Albert Ullin
Albert Henry Ullin | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 29, 1930 Frankfurt, Germany |
| Died | September 12, 2018 (aged 88) |
| Occupation(s) | Bookseller, literary advocate |
| Known for | Founder of The Little Bookroom, advocate for Australian children's literature |
Albert Henry Ullin (29 April 1930 – 12 September 2018) was a German-born Australian bookseller who established the nation's inaugural bookstore dedicated exclusively to children's literature, known as The Little Bookroom. He was instrumental in nurturing the careers of emerging authors and illustrators in the children's book sector.
Early years
Ullin was born in Frankfurt and emigrated to Melbourne in 1939 at the age of nine, fleeing the conditions in Germany prior to World War II along with his family.
Career
His passion for children's picture books developed during his tenure at Melbourne-based booksellers Robertson & Mullens. Ullin was a prominent advocate for Australian children's literature on the global stage, particularly through his participation at the Bologna Book Fair. Additionally, he contributed to the literary community by serving as a judge for both the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and the Crichton Award administered by the Children's Book Council of Australia.
The Little Bookroom
On 13 October 1960, Ullin launched The Little Bookroom, Australia's first bookstore devoted exclusively to children's books. He eventually transferred ownership to his staff in 2004. The store initially operated from the Metropol Arcade before relocating to Elizabeth Street opposite the GPO, later moving to Carlton with an additional small outlet on Degraves Street. The store's name was inspired by Eleanor Farjeon's book The Little Bookroom; Ullin secured Farjeon's approval and commissioned Edward Ardizzone to create the store's logo.
Writing fellowships
Ullin took on the role of National Mentorship Coordinator for the May Gibbs Literature Trust, which provides fellowships and residencies aimed at supporting Australian authors and illustrators of children's books.
Children's Book Council of Australia
Between 1979 and 1988, Ullin fulfilled several positions within the Victorian branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia. He also judged awards such as the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and the CBCA Crichton Award for New Illustrators. In recognition of his service to children's literature, he was honored in 2009 with the Leila St John Award and granted honorary lifetime membership by CBCA Victoria.
Awards
- Recipient of the Dromkeen Medal in 1986 for advancing Australian children's and young adult literature
- Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1997 for his national and international contributions to children's literature
- Honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Australian Booksellers Association in 2009
- Received the Leila St John Award from the Victorian branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia in 2009
- Conferred Honorary Life Membership by the Children’s Book Council of Australia
Legacy
Ullin bequeathed his personal archive of Australian children’s book illustrations to the National Gallery of Victoria. He also founded the Ullin Prize for Children's Illustration at the Wheeler Centre for Books Writing and Ideas, with its first recipient being Andrew McLean in 2020, celebrating four decades of illustration work. Later laureates include Jane Tanner (2022) and Judith Rossell (2024).
Further reading
Albert Ullin OAM (1930-2018) by Dr. Juliet O'Conor Records of Albert Ullin and The Little Bookroom, State Library Victoria
Additional resources
- Goodman, J. (2004). Albert Ullin and his collection of children's book illustrations. Magpies: Talking About Books for Children, Vol. 19: 8-9.
- Goodman, Jo. (2009). Albert Ullin. Magpies: Talking About Books for Children, Vol. 24, No. 4: 18-19.
- Prentice, Jeffrey. The little bookroom: fifty years with children's books. Braidwood Press, 2010.