MERLYN: THE LIFE OF MERLYN BAILLIEU MYER | An exclusive afternoon tea event with Dr Stella M Barber

An exclusive afternoon tea event with Dr Stella M Barber

The life of Merlyn Baillieu was transformed in 1920 when she married department-store magnate Sidney Myer. After his untimely death in 1934, Merlyn, widowed with a young family, practically re-invented herself. Over the next almost-fifty years, she carried the Myer name and fame.

DR STELLA M BARBER, a Melbourne-based Consultant Historian, in addition to other projects, has written several books on the Myer family. Dr Barber worked with journalist Michael Shmith to capture the life of young Merlyn Baillieu, from her upbringing in Queenscliff and her transformation as the wife of department store magnate Sidney Myer. MERLYN brought long-deserved attention to this grand, glorious, and generous figure, Dame Merlyn Myer (1900-1982).

Dr Barber’s most recent book related to the Myer family, MARIGOLD: Milestones and Memories 2021 is on the life of Merlyn’ daughter, Marigold, Lady Southey. Amongst other works she has also published SIDNEY MYER: A Life, A Legacy (2006); Your Store Myer (the story of Australia’s department store) and Celebrating 100 Years of Myer Fashion (2008).

She also wrote the history of retailer (G J) Coles which acquired Myer in 1985 and another centenary history, Crescendo, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra celebrating 100 years. Her most recent publication among her 16 works, tells the story of Australia’s oldest engineering firm, marine engineers, Halliday Engineering, a firm run by six generations of the Halliday family.

Despite their broad subject range, all of Dr Barber’s books focus on the significance of family, perseverance, and community engagement. In 2020 she was awarded her doctorate for her research and thesis on the work of women camera operators on the Woomera rocket range during the Cold War.

PLEASE NOTE | This lecture was initially advertised with Michael Shmith as the speaker. Due to unforeseen circumstances Mr Shmith is unable to present his lecture and is kindly replaced with his colleague Dr Stella M Barber.

This illustrated lecture is presented on-site at TJC. Please see your ticket for details.

This lecture is supported by The Friends of TJC.

Copies of Merlyn - The Life of Merlyn Baillieu Myer will also be available in our SHOP