1971: Lyttelton-Taylor Gift Collection

1971: Lyttelton-Taylor Gift Collection

The books on display form part of a valuable collection presented to the University in 1971 by Mrs K. Lyttelton-Taylor, formerly of Tamworth, then of Canberra. The collection also included furniture, paintings, silver, oriental pieces and other items, which were displayed in various University buildings. The collection was acquired by Mrs Lyttelton-Taylor and her late husband during some 25 years from auctioneers and dealers in all parts of Australia, and it was presented to the University in the hope that as many people as possible, both staff and students, might be able to enjoy it. The book collection enriched the Library at the very time when books on the fine arts and Asia were required increasingly by staff and students.

The main emphasis in this collection is on art in all its forms: culture, music, dancing, architecture, drawings, paintings, prints, sculpture, decoration, ornament, pottery, porcelain and furniture. European painting is strongly represented. Books on philosophy, religion and mythology, history and literature are also included. In almost all fields the chief interest is in Asia, especially China, Japan and Persia. Rare books in the collection include one published in 1651 on the ceremonial of bishops in the Catholic church."

Adapted from: "The ANU Collections" [Undated manuscript (circa 1975)]. University Archives. ANUA 177 Box 7 Item 36

MENZIES rare book 1989503