Recent donation: Zip memorabilia from Brisbane's alternative music and art scene

The State Library of Queensland embraces Brisbane’s alternative music and art culture

We are very excited to have received recently by donation a collection of Zip art and music packages and memorabilia from the private collection of Matt Mawson.
The Zip collective was formed in Brisbane in 1982 by Irene Luckus, John Willsteed, Terry Murphy, Matt Mawson and Tim Gruchy. Zip was active until 1986, producing video art, dance and other live performances. Zip was part of an active alternative music and art culture in Brisbane, and was prolific in its output. Zip was partially inspired by a worldwide interest in self-produced cassette music and postcard/booklet art. Packages were exchanged with like-minded artists all around the world. Zip was never intended to be a commercial enterprise. It was propelled by creative enthusiasm. The Zip tracks were all produced on home recording equipment and much of the printing was labour-intensive screen printing.

The collection comprises the complete four music and art releases by the Zip collective – ZipStart, ZipTOO, ZipIII and Zip-Eye-Ear – as well as an album of correspondence and press clippings. Also included is a CD which contains all the music tracks as well as radio interviews and excerpts from a live performance.
This collection is a valuable addition to our collection of materials documenting Queensland’s cultural history.

I’m very interested in collecting material of significance to the cultural history of music in Queensland. If you have any items which you think might fall into this category, please get in touch with me.  All items acquired by the State Library are housed in ideal conditions for their long term preservation and use by current and future generations of Queenslanders.

Laurel Dingle
Queensland Music Coordinator
Ph: (07) 38407835
Email: qldmemory@slq.qld.gov.au