Subiaco Museum

The Subiaco Museum collection comprises more than 15,000 items documenting the history of Subiaco and its community from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Approximately five per cent of the collection is on display at any one time, with the remainder carefully preserved in secure storage.

The collection has been built primarily through donations from current and former residents, families, businesses and community organisations, together with acquisitions by the City of Subiaco. It reflects all aspects of life in Subiaco, documenting the people, places and events that have shaped the suburb through material relating to homes and families, businesses and industry, education, sport, arts and culture, community organisations, transport, architecture, military service, civic life and the development of the City. From treasured family photographs and civic records to everyday household objects, each item contributes to preserving the history of Subiaco and its community.

The collection is organised into the following collecting areas:

Photographs and Negatives
More than 7,000 photographs and negatives dating from the 1890s to the present day record the changing face of Subiaco. Images document streets, homes, businesses, schools, sporting clubs, community events, local organisations and the everyday lives of residents, creating an invaluable visual record of the City's history.

Social History Objects
More than 3,500 objects illustrate everyday life in Subiaco, including household items, tools, toys, furniture, sporting memorabilia, business equipment, civic memorabilia, and objects associated with local organisations and industries.

Textiles
Nearly 700 textile items, including clothing, uniforms, accessories and household textiles reflect the changing fashions, occupations and domestic life in Subiaco. It includes garments worn by local residents, items associated with schools, community organisations, and sporting clubs.

Archives and Ephemera
Over 4,000 archival records, including correspondence, diaries, certificates, maps, plans, posters, programmes, business records and ephemera, document the social and civic history of Subiaco.

Civic Collection
The civic collection comprises objects, archival documents and photographs that document the evolution of local government from the Subiaco Roads Board, through the Municipality and Town of Subiaco, to today's City of Subiaco.

Oral Histories
More than 180 recorded oral history interviews preserving the memories and experiences of residents, business owners and community members, provide a rich personal record of life in Subiaco.

Art Collection
The museum also manages a collection of approximately 200 historical and contemporary artworks. The collection includes paintings, prints, drawings, ceramics and sculpture by local and nationally recognised artists. It reflects the people, landscapes and stories of Subiaco and includes works by acclaimed Western Australian artist and illustrator Shaun Tan.

Collections


All Items (7797 items)

• Art Collection (66 items)
• Cadman's Subiaco (18 items)
• Cinemas in Subiaco (62 items)
• Costumes (40 items)
• Current Exhibition: 50 Objects 50 Years (44 items)
• Jim and Lilian Dennis Collection (106 items)
• Military and Wartime Collection (102 items)
• Museum Treasures (24 items)
• Oral History (51 items)
• Photographs (2128 items)
• Sedgwick Family Collection (26 items)
• Sport in Subiaco (17 items)
• Subiaco Oval and its sporting history (97 items)
• Subiaco's Civic History (37 items)
  • Mayors and Councillors (36 items)
• Tools (69 items)
• Toys and Games (39 items)
• Wembley Ware Collection (159 items)