Publications

Harriet Edquist

ISBN 0 86459 164 0

Ernest Fooks: Architect was produced to accompany the associated exhibition, Ernest Fooks: Architect, collaborative ventures between the School of Architecture and Design at RMIT University and The Jewish Museum of Australia during 2000 and 2001.

b1907 - d1994

Textile designer, Dr Frances Mary Burke MBE, was an Australian pioneer and businesswoman. Burke established Frances Burke Fabrics in 1942 and throughout her life produced a portfolio of bold and deceptively simple designs which are enjoying a renaissance of design appreciation today. This catalogue accompanied a touring exhibition of Burke's work in 1996, a joint project of RMIT University and the Museum of Victoria.

Details:

• 21 x 21 cm
• 12 pages
• Colour cover; 4 colour pages

Est. 1954 (previously Comfort Shirt and Underclothing Manufacturing Company, est 1932)
ISBN 0 86459 088

Gloweave traces the life of founder, Saul Same (AM), and the story behind this enduring Australian company whose 'Love Me in My Gloweave' slogan became part of the Australian lexicon during the 1950s and 60s. Six chapters trace the company's history, providing insight into Australia's ragtrade, social and cultural change, entrepreneurship and design. Gloweave features over ninety images which were sourced from the RMIT Design Archive Gloweave archive which was generously donated by Saul Same. The publication's contemporary graphic look was provided by RMIT Design Consultancy The Works.

Details:

• 33 x 24 cm
• 104 pages
• Colour and duotone sections

Architecture 1939-1975

Harriet Edquist

ISBN 0 86459 225 6

Kurt Popper: From Vienna to Melbourne Architecture 1939-1975 was produced to accompany the exhibition of the same name at the Jewish Museum of Victoria, December 2002, curated by Ronnie Fookes.

Est 1950 – 1980
ISBN 0 86444 696 9

Moylan Woollens provides an insight into the life of a Melbourne Flinders Lane fabric wholesale business through the eyes of its owner, Fred Moylan (AM). Fred Moylan set a trend for overseas travel in search of inspiration in the 1950s, and was a champion of the woollen fibre. Moylan Woollens worked closely with the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Mill in Geelong, Victoria.

Details:

• 20.5 x 29.5 cm
• 20 pages
• Colour cover; 4 colour pages

1945 - 1955

Prestige was established as Atlas Knitting and Spinning Mills in 1922 by George G Foletta to produce quality silk stockings, and later, during WWII, parachutes. After the war art students formed the core of the studio, bringing a receptive and fresh approach to textile design. Under the direction of Gerhard Herbst they were encouraged to directly link their technical skill with their artistic creativity thereby developing unique fashion fabric designs for the Australian market. The artists, colourists, designers and technicians worked together collaboratively in an open studio environment. Prestige was the lone Australian exhibitor at the 1951 International Textile Exhibition in Lille.

Details:

• 20.5 x 29.5 cm
• 16 pages
• B+W cover

Racing Ahead exhibition catalogue
Melbourne Cup Outfits 1979 - 1991

Fashion designer Prue Acton set up business in Flinders Lane in 1963, and for forty years contributed personal flair and a passion for design to the Australian fashion scene. Racing Ahead focuses on Acton's contribution to The Melbourne Cup annual racing carnival where the Fashion on the Field parade showcases the latest in Australian Spring fashions. Racing Ahead accompanied an exhibition of the same name at RMIT University in 1996.

Details:

• 21 x 21 cm
• 12 pages
• Colour cover, 4 colour pages

Studio-Weaving in Australia eclarté (Est 1940 - 1962)
Robert Maltus (Est mid 50s - 1968)
ISBN 0 86459 053 9

Established in 1940 by Mollie Grove and Catherine Hardress, the hand-weaving business eclarté produced quality fabrics for fashion and furnishings through to 1962.

Robert Maltus haute couture hand weaving label ran for a brief but vibrant eight years during the 1960s. Robert Maltus designs were featured in successive Gown of the Year pageants. Studio Hand-Weaving Australia provides a comprehensive history of eclarté, and narrative by co-owner Adrie Janssens on Robert Maltus.

Details:

• 20.5 x 29.5 cm
• 24 pages
• Colour cover; 2 colour pages

2011

The Lost Modernist: Michael O’Connell publication by Harriet Edquist examines the work of one of Australia’s most significant, and often forgotten, modernist textile designers, considered a key and influential player within the arts and crafts movement. Edquist is Professor of Architectural History at RMIT University and Director of the RMIT Design Archives.

$49.95 Melbourne Books – www.melbournebooks.com.au/moc.html

The Lost Modernist: Michael O’Connell flyer (PDF 104KB)

Videos

• The studio and work of Michael O'Connell
  John Tobin pays tribute to the life and work of his friend Michael O'Connell
• Michael O'Connell: wax resist batik artist's studio, home and textiles
  Video of Michael O'Connell and friends demonstrating printing techniques in the artists' home studio

News articles

• 'Lost modernist is found anew' by Lindy Percival, theage.com.au, 26 November 2011
• 'In search of the lost modernist of design' by Rosemary Sorensen, The Australian, 24 November 2011