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Our museums

Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collectionestablished as the Lyndhurst Conservation Resource Centre 1984, renamed 2004

The Mint, 10 Macquarie StreetSydney NSW 2000T 02 8239 2233 F 02 8239 2433 E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm

The Caroline Simpson Library & ResearchCollection is open to anyone with an interestin the history of house and garden design andinterior furnishing in New South Wales.

The collection supports the HHT’s work ofinterpreting and managing places of culturalsignificance in New South Wales and providesa specialist research resource for scholars,heritage and conservation practitioners andmuseum professionals. The scope of thecollection is broad, covering houses andgardens of all kinds and ranging from the 19thcentury to the present day.

It includes material across a wide range offormats: architectural pattern books,manufacturers’ trade catalogues and samplebooks, wall coverings, floorcoverings, gardenornament, curtain and blind hardware, doorand window furniture, soft furnishings andtrimmings, personal papers and manuscripts,pictures, books and periodicals.

HighlightsRelocation to the Superintendent’s Office inthe Coining Factory at The Mint has providedvastly better facilities for both public and staffaccess to the Library & Research Collection.We have better storage for the collection,greater awareness of the collection and theability to display important items. At the sametime the fit-out has created some particularlyinviting spaces for readers to work andbrowse, most notably a small reading room

lined with two very large bookcases originallymade for the Royal Society of New SouthWales in the 1880s.

On 1 February the library catalogue wentonline to the public via the HHT’s website. The electronic catalogue had previously beenavailable only to those members of the publicwho were able to visit the library in person,and to staff via an intranet. The catalogueforms part of the Caroline Simpson Library &Research Collection webpage which alsoserves as a gateway to a Museum Collectionsdatabase, providing surrogate digital accessto two of the most important formats in ourcollection – around 700 wallpapers and 300 floorcoverings. The digitisation of thismaterial and its rollout in database formrepresents the completion of stage one of aproject to provide electronic public access tothe entire object collection. The library

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection

34

webpage is also the access point for theColonial Plants database, a database of plantsknown to be available in the colony of NewSouth Wales up until the 1860s. This is anongoing project aiming to providecomprehensive coverage of published nurserycatalogues and manuscript sources includingBotanic Gardens records and plant listscompiled by early colonists like AlexanderMacleay and William Macarthur.

Following our relocation to The Mint we wereable to take custody of the Clough collection ofgardening books. Professor Richard Clough AM,architect, landscape architect and educator,presented this outstanding collection to the HHTthrough the Commonwealth Government’sCultural Gifts Program. The collection comprisesmore than 2,000 items ranging across thehistory of publishing about Australian gardens,gardening, gardeners and plants.

At the same time we received several significantitems from the Caroline Simpson Collection atClyde Bank, including two oil paintings and anumber of watercolours by Conrad Martens, twooil paintings by William Buelow Gould and aseries of lithographs c1853 depicting portableiron buildings manufactured in Bristol at SamuelHemming’s Patent Portable House Manufactoryfor use in Australia.

StrategiesManage the move of books and objectsto The Mint

The major focus for the first quarter of2004–05 was preparing our rare books andobject collections for the move to The Mint:scheduling precautionary specialist pestcontrol treatments, rehousing some collection formats and sending items out for conservation.

The second quarter was spent unpacking and shelving the collections and installing anumber of object displays in the new spaces.

Open the new facility at The Mint

Since the Library & Research Collection wasclosed to both staff and public in the monthsleading up to the relocation, our major focussince reopening in early October has been toraise the profile of the collection and itsresearch potential for both staff and public. We have conducted a series of tours andpresentations about the collection to groups of tertiary students and special interest groups.

As part of our ongoing strategy to provideappropriate storage for the specialist formatswithin our collection we have committedsubstantial resources towards refitting theJudges Common Room, next door at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, to providedisplay storage for rolled and hung textiles andother large format items which cannot bestored adequately at The Mint.

Strategies 2005–06• Maintain existing collection displays at a rate

of three to four changeovers per year.

• Extend collection displays with theinstallation of display drawers in theScholars’ Gallery; the development of small,portable bench-top showcases; and thelocation of a free-standing display case.

• Publish a collection development brochureon Furnishing textiles in Australia 1850–1950.

• Extend electronic presence of the collectionon the website through the addition of extracollection formats to the MuseumCollections database and through further development of the Colonial Plants database.

Our visit to The Mint and the Library & Research Collectionencapsulated the whole [Design] course in one afternoon.

Peter Phillips, Lecturer, UTS Interior Design, May 2005

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection

35

previous page (left to right): Wallpaper sample, Album PR Nouveautes 1937–1938, PR Paris | Wallpaper roll (detail),manufacturer unknown, c1972 | Wallpaper sample, Album PR Nouveautes 1937–1938, PR Paris. Photographs Jenni Carter.opposite page: Rare books on display. Photograph Jom this page (clockwise from top): Bracket valance, c1890 | Housename plate, c1928, designed by James Gosper Dodimead (1894–1954). Photographs Jenni Carter | Urn, c1925,Boomerang, Elizabeth Bay, Sydney | Planter, c1925, Wunderlich Ltd. Sydney. Photographs Brenton McGeachie

Breakdown of visitor numbers Paid admission five year trend

7 Onslow Avenue Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011T 02 9356 3022 F 02 9357 7176E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open Tuesday to Sunday and public holidayMondays 10am – 4.30pm

The fashionable architect John Verge builtElizabeth Bay House for the Colonial SecretaryAlexander Macleay and his family. It is a superbexample of Greek revival architecture in amagnificent setting overlooking Sydney Harbour.Furnished to the period 1839–1845 the interiors present an evocative picture of early19th century life before the Depression of the1840s forced Macleay to leave the house.

HighlightsIn October, after physical investigation ofappropriate paint and timber finishes, the saloondome soffit was repainted and the cedarwindow joinery re-waxed. This limited publicaccess to the interiors but enabled a review ofinterpretation of the property. Access to the firstfloor was by the servants’ stairs and by guidedtour only.

We provided support to City of Sydney Councilin the approved gazettal of the rock face at therear of the house under draft amendment No 9to South Sydney Local Environmental Plan 1998.This cliff face has high archaeological,landscape and social significance and is mostimportant to the setting of Elizabeth Bay House.

36

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Elizabeth Bay House

Elizabeth Bay House

2005

12,5

12

2004

16,5

17

2003

17,2

93

2002

16,3

08

2001

12,9

00

PAID ADMISSIONS 2005 2004 2003 2002General public 8,930 13,089 13,233 12,614

Education 1,857 1,507 1,140 1,660

Public programs 328 374 753 595

Venue hire 1,397 1,547 2,167 1,439

Subtotal 12,512 16,517 17,293 16,308FREE ENTRYComplimentary tickets 2,328 2,993 3,238 3,148

Other (site visits) 695 442 291 151

Subtotal 3,023 3,435 3,529 3,299TOTAL 15,535 19,952 20,822 19,607

Objects from the Caroline Simpson Collectiondonation enabled a fuller interpretation ofseveral key rooms, including a TasmanianBlackwood pole screen and a small colonialcedar sofa c1840 in Miss Macleay’s room;colonial cedar work table c1835 in theprincipal bedroom; a pair of cedar fauxrosewood window seats c1830 in the morningroom; and a small Tasmanian Blackwoodconsole table c1825 in the upper hall.

StrategiesImplement programs on domestic designthemes and housekeeping practices

The sold-out Art of keeping house workshop inSeptember focused on the principles ofconservation cleaning, materials required andtechniques used, in a domestic interior.

Visual access to the butler’s pantry has beenincorporated into the interpretation of theproperty to demonstrate 19th century floralarrangements, vases and materials, and toprovide insight into the role and nature offlowers in the historical interior.

Initiate a program that encouragescontemporary interpretation of the historic interiors

When Christmas bells are ringing was aninnovative summer display of 19th centurytraditional floral Christmas decorationsthroughout the house together withcontemporary floral installations by advancedstudents from Pearsons School of Floristry.

Initiate a design competition for tertiarydesign students

Planning commenced for Changing spaces for October 2005, an exhibition re-interpretingthe dining and drawing rooms usingcontemporary designers and architects.Students from the University of New SouthWales and the Architecture School ofBarcelona will be involved in a designcompetition to re-interpret the same spaces, and models of their work will be displayed upstairs.

Trial a revised staffing structure

A Curator/Manager position was created and trialled, and is ongoing.

Strategies 2005–06• Continue to refine the house museum’s

displays with reference to the 1845 inventory.

• Focus on the Changing spaces exhibition.

• Continue to undertake staged maintenanceprograms.

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Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Elizabeth Bay House

Australia/Overseas Australia New South Wales

Australia 57%Overseas 43%

New South Wales 73%Victoria 11%Queensland 6%South Australia 5%Western Australia 3%Tasmania 1%Northern Territory 1%

Eastern Suburbs 33% 5Rural NSW 15%Northern Sydney 14%Inner City 12%Inner West 10%Western Sydney 9%South Sydney 7%

Beautifully preserved, an asset to this city.

Vanda Smith, Avalon, Sydney, October 2004

opposite page: Elizabeth Bay House dome. Photograph Suzanne Bravery this page: Reproduction of c1815 figure by ThomasHopper of the Roman priestess of Vesta. Photograph Bella Binder



Education 8,521 9,440 9,546 9,913

Public programs 132 5,026 1,374 4,318

Venue hire 1,043 849 1,112 2,251


Free public programs 593 538


Subtotal 4,386 4,386 4,550 5,117TOTAL 22,063 29,558 27,574 32,793

70 Alice Street Rosehill NSW 2142 T 02 9635 9488 F 02 9891 3740 E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open daily 10am – 5pm

Elizabeth Farm contains part of the oldestEuropean building in Australia and is amongthe nation’s most important historic sites.Standing on Dharug land, the farmhouse wascommenced in 1793 and was home to theMacarthur family until 1854. The Swann familyacquired it in 1904 and lived in it until 1968.The New South Wales Government acquiredit in 1979. After conservation, it was

transferred to the HHT in 1984. Today it is a‘hands-on’ museum and recalls the stories ofthose who built it and lived in it for over 200years. Visitors are given access to all areas,objects and furniture.

HighlightsTo mark the completion of stage three of theinterior painting project – a culmination of fouryears of research and planning – we hosted atraditional paint-making workshop using anarcane distemper paint recipe identical to thatapplied to the walls of Elizabeth Farm in the late1820s. In recognition of the museum’scomprehensive repainting project, includingvarious interpretative conservation programsand staff development measures, it received acommendation for Community Heritage fromthe Parramatta City Council during its 2005Heritage Week celebrations.

As the drought bit harder, with water tablesreceding across western Sydney, weencountered a number of environmentalproblems, prompting urgent and in some caseshighly innovative solutions. While the buildingshave long been attuned to resting on unstableclay soils, the current prolonged ‘dry’ has led toan alarming escalation in structural problems.Pioneering the use of technology previouslyseen only in viticulture and orchardmanagement, we commenced a trial of aninnovative device to stabilise undergroundmoisture levels and reduce damage associatedwith building movement. Combining earthquakeand climate data, surveyor readings, soilmoisture records and geotechnical advice, thismanagement strategy represents an Australianfirst in the field of heritage conservation.

As with heritage gardens elsewhere in Australiaand internationally, climate change is presentingserious challenges to the preservation of oldtrees. We have responded by drafting a long-term replacement strategy to anticipate theattrition of important trees and minimise theimpact of their loss on the appearance andsignificance of the garden.

StrategiesTo extend the interpretation to includeconvicts, servants and workers

The interpretation of servants and workerslives progressed to design and production butfinal installation was delayed due to timeconstraints and competing priorities inbuilding maintenance, structural monitoringand staff training.

To put into place a series of training,orientation and team-building programsfor staff

We initiated a series of orientation and trainingprograms to build expertise and maintainservice delivery. A new staff meeting formatwas introduced to improve informationexchange. In addition, we developed regularsessions focused on museum presentation,history and team building activities, and aprogram of visits to neighbouring sites andsister museums to develop awareness of localheritage items, cultural bodies and the HHT’sportfolio of properties.

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Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Elizabeth Farm

Elizabeth Farm

2005

17,6

77

2004

25,17

2

2003

23,0

24

2002

27,6

76

2001

22,13

3

39

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Elizabeth Farm

Implement the staff restructure for the Tearooms

A new operational structure was successfullyimplemented in the Tearooms. The aim was toreduce overall costs through a series of controlsplaced on food management, menus, staff rostersand salaries. The new structure included a singleManager and rostered assistant staff, and a newlyrefined ordering system that has reduced wastageand streamlined reporting.

A welcome level of stability was achieved;supported by growing revenues (without risingcosts), repeat clientele and increased group and function bookings.

Strategies 2005–06• Investigate and source provenanced collection

items relevant for interpretation and possiblereproduction at Elizabeth Farm.

• Develop and undertake interpretative initiativesto highlight the history of female occupationand assemble new research.

• Run the Festival of the olive and repeat thesuccess and popularity of previous festivals.

Great place. What a wonderful way to educate our kids!

Toni Davies, Holmesville NSW, November 2004



New South Wales 81%Victoria 8%Queensland 4%South Australia 4%Western Australia 2%Tasmania 1%

Western Sydney 31%Eastern Suburbs 15% 5Northern Sydney 13%Inner City 13%Rural NSW 12%Inner West 9%South Sydney 7%

opposite page: John and Elizabeth Macarthur dessert service plate, c1812. Photograph Tessa Scott this page: Elizabeth Farm. Photograph Patrick Bingham-Hall

Breakdown of visitor numbers Admission five year trend*

Macquarie StreetSydney NSW 2000T 02 9931 5222 F 02 9931 5208 E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

House open Friday to Sunday 10am – 3pmGrounds open daily 10am – 4pm

Romantically sited on Bennelong Point,Government House was built between 1837and 1845 in the Gothic revival style. Thebuilding of Government House was seen asreflecting the colony’s maturity as it reachedthe end of convict transportation and movedtowards responsible government. The StateRooms were decorated in 1879 by Lyon,Cottier & Co to coincide with the SydneyInternational Exhibition. The house is sitedwithin an important historic garden with exotictrees, shrubs, carriageways, paths andterraces. The interiors display an exceptionalcollection of colonial furniture, portraiture andgubernatorial memorabilia. Decorative arts,such as silver and glass, are commissionedfrom leading New South Wales craftspeople,continuing this tradition of patronage. Thehouse continues to host many vice-regal,government and community events.

HighlightsGovernment House received many VIP visitorsincluding the President of Israel, the CrownPrince and Princess of Denmark, the Prince ofWales, and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.

We acquired a number of items from theCaroline Simpson Collection donationincluding a Conrad Martens watercolour view

40

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Government House

Government House

2005

150,

019

2004

113,

625

2003

115,

263

2002

115,

757

2001

110,

167

ADMISSIONS 2005 2004 2003 2002Education 1,685 2,336 1,418 2,222

Public programs 6,448 14,827 19,845 8,157

Free public programs* 4,790 4,304

Venue hire 6,584 5,992 8,319 8,803

House tours* 23,411 15,776 17,019 22,551

Grounds* 96,380 58,553 57,611 65,211

Vice-regal functions* 10,721 11,837 11,051 8,813

TOTAL 150,019 113,625 115,263 115,757

*free entry

Beautiful place, a castle like in a fairy tale!

Lex & Leonie, The Netherlands, October 2004

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Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Government House


Overseas 53%Australia 47%

New South Wales 65%Victoria 14%Queensland 10%South Australia 5%Western Australia 4%Tasmania 1%Northern Territory 1%

Northern Sydney 19%Western Sydney 19%Rural NSW 19%Eastern Suburbs 14% 5Inner City 13%South Sydney 9%Inner West 7%

opposite page: Government House. Photograph Patrick Bingham-Hall this page: Interior architectural detail, Government House. Photograph Edwina Jans

of Government House 1856, a Henry CurzonAllport attributed view of Government Housefrom the North Shore c1845 and bronzeportrait medallions by Thomas Woolner ofGovernor Sir Charles FitzRoy and Lieutenant-Governor Joseph LaTrobe. Other acquisitionsincluded presentation portraits of Lord andLady Carrington 1890, an oil painting by EthelAnderson, a photograph showing the Duke ofYork and the Earl of Hopetoun at GovernmentHouse in May 1901, and two photographicviews of the Government House landscapefrom the Garden Palace c1879.

Visitor numbers to the grounds of GovernmentHouse has increased significantly since theinstallation of signage at the perimeter of theproperty and in the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The museum again participated in Discoveryafter dark. Now in its second year, the eventproved very popular with visitor numbersreaching 1,574, more than double theattendance of last year.

StrategiesContinue to implement therecommendations of the Conservation and Management Plan

A major program of stone repair andreplacement commenced on the western sideof the house through the NSW Department ofCommerce Centenary Stonework program. Ahandrail was installed to the crenellations incompliance with Occupational Health & Safetyminimum parapet requirements. Workcommenced on repainting the Chalet

(1890–1891) in its original Arts and Craftsmovement-influenced scheme. The Chalet’ssouthern verandahs were unenclosed andtheir decorative posts and balustradesreconstructed.

Continue to implement the Garden Masterplan

Twenty-two stone vases based on twosurviving originals and historic photographswere made by Melocco Bros, Melbourne,under the aegis of the Department ofCommerce Centenary Stonework programand installed along the terrace path of thewestern terrace (rampart garden). A selectionof rainforest species was planted, mainly fromMoreton Bay and northern New South Wales,reflecting the assimilation of Australianspecies to Sydney gardens from the 1820s to the 1840s.

Continue to implement therecommendations of the To Furnish a Future policy

Leading textile designers were interviewedwith the aim of sourcing contemporary textilesfor the State Rooms; this is ongoing. A ceramiccharger by Stephen Bowers from the Art BankCollection was placed on display in the mainhall. Crimson silk damask, copying the silksupplied by Lyon Cottier & Co for the drawingrooms in 1879, was ordered from the French

textile weaving firm Lelieuve for the proposednew window hangings.

Continue to reinvigorate and give emphasisto the Cultural Program, broadening from amusic focus

Government House hosted the RanamokGlass Prize over three weeks in October. This event comprised an exhibition ofcontemporary Australian and New Zealandstudio glass making and demonstrations ofglass working techniques.

Strategies 2005–06• Continue to implement the

recommendations of the Conservation and Management Plan.

• Continue to implement the Garden Masterplan.

• Continue to implement therecommendations of the To Furnish a Future policy.

• Continue to reinvigorate and giveemphasis to a high profile cultural program, broadening from a music focus.


42

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Queens Square, Macquarie StreetSydney NSW 2000T 02 8239 2311 F 02 8239 2322E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open daily 9.30am – 5pm

Convict workers acting under the direction ofconvict architect Francis Greenway built HydePark Barracks between 1817 and 1819. Itsconstruction had been ordered by GovernorLachlan Macquarie who wanted a buildingsuitable for the housing of government-employed and privately assigned maleconvicts. The building was used for convictaccommodation until 1848, when it wasconverted into the Female Immigration Depot.

In 1862 the upper level of the main Barracksbuilding became a government-run asylum foraged, infirm and destitute women. The role ofthe Barracks changed again in 1887 when thebuildings were used to house law courts,judges chambers and government offices.

The Barracks is a museum that presents thehistory of the site using the building’s fabric,archaeology and spaces and through changingexhibitions that tell stories about its occupants’lives and experiences.

HighlightsModifications to the air conditioning system,required as part of the link up to the main plantat The Mint, were completed in early 2005 andhave been successful to date. Theseenhancements involved works to ensure bettercontrol over temperature and humidity levels.

2005

72,2

93

2004

72,0

16

2003

74,2

10

2002

61,8

58

2001

49,0

90


Education 15,903 13,691 11,084 11,158

Public programs 1,755 1,159 578 401

Venue hire 15,573 13,182 17,162 10,124


Other* 134,273 130,012 136,709 147,108

Subtotal 141,799 139,283 144,632 157,205TOTAL 214,092 211,299 218,842 219,063Grounds

Forecourt 518,272 475,351 509,964 490,911

* site visits, cafe, shop and visits to the 'Australian Monument to the Great Irish Famine' grounds, cafe and shop figures are as accurate as possible, calculations are based on estimated numbers

The Sydney Festival staged the Becks FestivalBar in the courtyard for the fourth consecutiveyear and also the opening night party for thefestival.

The shingle and lead dome over the isolationcell in the northern range (the Cafe diningroom) was replaced due to the age and poorcondition of the timber.

Attendance by school students was thehighest on record. The education programs –RATS, Archaeology underfoot, Convict life atthe barracks and general tours are extremelypopular with both primary and secondaryschool groups.

The museum again participated in Discoveryafter dark. Now in its second year, the eventproved very popular with visitor numbersreaching 1,037, nearly double the attendanceof last year.

StrategiesDevelop and install a new major exhibitionConvicts: sites of punishment

This new exhibition opened on 4 June 2005.It investigates themes of transportation, lawand order, and economic and political strategyin Australia’s convict system. The exhibitionalso highlights a number of significant convictoccupied sites throughout Australia, which have been proposed for World Heritage listing.

Review and update signage, text panels andother related brochures

The majority of external signs were updatedand replaced throughout the year. A numberof text panels and signs were also updated, aswas the museum’s visitor guide, which isproving to be popular.

Develop a schools project kit

Specific categories chosen for inclusion in aschools project kit included Francis Greenway,the First Fleet, convict establishments andconvict food and clothing, in response to asignificant number of inquiries from studentsand parents regarding general information onAustralia’s convict past. It is expected the kitwill be available in early 2006.

Develop a children’s program specificallyfor under-fives

Staff developed a new program for the under-five age group. The program involvesstorytelling and activity stations in whichchildren learn about building the Barracks. Anassociated activity Barracks bingo involvesmatching up items on an activity sheet toitems located throughout the museum.

Strategies 2005–06• Develop a display and brochure on the

Immigration Depot phase at the Barracks.

• Submit for public tender theoperations/leasehold of the Hyde ParkBarracks Cafe.

• Develop and upgrade the existing convict database.

• Undertake a review of staffing andpositions/descriptions.

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Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Excellent museum – lots of information about what life was likefor the convicts, and you really get a ‘feel’ for what it was like.

Joanna Cowper, Harpenden, United Kingdom, August 2004


Overseas 66%Australia 34%

New South Wales 66%Victoria 12%Queensland 10%South Australia 6%Western Australia 4%Northern Territory 1%Tasmania 1%

Rural NSW 20%Northern Sydney 19%Eastern Suburbs 16%Western Sydney 14%Inner City 13%South Sydney 10%Inner West 8%

opposite page: Hyde Park Barracks Museum. Photograph Patrick Bingham-Hall this page (clockwise from top left): 19thcentury artefacts – ink well, scissors, needle, buttons. Photographs Jenni Carter


44

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Justice & Police Museum

Justice & Police Museum

2005

24,2

42

2004

27,3

72

2003

24,0

99

2002

21,0

17

2001

22,0

18


Education 7,562 8,354 8,327 7,185

Public programs 1,355 865 359 621

Venue hire 3,071 3,743 2,661 2,309


Free Public Programs 201

Other (site visits) 1,157 2,509 886 784

Subtotal 7,204 9,603 7,673 7,402TOTAL 31,446 36,975 31,772 28,419

Cnr Albert & Phillip StreetsCircular Quay NSW 2000T 02 9252 1144 F 02 9252 4860 E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open weekends 10am – 5pmMonday to Friday for booked groups only Open daily in January

Previously the Water Police Court (1856),Water Police Station (1858) and Police Court(1886), the museum now features aMagistrates Court, a charge room, a remandcell, a gallery of mug shots of Sydney’s earlycriminals, an array of weapons, forensicevidence from notorious crimes, and displaysexploring police history, bushrangers andpunishment in society. It presents a programof exhibitions and educational activities whichexplore the significance of the site and thesocial history of law, policing and crime in NewSouth Wales.

HighlightsIn October we opened a provocative newexhibition Jailed: penitentiary to private prison1840–2000. The exhibition used a range ofprison artefacts, owned by the Department ofCorrective Services, to explore the impact ofvarious philosophies of punishment oninstitutions of incarceration within New SouthWales. Contemporary photographs of prisoninmates and spaces by photographer SuePaull were shown in conjunction with theexhibition during January.

We developed a new travelling exhibition Lawand order: regional police and court buildings1850–1920. It showcased late 19th and early20th century photographs of police stationand courthouse architecture and includes adatabase with 600 searchable location entriesand multiple photographs, which will tour laterin 2005.

Work was undertaken on an important book,City of shadows, written in collaboration withguest curator Peter Doyle. The book will bepublished to coincide with an exhibition of thesame name (in late 2005). The book andexhibition draw upon the museum’shistorically significantly forensic photography archive.

Guides travelled to Albury and presented aneducation program titled The pyjama girl. Theprogram was successfully adapted to link inwith the Crime scene exhibition, which was ondisplay at the Albury Regional Museum at thesame time. One hundred and forty-threestudents attended eight sessions.

The museum again participated in Discoveryafter dark. Now in its second year, the eventproved very popular with visitor numbersreaching 1,193, almost double the attendanceof last year.

StrategiesContinue to work with NSW Police tofinalise legal ownership and intellectualproperty rights issues by whatever meansare available

The legal ownership issues relate to thecollection created in 1910 by the NSW Police. This highly significant historic collection, whichconcentrates on criminal artefacts andtechniques, is currently housed, conservedand maintained by the museum but itsownership resides with the NSW Police. The Director, Peter Watts, maintained contact with the Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney,to advance resolution of this issue.

Strategies 2005–06• Work with NSW Police to resolve all

outstanding legal ownership andintellectual property rights issues affectingthe museum’s collection.

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Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Justice & Police Museum

A great tribute to the rich history of the NSW police. Extremely well done!

Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles Police Department, July 2004



New South Wales 83%Victoria 6%South Australia 4%Queensland 4%Western Australia 2%Northern Territory 1%

Eastern Suburbs 21%Northern Sydney 15%Inner City 15%Western Sydney 14%Inner West 13%Rural NSW 12%South Sydney 10%

opposite page: Drugs: a social history, Justice & Police Museum. this page: Darlinghurst Gaol prisoner’s mask. Photographs Penelope Clay

Cnr Worrigee & West StreetsNowra NSW 2541T 02 4421 8150 F 02 4421 2747 E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open Saturday 1 – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm by guided tour only, on the hour

Open Thursday to Sunday 10am – 5pm during JanuaryBooked groups by arrangement

Located in the south coast town of Nowra andbuilt in 1885, this timber house was home tofour generations of women from the samefamily. Their daily routines, domestic choresand social lives have moulded its intimaterooms. Meroogal’s exceptionally rich collectionof personal objects provides an insight into theprivate lives and daily world of this family fornearly a century.

HighlightsThe seventh annual Meroogal women’s artsprize with the theme In the kitchen at Meroogalreceived a record 150 entries which wereexhibited in September at the newly openedShoalhaven City Arts Centre in Nowra. Over400 people attended the opening. MeganSproats of Wollongong won the $2,000 firstprize for her multimedia work Tenants’ window.Kim Williams of Port Kembla won theBundanon Trust Regional Artists-in-ResidenceScholarship with a mobile sculpture, Family tree


46

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Meroogal

Meroogal

2005

2,50

6

2004

2,09

9

2003

2,28

6

2002

2,16

1

2001

2,18

1


Education 832 740 547 430

Public programs 371 244 385 688

Subtotal 2,506 2,099 2,286 2,161FREE ENTRYComplimentary tickets 467 578 585 301

Free public programs 160 121 0


Subtotal 627 699 585 314TOTAL 3,133 2,798 2,871 2,475

Absolutely fantastic just like my grandma’s house but in suchgood condition.

Izzy Moore, Kambah ACT, January 2005

47

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Meroogal

of recipes, which was acquired by the HHT.Selected works toured to Bega and Bowraland were also shown in the Members Loungeat The Mint in Sydney.

To celebrate Meroogal’s history of householdpractices and to connect the property to thecommunity, we awarded prizes at the NowraShow in the categories of preserves andpickles, chutneys and lamingtons.

More than 300 people attended the Old waresfair in April. HHT housekeeper, Matthew Scott,and guest conservator, Rosemary McDonaldgave demonstrations in preventive care ofobjects and three antiques experts assessedvisitors’ treasures.

In November we held a new public programSpring at Meroogal to celebrate the springtimegarden and to launch new interpretativegarden signs. Meroogal volunteerspropagated plants for sale at the event. The celebration attracted a new audience ofgardeners and good contacts were made with the Shoalhaven Open Garden Scheme,Seedsavers and a local arborist who is startinga register of significant trees in theShoalhaven.

StrategiesContinue to build relationships in regionalNew South Wales through the Meroogalwomen’s arts prize and InternationalWomen’s Day events

Twenty-eight local women received aShoalhaven International Women’s Day Awardon 13 March 2005 at Meroogal, for theircontribution to the Shoalhaven community.Diana Noyce, author of the Vaucluse Houseeducation program Picked, potted andpreserved, was the guest speaker at the thirdInternational Women’s Day breakfast hostedby the Friends of the Southern HighlandsRegional Gallery and held in conjunction with the 2004 tour of the Meroogal women’s arts prize.

Continue to assess the relevance of oureducation programs and build onrelationships with local schools and individual teachers

Meroogal’s relationship with local schools isnow well established with a number visitingthe property regularly. A Meroogal history prizewas donated to all secondary schools in theShoalhaven following positive feedback fromteachers and new school bookings, afterinitially offering the prize to Bomaderry andShoalhaven High Schools. The prize of $50was awarded to a history student selected bythe teachers. Many local schools participatedin the fully booked workshops Make art withan artist held in November with Wollongongartist Janine Hilder.

Continue to work with other ShoalhavenMuseum Trail member museums and withShoalhaven Tourism, to raise the profile ofthe Trail as an exciting and worthwhiletourist destination

The Shoalhaven Museum Trail group (whichincludes Meroogal, Lady Denman MaritimeMuseum, Bundanon Trust, Australia’s Museumof Flight and Shoalhaven Historical Society)gained a new member, the Shoalhaven CityArts Centre. The ‘Trail’ changed its name to theShoalhaven Museum & Arts Trail (SMART) andwas launched in November. Also launchedwas the discount pass program andaccompanying brochure, designed toreciprocally promote members’galleries/museums. The discount pass wasfunded by a grant from the ShoalhavenTourism Board. A formal committee of SMARThas been elected and meets regularly.

Strategies 2005–06• Continue to interpret the history of the

property using a diversity of mediums.

• Continue to develop the Meroogal Oldwares fair and Spring at Meroogal to attracta new and broader audience.

• Continue to implement the recentlyreviewed Meroogal Conservation andManagement Plan.

• Reinstate the back bedroom for public viewing.

Australia New South Wales

New South Wales 94%Victoria 2%South Australia 2%Queensland 2%

Rural NSW 44%Eastern Suburbs 20%Western Sydney 12%Inner West 8%Inner City 6%Northern Sydney 6%South Sydney 4%

opposite page: Meroogal. Photograph Patrick Bingham-Hall this page: Helen (born 1881), Margaret (born 1888) and ElginMacGregor (born 1890), Meroogal. Photographer unknown



Education 8,019 7,987 7,618 6,707

Public programs 4,433 3,180 1,519 4,038

Venue hire 17,953 20,764 24,626 17,335


Free public programs 5,420 25,121 5,210 -

Other* 328,512 329,422 328,500 437,577


Forecourt 657,000 658,800 657,000 760,500

* site visits, cafe, shop and visits to the Edge of the trees sculpture grounds, café and shop figures are as accurate as possible, calculations are based on estimated numbers

48

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Museum of Sydney

Museum of Sydney on the site of first Government House

Cnr Bridge & Phillip Streets Sydney NSW 2000T 02 9251 5988 F 02 9251 5966 E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open daily 9.30am – 5pm

The Museum of Sydney is a modern museumbuilt on a historic site: first Government House,the earliest foundations of British colonisationin Australia. From the archaeological remainsof first Government House to the award-winning contemporary sculpture Edge of thetrees, exhibits on the life of Aboriginal peopleof Port Jackson and the curiosities of the‘collectors chests’, the museum exploresSydney’s people, place and cultures then and now.

HighlightsOn 20 May 2005 the Museum of Sydneycelebrated its tenth anniversary. To mark thiswe commissioned a short video titled Tenyears on charting the genesis andachievements of the museum since 1995.

It was a very successful year for the museumwith visitor numbers at a record high for paidadmissions, education and public programs.

During the year we produced three major and one semi-permanent exhibition: Redcedar in Australia, Rex & Max Dupain’s Sydney, My city of Sydney and The studio of Jørn Utzon: creating the Sydney OperaHouse. Rex and Max Dupain’s Sydney touredto regional Victoria.

2005

93,9

36

2004

80,3

20

2003

74,15

1

2002

86,8

78

2001

74,6

20

With the ammendment to the Historic HousesAct the ownership of the museum, the YoungStreet terraces and First Government placewas transferred from the Ministry for the Artsto the HHT.

As part of the Caroline Simpson Collectiondonation we received a range of early colonialmaterial related to Sydney including paintings,watercolours, two 1789 Sydney CoveWedgwood medallions, an 1813 holey dollarcoin, and several 1854 bronze portraitmedallions by Thomas Woolner.

We installed a new display to mark thesignificance of the museum as the site of thefirst Government House in the colony: thehome, seat of authority and offices for the firstnine governors of New South Wales from 1788 to 1845.

We presented a third Sydney directionsseminar with the University of New SouthWales. The forum, City people: change anddiversity in Sydney’s population, discussedtrends evident in Sydney’s populationstructure, mix and distribution.

The museum again participated in Discoveryafter dark. Now in its second year, the eventproved very popular with visitor numbersreaching 1,231, more than double theattendance of last year.

StrategiesInstall a new semi-permanent exhibition titled My city of Sydney

We have installed a new semi-permanentexhibition entitled My city of Sydney, exploringwhat Sydney means today to its citizens andits projected image to the world.

The exhibition includes contemporary artwork,a Sydney Morning Herald interactive archiveand an 18-minute film where Sydneysiders tellstories of places significant to them includingSydney Opera House; Sydney Stadium(demolished); Old Newington Hospital, now the site of the Silverwater correctionalcomplex; and Sefton Mosque. The film wona commendation in the EnergyAustralia

National Trust Heritage Awards.

Consolidate the interpretation of 20thcentury Sydney people and place throughphotographic installations and acquisitionss

We continued to consolidate the museum’sinterpretation of 20th century Sydney peopleand place through photographic installationsincluding: Rex & Max Dupain’s Sydney; Gettingmarried, a celebration of ten very differentweddings in multicultural Sydney; and Fromthe skies, featuring aerial photography ofSydney taken in 1943 and 2003. Newacquisitions were made during the year toincrease the museum’s photographic holdingsrelating to Sydney in the 20th century. These included photographs from MaxDupain, David Moore and Raymond de Berquelle.

Upgrade mechanical services, includingreplacement of the museum’sairconditioning system

Major mechanical services works during theyear were focused on the replacement of themuseum’s main air conditioning chiller plant. These works resulted in improved control overenvironmental conditions within the museumand offices.

Strategies 2005–06• Reassess the iconic audiovisual displays,

which are now ten years old – in particular,re-purposing the Panorama audiovisualon level three and re-planning the Visitors Centre.

• Consolidate the interpretation of Sydneypeople and place through photographicinstallations.

• Effectively monitor and manage themuseum building and Young StreetTerraces, assets and operations, and inparticular, oversee the commercial lease of the terraces.

49

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Museum of Sydney

Excellent exhibition, captures Sydney’s heart.

Sally Sharpe, Sydney, NSW, Rex & Max Dupain’s Sydney, September 2004




Northern Sydney 24%Eastern Suburbs 21% 5Rural NSW 14%Inner City 13%Inner West 10%Western Sydney 9%South Sydney 9%

opposite page: Museum of Sydney. Photograph Ray Joyce this page: Needle book and boomerang shaped plate, each commemorating theSydney Harbour Bridge, Spearritt Collection. Photographs Jenni Carter


50

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Rose Seidler House

Rose Seidler House

71 Clissold RoadWahroonga NSW 2078T 02 9989 8020 F 02 9487 2761 E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open Sunday 10am – 5pm

Built between 1948 and 1950, the house wasdesigned by internationally renowned architectHarry Seidler for his parents, Max and RoseSeidler. Its use of open planning, bold colours andmodern technology promoted the modernistmovement in Australia and its original furnitureforms one of the most important post-war designcollections in Australia. Nestled in naturalbushland, Rose Seidler House has panoramicviews of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Parkthrough its glass walls and from its sunny deck.

HighlightsFrozen music, a 22-minute DVD about Harry Seidler,has added a valuable layer to the interpretation.Developed from the recorded oral historiesundertaken with him by Siobhan McHugh in 2003,the video informs the visitor about the building of thehouse, provides some background as to whereHarry Seidler fits in the international architecturalarena and gives details about his personal story. Therecent re-interpretation of the downstairs ‘flat’ hasprovided an excellent area for viewing the DVD.

The successful partnership between DOCOMOMO(Documentation and Conservation of buildings,sites and neighbourhoods of the ModernMovement) and HHT continues through the monthlyMeet the architects lecture series. One-day seminars

2005

5,96

2

2004

5,39

5

2003

4,79

6

2002

5,49

9

2001

4,52

6

PAID ADMISSIONS 2005 2004 2003 2002General public 860 701 671 889

Education 308 346 389 356

Public programs 4,584 4,063 3,452 4,069

Venue hire 210 285 284 185

Subtotal 5,962 5,395 4,796 5,499FREE ENTRYComplimentary tickets 546 417 433 771


Subtotal 546 423 433 854TOTAL 6,508 5,818 5,229 6,353

focusing on post-war architectural practitionershave continued to prove popular with Off theshelf: mid century architect-designed projecthomes attracting a capacity crowd.

The 10th annual Fifites fair was another greatsuccess with Harry Seidler making a guestappearance to cut the birthday cake. Thepopularity of the fair, with numbers peaking at4,335 this year, has reached a stage wherecrowd control measures have to be put in placeto ensure the event remains enjoyable and safefor visitors and the property alike.

StrategiesTo produce a guide to the property in aformat that will allow for interpretativeinserts that focus on garden and groundsand interior furnishings

The interpretative guide has been substantiallyrewritten and updated. New material from theextensive Seidler oral history archive that isheld in the Caroline Simpson Library &Research Collection has been incorporated,as well as images taken by amateurphotographer Walter Norris c1950, which untilnow were unpublished. Of particular interest isthe view that Norris captured of the northernfacade of the house that has long sincebecome obscured through tree growth. Moredetailed information on the gardens andgrounds and interior furnishings has beenincluded.

To investigate targeting universities andcolleges and to improve programming and transport access to the property fortertiary students, in consultation with theEducation Unit

We met with universities and colleges runningdesign courses and continued to publicise thetertiary programs available at the property;however, the numbers of students taking theoffered programs remains low. Limitedtransport links to the property and itsWahroonga location combine to make it adifficult destination for student outings.

To complete the visual curtilage study

Planning consultants Conybeare Morrisoncompleted the Rose Seidler House CurtilageStudy. The objective of the study was toidentify critical features and vistas to establisha visual curtilage for the property and thebushland context of the estate. The studyconsidered views and vistas from the house to Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, as well asacknowledging the historic relationshipbetween Rose Seidler House, the Julian RoseHouse and the Marcus Seidler House.

Strategies 2005–06• To review and replace soft furnishings.

• To undertake a program of conservationwork on the suite of furniture designed byHarry Seidler and built by Paul Kafka.

• Review and update the museum’sConservation and Museum Plans.

• To follow up on the actions recommendedin the curtilage study.

51

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Rose Seidler House

I’ve waited over 50 years to see this house and sit inthe Saarinen chairs.

B Weinstein, New Zealand, February 2005



New South Wales 86%Victoria 11%Queensland 2%South Australia 1%

Northern Sydney 41%Eastern Suburbs 23% 5Inner City 19%Inner West 6%Western Sydney 5%Rural NSW 4%South Sydney 2%

opposite page: Fifties fair, Rose Seidler House. Photograph William Newell this page: Saarinen chair. Photograph Richard Bryant


52

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Rouse Hill estate

Rouse Hill estate

Guntawong Road (off Windsor Road)Rouse Hill NSW 2155T 02 9627 6777 F 02 9627 6776 E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday10am – 2pm for guided tours onlyClosed December to February each year

This property resonates with nearly twocenturies of Rouse family and rural New SouthWales life. Its 19th century buildings, paddocks,garden, furnishings and belongings, wellleavened by the relics of later generations,stand as a virtually unedited and surprisinglycomplete record of its experience. The heart ofthis old farm cum ‘country seat’ has alwaysbeen the sandstone Rouse Hill house, builtbetween 1813 and 1818 by convict workersassigned to Richard Rouse, Superintendent ofPublic Works and Convicts at Parramatta.

HighlightsWe completed a review intended to streamlineoperations and steer the property through thechallenges posed by the burgeoning urbanencroachment and population growth in thesurrounding hinterland, the impendingdiversion of Windsor Road, and consequent re-unification of the estate with the formerRouse Hill Public School.

Relationship building, concept planning, andnegotiation on economic appraisal of land useoptions concerning the long-anticipatedexpansion of Rouse Hill Regional Parkdominated the year. These took place with a

2005

5,76

6

2004

8,02

0

2003

4,37

4

2002

7,55

5

2001

6,67

1


Education 1,841 2,611 1,398 1,615

Public programs 2,814 3,983 1,564 3,500

Venue hire 58 102 102 151

Subtotal 5,766 8,020 4,374 7,555FREE ENTRYComplimentary tickets 548 605 888 1,105

Other (site visits) 313 483 609 1,326

Subtotal 861 1,088 1,497 2,431TOTAL 6,627 9,108 5,871 9,986

53

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Rouse Hill etsate

range of state and local government agenciesand other interested parties.

Visitor access was constrained by the summerclosure of the property. However, ways towiden access to the property by, for instance,the introduction of a broader range of tours,were explored for further development.

We developed the first of a series ofmultimedia or virtual reality programs wherebyparticularly fragile parts of the estate andotherwise inaccessible aspects of its extensivecollection can be accessed and explored atlength and in detail.

We continued research into the collection.Particular progress was made with costumes,early colonial furniture and upholstery, andindustrial items. In addition to conventionaltours, particular attention was paid to thedevelopment and successful presentation oftertiary, primary and other programs exploringaspects of the property’s holdings and history.A particular highlight was the annual Out of thewoodwork festival celebrating rare trades.

On a less positive note the character of theproperty was reduced by the deaths of fiveprominent old pine trees that, weakened bydrought and severe hailstorm damage,succumbed to a fungal pathogen.

Strategies Foster relationships with new schools in ourgrowing region

This program was re-scheduled for 2005–06due to staff changes within the Education Unit.

Continue to build and maintaininterpretative educational programs for arange of ages and abilities, with a particularfocus on high schools

Educational programs for primary schoolswere developed but difficulty wasencountered in matching the property to thehigh school curricula.

Continue registration of the collection,focusing this year on industrial heritage

Progress was made in documenting andregistering the outdoor industrial heritage, withfurther work flagged for 2005–06.

Strategies for 2005–06 • Commence planning for the future

interpretation of Rouse Hill estate anddevelopment of the former Rouse HillPublic School site.

• Continue liaison with state and localgovernment agencies and other parties onthe various issues affecting the property.

• Renew the museum and conservationpolicies in the light of the impendingexpansion of the estate, advancingdegradation and decay, and the dictates of a decade’s experience.

How appropriate to spend Anzac Day eve in such a setting atsuch a moment of special significance for our Nation.

Elaine White, Annangrove, NSW April 2005

Australia New South Wales

New South Wales 96%Victoria 2%Queensland 1%Tasmania 1%

Western Sydney 52%Eastern Suburbs 13% 5Northern Sydney 11%Rural NSW 9%Inner City 6%South Sydney 6%Inner West 3%

opposite page: Rouse Hill estate stables. Photograph Patrick Bingham-Hall this page: Weather vane. Photograph Ray Joyce

58–64 Gloucester StreetThe Rocks NSW 2000T 02 9241 1893 F 02 9241 2608 E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open weekends 10am – 5pm Open daily in January 10am – 5pmOpen school holidays Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday and weekends 10am – 5pm

Built in 1844 and located in the heart of TheRocks, Susannah Place Museum is a terraceof four houses incorporating a re-createdcorner grocer shop. Continually occupiedfrom 1844 to 1990, the terrace is an exampleof inner-city working class housing and thecommunity life that existed in The Rocks. Thehouses are rich in evidence of the lives andattitudes of their owners and occupants –modest interiors, surviving layers of paint, thewallpapers and linoleums, outside laundry and bathrooms illustrate 19th and 20thcentury living conditions.

HighlightsThis was a successful year for the museumwith paid admissions increasing during dailyopening in January, and school holidays. The interactive database won the 2005Museums Australia Publication Design Awardfor Multimedia and has become an integral part of the visitor experience.

Our partnerships with other cultural institutionsand events have been very successful. Thejoint Archaeology in The Rocks educationprogram with Sydney Harbour Foreshore


54

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Susannah Place Museum

Susannah Place Museum

2005

10,2

55

2004

9,13

6

2003

6,51

6

2002

5,31

9

2001

5,18

3


Education 2,636 3,693 2,511 1,510

Public programs 1,567 1,110 337 233

Venue hire 105 25 4 2


Free public programs 310 –

Other* 13,799 11,120 10,641 10,067

Subtotal 16,014 13,163 13,063 12,381TOTAL 26,269 22,299 19,579 17,700

* Site and shop visits

55

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Susannah Place Museum

Very evocative of times gone by. I really enjoyed wonderingabout what life was like in these little houses. Thank you formaking that easier with the inclusion of real people andtheir stories.

Suzanne Dudding, Auckland, New Zealand, September 2004




Northern Sydney 23%Eastern Suburbs 17% 5Rural NSW 15%Western Sydney 13%Inner City 12%South Sydney 10%Inner West 10%

opposite page: Susannah Place Museum. Photograph Patrick Bingham-Hall this page (top to bottom): Rene McSherry &Bertha Hughes (past residents of No 58). Photographer unknown. Courtesy Cleo Baker | Jack & Ernie Andersen (pastresidents of No 58 & No 64). Photographer unknown. Courtesy Jack Andersen.

Authority was booked out for its 2005 seasonwith over 400 high school students attending.A new walking tour Words on The Rocksdesigned and run as part of the 2005 SydneyWriters’ Festival was booked out and receivedpositive feedback from participants.

The museum again participated in Discoveryafter dark. Now in its second year, the eventproved very popular with visitor numbersreaching 773.

As part of ongoing conservation work, thisyear saw the consolidation of plasterwork inNo 58 and the treatment of surviving bathtubsand chip heater in the external bathrooms ofNo 58 and No 60.

Strategies Complete and fine-tune the computerdatabase

The interactive database is fully functional withvisitors able to explore over 700 entriesincluding photographs, documents andstories associated with each of the houses.The database design allows for unlimitedentries to be added and this is an ongoingproject for staff.

Continue Grandparents’ day as a major event for the property

The 2005 Grandparents’ day event held in Aprilwas a success. This year new activities wereadded including puppet shows for children, adisplay of 1940s fashion and live music by the1930s inspired band the Bakelite Broadcasters.

Celebrate the 160th birthday of the housesin an event that will include ex-residents andtheir descendants

In September Susannah Place Museumcelebrated its 160th birthday with over 300 people joining in the festivities. Many ex-residents and their families and descendantsattended (a number travelling from interstate).Some brought with them photographs anddocuments that were copied and added to themuseum’s collection. Jack Mundey AO, DirectorPeter Watts, and the last resident, Ellen Marshall,cut the birthday cake.

Update the Museum Plan

A future vision paper was presented to theExecutive outlining a strategy for the ongoinginterpretation of the houses. This paper willform part of a five year Museum Plan thatincludes opening No 62 to the public.

Strategies for 2005–06 • Initiate Stage 1 of opening No 62 to the

public.

• Re-create the basement kitchen in No 58.

• Initiate a12-month monitoring study ofexternal painted surfaces.

• Develop a community outreach programfor aged care facilities.

Breakdown of visitor numbers

PAID ADMISSIONS 2005 2004 2003 2002General public 175 – – –

Education 15 – – – Public programs 862 840 463 427

Venue hire 5,335 591 1,732 963

Subtotal 6,387 1,431 2,195 1,390FREE ENTRYFree general entry 11,489 9,904 9,104 9,754

Free public programs 6,485

Subtotal 17,974 9,904 9,104 9,754TOTAL 24,361 11,335 11,299 11,144Mint Cafe 7,497 7,004 7,773 6,623

10 Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000T 02 8239 2288 F 02 82392 2299 E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pmClosed public holidays

The Mint building on Macquarie Street is one ofthe oldest surviving buildings in central Sydney,constructed between 1811 and 1816 as the south wing of Governor Macquarie’sGeneral Hospital. The first overseas branch ofthe Royal Mint was established here in 1854,when the former hospital wing was converted to offices and the Coining Factory wasconstructed at the rear of the site. The Mintoperated until 1926 and the buildingssubsequently housed a succession ofgovernment departments. In 1982 The Mintoffices building was converted for use as amuseum and in 1998 the site was transferred to

the HHT. We commenced an extensiveconservation and redevelopment program in2001 to provide new head officeaccommodation, an auditorium, facilitiesfor the Caroline Simpson Library & ResearchCollection and new areas of public open space.The surviving 1850s Coining Factory buildingswere conserved and new buildings carefullyintegrated with the historic structures. Theproject was completed in September 2004.

56

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | The Mint

The Mint

HighlightsFor the majority of the construction period,the project remained on time, with somedelays occurring during the last months.Having undertaken a great deal of exploratorywork prior to letting any major contract inorder to reduce risk from the project, it wasdisappointing that asbestos was discoveredunderground in the courtyard towards theend of the project.

The Premier, the Hon Bob Carr MP, officiallyopened the building on Wednesday 27October 2004, in the presence of HerExcellency Professor Marie Bashir AC,Governor of New South Wales, and SirNicholas Shehadie AC, OBE.

Given the significance of the historicbuildings, the prominence of the site in theSydney streetscape, and the HHT’s approachin constructing new buildings, the project hadattracted much interest from other heritageorganisations, conservation practitioners,architects and the general public. With thecompletion of the project and opening of thebuildings, this interest resulted in heavydemand for access to the buildings and toursof the site. We held a program of specialevents during the first month of opening andthese events, which explored the manyaspects of the site and the project, were verywell attended. The response from thesediverse groups was very positive, with theHHT receiving many accolades for its work at The Mint, not only from these groups butalso in specialist publications and the general press.

Praise for the project culminated in itreceiving several awards. In April 2005 wewon two EnergyAustralia National TrustHeritage Awards – a joint winner in thecategory of Adaptive Re-use and winner ofthe Conservation Energy Management award.

The Mint project then achieved a unique andoutstanding double in the 2005 RoyalAustralian Institute of Architects NSW Chapterawards, receiving both the Sulman Award for public buildings and the Greenway Award for conservation.

StrategiesTo develop and manage the conservationof the Mint site as a model project as a newhead office for the HHT

The final stage of this major project for theHHT saw the completion of majorconstruction works, final fit-out and furnishingof the head office spaces, the completion ofconservation works to the historic buildings,landscaping works to the central courtyardand the installation of interpretation, signageand displays. The majority of this work wascompleted by early September 2004 and wecommenced the mammoth task of relocatingour head office.

Relocation to The Mint commenced with thetransfer of books, objects and materials fromthe Caroline Simpson Library & ResearchCollection and then a coordinated move ofhead office units from three differentlocations to The Mint. Careful planningresulted in the smooth transfer of equipment,communications (telephone/IT), externalcommunication (deliveries, couriers) and

security. On Monday 27 September staffmoved into our new head office.

This project has been among the largest theorganisation has undertaken, combining allthe complexities involved in the constructionof a modern office building with thedifficulties of adapting a most significantgroup of historic buildings to a new use. Thenew buildings, designed by fjmt Architects,have been carefully integrated with theexisting historic structures and revealedarchaeological features, realising the HHT’saim for the project – to combine leadingconservation practice with the best incontemporary architecture.

Strategies 2005–06• Continue to implement the

recommendations of the Conservation andManagement Plan.

• Complete outstanding works associatedwith the head office project.

• Manage the site effectively as a modelproject as the head office for the HHT.

• Continue with the development anddelivery of new interpretative programsand displays.

57

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | The Mint

The metamorphosis of the 1850s Mint … is a gift to Sydney.

RAIA NSW Architecture Awards Jury, Sydney, July 2005

opposite page: The Mint. Photograph Rick Stevens this page: RAIA Sulman and Greenway Awards. Photograph Clare Strong


58

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Vaucluse House

Vaucluse House

Wentworth Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030T 02 9388 7922 F 02 9337 4963 E [email protected] www.hht.net.au

Open Tuesday to Sunday and publicholidays 10am – 4.30pm

Covering over ten of its original 206 hectares,Vaucluse House survives as the only 19thcentury harbourside estate in Sydney withhouse, stables and outbuildings, set inparklands, pleasure gardens and kitchengarden. From 1827 to 1862, Vaucluse Housewas the home of William Charles Wentworth –explorer, barrister, patriot and agitator for self-government – his wife Sarah and theirlarge family. Many of the Wentworth family’spossessions are displayed throughout the house.

HighlightsA highlight was the popularity of, and excellentfeedback from, public events run at the site,notably: the sell-out event An evening ofGilbert & Sullivan; the Members’ Soup plusfamily history lecture and dinner; joint ventureswith Sydney University and Eastern SuburbsContinuing Education for the sell-outSomething to savour: food & fine dining in 19thcentury Australia; the school holiday programButterfingers, repeated three times by publicrequest; the multi-dimensional Beach paddockboating; and Men of medicine. Specialist tours,garden theme tours, evening visits and self-guided bush tours were also developed.

2005

27,9

29

2004

29,3

16

2003

34,0

51

2002

33,0

78

2001

34,9

72


Education 5,807 6,134 5,027 5,452

Public programs 2,663 3,211 7,898 3,972

Venue hire 4,308 4,267 6,014 5,549

Subtotal 27,929 29,316 34,051 33,078Free EntryComplimentary tickets 6,727 4,486 3,450 4,317

Free public programs 1,296 2,208

Other* 62,112 64,621 68,536 72,153


Local traffic 4,277 4,444 5,328 5,030

*site visits to the Tearooms, shop and a percentage of people visiting the parklands and beach paddock, cafe and shop figures are as accurate as possible, calculations are based on estimated numbers

The 14th annual Jazz in the garden attracted1,892 patrons.

Graven images in Wentworth land was a publicprogram built around representatives of the LaPerouse Aboriginal Land Council and NationalParks & Wildlife Service recovering Aboriginalrock art on the Vaucluse House site not seensince their registration in 1980.

The property has actively sought ways ofconserving water including repairs and byupgrading the plumbing around the site andinstalling the first of a series of rainwater tanks.The gardens and grounds continued toflourish despite the water restrictions.

Ongoing hazard reduction throughout thegrounds included the erection of fencesshielding steep drops into the south paddock,repairs to perimeter footpaths and treelopping in association with Woollahra Council.

Dog management in the grounds continued to be a significant issue, especially in thebeach paddock.

Strategies Review, research and development of site conservation, interpretation andmanagement plans

The review and research stages werecommenced, and development of these plansis ongoing.

Proceed with collection conservationschedules for oil paintings, works on paper,picture frames, metals, timber and textiles

Collection conservation schedules for theareas listed above were formulated and thefollowing was carried out:

• Oil paintings – four oil paintings wereconserved. The Art Gallery of New SouthWales reviewed the condition of its long-term loan items on display at thehouse and drew up recommendations for future conservation.

• Works on paper – 73 items in the collectionwere assessed for conservation andtreatment has commenced.

• Picture frames – two gilt frames wereconserved.

• Metals – the extensive collection of kitchencopperware was assessed andconservation cleaning of selected itemsundertaken.

• Timber – conservation work to stabilise theveneers of several items of furniture in thecollection was completed.

• Textiles – ongoing cleaning and repairswere carried out to collection items andprops, some of which were replaced.

In addition, conservation was carried out onplaster and rock art collection items duringthe year.

Strategies 2005–06• Consolidate and explore opportunities for

various forms of interpretation of the site, fora range of visitors, focusing particularly onthe landscape, the gardens and grounds.

• Revise and develop a new guidebook forthe site.

• Review and upgrade site signage inconjunction with revised conditions of entry to the site.

59

Historic Houses Trust Annual Report 04 > 05 | Vaucluse House

A wonderful tour of the house with [volunteer guide] Brian –surely a ‘National Treasure’ himself.

The Bennets, United Kingdom, March 2005




Eastern Suburbs 25% 5Northern Sydney 19%Rural NSW 13%Inner City 12%South Sydney 11%Western Sydney 10%Inner West 10%

opposite page: Vaucluse House. Photograph Patrick Bingham-Hall this page: Watch pocket, c1880. Photograph Ray Joycefollowing page: The Mint. Photograph John Gollings

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