing today
on the logo of thousands of
Australian businesses and
on the flags of Australia, New
Zealand, Brazil, Papua New
Guinea and Samoa.
To astronomers the Southern
Cross is known as Crux (a
Latin word meaning cross),
the smallest of the 88 modern
constellations. It contains four
bright stars situated at the
extremities of a cross and is
best viewed during the early
evening from May to August.
It cannot be viewed from
North America or Europe
and only people living south
of Florida in the US or the
island of Taiwan can see the
Southern Cross.
SOUTHERN CROSS
A constellation that has come to
symbolise the southern hemisphere.
To Australia’s Indigenous
people the stars of the Cross
were important. Some viewed
it as the foot print of a wedge
tail eagle while others saw it
as a stingray being chased by
a shark.
A commonly asked question
at Sydney Observatory is
‘How do I find the Southern
Cross?’ The best way is to
look for two bright stars
Alpha and Beta Centauri,
known as the Pointers, that
point towards the cross (see
photo). For a ‘road map’ to
the Crux check our monthly
star chart available on our
website (sydneyobservatory.
com) or Sydney Observatory's
Australian sky guide (available
from the Observatory or
Powerhouse Publishing).
Dr Martin Anderson,
Astronomy Educator
• Mars, the red planet. Photo
festival of
the stars
Sydneysiders will be familiar
with the experience of
looking up to the night sky
and seeing hardly any stars.
This is because the lights of
the city reduce the contrast
that makes the sky seem
so black and the stars so
bright and numerous in the
country. But for the second
year running the RTA is turning
the floodlights out on the
Sydney Harbour Bridge for the
Observatory’s Festival of the
Stars to help make the stars
once again glow brightly in our
night sky.
This is the chance to view the
Southern Cross (Crux), Mars
+
observe
courtesy NASA.
next to the bright star Regulus,
Jupiter and the constellations
Scorpius and Centaurus
through the Observatory’s
large telescopes — or just
enjoy a starry starry night from
Observatory Hill. As well as
telescope viewings, there will
be astronomy focus talks, a
torchlight tour, an astronomy
night fair and a sausage sizzle.
Sydney Observatory's Festival
of the Stars starts at 6.00 pm
on Friday 21 and Saturday 22
July. For details and bookings
phone (02) 9921 3485 or visit
sydneyobservatory.com
+ 23 powerline winter 06
The powerhouse museum gratefully acknowledges
the support of the following organisations
+principal partners
DICK SMITH
sport: more than heroes & legends ON THE BOX: GREAT MOMENTS IN Dick Smith Australian Explorer Bell THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: Dynasties, Coles Theatre, Target Theatre,
AUSTRALIAN TELEVISION 1956–2006 206B Jetranger III helicopter dragons and warriors Grace Bros Courtyard, K Mart
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: Dynasties, studios
Dragons and warriors
the great wall of china:
Dynasties, dragons and warriors
+senior partners
EcoLogic: creating a sustainable
future
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: dynasties,
dragons and warriors
powerhouse wizard GREEK TREASURES: FROM THE
BENAKI MUSEUM IN ATHENS
museum mascots: zoe and cogs
ON THE BOX: GREAT MOMENTS IN
AUSTRALIAN TELEVISION 1956–2006
sydney design 06
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA: Dynasties, on the box: great moments in
Dragons and warriors australian television 1956–2006
+partners +supporters
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Mincom Limited Southern star ansto Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
d factory LIFE FELLOWS DINNER 2006 on the box: great moments in science education program Official Sydney Hotel
australian television 1956-2006
Sydney design 06
Poloxygen Arab Bank Australia pacific magazines
engineers australia, sydney division inspired! design across time tv week THE CURIOUS ECONOMIST:
WILLIAM STANLEY JEVONS in sydney
engineering excellence 2005 on the box: great moments in the raci inc. nsw branch
australian television 1956–2006
Radio 2Ue science education program
indesign magazine on the box: great moments in
electrolux
d factory
australian television 1956–2006 electrolux global design
trust co of australia
laboratory
SoundHouse™ Music Alliance
home beautiful
Monument
SoundHouse™ music & multimedia
Sydney Design 06
laboratory Sydney design 06
+platinum corporate members +gold corporate members +silver corporate members
Amp adobe multiplex Arab Bank Australia PDc Creative
boeing australia jcdecaux sinclair knight merz Dunlop Flooring Australia tabcorp
thomson playford lilyfield printing transgrid hasbro TAFE NSW: SYDNEY INSTITUTE
massmedia studios MACQUARIE BANK FOUNDATION THOMSON TELECOM AUSTRALIA
nsw department of lands Weir minerals australia
+ state government partners +australian government partners
the powerhouse museum is australia council for the arts
a statutory authority of,
and principally funded by, australian research council
the nsw state government.
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.

exhibitions at a glance
june_july_august 2006
On the box: great moments in
Australian television 1956–2006
Level 4
Fifty years of Australian television are
celebrated in this landmark exhibition,
Delve into TV history with classic clips,
interactives and insights from the
trailblazers of Australian TV.
Inspired! Design across time
Level 4,
Featuring fashion, furniture, textiles,
glass, graphics, ceramics and
metalwork, Inspired! surveys 300
years of decorative arts and design.
Discover the power of objects and
the pleasure of people who use and
treasure them.
Strasburg clock model
Level 4
Following a long period of preservation
work the treasured ‘Strasburg’ model,
based on Strasbourg Cathedral’s
famous astronomical clock, returns
to a new location next to the new
decorative arts and design gallery,
Inspired! Design across time.
Works wonders: stories about home
remedies
Level 2, until 18 june 2006
An exhibition about some of the weird,
wonderful and commonplace ways in
which people have dealt with sickness
and injury at home.
Powerhouse Membership
It makes a great gift!
I wish to join Powerhouse Members I wish to renew my membership
Membership number (if renewing):
INDIVIDUAL 1 year 2 years 3 years
Standard $60 $108 $153
Concession/country*
$30 $54 $77
Name to go on card
*Concession applies to full-time students, seniors, pensioners, unemployed.
Country members must live more than 150 km from Sydney GPO.
HOUSEHOLD** 1 year 2 years 3 years
Standard $85 $153 $217
Concession/country* $50 $90 $127
** A household is up to two adults and all students under 18 years at the same address. Country
households must be more than 150 km from Sydney GPO. Concession applies to full-time students,
seniors, pensioners, unemployed and all adults in the household must be eligible for concession.
Name to go on first card

In your face: contemporary graphic

Engineering Excellence
Level 4,
Outstanding engineering projects
from the Engineers Australia, Sydney
Division, Engineering Excellence
awards.
Australian Design Awards
Level 4, from 1 july 2006
The Powerhouse selection from the
Australian Design Awards features
outstanding achievements in design.
Home Beautiful Product of the Year
Awards 2006
Level 2, 18–21 August 2006
From home accessories, outdoor
furniture to lighting and bedding
design, Home Beautiful magazine
seeks out the year’s ‘must have’
products for the home. See the
shortlisted products and watch a panel
of experts make their final selection of
this year’s winners.
SMH Young Designer of the Year
Level 2, 5–13 August 2006
A selection from the winning entrants
from The Sydney Morning Herald Young
Designer of the Year Award.
Name to go on second card
design
Level 3, from 5 August 2006 Card number (for concession memberships)
From advertisers and animators to a
tattoo artist, this fascinating exhibition
gives the inside story on graphic
I wish to give a gift membership
design. Showcasing 16 designers and GIFT MEMBERSHIP RECIPIENT
studios, In your face explores what
makes some designs stand out from
the crowd.
Name
Electrolux Design Lab Address
Level 3, 5–20 August 2006
Postcode
A selection of innovative designs from
some of the award-winning entries
for the third Electrolux Design Lab Phone number (BH)
competition where students from
around the world were invited to design Email
household appliances for the home
of 2020. Please send the membership to The giver Directly to the recipient
The World Cup dream: stories of Future renewal notices to be sent to: The giver The recipient
Australia's soccer mums and dads
Level 3, 5 June – 23 July 2006 Card message (if applicable)
Just in time for the 2006 World Cup!
Through a series of interviews with
Socceroo families, this display looks at GIFT MEMBERSHIP GIVER
the rise of Australia as a soccer nation.
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PAYMENT DETAILS
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to help build our collection (donations over $2.00 are tax deductible).

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I enclose a cheque/money order for this amount made payable to
vase in blue jasper. josiah Wedgewood & sons, England, 1786–90. Powerhouse Members.
gift of powerhouse members 1990; paul hogan with garry
mcdonald as norman gunston, about 1977; Asian-inspired tattoo Please charge this amount to my credit card:
design by josh roelink, tatudharma, sydney, 2005.
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exhibitions at coming soon! Card number Expiry /

Sydney Observatory
By the light of the southern stars
Look behind the Southern Cross, hear
Aboriginal stories about the sky and
see instruments from Australia’s first
major observatory.
+
The Great Wall of China: dynasties,
dragons and warriors
from 29 september 2006
Built over a period of more than 2000
years, the Great Wall of China is both
an astonishing monument and the
symbol of ancient empires. Featuring
treasures never before seen outside
China, this exhibition tells the story of
the Great Wall, from its pre-dynastic
beginnings to its iconic status today.
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While all effort will be made to meet deadline, please allow 14 days processing.
Please complete all relevant sections and return to the members department:
+ By fax on 9217 0140 + By post to: Powerhouse Members
PO Box K346, Haymarket, NSW 1238 or phone the Members hotline on 9217 0600.
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categories or visit: www.powerhousemuseum.com/members

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www.powerhousemuseum.com TURN OVER FOR DETAILS
from the
collection
American designers Charles
and Ray Eames were one of
the most important design
partnerships of the post war
era. Endlessly innovative,
their work ranged from
furniture and architecture
to films, exhibitions and
toys. Their creativity across
many disciplines — design,
mathematics, technology and
photography — has had a
lasting influence on our world.
This year marks the 50th
anniversary of the Eames
lounge chair and ottoman, a
20th-century design classic
and the Eames’ final and most
resolved statement in a series
of plywood chairs designed
over a 15-year period. Fifty
years old and still going strong,
the chair pays tribute to the
brilliance
of the Eames’ partnership
and the importance of their
www.powerhousemuseum.com