• Entry type: Resource
  • Entry ID: AWH002606

Dymphna Clark interviewed by Heather Rusden and Elizabeth Cham [sound recording]

  • Repository National Library of Australia, Oral History and Folklore Collection
  • Reference ORAL TRC 2597
  • Date Range 24-May-90 - 14-Jan-91
  • Description

    1 digital audio tape and 5 sound tape reels (ca. 300 min.) Clark talks about her early family life; early memories of Durban, South Africa and influence of her Swedish grandmother. In 1933 she spent a year of study in Germany attending Madchenreformreal gymnasium an der Luisenstrasse in Munich and she gives her impressions of Germany at the time. This was followed by studying German at Melbourne University and then in 1938 Clark returned to Germany to study at Bonn University and she describes the changes seen at the time. Clark then talks about her schooling at Mont Albert Central School and Presbyterian Ladies College; meeting Manning Clark in 1936 and marriage in 1939; helping him with his work and her own work of translating. Clark then gives her impressions of Melbourne University and its teachers and early memories of Canberra. She then talks about living in Canberra from 1950; Canberra Repertory; teaching experiences and Manning’s work as well as difficulties involved in caring for the children without a social or family network. Clark discusses the standard of education in Canberra at the time; working at ANU from 1960s and the criticism of Manning Clark’s work and its effects. She then considers her values in life; reading tastes; nationalism in Australia; membership of Aborigines Treaty Committee in 1980 at invitation of Judith Wright and her plans for the future.

  • Access Access open for research, personal copies and public use.
  • Finding Aid Corrected transcript available (typescript, 128 leaves).

Related entries


  • See also
    • Wright, Judith Arundell (1915 - 2000)
  • Primary Creator
    • Clark, Hilma Dymphna (1916 - 2000)