Mirror of the world. Des Cowley, books & ideas

By Shane Carmody, Susan Millard and Anna Welch, with contributions by Dermot McCaul, Stuart Kells, Clare Williamson, Kevin Patrick, Dianne Reilly, Madeline Say, Marguerite Brown & Akko van Ogtrop, Jock Murphy, John Arnold, Joan Lindblad Kirsop & Wallace Kirsop, Graham Anderson, Richard Overell & Derrick Moors, Geoffrey Cains and Francesca Curate Sasnaitis.

[Melbourne : privately printed by the friends of Des Cowley, 2022]. Quarto, laminated boards, pp. 247; [iii], illustrated. Limited to 150 copies of which ten were reserved for a deluxe edition with accompanying folio of prints). Sealed in shrink-wrap, the number of each copy provided, the receiver to enter this on the colophon.

In 2022 Des Cowley, Principal Librarian, History of the Book & Arts retired after nearly 40 years working at the State Library of Victoria. To honour his passion and dedication to the history and art of the book, a group of 46 of his friends collaborated to publish this festschrift, a book created in honour of his contribution to the Library and study of books more broadly.

‘For almost 40 years, Des has been a leading figure in the field of rare books, not just at State Library Victoria, but in the wider region. This celebration acknowledges the significant contribution that Des has made at the Library, both in shaping the State Collection and championing the creative and intellectual value of rare books for the whole community. This includes pioneering the institutional collecting of contemporary artists’ books, the addition of formed collections such as the Graham and Anita Anderson Collection, the John Emmerson Collection, the Wallace Kirsop Collection, and the Wayzgoose Press archive, and co-curating 16 iterations of the World of the Book exhibition that has welcomed millions of visitors to the Library’s rare book collection over the years. Des’ legacy at the Library is a testament to his passion, knowledge, integrity, curiosity, and commitment to public service.’ – Sarah Slade, Acting Chief Executive Officer, State Library of Victoria, in an email announcing the retirement of Des and a function held by the Library to recognise his contribution.

The book was launched at the Lyceum Club, Melbourne, on 2nd November 2022 with copies presented to Des Cowley and the contributors. A small number of copies are now available for purchase by book collectors who are interested in learning further about the State Library of Victoria, it’s collections, and the way Des Cowley has shaped their formation.

All proceeds from the sale of this book go to Rare Books Melbourne, a non-for-profit organisation formed to promote the celebration and study of Rare Books in Melbourne through organising the Melbourne Rare Book Week and other projects.