Last July, I commenced work on a hugely comprehensive archive of May Gibbs’ works and ephemera, compiled by Adelaide-based Jane Brummitt, who is related to May by marriage. The collection was an astonishing thing to move through – and left me in awe of May Gibbs (and her life and work) all over again.
But it also left me in awe of Jane’s dedication to collecting and covering May’s legacy, notably the fight for her Neutral Bay home, Nutcote, and the protection of her works and legacy in a world that’s fast leaving the past behind.
Book lovers—it’s important to note that May was an OG when it comes to Australian children’s literature, and her work is one of the important first-steps in our now burgeoning industry.
The May Gibbs Collection is housed at the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature here in Canberra. Director Belle Alderman guided me to ensure this collection is presented in a way that inspires future generations to come. The database will soon be available on NCACL’s website and a Finding Aid is currently being produced.
You can read my blog post about the Collection’s journey – and how my personal connection to our illustrious May continues to warm my heart.
Click here to see a post on the Mamie launch.
Image: me and Jane Brummitt at the launch of Mamie (on the life of May Gibbs) at Carrick Hill Estate in Adelaide, November 2018.
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