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Print
1381772
  • Title
    Ralph Symonds Ltd further records, 1924-1999
  • Creator
  • Call number
    MLMSS 10505
    PXD 1536
    PXE 1802
  • Level of description
    fonds
  • Date

    1924-1999
  • Type of material
  • Reference code
    1381772
  • Physical Description
    0.16 metres of textual material (1 box)
    403 photographic prints
    1 architectural drawing - diazotype
    1 technical drawing - diazotype
  • ADMINISTRATIVE/ BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

    Ralph Symonds (1895-1961) was a world authority on the use of laminated veneers and timbers. He began producing laminated panels and plywoods in Sydney in 1923 and became convinced of the potential of plywood as a structural material, rather than as a veneered decorative one. During World War II his firm produced a variety of ordnance for the armed services ranging from landing barges and folding boats to decoy aircraft. In the post-war period his products were used in major construction works throughout Australia including the Myer Music Bowl, Warragamba Dam, Mt Stromlo Observatory dome and the triumphal arches for the royal visit to Sydney in 1954.

    Reference:
    Compiled from the collection
  • Collection history
    By descent from Ralph Symonds to his son and grandson
  • Scope and Content
    MLMSS 10505

    Business and personal records of Ralph Symonds, with further material collected by his son, Ken Symonds, for a planned book.

    Folder 1: Correspondence and notes, 1926-1959, undated; Agreement appointing Ralph Symonds as manager of Panels Limited, 1933
    Folder 2: ‘Symonds barges’, 1942-1943
    Folder 3: ‘Jenolan Caves’, 1947-1980. Includes a memorandum regarding a film of the interior of Jenolan Caves, made by Ralph Symonds, 1947; 9 photographic prints of company outings, 1947-1952; 3 photographs (stereographic format) of Imperial and Lucas Caves; sectional map showing the position of caves in the Jenolan system, 1947; tourist brochures for Jenolan Caves and Yarrangobilly Caves. Also includes correspondence, Jenolan Caves Historical and Preservation Society newsletters and other material added by Ken Symonds regarding the film made by Ralph Symonds, 1979-1980
    Folder 4: Promotional material
    Folder 5: Original and photocopied clippings from newspapers and trade journals relating to Ralph Symonds, Ralph Symonds Ltd, plywood and timber, 1924-1992, undated
    Folder 6: Research material collected by Ken Symonds regarding Ralph Symonds, 1948-1999
    Folder 7: ‘Material developed by Ken Symonds for book of Ralph Symonds projects’



    PXD 1536

    1. Ralph Symonds Ltd. Site plan, elevations, sections for factory at Homebush, 1958. 1 architectural drawing, diazotype
    2. General Motors-Holden Ltd cargo barge preliminary print, approximately 1959. 1 technical drawing, diazotype



    PXE 1802

    BOXES 1-2
    Artwork for decoy aeroplane assembly instructions, comprising 50 photographs, some overpainted, mounted on individual boards.

    BOXES 3-4.
    Photographs relating mainly to the manufacture of plywood and veneers and their use in various products.

    Box 3:
    1-11. Logging trucks
    12-20. [Puppets], 1949
    21-30. Ralph’s car, 1949, undated
    31-59. [Veneers, Standardised Furniture Ltd products], 1930-1949
    60-62. [Kenru brand boat], 1929
    63-92. [Logs, stumps, veneers, wooden artwork], 1936-1948
    93-103. [Waterproof plywood] Reswood, 1945-1949
    104-105. Folding boats, 1941
    106-108. Decoy plane, 1947
    109-112. Light structure
    113-119. Barges
    120-133. [Building a laminated arch]
    134-158. Campbell Street, 1945-1956
    159-163. Caravans
    153-154. Collapsible theatres
    155-171. Cottages, 1948
    172. Kramer tennis courts
    173-200. Tests, 1946-1952
    201. Power station curved formwork
    202-206. 40’ railway carriage ceilings, 1950
    207. Church (Campbelltown?)
    208-213. [Mt Stromlow Observatory]
    214-231. Portable classrooms, 1952

    Box 4:
    232-250. Homebush Bay opening
    251-266. [Arches erected for Royal Visit to Sydney, including the Timber Industry Arch], 1954
    267-275. Drive-in theatre, 1956
    276-282. Solar furnace for NSW University of Technology, 1957
    283-286. [Jørn Utzon visiting Ralph Symonds Ltd], 1957
    287-290. Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
    291-294. Aerial views of Beale Pianos factory and surrounds, Annandale, 1960
    295-299. Report on Byer boat, Melbourne, 1948-1949
    300-332. General projects, 1947-1966
    333-346. [Unidentified photographs]
    347-349. E.S. Marks Athletics Field, 1957
    350-352. [River diversion tunnel for Glenbawn Dam]
    353. Revolving stage
  • Copying Conditions
    Copyright restrictions may apply:
    Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy copyright holder
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