For many of us, gowns, hoods, caps, colours, and ceremonial robes are familiar sights at graduation, yet their origins and symbolism are less often understood. As students prepare for graduation ceremonies in June, here in Special Collections, in honour of the late Professor Ken Dutton, we want to introduce you to his brief publication, Academic Dress: A Brief Guide to its Origins and Development.
Published by the Australian Federation of University Women (Hunter Valley Branch) and Convocation of the University of Newcastle, in 1983, in this brief work, Professor Dutton (1938-2026) provides a revised guide based on a speech he gave at a “Town and Gown” dinner hosted by the Hunter Valley Branch of the Australian Federation of University Women (AFUW) in support of the Friends of the University of Newcastle in 1981.
The guide gives a clear overview of the history and meaning behind the academic dress worn at Australian university graduations. It combines background information with details about the design of important garments, making it both interesting and informative. We hope you enjoy reading it.