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A tribute to ‘Banjo’ Paterson

Head Librarian Ms Ava Banerjee reports on a celebration of the life and work of one of the School’s most notable alumnus.

 

Andrew Barton ‘Banjo’ Paterson (1864–1941) was an Old Sydneian and clearly held onto the spirit and ideals promoted by the School as a poet and later on, the recognised voice of Australia. This is what the evening (Thursday 15 February) celebrated, with different musical versions of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ played by the School Choir (the Queensland version arranged by Ian Cooper) and a string quartet to round off the evening playing an arrangement by Stephan Koncz. Dr Richard Malpass read an article from a 1968 edition of The Sydneian written by the outgoing Chairman of Trustees, Emeritus Professor Richard Henry AM, when he was a pupil at the School in Form V. Such is the power of Banjo to relate to generations across time. Dr Alexander Stevens read three poems that encapsulated the depth and breadth of Banjo’s vision, ending with the very funny ‘Mulga Bill’s Bicycle’.

The guest of honour was Mr Alistair Campbell, Banjo’s great-grandson, who spoke with personal knowledge about the full life Banjo led, from his travels in Egypt, Europe, and the Philippines, to his friendship with Rudyard Kipling, and his recognised accolades, such as a CBE. Mr Campbell’s magnificent book about his famous ancestor is available to borrow from the Library. A visual display was also screened, voiced by Mr James Barkell (OS 1963), who is partly responsible for the naming of our Library.

Pictured: The book written by guest of honour Mr Alistair Campbell

Banjo has been honoured in Australia, with his famous works such as ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and ‘Clancy of the Overflow’ commemorated on stamps, and his portrait on the $10 note. In addition, the words of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ have been sent out into space and even appear in the holograms on recent Australian passports. No other poet has such a wide reach over so many different areas.

Dr Richard Malpass with Banjo Paterson Museum Curator Mr Alf Cantrel.JPG

Pictured: Dr Richard Malpass with Banjo Paterson’s great-grandson Mr Alistair Campbell

To honour this illustrious alumnus, the Library has had artworks installed on the walls of the foyer with a silhouette of The Man from Snowy River and the first verse of ‘Waltzing Matilda’, as well as his signature across a central beam. A special display has also been installed in the Library to showcase aspects of his rich and varied life, including a glass vitrine that houses some precious artefacts. There are items temporarily available to be viewed from the Banjo Paterson Museum in Yeoval, in Central NSW, on loan from the Curator, Mr Alf Cantrell. Have a look as you sit in the beautiful space to read or simply enjoy the area. It was in this School that Banjo’s vision was first moulded, and you are now the custodians of his legacy. Many of you will go on to do important things in future and no doubt you will remember your schooldays as Banjo did his, in the poem ‘Old School-Days’, published in The Sydneian of 1907, which specifically refers Grammar. The evening’s tribute was a single night of celebration, but Banjo’s legacy is everlasting.

Pictured: Banjo Paterson Library Artwork

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Sydney Grammar School

College Street, Darlinghurst
NSW 2010 Australia

Phone: (02) 9332 5800

Edgecliff Preparatory School

Alma Street, Paddington
NSW 2021 Australia

Phone: (02) 9366 0100

St Ives Preparatory School

Ayres Rd, St Ives
NSW 2075 Australia

Phone: (02) 8302 5200

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