Edward Augustus Petherick (24 September 1854 – 4 August 1940) was a British‑born Australian bibliophile, collector, and civil servant, best known for assembling one of the most extensive private collections of Australian and Pacific materials, which later formed the basis of the National Library of Australia's Australiana holdings.
Early life and education
- Born in Greenwich, London, England, to a family of modest means.
- Received his early education in England before emigrating to Australia in the early 1880s.
Career
- Joined the Victorian Public Service, working in the Department of Trade and Customs.
- While employed, pursued his passion for book collecting, focusing on works related to Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and early exploration.
- Established a reputation among scholars and collectors for the breadth and depth of his acquisitions, which included rare books, manuscripts, maps, and ephemera.
The Petherick Collection
- Over several decades, Petherick systematically acquired items documenting the history, geography, and culture of Australia and the surrounding region.
- By the early 20th century, his collection had grown to several thousand volumes and related items, making it one of the most comprehensive private assemblages of Australasian material.
- In 1913, facing financial difficulties, Petherick offered his collection to the Commonwealth of Australia. The government accepted the donation, and the collection was transferred to the Commonwealth Library (the predecessor of the National Library of Australia) under the condition that it would remain intact and be properly curated.
Later life and legacy
- Continued to work as a consultant and advisor on Australiana for the library until his death.
- Recognized posthumously for his pivotal role in preserving primary sources essential to the study of Australian history and Pacific exploration.
- The “Petherick Collection” remains a cornerstone of the National Library of Australia's historical holdings and is frequently referenced by researchers in the fields of history, geography, and library science.
References
- National Library of Australia, “The Petherick Collection.”
- Australian Dictionary of Biography, entry on Edward Augustus Petherick.
- Commonwealth Library annual reports, early 20th century.
