Sir William Dixson was an Australian businessman, collector and benefactor who bequeathed his collection of over 20,000 items of Australiana to the State Library of New South Wales, forming the Dixson Library. In recognition of his public benefactions, Dixson was knighted in the New Year Honours of 1939.
William Dixson
Portrait medallion of Sir William Dixson in the Mitchell Library
One of the stained glass windows in the main reading room given by Dixson
Australiana is anything pertaining to Australian culture, society, geography and ecology, especially if it is endemic to Australia or has reached iconic status. It includes people, places, flora, fauna and events of Australian origins. Australiana objects can be highly collectable and comprise anything made in Australia or especially made for Australian use. Australiana often borrows from Australian Aboriginal culture, or the stereotypical Australian culture of the early 1900s.
The Australian national flag and red ensign are common patriotic symbols of Australiana
Symbolism of the Outback way of life is common in Australiana
A typical Australian meat pie with tomato sauce
Although its country of origin is a contentious issue, the pavlova is a part of the Australian identity.
