Donors attend a special studio experience with Signature Handprints
Published on Thursday 28 May 2026
In late May, a group of Museums of History NSW donors attended a special behind-the-scenes experience at Signature Handprints, a boutique design and print business in St Peters in Sydney’s inner west.
This was a rare opportunity to step inside a working studio and see firsthand how our collections continue to inspire contemporary design practice.
The visit to Signature Handprints focused on their recent re-creation of historical wallpapers for Government House in Brisbane, drawing on designs from the John and Phyllis Murphy wallpaper collection held within our Caroline Simpson Library. Guests were guided through the studio’s creative and technical process, learning how historical patterns are researched, interpreted and brought back to life through the traditional craft of screen-printing wallpaper by hand.
This fascinating experience demonstrated not only the craftsmanship involved in preserving historical design traditions but also the ongoing relevance of our collections beyond the walls of our museums. Seeing these archival materials transformed for contemporary use was a powerful reminder that collections are not static – they continue to inform, inspire and shape creative practice today.
After the event, donors enjoyed morning tea at a local cafe. It was a wonderful morning of conversation, discovery and connection, and an excellent example of the many ways our collections continue to create value for audiences, practitioners and the wider community.
Contact us
If you would like to learn more about our donor program, please contact Meagan Evans, Philanthropy Manager.
T: 02 8239 2273
