An artist and musician named Dean Manning stumbled upon an intriguing green suitcase during a council clean-up in Sydney. Known for his 90s hit “Even When I’m Sleeping,” Manning was drawn to the suitcase, feeling an inexplicable connection—a sense of destiny—as it was off his intended path.
Upon opening the suitcase, Manning unearthed what he described as a “gold mine” of personal treasures belonging to an individual named Mr Blank. Among the contents were poignant love letters, heartfelt poetry, and various newspaper articles, as well as photographs showcasing models, actresses, and performers, each piece telling a fragment of a larger narrative.
Driven by curiosity, Manning embarked on a quest to uncover the identity of Mr Blank. His investigation revealed that David Blank was a notable figure in the 1940s, known for owning a chain of hotels, including the Criterion in Sydney’s central business district. His life was steeped in intrigue—he was imprisoned during World War II for black market alcohol dealings, associated with crime boss Abe Saffron, and was a wealthy theatre promoter with a penchant for gambling and romantic affairs.
Mr Blank passed away in 2004, but his legacy lived on through the contents of the suitcase, which was discovered in 2017. Motivated by this unique narrative, Manning has penned a book detailing his findings and experiences related to the suitcase. To celebrate its launch, he is hosting two events: one at Readings in Carlton on August 5 and another at Gertrude and Alice in Bondi on August 26.
Through this serendipitous discovery, Manning has woven a tapestry of history and emotion, connecting the past with the present while honouring the life of a man whose hidden stories were unexpectedly revealed through a cast-off suitcase.