ARCHITECTURE NEWCASTLE. PRESERVING ITS EDUCATIONAL HISTORY

Bob Donaldson and Don Morris
First published in July 2001

In 1996, someone had a bright idea.
“What about you fellas write a trilogy about Architecture in Newcastle”.

Barry Maitland and David Stafford completed their book in time for the bicentenary of Newcastle.
Les Reedman finished his and went out looking for a publisher.

Don Morris and Bob Donaldson laboured on for five years finding more and more that would turn the book from 60 pages of simple notes into a 240 page Goliath with some 300 illustrations coming from so many unlikely sources. Phone bills were significant and Don and Shirley were introduced to the joys of computers.

There was writing and reading, rewriting and proof reading. The legally contentious bits were removed on legal advice and Barry Maitland did the huge job of editing. Alan Morse laboured to design the book and it was printed in Melbourne.

1000 copies arrived with some pages missing. They became pulp fiction in the real sense. The next print run was closer to correct but many readers enjoy “spotting the mistake on every page”.

The book covers the evolution and history of the school in detail from 1925 until 2000, what is done inside and outside of the school, the staff, the students, budgets, the buildings since the beginning, the tough times of the 1970s, every graduating student. The book even risks a chapter about the future of the school.

There are many memories and some good stories including essays about student life from a handfull of older folk.

To know more or acquire a copy, please exchange a donation to the Foundation for a copy of The Book.
Contact: The Architecture Foundation to order a copy.
Email: trustees@hearchitecturefoundation.org.au