In partnership with Engineering Heritage Victoria the RHSV is delighted to offer this Zoom event with Stephen Phillip (based in London).

Anthony George Maldon (AGM) Michell was undoubtedly one of the greatest Australian engineers. A prolific inventor, he is best known for his tilting pad thrust bearing. It remains one of the greatest inventions in lubrication science, and revolutionised ship propulsion – without it, modern shipping would not be possible.

This talk reveals the story of Michell’s fascinating life and astonishing achievements, and the motivations of the man behind the inventions. It weaves engineering and technology into the history of the early twentieth century. Michell made significant contributions to Australia’s proud engineering heritage, and is truly one of our unsung heroes.

Stephen Phillip is a mechanical engineer and has an extensive career in product development. Originally from Melbourne, he is currently living in the UK. His fascination with Michell began while he was a student at Melbourne University. He was surprised to discover that a comprehensive biography of Michell did not exist, so decided to write one himself.

This event will be chaired by Matthew Churchward who is a mechanical engineer and a Senior Curator, Engineering & Transport, at Museum Victoria, where he has been part of the curatorial staff since 1994. Amongst his research interests are the history of Australian engineering, manufacturing, mining and transport infrastructure. One of his key curatorial achievements over the past 20 years, has been the development of an extensive collection of over 65,000 items of trade literature documenting technological products manufactured and marketed by thousands of Australian companies from the late 19th century. He was been involved for the past 30 years in researching Victoria’s mining history, concentrating particularly on the impacts of technology and interpretation of historic mining landscapes.

Zoom details are sent 24 hours before the event to all those who have registered. 

Image of Michell Thrust bearing courtesy of Museums Victoria.