Content in this series is mostly created by Muriel Shaw and reflects her work and association with Vida Lahey, Daphne Mayo, the Half Dozen Group of Artists, teaching, and her artistic interests.

This typescript is based on a lecture Vida Lahey delivered in the University of Queensland Duhig lecture which explains her views on the philosophy of a universal language of art. A philosophy she applied in her children's art classes established at the Queensland Art Gallery in 1941.

Written, arranged and bound by Vida Lahey, lettering by R.J. Pring. At head of title page.: A record of the second lecture in a series of lectures on art, sponsored by Professor J.V. Duhig for the University of Queensland. Text is typed on white foolscap sheets which have been pasted on the brown sheet forming the volume. Accompanying illustrations, both reproductions and originals have also been pasted in. Hand decorated covers. 9 unnumbered blank pages of brown paper.

At the bottom of the title page: The contention put forward in this address is that deeper comprehension and greater enjoyment would be derived from art, if it was regarded primarily as a visual language operating through shapes and colours, rather than through subject matter only. This language comprises an alphabet and roots, grammar and syntax, principles of composition, dialect and styles.

Daphne Mayo and Vida Lahley were mentors, teachers and friends to Mim Shaw. After the death of Daphne Mayo in 1982, Mim was one of the organisers of the 'Friends of Daphne Mayo' group, and her address was used in correspondence for the group. This group was the publisher of Judith McKay’s memorial booklet Daphne Mayo : a tribute to her work for art in Queensland, published in 1983. Mim wrote and/or drafted correspondence regarding the booklet, promoting it and sending it to people and libraries as required. Mim also wrote an account of Vida Lahey, as suggested to her by Daphne Mayo. Mim assisted with Vida Lahey's afternoon painting and drawing classes for children in the 1940s in Brisbane. Material for all three artists are in this collection.