Play: Objects of play from the State Library of South Australia’s collections

A delightful exhibition which explores play through historical toys, games and stories from the unique collections of the State Library of South Australia.

Discover aspects of play including music, dance and theatre, outdoor activity, militaria toys, children's clubs, Aboriginal childhood, science fiction, universal toys used across generations and the fleeting found objects of play.

Most pieces are drawn from the Children's Literature Research Collection, one of the State Library's premier heritage research collections, in a display of never-before-seen objects and old favourites.

A particular highlight of the exhibition is items from the collection of Thomas Holland.

Between 2001 and 2005 the State Library of South Australia received a wonderful donation from Thomas Holland of rare childhood books and games from the 1920s and 1930s. All the books are inscribed, some from Grandma or 'Father Christmas' whilst one is inscribed by Tommy himself, aged 5. These items provide a unique record of the childhood interests of a South Australian boy growing up through the social prism of Federation, the aftermath of the World War I and the effects of The Great Depression.

The books Thomas read were the classics, science, adventure, exploration, history plus popular literature such as Milne, Barrie, Lofting and Defoe. The subjects of his games were British Empire, flight adventure, racing and exploration.

Thomas died in Canberra in January 2006, only a year after the Library received the last of his childhood things.

In an obituary Holland's daughter Rosemary was quoted as saying he was 'an uncommon man...[with] a profound sense of all that really matters, he was guided by principle, strength of character, a restless spirit and insatiable curiosity'.

This exhibition is sure to evoke memories and create new ones as you think about what play is and what it means for you and your family.