Archive for the 'Videos' Category

Turning on the Canon Canola 1614P

Published on November 7, 2011 by Campbell Bickerstaff in Collections, Object of the week, objects, Scientific Instruments, Technology and Videos. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , .

A couple of weeks ago the Museum received a request from Peter Miller for access to a collection object.  Now this type of access is not always granted as it is resource intensive – an object needs to be moved to a suitable location for viewing and a curator or conservator may need to be on hand to move the object – remember this material is kept by the Museum for the people of NSW in perpetuity and so we want it to last.

However if a genuine benefit to the Museum in the form of new research and information about the object is an outcome then we see this type of request as beneficial.  Now this chap wanted to inspect a Canon Canola 1614P, a desk top programmable calculator and not only that he wanted to turn it on.  Why?  Because Peter was writing (for computer) an emulator and turning it on would help Peter “establish how certain operations worked, when they are not completely described in the operator’s manual.”

 

I thought this was a great endevour as an emulator of the Canon Canola would let everyone see how it worked without having the real thing and in some form preserve its character for others to enjoy.  We checked with conservation of course and bought it up to speed with electronics providing the variac which would introduce current slowly.  You can see the result of our efforts below and enjoy Peters vivid description of its operation and peculiarities.

Excavating at Sydney Observatory

Published on May 17, 2010 by Melanie Pitkin in Archaeology, Object of the week and Videos. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .
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Image courtesy of Casey & Lowe Pty Ltd

May 16-22 marks National Archaeology Week. To recognise this, we have developed a small display of archaeological finds at the Powerhouse Museum (on show now – late July) and another display in the Signal Station on site at Sydney Observatory (May 29-30).

The finds come from the 2008 excavations conducted by the New South Wales Government Architect’s Office and Casey & Lowe Pty Ltd in the grounds of the Signal Station adjacent to Sydney Observatory. Specifically, they were excavating Fort Phillip, a strategic stronghold built in 1804-06 (but never finished). The Fort was built in the most commanding position overlooking Sydney Cove and served as a defence against the potential threat of rebellion by convicts. It was partially demolished in the 1850s to make way for Sydney Observatory.

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Image courtesy of Casey & Lowe Pty Ltd

Some highlights from the excavations include the discovery of a bomb-proof chamber used in storage and retreat (which also revealed evidence of grapeshot and European gunflint, the latter of which is rare to find in Australia), two anchor points for the original flagstaff and artefacts related to the domestic occupation of both the Fort and the inhabitants of the Signal Station (built in the late 1840s and occupied right up until the 1990s).

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Image courtesy of Casey & Lowe Pty Ltd

Excavations at the site intermittently continue and new finds were being made as recently as April 2010 – including the discovery of what appears to be lead shot used as ammunition in flintlock pistols.

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Image courtesy of Casey & Lowe Pty Ltd

Dawn Rose, from the Sydney Observatory, put together a video snapshot in mid-April documenting some of the story (see below).

You can find out more about the excavations on the Sydney Observatory blog and, of course, by visiting our displays! See here.

Snapshots of an installation

Published on May 7, 2010 by Melanie Pitkin in Fashion, Costume and Dress, Object of the week and Videos. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .
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Photography by Melanie Pitkin © Powerhouse Museum, all rights reserved

What’s involved in putting on a display?

On Friday 16th April, a small team of staff from curatorial, conservation, registration and design installed three mannequin displays (two promoting the new Frock Stars exhibition, above, and one in recognition of the late Lady Sonia McMahon); three foyer showcase displays (all continuing the Frock Stars theme of contemporary fashion) and a small display of recent acquisitions of Australian needlework and embroidery. I decided to film the installation to provide our readers’ with an idea of what is involved in this process – from removing objects from the previous display to movement and mounting, positioning, lighting and cleaning. In fact, this installation took us at least 4 hours – but, to save you from re-living the whole experience, I’ve captured it in 6 minutes!

I’ve kept the explanation minimal to open up what we do to your questions. So, ask away – all of the team are on hand to reply!

The fashion foyer showcases will be on display to the public until late May (I’m afraid the Versace one is coming out next week to make way for an exciting archaeology display!) and the Morrissey mannequins will be on display until late August.

Meet the Volunteer- Philip Davies

Published on April 2, 2010 by Melanie Pitkin in Videos and Volunteer profiles. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Name: Philip Davies

How long have you been volunteering at the Museum? 2 years

What is your favourite object in the Museum and why? Marc Newson’s ‘Lockheed Lounge’ and the glass collection – Lalique, Daum and Tiffany. I love the look and touch of beautiful objects.

Meet the Volunteer- Meg Stevenson

Published on March 29, 2010 by Melanie Pitkin in Videos and Volunteer profiles. 1 Comment Tags: , , , .

Apart from curators, registrars and conservators working with and interpreting the Museum’s collections, we also have an incredible mix of volunteers who work behind-the-scenes (as research and administrative assistants) and on-the-floor (meeting and greeting visitors, leading tours and running programs). In this series, we want to introduce you to some of these volunteers and their favourite objects – on video! We call these ‘vox pops’ – short, unedited video snapshots of interesting objects and people. Let us know what you think!


Name: Meg Stevenson

How long have you been volunteering at the Museum? 21 years

What is your favourite object in the Museum and why? The Baron Schmiedel bust and Hargrave box kites. They both have interesting stories behind them and are examples of human endeavour.

The first Atlantic submarine telegraph cable

Published on May 13, 2009 by Matthew Connell in Boring looking objects that tell amazing stories, Object of the week and Videos. 3 Comments Tags: , , , .

If you’re reading this then you are more than likely sitting at your computer using the internet, or if you’re one of the ‘cool kids’, and technologically savvy, then you may be reading it from your iphone on the bus.

But, do you ever stop to think about how we progressed from sending inked letters via ship, horse, and carrier pigeon, to today, when sending a message overseas is as easy as pushing a few buttons?

Check out curator Matthew Connell tell an amazing story about a little piece of cable and the epic part it played in connecting the world.