Major Holden Exhibition to be staged at State Library of South Australia 2025
The State Library of South Australia is set to become home to one of the largest Holden archives in the world, with the addition of extensive never-before-seen manufacturing drawings from Australia’s most famed car manufacturer.
Selected archival material from the Holden Collection are set to go on public display for the first time in a major exhibition slated for next year with former Holden employees assisting the State Library to bring the display to life.
The Holden Collection features thousands of technical plan drawings including the first all-Australian car from 1948 and the 1968 Monaro coupe, plans for Holden’s Elizabeth plant and assembly line layouts plus designs for manufacturing engineering tools used for the production of Holden vehicles and prototypes.
State Library of South Australia Director Geoff Strempel said Holden has a rich and proud history in South Australia and the Library was proud to help share their story through the newly acquired archive material, adding to the extensive Holden collection already held at the State Library.
“As the custodians of our state’s stories, we are delighted that we can grow our Holden Collection for future generations to enjoy and learn about one of the significant periods in South Australia’s manufacturing history,” he said.
“The design drawings represent not only the manufacturing processes of Australia’s only home-grown car maker but also tell a much more expansive story of manufacturing design and development from the 1930s to late 2000s.
“The Library’s dedicated archival team are working closely with the Holden Heritage team, comprised of retired Holden engineers to ensure South Australia’s significant contribution to the automotive industry is preserved and made accessible to the public.”
The entire Holden archive collection takes up an estimated 180 metres of shelf space at the State Library and includes around 1700 cylinders of rolled drawings with the latest acquisition, increasing the collection by around 10 per cent.
Jeff Jamieson who worked at Holden for 36 years and retired as Executive Director of Manufacturing in 2004, is now Chairman of the Holden Manufacturing Heritage Association. He said the collection is expected to generate interest from Holden enthusiasts, car lovers, historians and so many others.
“Unlike any other car brand ever owned by millions of Australians, the name Holden proudly lives on with a passion,” he said.
“We are pleased the heritage of Holden which formed such a large part of our lives is being cared for and preserved for the long term by the State Library.
“The collection gives a glimpse into the lives and achievements of incredible people, over many generations, willing to challenge themselves to innovate, design, develop, manufacture, market and service all kinds of products.”
Arts Minister Andrea Michaels said it was fitting that the State Library of South Australia will be home to one of the largest dedicated Holden archives in the world.
“These drawings tell the remarkable story of Holden as a source of national and state pride,” she said.
“Generations of South Australians grew up with a connection to the beloved car manufacturer and this exhibition will be an opportunity to relive those memories.”
A major exhibition showcasing the Holden collection will be staged at the State Library of South Australia in early 2025.
For more information, please visit https://stories.slsa.sa.gov.au/holden-collection/index.html
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