The Lawson Collection was formed by the Sydney book collector, Harry F. Chaplin over many years up to the early 1970s. It is held in the Rare Books and Special Collections Library of the University of Sydney Library. The collection comprises first editions of most of Henry Lawson's books, many of which are autographed presentation copies from Lawson himself. However, the heart of the collection is to be found in the original Lawson manuscripts, letters and notes along with the recollections by friends and contemporaries such as Dame Mary Gilmore, Sir Lionel Lindsay, Norman Linsday and Hugh McCrae which Harry Chaplin brought together.
This online exhibition presents a selection of material from the Lawson Collection, chosen to illustrate some of the chapters of Henry Lawson's life and the ways in which his contemporaries remembered him. A number of original Lawson manuscripts, written in his own hand with corrections, is also included. The exhibition and website were created by Sara Hilder.
For more information and a full list of material in the Lawson Collection please contact Rare Books, Fisher Library.
Harry Chaplin's bookmark, designed by Sir Lionel Lindsay.