The Australian Academy of the Humanities

The Coat of Arms

The Royal College of Arms granted the Coat of Arms and Crest in 1973. The Arms consist of a shield emblazoned with two keys, as symbols of knowledge, within which are incorporated the letters A and H, and incorporates the wattle motif and the stars of the Southern Cross.

The Crest

The Crest features a Grecian maiden and a youth, girdled with belts composed of the letters A and H repeated in sequence; both wear wreaths of wattle blossom and support long flaming torches, symbolising the handing on of the torch of life. Surmounting the armorial shield is the top of an Ionic column, supporting the bust of Pallas Athene. The motto is from Terence's Heutontimoroumenos ("The Self Tormenter") - humani nihil a me alienum puto. In essence, this means, 'I have an interest in all things concerning humanity' (literally, 'I think that there is nothing of humanity separate from me').

The Roundel

The 'Roundel' is the Crest and Coat of Arms combined, and makes the familiar 'logo' of the Academy. Two versions exist: the first, which you can see on this web page and on correspondence, is a two-tone rendering of the more colourful version granted by the College of Arms in London which hangs in the Academy offices. The second version is actually an illustration of the stained glass roundel adaption of the Coat of Arms and Crest by B.E.E. Barber, London, commissioned by the late Honorary Fellow, Kenneth Myer. The window is currently installed in the Council Room at the Academy offices at 3 Liversidge St., Acton ACT. It often appears on publications such as on the back cover of Readers, Writers, Publishers.