Sydney Grammar School was founded by Act of Parliament in 1854. The School opened in 1857 in the building occupied from 1835 to 1850 by its predecessor, the Sydney College. In the 1850s the old Edward Hallen building, called Big School Room, was home to the University of Sydney. Purchased by the Trustees of the Sydney Grammar School in 1855 it became central to the Colonial Architect, James Barnet's vision for the cultural focus of Sydney Town.
The School Archives was established in 1981 to facilitate research for the school's history. "Grammar : a history of Sydney Grammar School 1819-1988" by Professor C. Turney was published in 1989 by Allen & Unwin.
Sources available to assist Old Boys, biographers and others interested in the school are:
- Registers (on disc and printed), 1835 +
- Prize Lists, 1859 +
- The Sydneian Magazine (indexed), 1875 +
- Oral recordings
- Photographs
- Correspondence
The historic Hallen building, the Blacket Wings as well as many additions to the site are well documented in:
- Architectural drawings
- Building and restoration files.
- Specifications and quotes for additions and repairs.
- Photographs
- Etchings
- Detailed conservation Plan by Howard Tanner & Associates, 1996. (Access restricted)
Literary works by staff and pupils and references to the School are featured in many publications which are collected and held in the Archives Reference Library.
There are many other topics to explore.
A comprehensive photographic collection records sporting and other activities pursued by generations of Grammar boys. However significant gaps exist in some series.
Gifts of prints of First and Second XV showing dates and names would be appreciated for the following years:-
- 1940/1947/1948/1949
- All of the 1960s.
The School Archives is open weekdays - except Tuesday - during term and Monday and Thursdays in the holidays.
Contact:
ib@sydgram.nsw.edu.au
