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The vision for the Gallery within the John Curtin Centre was variously described after it was proposed by Vice Chancellor Maloney in 1989. While some documents depicted it as an adjunct to the JCPML, providing exhibitions connected to the collections and themes of the archive, there was also reference to the Gallery providing general exhibitions with a “significant dimension” outside the John Curtin Centre – more like a conventional art gallery. Some felt that the development of a gallery to rival that at the University of WA was the major factor behind the conception of the project, with the JCPML only the means to the end of getting funding for the Gallery.[1]
In some documentation the Library and Gallery were dealt with as a single entity and the head of the Gallery appeared to report to the University Librarian; in other cases the Gallery and its Director were administratively separate.[2]
By 1995 the separation question was resolved with the appointment of a Curator of the John Curtin Gallery, John Barrett Lennard, depicted in organisational charts as a Director comparable to the Directors of the Library and the International Institute.[3]
Of greater concern to the Library and its supporters however was the amount of space within the John Curtin Centre buildings that the Gallery would take up, compared with the Library.[4] One consultative group member recalled seeing drawings which suggested that the Gallery might occupy 90% of the space and the JCPML would be “more like a shed on the side”.[5] However some compromises were achieved: there would be some sharing of areas and the larger gallery areas would now be a general resource that the JCPML could use for mounting large historical exhibitions.[6]
Years later, exhibition space would again become a concern for the Library, but at the end of 1994 University Librarian Williamson could report that building plans were progressing well.[7]
Accordion
- David Waddell, interview by John Bannister, 17 July 2001, transcript, John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Perth, WA, JCPML00665/1/1, 12.;
John Cowdell, interview by John Ferrell, 21 February – 7 March 2006, interview notes, John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Perth, WA, JCPML corporate records file MG/DON/J D/COW, 3, 8.;
John Cowdell, interview by John Ferrell, 21 February – 7 March 2006, transcript, John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Perth, WA, JCPML0977/1/6, 12, 38.;
Interim Committee for the Establishment of JCPML, Minutes of the Meeting 7 October 1993, typescript, John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Perth, WA, JCPML corporate records file COM3/1.;
JCPML Consultative Group, Minutes of the Meeting 7 April 1994, typescript, John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Perth, WA, JCPML corporate records file COM3/2. - John Curtin Centre Business Plan for University Resources Board meeting of 6 September 1994 distributed to members of the JCPML Consultative Group, typescript, John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Perth, WA, JCPML corporate records file COM 3/2.;
John Curtin Centre News, October 1994. - John Curtin Centre News, September 1995.
- JCPML Consultative Group, Minutes, 7 April 1994.;
Cowdell, interview notes, 7.;
Cowdell, interview transcript, 40. - Cowdell, interview transcript, 40.
- JCPML Consultative Group, Report to members by Maggie Exon, 18 May 1994, typescript, John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Perth, WA, JCPML corporate records file COM3/2.
- JCPML Consultative Group, Minutes of the meeting 18 November 1994, typescript, John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Perth, WA, JCPML corporate records file COM3/2.