Art & Heritage Collections

In May, Art & Heritage at the University of Adelaide is focusing on history through various activities of the state-wide History Week program.

The University is rich in history and tradition when it comes to buildings, academic achievement and material objects.

The Heritage Furniture Collection, with its 425 items, covers a broad range of furniture - mainly functional with some real gems of craftsmanship.

The desk that we feature in this issue is a stunning object, highly ornate, with inlaid burgundy red leather, decorated with gold leaf scrolls. It has two lockable cabinets on either side of the desk, and three drawers with two carved columns on each side of the cabinets with wood inlaid as decoration.

It dates from approximately 1870-1880 and has hallmarks of German craftsmen working in Adelaide during this period.

We would love to know more about it, so do give us a call if you have any information. It really needs to be seen in the flesh to truly appreciate its beauty, so visit the Rare Books and Special Collections on Level 1 of the Barr Smith Library, where it is a showpiece for their reception area.

Mirna Heruc, Manager, Art & Heritage Collections