I could only attend two of the nine Melbourne Rare Book Week events today – but gosh they were good !
A NOSE FOR OLD WINE BOOKS
Hince on Wine
Michael Hince
I had used Google Street view to see what the building looked like and knew that I wanted to draw it ! I arrived over an hour early and stood across the road , leant up against a tree and drew the building. I put some pencil lines down first, (I usually do for buildings so that they fit on the page) and then built up layers of watercolour pencil.
In the cellars of the beautiful Armadale Cellars , fourteen of us were entertained and informed by Michael Hince, wine writer, broadcaster and historian. Over a glass of wine and some food we listened as he talked about wine in print in Australia from the late 1950’s to today . A lovely way to spend a Wednesday morning.
A RARE ART FORM: POP-UP BOOKS
Melbourne Athenaeum Library
Anne Kucera
Melbourne-based artist Anne Kucera talked about the world of the Moveable Pop-Up Book. Her own amazingly complex and inventive books are on display at the Athenaeum Library. And Anne has created one of the Athenaeum.
We learnt that he audience for early movable books were adults, not children. The first known movable in a book was created in 1240. Throughout the centuries they have been used for such diverse purposes as teaching anatomy, making astronomical predictions, creating secret code, and telling fortunes. It was not until the very late 18th century that these techniques were applied to books designed for entertainment, particularly for children.
Thankyou for the wonderful sketches of the Cellars and of Michael
A great location for a really educational,entertaining, and engaging talk by Michael Hince
What a cool assignment this has been for you! I’ve enjoyed following along.
Thanks Jean. Each event was interesting, informative and some incredibly entertaining. I enjoyed every moment. I was honoured to be involved in the event and appreciate the opportunities that it provided me , the people I met and the generous sharing of knowledge. It also presented me with sketching challenges!
Thanks David .I agree ! It was an amazing location and the whole event had a wonderful atmosphere. Michael’s talk was interesting and entertaining.