Lecture #1 - 3rd Narratives of Nations Symposium 2022

The Governor-General’s Xylotheque:

In 1918, Richard Baker, Curator/Director of the Technological Museum, Sydney, presented His Excellency Sir Ronald Crauford Munro Ferguson P.C. G.C. M.C., Governor-General of Australia with a collection of 100 ‘dummy’ books each carved out of an Australian timber with the botanical name on the spine of the timber sample. Carved by renowned timber carver, Frederick W. Tod, each volume represents not only the refined cabinetmaking skills of Tod but also the richness and potential of Australia’s native forests.

More than a gift, this timber ‘library’ or xylotheque was the embodiment of the deep respect Baker had for Munro Ferguson, who was himself a forester. The respect was mutual – Baker, an Economic Botanist was a leading figure in a distinguished group of botanists who researched and classified the botanical resources of the new southern land of Australia, following in the footsteps of Sir Joseph Banks.

This paper throws new light on the influence and connections of Munro Ferguson, Governor-General throughout World War 1and, an advocate for a sustainable Australian timber industry.

Speaker: Jennifer Sanders. Chair, The Australiana Fund

Chair of The Australiana Fund since 2017, Jennifer joined the Fund’s Council in 2011. She edited and wrote for The Fund’s 2017 publication, Collecting for the Nation – The Australiana Fund. Jennifer was Deputy Director of the Powerhouse Museum (2001 – 2009) after her museum career began as assistant curator, then curator, then senior curator decorative arts and design. From 1988 to 2001 Jennifer was Assistant Director Collections and Exhibitions.

Awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 1981, Jennifer attended the Museum Management Institute, Berkeley, USA in 1987. Jennifer was a member of the National Cultural Heritage Committee (2000 – 2008) and from 2007 – 2012, she was a member of the External Advisory Panel, Design Research Institute, RMIT University Melbourne and, Chair, Design Archives Advisory Panel, RMIT University. In 2018, Jennifer was selected for Royal Collection Studies, Attingham Trust, London, UK. Jennifer was awarded a Centenary of Federation medal in 2003.