THE WAYWARD COLLECTOR

$250

Offered for sale is this rare vintage 20th Century Australian First Edition booklet, ‘Festivals in Australia – an intimate history’, written and signed by Adrian Rawlins (published by Dik Freestun, Down to Earth Co-operative Society (D.T.E.) Queensland, Spring Hill, 1983). Beginning with a passion for jazz and folk (which would eventually lead to him engaging with Bob Dylan’s 1966 tour), he is regarded as one of Australia’s first music journalists. From being a part of the 1960’s psychedelic movement in Sydney, Adrian went on to lead a well-publicised creative and eccentric life as a performer, painter, writer, poet, promoter and musician. During the 1970’s his integral involvement with early music festivals (such as being MC at ‘Pilgrimage For Pop’ - Australia’s first rock festival (at Ourimbah, NSW), at Myponga (South Australia) and Sunbury in 1972 (as co-compere) saw him become a well-known figure within the domestic counter-culture and Alternative/New Age movement. His portrait hangs in the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra and a bronze statue (‘Mr Poetry’, by Peter Corlett) commemorates his life on Brunswick Street, Victoria. The booklet has a dedication (blurred in the photo for privacy) and signature (dated 1985) on the front endpaper.

The booklet details from the late 1960’s to early 1980’s. In it, Adrian reflects on his involvement with various festivals including ‘Pilgrimage For Pop’ (Ourimbah), Wallacia, Myponga, Sunbury, Nimbin, ‘Down to Earth/ConFest’, Berri ConFest, Bredbo, Mount Warning and Tanelorn (Monkerai). There are also black-and-white photographs of several festivals (including Cotter Confest). He also provides views on the Whitlam sacking, Germain Greer, societal development, the decline of the movement (in the late 1970’s) and how humanity could hopefully use festivals to engage with crises of its own making - an insightful and poignant vision of future decades to follow.

This important cultural and social history record is held in the National and several State libraries.

In very good original condition. There is a very small amount of silverworm loss to the upper front cover, and the original staples have slightly corroded (a paper conservator could address this is felt necessary).

Please check the photos as they form part of the item description.

Cash or direct deposit sale only. Can freight at buyers expense (must include insurance for damage or loss) or can personally deliver to Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong or Ballarat CBD’s for a fee. As with any vintage watch I recommend allowing for a service. Where possible (or upon request) a physical inspection is available and always encouraged. Accurate as possible description at time of listing, however like any secondhand item is sold without guarantee or return so please ask any questions before purchase - as any sale is final.

ITEM: AP24017