Gundagai Literary Institute

Literary Institutes (akin to Mechanics’ Institutes and Schools of Art) played an important role in the life of early (European) Australian communities. They housed libraries and reading rooms and typically hosted lectures and served as adult education centres. Essentially they were the centre of a community’s cultural activities – not unlike, though on a rather more modest scale than, the Grand Peoples’ Study House that I recently visited in Pyongyang, North Korea. I imagine I am the first person to draw a comparison between the Gundagai Literary Institute and the Grand Peoples’ Study House in Pyongyang!

These Institutes were managed by a committee of eminent residents which met on a monthly basis and while some income came from member subscriptions they typically received significant income from colonial (state) and local governments. Over time, as local councils and vocational colleges took over the provision of most of the services previously provided by the Institutes their external funding was reduced and eventually it ceased.

Unneeded and unfunded, the majority of Australia’s Literary Institutes which had served their communities for up to 100 years, ceased operations and their, often purpose built, colonial style buildings were transferred to other uses. The Gundagai Literary Institute building (a National Trust listed building) is now a private residence and, as such, is not open for visiting but still well worth a look from the outside as it remains one of the most historically significant and beautiful buildings in Gundagai.

The ground floor of the Literary Institute was built in 1870 and the upper floor was added in 1910.

Address: 6 Kitchener Street, Gundagai

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