Several decades of Australian children's publishing is expected to be donated to the State Library this year as the publisher-owner fears a bushfire might destroy her legacy.
Pinerolo, the Children's Book Cottage at Blackheath, is run by Margaret Hamilton, AM, who has many decades of experience as a professional publisher of award-winning picture books.
Mrs Hamilton and her husband Max gave their written publishing archives to the State Library of NSW in late 2017 - an impressive collection of files from fifteen years of independent publishing.
"They had to hire a special vehicle to come and collect the material as there were files and books from fifteen years of publishing children's books. They said it is a treasure trove."
The State Library then sent an oral historian to interview her.
"We covered a huge amount of ground. It took two days, but there is now an oral history at the library."
Mrs Hamilton said she had also always planned to bequeath the several decades of original artwork from their collection to the library "when the time came," but is escalating those plans.
"The dreadful summer of 2019/2020 made me realise that, if we were seriously threatened by bushfires, there's no way we could save the collection from total catastrophic destruction. So, we have been in discussions with the State Library about them taking the collection sooner rather than later.
"I feel responsible for the collection. It is unique and very valuable and represents several decades of Australian children's publishing. It's important we ensure its safety for future generations. Many picture books are being produced digitally, this means that there is no beautiful original hand-done artwork to hang on the wall."
COVID has "disrupted everything" but she is keen for the collection to be moved as soon as possible.
"I would like it to be before summer as I don't want to go through another bushfire summer. That would be devastating."
Pinerolo promotes Australian picture books and has an extensive collection of original picture book artwork, Australian picture books and the collection of working drawings, roughs and pre-publication materials. She has supported illustrators in residence for almost a decade which has resulted in several published illustrators.
"My collection represents an important period in publishing and it would be a total tragedy if it was lost. I love every piece of artwork and it will be a wrench to see it go. But I know this is the right decision."
Some 20 illustrators have had a week's mentorship at Pinerolo since 2012. Many have gone on to be published illustrators, including Dub Leffler, who is shortlisted for the 2021 Children's Book Council Book of the Year Award. Pinerolo has been the venue for 48 one day workshops with many of Australia's top illustrators, including Tohby Riddle and Freya Blackwood.
She hopes to hold an open day (pandemic permitting) in late September - called "Arrivederci Pinerolo" - to give those interested one final look at the artwork collection.
"Everybody can come and view the artwork, if they haven't seen it already, or take this opportunity to see it all together one last time."
