David Jones, artist and poet (1895-1974) begins his PREFACE TO THE ANATHEMATA :

'I have made a heap of all that I could find.' (1) So wrote Nennius, or whoever composed the introductory matter to Historia Brittonum. He speaks of an 'inward wound' which was caused by the fear that certain things dear to him 'should be like smoke dissipated'. Further, he says, 'not trusting my own learning, which is none at all, but partly from writings and monuments of the ancient inhabitants of Britain, partly from the annals of the Romans and the chronicles of the sacred fathers, Isidore, Hieronymous, Prosper, Eusebius and from the histories of the Scots and Saxons although our enemies . . . I have lispingly put together this . . . about past transactions, that [this material] might not be trodden under foot'. (2)

(1) The actual words are coacervavi omne quod inveni, and occur in Prologue 2 to the Historia.
(2) Quoted from the translation of Prologue 1. See The Works of Gildas and Nennius, J.A.Giles, London 1841.


22 May 2009

Extracts from the Commission of Report: Regarding 'Monument for the flooding of Royal Park'

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bLOGOS/HA HA yesterday traveled overland to Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne, for the launch there of Tom Nicholson's Monument for the flooding of Royal Park.

From the journal :
Expedition departs General Store at Spring Creek diggings before midday. This delayed by such a taking on of neighbourly wishes being without exception to the greater bounty of our fortune and for a safe return of all. A monument is proposed.



Welcomed at Daylesford boundary by Councilor McCleneghan's Mayoral Delegation, many prominent persons and a good number of others. General procession then to official reception at Town Hall followed by a civic luncheon. A public holiday is declared and a monument proposed.



Pass through Korweinguboora to hearty cheers of loggers. A monument of timbers to be raised at that place. Oaths of fidelity exchanged & All give thanks. Exit the Wombat forest without further incident.



Abandon camels at Ballan Station. Hasty toasts with local beer and another monument proposed! Board crowded train not a little merry, acknowledge encouragements of other passengers and together all in high spirits cross the Western basalt plains to Melbourne.



Upon reaching that place, entire company embarks to the Royal Park to offer there our respectful pause at certain monuments to fellow travellers. Lids were dipped at the sorry one and a souvenir or two of nardoo-sown soil taken from the other. From there, without delay, attempted passage through the crowds, our sights and readiness by this set entirely upon the prospect of the Launch.



We are once arrived and many times welcomed; fine wine companions wise wit, and both flow in generous supply: the newly minted volume is at high-table and beckons the inspection of us all. Come the moment, words are said & instead of Launching it is thought a better plan and more prosperous to plant the thing into our own common soil. A handful of the nardoo ground suffices this effect, and everybody cheers! A monument is proposed. (all laugh and exeunt)



Photos above from various sources, courtesy:
Future Archive Holdings