Local studies

Held at the Footscray Library the local studies collection holds significant material about the Maribyrnong area, including information about Footscray poet John Shaw Neilson.

John Shaw Neilson collection

We have a considerable amount of material devoted to Australian poet and Footscray resident, John Shaw Neilson (1872–1942), including letters, photographs, and autographed first edition publications.

Neilson was arguably Australia’s best lyric poet of the 20th Century, and (for the last 10 years of his life) lived at 162 Gordon Street, Footscray. In 1946 a bronze sculpture of the poet was commissioned for the opening of the Footscray Children’s Library in Buckley Street and is now on display at Footscray Library.

John Shaw Neilson Society

The John Shaw Neilson Society meets regularly and organises special events of poetry and music in appreciation of the life and work of John Shaw Neilson and his associates. Please contact President Graham Dunkley on 5966 6362.