Margareta Webber
Margareta Louise Pitcairn Webber | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 17, 1891 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | May 6, 1983 (aged 91) |
| Occupation | Bookseller |
| Known for | Managing The Bookshop of Margareta Webber at McEwan House, Melbourne |
Margareta Louise Pitcairn Webber (17 September 1891 – 6 May 1983) was a distinguished bookseller based in Melbourne, who managed The Bookshop of Margareta Webber at McEwan House for close to four decades. Celebrated as a prominent business figure, her shop became a favored destination for many notable individuals in Melbourne.
Early life
Born to Margaret Pitcairn (née Fairbairn) and Edwin George Webber, Margareta exhibited a passion for writing and bookbinding from childhood. She attended a private girls' school in Armadale, Victoria, where some of her literary works were published. In her early twenties, she joined the all-female amateur singing group known as the Gipsy Rovers, which performed during World War I to support wartime efforts.
Career
Webber’s professional journey began in 1918 at Parr's Bookshop under the guidance of Edgar A. Parr. In 1931, amidst the challenges of the Great Depression, she established her own bookshop within McEwan House on Collins Street, Melbourne. By 1937, her enterprise had grown substantially, earning recognition as one of Melbourne’s foremost bookstores. She cultivated a distinctive and inviting environment characterized by unique decor and attentive, customized customer service.
Her collection featured contemporary works spanning poetry, philosophy, psychology, culinary arts, and horticulture, sourced from both independent and major publishers. Webber actively supported educational causes, especially early childhood reading programs linked to the kindergarten movement, and occasionally procured rare books upon special requests. She also maintained connections with the Verse Speaking Association.
In 1936, her bookstore was spotlighted in The Modern Store, an article later reprinted in London’s Publishers' Circular in 1938. Esteemed publisher Jonathan Cape commended it as the most orderly and aesthetically appealing shop he had encountered.
Webber exclusively hired female staff members, convinced of their superior aptitude as booksellers. After selling the business in 1973, Bill Henson worked there as a student employee until its closure in 1980.
Among her distinguished clientele were artists George Bell and Arnold Shore; writers Vance and Nettie Palmer; publisher Sydney Ure Smith; author Mary Grant Bruce; politician Barry Jones; and historian Manning Clark.
The Soroptimist International Club of Victoria
Webber was among the founding members of The Soroptimist International Club of Victoria, which had Jean Littlejohn as its inaugural president.
Personal life and death
For over five decades, Webber shared her life with companion Jean Littlejohn. Their acquaintance began in 1928 when a physician referred Webber to Littlejohn, an ENT surgeon. Littlejohn described Webber as an energetic individual who rarely remained idle, noting her distinctive fashion sense and throat ailment. They resided in South Yarra, where they maintained an extensive wine collection and often enjoyed meals at Maxim's.
In her final years, Webber lived in a nursing facility located in Hawthorn. She passed away on 6 May 1983, with a memorial service held at Toorak Uniting Church on 12 May 1983.