Norman Selfe

Norman Selfe: The Ingenious Engineer Who Shaped Sydney

Norman Selfe (1839-1911) was an Australian engineer, naval architect, inventor, urban planner, and advocate for technical education. Born in England, he moved to Sydney at the young age of 15 with his family, setting off on a journey that would change not only his life but also the city’s infrastructure.

Imagine stepping into the shoes of Norman Selfe as he embarked on this adventure. His father Henry was no stranger to innovation; in fact, he displayed high-pressure fire-fighting hose at The Great Exhibition in 1851. Could you imagine the excitement and curiosity that surrounded such a display? And what about his cousin Eadweard Muybridge, who was a pioneer in photography? It’s almost as if the Selfe family had a knack for pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons.

Selfe’s parents recognized his mathematical and draughtsmanship abilities early on. At 15, he began his career as an engineer, taking articles of apprenticeship to Peter Nicol Russell & Co., where he worked until 1864. His journey was not just about learning; it was about making a difference. As he designed machinery for flour mills and ice-making machines, introducing innovations like hydraulic power for lifting ladders on dredges, one can’t help but wonder: How many lives did his inventions touch?

One of Selfe’s most notable achievements came in 1861 when The Engineer published illustrations of his designs for the first refrigerating machine. This was a groundbreaking moment not just for Australia but for the world. Could you imagine the impact this had on preserving food and extending shelf life? It was as if he was opening up new doors to the future, one design at a time.

After leaving Russell’s, Selfe went into partnership with James Dunlop and designed major installations for several companies. In 1869, he was appointed chief draftsman and scientific engineer at Mort’s Dock & Engineering Company, overseeing the construction of the mail ship SS Governor Blackall. His work had a significant impact on Sydney’s infrastructure, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge design.

Selfe’s contributions extended beyond engineering; he was deeply involved in urban planning and civic reform. He proposed various projects, including a city railway loop, redevelopment of the Rocks, and a bridge to the North Shore. His ideas for an underground railway and a Harbour Bridge were presented to commissions but ultimately rejected due to economic constraints and changes in government.

But Selfe’s legacy is not just about his designs; it’s about his vision for education. He advocated for technical education as a distinct sphere of education, less theory-oriented and more concerned with practical skills. His concept of an ‘industrial university’ was revolutionary, aiming to produce a skilled workforce capable of directing tools with brains.

Selfe’s influence can be seen in the establishment of the Technical and Working Men’s College, which he helped found in 1870. He believed that Australia’s future depended on technical education, and his ideas influenced education reform efforts in the early 20th century, including the creation of a separate Department of Technical Education and the establishment of the University of New South Wales.

Norman Selfe was not just an engineer; he was a visionary. His work and ideas continue to inspire generations of engineers and educators. As we look back at his life, it’s hard not to wonder what other innovations he might have brought to the world if given more time. His story is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of technical education in shaping our future.

Norman Selfe was a proud one for me, because during the course of the little festivities which followed their formal approval and official acceptance, head engineer Mr Dunlop pointedly remarked that ‘as she was all right, the credit must be given to his boy in the drawing office’. This recognition was not just about a bridge; it was about acknowledging the power of innovation and hard work.

Norman Selfe’s life is a reminder of the importance of technical education and the impact one person can have on shaping the future. His legacy lives on through the structures he built, the ideas he proposed, and the education system he helped create. As we continue to navigate the challenges of our time, let us remember Norman Selfe and his enduring vision for a better tomorrow.