Current Exhibition

History of Book Illustration:
1400-1900

18th August - 27 September

Is a picture really worth a thousand words?

From woodcut to lithograph, this exhibition explores the history and methods of book illustration, and sheds light on the important role that co-existent images and text play in the transfer and retention of meaningful knowledge.

Visit Level 1 of the Library where you can learn more about these centuries-old techniques and view some of the finest illustrated books Special Collections has to offer.

On display during Barr Smith Library opening hours until 27 September 2019.

Ongoing Exhibition

Dr Ruby Davy: Australia's First Woman Doctor of Music

This exhibition celebrates 100 years since Ruby Davy was the first woman in Australia to be awarded a Doctorate of Music. Ruby’s career, including her tours of England and New York and her innovative lecture recitals, are portrayed through her memorabilia, scores and archival University records. Learn more...

On display in the Barr Smith Library, level 1, during Library opening hours.

Previous Exhibition

God 'Elp All of Us: Celebrating the Centenary of Ross & Keith Smith's Epic Flight

1st May - 15th June

In 1919, the South Australian brothers Ross and Keith Smith and their engineers, James Bennet and Wally Shiers, won the £10,000 prize for the first flight from England to Australia in the largely untried Vickers Vimy aeroplane G-EAOU (dubbed 'God 'Elp All Of Us'). Their incredible journey can be traced through their photographs, notes and memorabilia held in Rare Books & Special Collections.  Learn more...