The Paper Argonaut: Adventures in Art, Science and Rare Books

Dr Tom Darragh

Dr Thomas A. Darragh is a graduate of the University of Melbourne in invertebrate palaeontology. He worked at the Museum of Victoria as a curator and in administration for 36 years. As a Curator Emeritus, he continues his research interests in the field of Tertiary marine molluscs and has published many papers on this subject.  

He has a long-standing interest in the history of the natural sciences, particularly geology, in Victoria and in the arts of engraving and lithography in nineteenth century Victoria and is the author of several papers and a book on these topics. He has also carried out research on nineteenth century German scientists and intellectuals in Victoria. 

Rhyll Plant

Rhyll Plant is a Castlemaine artist with a lifetime of experience as an illustrator. Her career at the National Museum of Victoria began as a technician in 1970, where she managed collections and made drawings of invertebrates and fishes while surrounded by history in the atmospheric basement of the old Russell Street building.

Decades later, Rhyll undertook a post graduate degree in visual art at LaTrobe University, Bendigo, where her love of printmaking was foremost. Whichever art form Rhyll indulges in, be it crafting her favourite traditional wood engravings or designing didactic diagrams, she delights in the influence of her museum experience.

Melanie Mackenzie, Collection Manager, Marine Invertebrates, Museums Victoria / Source: Museums Victoria / Photo: Jon Augier

As a Collection Manager of Marine Invertebrates at Museums Victoria, Mel Mackenzie helps to look after a vast library of preserved physical specimens, providing access for ongoing scientific research, public exhibitions, and educational programs. She collaborates with researchers and citizen scientists from around the world and has contributed to many biodiversity surveys including ship-based research in Australian and Antarctic waters. Mel also has a research interest in holothuroid (sea cucumber) taxonomy.

Hilary Harper grew up in regional Australia and loves the way radio connects people through storytelling, a practice which transcends time, space and football codes. She's been ferreting out ordinary people's extraordinary stories for over 30 years, including 20 at the ABC, most recently as a weekday host on Radio National. Her life goal is to one day own enough bookshelves.