![Illustration from Tales from outer suburbia by Shaun Tan](/sites/default/files/styles/slq_hero_desktop/public/2021-09/PWC-112_Illustration%20from%20Tales%20from%20outer%20suburbia%20by%20Shaun%20Tan.jpg?h=2ea8e248&itok=hRQVrLw2)
The Peter Williams Collection
The Peter Williams Collection is the State Library’s collection of exemplary artwork from Australian picture books. With illustrations dating from 1920 to the present day, the picture book illustration collection showcases the artistry and diversity of Australia’s illustrated picture books.
![Peter Williams donating Shaun Tans Cicada sculpture](/sites/default/files/2021-07/078A0604_Peter%20Williams%20donating%20Shaun%20Tans%20Cicada%20model.jpg)
The collection is mainly contemporary (1970 onwards) and includes thousands of illustrations, sketches, storyboards, and colour studies from renowned Australian artists, including Alison Lester, Kerry Argent, Ambelin Kwaymullina, Wendy Binks, Leigh Hobbs, Bob Graham, Shaun Tan and more.
Named in appreciation of Dr Peter Williams, the collection began with a donation of 107 artworks from the eponymous children’s literature enthusiast and expert. Since Williams’ initial contribution in 2006, the State Library has continued to add to the collection, recognising the importance of picture books in fostering a love of literacy and lifelong learning. Explore a few highlights below or find more through the catalogue using the call number “PWC”. Artworks from the illustration collection are regularly exhibited in the Story Place Gallery and incorporated into learning and engagement programs.
Picture Book Illustration Highlights
![Original artwork from This is the Wind by Rebecca Cool](/sites/default/files/styles/slq_companion/public/2021-09/PWC114_This%20is%20the%20Wind_Rebecca%20Cool.jpg?h=92dd483a&itok=uO1BiDNg)
![Cover illustration for Teacup and also page 4-5](/sites/default/files/styles/slq_companion/public/2021-09/PWC-255-01%20Cover%20illustration%20for%20Teacup%20and%20also%20page%204-5.jpg?itok=7qiE_-kG)
Picture books can sometimes be dismissed as simple.
![On shoulders original illustration from page 32 of Look see Look at me Dee Huxley](/sites/default/files/styles/slq_companion/public/2021-09/slwa_b4647166_2_master.jpg?h=d4eefc85&itok=x5FQj7vz)
![Original illustration from the book Simpson and his donkey](/sites/default/files/styles/slq_companion/public/2021-09/slwa_b4658487_35_master.jpg?itok=dkIBrNKI)
![Original artwork from Big Rain Coming](/sites/default/files/styles/slq_companion/public/2021-09/slwa_b2493268_1_master.jpg?itok=sG05SawY)
![Original artwork from Wheres Stripey](/sites/default/files/styles/slq_companion/public/2021-09/slwa_b2583266_2_master.jpg?itok=ZgcfOOaO)
Illustrators spotlight
![Original artwork by artistauthor Leigh Hobbs](/sites/default/files/styles/slq_companion/public/2021-06/DSCF5934_Old%20Tom%20Man%20of%20Mystery.jpg?itok=dma29N3Z)
![Steve the gorilla original artwork for the book Steve goes to Carnival](/sites/default/files/styles/slq_companion/public/2021-09/slwa_b5606055_6_master.jpg?h=80f275c7&itok=J2NF2WO6)
![Original illustration from the book Our stories Ten Pound Pom Liz Anelli](/sites/default/files/styles/slq_companion/public/2021-09/TenPoundPom.jpg?h=3b573daa&itok=9M08O6tP)
![Original artwork from A perfectly posh pink afternoon tea](/sites/default/files/styles/slq_companion/public/2021-09/5.%20Colour%20Final.jpg?h=c1d780f7&itok=B3hqyOKc)