David Scott Mitchell

He began to build up a fine library of English literature, specialising in poetry and sixteenth and seventeenth century books.

In his search for books he was "largely indebted to the efforts of booksellers who knew Australiana, including George Robertson, Fred W. Wymark, William Dymock and James R.

Though withdrawn from society, he welcomed genuine students such as Arthur Wilberforce Jose and Bertram Stevens, especially if they were interested in Australian problems.

I give and bequeath to the Trustees of the Public Library of New South Wales all my books, pictures, engravings, coins, tokens, medals and manuscripts ... upon the trust and condition that the same shall be called and known as "The Mitchell Library" and shall be permanently arranged and kept for use in a special wing or set of rooms dedicated for that purpose... Mitchell was anxious that the (then) colony of New South Wales might have the benefit of his collections.

Eventually, after a conference with the Sydney public librarian, he informed the trustees on 17 October 1898 that he was willing to bequeath his collection to the library, if a suitable building were provided and if the books would be available to students.

However, there was a long delay in starting a building and Mitchell suggested that the bequest would be cancelled if the books were not housed a year after the owner's death.

[2] In June 1905, the Premier of New South Wales, Joseph Carruthers, instructed the government architect to prepare designs for a library and the work was begun early in 1906.

Written by the librarian Miss Ida Leeson, this publication describes some of the original manuscripts and books that may be found in the library.

Bedroom, David Scott Mitchell's residence, Darlinghurst, Sydney, 1907.
Mitchell's grave at Rookwood Cemetery