The Kew Historical Society was founded in 1958, and is one of the oldest continuing historical societies in Melbourne. For over 60 years, the Society has worked with local government and other organisations within Kew to stimulate interest in our history and heritage. The Society is affiliated with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria and the Australian Museums and Galleries Association. It co-operates with other historical societies and groups across the City of Boroondara through the Boroondara Historical Societies Association.
The Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the ancestral homelands upon which our premises are situated. We respect their Elders, past, present and future and recognise their continuous connection to Country.
Victoria Pottery Company, situated in Brunswick, c. 1902.
MONTHLY MEETING – WEDNESDAY 10 AUGUST
Speaker: Greg Hill
Topic: Victoria’s early potteries: our convict era potters
Until now, the earliest date for pottery manufacture in Victoria was thought to be the 1860s. The first successful British settlement in Victoria was in 1834, quite a way into the convict era of pottery which ended in 1870. Victoria, it was thought, had completely bypassed the ‘convict potters’ and started with a period of earthenware manufacture, along the lines of Staffordshire wares. Greg Hill’s research is the product of seven years of meticulous research. His book which will be available for purchase at the meeting ($71) is a beautiful detailed book full of glorious photographs, maps, diagrams and erudition. A must for all lovers of Colonial pottery and decorative arts.
7.30pm – 9.30pm : Phyllis Hore Room, rear Kew Library, cnr Cotham Rd & Civic Drive, Kew 3101
The next book sale of deaccessioned books and those donated by members and friends will take place at the end of this month. The sale includes a wide selection of non-fiction, including travel guides, biographies, self-help manuals, craft, gardening, history and psychology books, as well as adult and teenage fiction. Most books $1 or $2 and children’s picture books two for $1.Books in good condition can be donated on the Saturday preceding the sale.
1.00 – 4.00 pm, Sunday 21 August
Phyllis Hore Room, rear Kew Library, cnr Cotham Rd & Civic Drive, Kew 3101
EXHIBITIONS
18 March – 3 August
An exhibition at the Kew Court House, displaying items from the collection and archives of the Kew Historical Society. The centrepiece of the exhibition is a selection of images and artefacts illustrating the history of the Kew Senior Citizens. The exhibition coincides with the publication of a history of that organisation, which in 2022 celebrates the 70th year of community service provision.
Fridays 11.00am – 1.00pm
Kew Court House, 188 High Street, Kew
The newly completed tapestries, begun to commemorate the Bicentennial in 1988 are presented in the display case at the south end of the Kew Library. Under the leadership of Jan Walker, the final two tapestries have now been completed and are displayed as part of the series for the first time.
