Strings & Things: Friends collection viewing

The Friends of the National Library of Australia presented their annual collection viewing event, formerly known as White Gloves.

This year we were joined by Library curator Dr Susannah Helman and explored some highlights and unexpected gems from the Library's music collections. From 16th century manuscripts to a violin and bow crafted from a stockman's tucker-box, through to items representing contemporary Australian music legends, this one-night-only collection display is certain to strike a chord.

Dr Helman gave a short talk in the Library's theatre, followed by the collection viewing and drinks and canapes in the Foyer.

Harpist Rowan Phemister provided the evening's musical entertainment.

A violin and bow crafted from a stockman's tucker box and a purple sticker signalling that this is a Friends of the Library event.

Violin and bow [realia], 1860, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135508557

About Dr Susannah Helman

Dr Susannah Helman has worked at the Library since 2009, most recently as the Rare Books and Music Curator, and until 2021 in the Exhibitions Section.

She curated or co-curated exhibitions including Handwritten (2011), Mapping our World (2013–2014), The Sell (2016–2017), Cook and the Pacific (2018–2019) and On Stage (2022).

Dr Helman was the 2023 recipient of the Friends Medal, in recognition of her significant contribution to the Friends and to the Library. She has a PhD in History from the University of Queensland.