The Killen collection

The family of Sir James Killen has given the museum a collection of his political memorabilia and the complete contents of Sir James’ library.

The collection has substantial potential for research and exhibition. There are over forty plaques, many of which document Sir James’ overseas trips as Australia’s longest-serving defence minister, and sixty framed works which include his ministerial commissions, photographs of his political career, and original cartoons. One of the more interesting framed works is the “Whip’s Testimonial Fund” (pictured) – a document wherein some of the politicians present at the 1973 Australian Constitutional Convention recorded their tongue-in-cheek commendations to Sir James. There are also numerous other military-related presentations such as two silver filigree ships from Indonesia and a ceremonial kris from Malaysia. The collection also contains golf trophies, a cricket bat, Liberal Party badges worn by Sir James, pewter mugs, an empty bottle of port with a caricature of Sir James on it, 60 of his ties (including the “Mushroom Club” tie), and models of ships, planes, cannons and horses.

The Killen library is a rare intact example of a library assembled by a significant parliamentarian of the twentieth century and now held in a public collection. It complements Sir James’ papers, which have been acquired by the National Library of Australia, and his official records, which are held by the National Archives of Australia. Sir James’ books document the varied interests of this important Liberal Party parliamentarian, providing future researchers with a cultural map of his thinking—and that of his Labor Party opponents, in whom he took a keen interest. They include books inscribed to him by Sir Robert Menzies and Gough Whitlam, amongst others.

The library collection is available for access in the research library at the museum, shelved in their original order as an interpretation of Sir James’ library.