Mrs Simpson's legacy - in conversation with Edward Simpson

In 2004, the children of the late Mrs Caroline Simpson OAM gifted her remarkable collection of Australian colonial art, furniture and decorative arts to the Historic Houses Trust of NSW (now Museums of History NSW). Two decades later, it stands as one of the largest and most valuable donations ever made to a cultural institution in Australia.

Join Kim Tao, Manager of Curatorial at MHNSW, to explore some of the highlights of this unique cultural gift and discover the story of the woman behind the collection. Kim will lead a conversation with Edward Simpson – Chairman of the James Fairfax Foundation, member of the Art Gallery of NSW Foundation Board of Trustees, former chair of the Sydney Living Museums Foundation and Caroline Simpson’s son.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the stories behind the collection and its remarkable owner!

Members get more: Members enjoy presale access and 20% off tickets.

The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Caroline Simpson Library

The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Cafe
  • Wheelchair accessible
Plan your visit
  • Tuesday 29 October 6pm–7.30pm

Stories from the Caroline Simpson Library

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The fountains of Machattie Park, Bathurst

Several of the postcards featured in our current library display depict Machattie Park in Bathurst. Postcard collector Vera Bell lived in Bathurst between 1905 and 1908 while her father, John, acted as the police superintendent

Back of postcard with short text address to Miss Vera Bell

Tea and scandal

‘Come to afternoon “Tea and Scandal” tomorrow’ is the wonderfully enticing offer made via postcard by Viley and Olive, young friends of Vera Bell

Painting of various animals riding bicycles

Bicycle race

'Bicycle race' is just one of many postcards from the collection of Vera Bell as part of the Bell family papers, now housed in the Caroline Simpson Library

Cartoon drawing of Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright

The Wasmuth Portfolio

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wasmuth Portfolio, is regarded as one of the most influential architectural treatises of the 20th century