archivesA look inside the history of Brisbane Grammar School

The magnificent stained-glass windows are dedicated to the memory of Old Boys who died in the Great War.

signposts to the past

They were designed by Charles Tute, based on suggestions by War Memorial Library architect John Barr.

The 12 windows represent the chivalrous qualities considered to be worthy goals for the boys of the School. Clockwise from the northern end of the building they represent Pax (Peace) over the main entrance; Aequitas (Justice); Magnanimitas (Magnanimity); Humanitas (Courtesy); Honestas (Honour); Officium (Service); Victoria (Victory) over the southern entry; Fortitudo (Fortitude); Reverentia (Reverence); Fides (Loyalty); Pietas (Duty); and Veritas (Truth).

The former library, now a museum, has many items of historical significance. This includes the four volumes of ‘The Golden Book’, produced in 1924, a hand-written record of the 1020 Old Boys who volunteered for service during the Great War. The names of the 176 who made the ultimate sacrifice appear on plaques either side of the main entrance.

This book is of national significance and is kept in the Brisbane Grammar School Archives when not on display.

Above the south entry is the mounted propeller from Old Boy Cedric Hill’s Tiger Moth with a photograph of him inserted into its centre. The plane crashed in 1930 when he tried to beat Bert Hinkler’s time for a solo flight to Australia.

In a daring exploit in 1918 Hill collaborated with a fellow prisoner-of-war to escape from the clutches of the Turks after two years in captivity by feigning insanity. During the Second World War he had operational commands in Britain and the Middle East.

Shrine of Memories

Ceiling of the War Memorial Library, 1999

© 2014