The 'archival imagination' of Frank Moorhouse
Frank Moorhouse developed what he called an ‘archival imagination’ through his use of libraries and archives. He submitted his own papers to various collections and created a note-taking system based on index cards. From this method, he created many of his stories, books and essays. He ultimately came to see himself as an archive personified.
We are born to become archives… (although as I think about it – I am already an archive).
Dr Matthew Lamb is a 2026 National Library of Australia Fellow, supported by the Ray Mathew and Eva Kollsman Trust for Research in Australian Literature.
Attend in person
Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential.
Watch online
The presentation will also be available online. Please make a booking and we will send you a direct link to the livestream event via email. Or you can join anytime through the Library's YouTube channel.
Dr Matthew Lamb
Dr Matthew Lamb
About Dr Matthew Lamb
Dr Matthew Lamb is the author of Frank Moorhouse: Strange Paths, the first in a projected two volume cultural biography of Frank Moorhouse. He is a former editor of Review of Australian Fiction and Island magazines.
Dr Lamb has two PhDs in Literature and Philosophy and currently writes the Public Things Newsletter on the relationship between literary culture and democracy.
Assistance animals welcome
Hearing induction loop
Wheelchair accessible
Visit us
Find our opening times, get directions, join a tour, or dine and shop with us.