One of my favourite places in Sydney is the Library of NSW in historic Macquarie Street. So much to see, but one of the most interesting sections of the library is the ever changing Amaze Gallery.
Look what I spotted recently; a Victorian era recipe book about the size of a matchbox; 55x47mm. It concentrates on puddings, cakes and jellies. The tiny volume is called The Handbook of Practical Cookery; a bit ironic considering a magnifying glass is required to read it. Surely it should have been titled The Impractical Handbook of Practical Cookery.
The author, Matilda Lees Dods, was something of a celebrity. Ms. Dods was a teacher at a cooking school in London’s South Kensington. However, she would sally forth on speaking tours to the industrial towns of northern England and Scotland and even to the United States. She was a cross between Mrs Beeton and our own Galloping Gourmet, Graham Kerr.
Of course being a curious soul I had to zoom in and check out the recipe on the open page. It was Aunt Martha’s Pudding and sounded very similar to the steamed puddings my mother used to make when I was growing up in Tasmania.
I wasn’t too keen about the preserved cherries, but it seems Aunt Martha’s Pudding has spread widely, with variations such as sultanas or raisins to replace the cherries.
Here is something quite different. A ‘self portrait’ by Salvador Dali inspired by the pansy. Note the waxed mustache. 😍 It’s from a newly acquired portfolio of botanical images (well sort of botanical) by Dali. Each plant is given human characteristics in the artist’s inimical style. I doubt the portrait would qualify for entry in the Archibald Prize.
Remember the recent craze for adult colouring books? They’re not so new after all. 😎 The emphasis is definitely on ‘adult’ here.
AMAZE THE LITTLE ONES TOO!
There is often something to engage children in the gallery and currently it’s making a telescope. My associate Editor Des did his best, although I’m not sure he followed instructions properly. 😎
When you have finished your visit to Amaze you can pop up to the new rooftop bar for a cocktail and a snack.
The views from the patio will amaze you as well.
MORE ON THE LIBRARY OF NSW.
