Walter McVitty Publishing Archive

In 2000, Walter McVitty donated to the National Centre the complete records relating to the publication of 57 children’s books published by his company between 1985 and 1997. Well-known titles include John Marsden’s So Much to Tell You, Margaret Early’s William Tell, Colin Thiele’s Farmer Schulz’s Ducks, and the deluxe edition of Seven Little Australians illustrated by John Lennox. Each title includes a comprehensive file of correspondence, publicity, reviews, and other materials such as photographs, manuscripts, and artwork. Because Walter McVitty was working from Queensland, he did not meet many of those he published. The collection is thus extraordinarily rich and detailed as most decisions are documented on paper. The collection provides a rare insight into the creative process and the relationship between creator and publisher.

In 2001 Walter McVitty donated his personal research files and photograph collection of Australian children’s authors and illustrators. Both were used in his work as an author – he published several books on Australian children’s authors and illustrators.