Inside the Collection

Object placement for the 'basement beautification project'

The Basement Beautification Project

August 9, 2017

Sarah Reeves
The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences began its life in 1879 as the Technological, Industrial and Sanitary Museum. It developed out of the Sydney International Exhibition of the same year, which was designed to promote commerce, industry, art, science and education in Australia.
Optical instrument for measurement of astronomical photograph plates

The Astrographic Catalogue

August 2, 2017

Sarah Reeves
In 1887 observatories worldwide embarked on an ambitious project to photograph the entire sky, cataloguing the positions of millions of stars to produce a document known as the Astrographic Catalogue.
View of Icons exhibition at MAAS

Artist Albert Namitjira born on this day 115 years ago

July 28, 2017

Anne-Marie Van de Ven
As part of our tribute to Black History Month, we acknowledge that on this day, 115 years ago, celebrated Western Arrernte-speaking Australian Aboriginal artist Albert Namitjira (1902-1959), was born at Hermannsburg, Northern Territory.
Bodice of Janet McDonald's purple wedding gown

The Mystery of Mrs Janet McDonald

July 28, 2017

Marcus Hughes

This wedding dress was worn by an Australian Indigenous women identified as Mrs Janet McDonald. Do you know anything about her?

Wasp speaker box used by Radio Birdman

Radio Birdman: Deniz Tek – A Wasp man

July 19, 2017

Damian McDonald
When Deniz Tek, medical student, audiophile and guitarist met Rob Younger in the early 1970s amidst the satin flares and platform boots that then graced Sydney’s pub stages the two students could see and hear that energy, rebellion, intelligence and true social comment were sorely missing.
Photograph of Perfect silicon sphere

A Perfect Silicon Sphere

July 12, 2017

Sarah Reeves
Since 1889 the kilogram has been defined by a small metal cylinder stored in a vault in France. But now, with the help of a perfect silicon sphere recently acquired by the Museum, that’s all about to change.
Photograph of the Moon 1899-1930.

Microgravity – A small exhibition

July 5, 2017

Andrew Jacob
In late 2016 the exhibition Gravity (and Wonder) explored the human fascination with gravity, space and time through scientific investigations and artistic explorations. In a partnership between Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences curators Dr Lee-Anne Hall and Katie Dyer developed a three month program of events & workshops to support the exhibition.
Rover Thomas' Australian Flag Artwork 1996

Collection: celebrating culture

July 3, 2017

Anne-Marie Van de Ven
During 2017, we reflect on two key milestones in the journey of reconciliation - 50 years since the 1967 Referendum, and 25 years since the historic Mabo Decision. Held in the first week of July every year, NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia.
'Wendingen', Issue No.11 1921

Frank Lloyd Wright 150th

June 7, 2017

Anne-Marie Van de Ven
8 June marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the 20th century's most important architects. Born in Wisconsin, Frank Lloyd Wright established his own practice in Chicago in 1893 and led the Prairie School, a movement that spanned the end of the 19th century and the start of the 20th century.
Photograph of Lucille Dupain

Hollywood Glamour

April 11, 2017

Kathy Hackett
This photograph by Max Dupain (22 Apr 1911 - 27 Jul 1992), signed and dated 1936, is from the archive of Madame Louise Lamoureux, who ran a Sydney fashion house specialising in embroidery and hand-beading.