Showing 1311 items
matching tasmania
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Kew Historical Society Inc
Badge, Her Majesty The Queen Mother, Souvenir of Visit Victoria, 1958
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother visited in 1958 to attend the British Empire Service League Conference in Canberra. She travelled to the Australian Capital Territory, Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, Adelaide and Perth, as well as many provincial and country areas during the time of her visit 14 February – 7 March.Royal visit button. Pressed tin and cellulose. Circular central photograph of the Queen Mother surrounded by a band of white with the words in red "Her Majesty The Queen Mother / Souvenir of Royal Visit Victoria 1958"."Her Majesty The Queen Mother / Souvenir of Royal Visit Victoria 1958".royal visit 1958, queen elizabeth the queen mother -
Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park
Colour Photograph, Jenny Sulwick, Bust of C A Nobelius, c. 1960
Carl Axel Nobelius (1851-1921) was born in Finland of Swedish parents. He migrated to Australia in 1870 and became a paramount plant nursery proprietor, operating extensive nurseries in Emerald,. Victoria and in Tasmania. His property in Emerald now constitutes Emerald Park. The bust was on display in Emerald Museum but is now lost.The bust provides a clear likeness of one of Emerald's most significant personages. As the bust is now lost, this photograph preserves that likeness.Colour photograph of bust of C A Nobelius (1851-1921) made by Jenny Sulwick Museum display card: "Jenny Sulwick Cast Concrete ?1960 Carl Axel Nobelius"nobelius, emerald museum -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Banner, 1899
Pink silk banner with scalloped lower edge, gold metal fringe on the lower edge. Pink cotton backing with text printed in blue ink. Hand-painted decorations of flowers and a scene of boats on water on the lower left hand corner. VICTORIAN AND TASMANIA WESLEYAN METHODIST Sunday School Union SCHOLARS' EXAMINATION DISTRICT TROPHY Geelong and Ballarat District Schools between 100 and 200 Average Attendance. Won by BROWN HILL, MAY, 1899. ". "The cost of this Award was kindly donated by MR J.J.BROKENSHIRE" "SPECTATOR CO."ballarat and district wesleyan methodist sunday schools, brown hill wesleyan methodist sunday school, j.j.brokenshire -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, Ballarat School of Mines President's Annual Report, 1902, 1902
In 1902 Andrew Anderson was President of the Ballarat School of Mines. Part of his report states: 'As in former years many of the students have come long distances, from England, India, South Africa, new South Wales, Queensland, West Australia, South Australia and Tasmania'. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the year 1902.8 page booklet relating to the Ballarat School of Mines in the year 1901. It includes information on: the deaths of Dr R. D. Pinnock, Mr Abraham James and Mr Robert M. Serjeant, Opening of new buildings as a mining laboratory by th Hon J. B. Burton, Minister of Mines - among the visitors was the Acting Prime Minister the Hon. Alfred Deakin and a statement of receipts and expenditure ballarat school of mines, andrew anderson, dr r. d. pinnock, mr abraham james, mr robert serjeant, mr w. p. wynne, geo. fitches, dr william morrison, cr. j. m. bickett, chemical department, metallurgical department, engineering department, mining department, hon. j. b. burton, hon. alfred deakin, senator drake, jon. w. h. irvine, hon. john james, mr james travis -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Port Melbourne Football Club 1948, R J Hellessy, 24 Oct 1948
Players & officials on post season trip to Tasmania. Only person identified is Walter ELDEN - standing 6th from right. Signatures include: Reg EGAN; Bomber MURRAY; T HALL; S HALL; Sid SEARL; ? REYNOLDS; G BENNETT; Des BAKER; N GOSS; H BAKER; B MILLER.B & w photograph of three rows of Port Melbourne Football Club players and officials in front of Heathorns Hotel, Liverpool Street Hobart.Heathorns Hotel, Hobart Oct 24th 1048 written on photograph. Club members' signatures on mount.sport - australian rules football, port melbourne football club, reg egan, bomber murreay, t hall, s hall, sid searl, ? reynolds, g bennett, des baker, norm goss snr, h baker, b miller -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Image, W.H. Watts, James Fairbairn Armytage, c1903, c1903
James Armytage lived at Tirkeith, Winchelsea around 1903. He was born in 1866. His was the son of Feliz Armytage, and the grandson of George Armytage (one of Victoria's early colonists. He first settled in Tasmania, then went to Geelong establishing Ingleby Station, and afterwards building 'The Hermitage' in Geelong, where he died in 1862.Portrait of James Fairbairn Armytage wearing a suit and tie. james fairbairn armytage, armytage, geelong -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Button, Uniform button
It is presumed that this is an authentic relic from a very significant shipwreck in Tasmania. It was bought at a museum in King Island. The Cataraqui, carrying British emigrants, was wrecked on King Island in 1845 with the loss of over 400 lives. The British Parliamentary and general public outcry following this disaster resulted in the establishment of the lighthouse at Cape Otway in 1848 (and indirectly the establishment of Warrnbambool in 1847)This button, listed as a uniform button, is of some interest as a small relic of the shipwreck, Cataraqui. This wreck has a connection to the establishment of the Cape Otway lighthouse and to Warrnambool’s history as Superintendent Charles LaTrobe came to the Warrnambool district several times in an effort to find the best route to the Cape Otway area. While doing so he became familiar with the Warrnambool area and the need to establish a new settlement at Warrnambool. This is a small metal button covered with verdigris, with any writing or markings obliterated. A small piece is missing at the edge. cataraqui shipwreck, warrnambool, superintendent charles latrobe, button -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Shoe Protector, Boot & Shoe protectors, Early 19th century
It is presumed that this is an authentic relic from a very significant shipwreck in Tasmania. It was bought at a museum in King Island. The Cataraqui, carrying British emigrants, was wrecked on King Island in 1845 with the loss of over 400 lives. The British Parliamentary and general public outcry following this disaster resulted in the establishment of the lighthouse at Cape Otway in 1848 (and indirectly the establishment of Warrnbambool in 1847)This button, listed as a uniform button, is of some interest as a small relic of the shipwreck, Cataraqui. This wreck has a connection to the establishment of the Cape Otway lighthouse and to Warrnambool’s history as Superintendent Charles LaTrobe came to the Warrnambool district several times in an effort to find the best route to the Cape Otway area. While doing so he became familiar with the Warrnambool area and the need to establish a new settlement at Warrnambool. This is a small metal button covered with verdigris, with any writing or markings obliterated. A small piece is missing at the edge. cataraqui shipwreck, buttons, warrnambool -
Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre
Letters and memorabilia from Cpl Anne Wilson (WAAF), Letters Home
Cpl Anne (Sandie) Wilson was stationed at the Nhill RAAF Base working in the Pay Office from January 1945 - July 1945. . The seven letters describe life on the Base and were written to Anne's parents ,Mr and Mrs Wilson , in Tasmania. Included in the collection are Picture Theatre tickets, Mess menus, Leave Passes and other memorabilia.86.1 Red plastic folder containing original letters, 86.2 Blue plastic folder containing copies and transcript. 86.3 Booklet containing transcript of letters in freestyle font and photo copies of memorabilia.Letters home and leave passes etc 92211 Corporal Anne Wilson WAAF Nhill 1945cpl anne wilson, life on nhill raaf base 1945 -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Printed image, Rev. A.R. Edgar, Undated c.1914
Alexander Robert Edgar 1850 - 1914. Methodist Minister. Served at Wesley Church Lonsdale Street for 21 years. Founded the Central Mission, and was Superintendent of the Mission 1893 - 1910. Edgar was the last President of the Wesleyan Conference of Victoria and Tasmania in 1901 and presided at the opening of the first United Methodist Session until Dr Fitchett was elected President.B & W profile portrait of the Rev. Alexander Robert Edgar, printed for publication. On the reverse is a photo of the Rev. A.R. Edgar memorial tablet in Wesley Church.Rev. A.R. Edgaralexander robert edgar, methodist minister, wesley church, central mission, president of the wesleyan conference, dr fitchett -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
photograph, 1901
Alexander Robert Edgar 1850 - 1914. Methodist Minister. Served at Wesley Church Lonsdale Street for 21 years. Founded the Central Mission, and was Superintendent of the Mission 1893 - 1910. Edgar was the last President of the Wesleyan Conference of Victoria and Tasmania in 1901 and presided at the opening of the first United Methodist Session until Dr Fitchett was elected President.Sepia coloured three quarter seated portrait of the Rev. Alexander Robert Edgar dressed in his Presidential robes. Mounted on buff card.Rev. A.R. Edgaralexander robert edgar, methodist minister, wesley church, central mission, president of the wesleyan conference, dr fitchett -
Hume City Civic Collection
Photograph
The series of 15 photographs were taken to bless the laying of the keel of the schooner 'Enterprize' on the 29th August, 1991. George Evans, who settled at Emu Bottom in Sunbury, travelled from Tasmania to Melbourne in the 'Enterprize' in 1834. The event took place at South Wharf in Melbourne. The Rupertswood Battery were present and Irene Evans was a member of the official party.Irene Evans is seated on the keel of the 'Enterprize' and is surrounded by eight members of the Rupertswood Battery who are in full ceremonial dress. Irene Evans is wearing a red and grey flecked tweed 2 piece outfit and grey lace-up shoes.schnooner 'enterprize', mccaughey, dr. david, grant, james. the rr. reverend, evans, irene, south wharf - melbourne, rupertswood battery, george evans collection -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Cap Badge
The origins of the Royal Australian Engineers date back to 15th November 1860 when the Corps of Engineers was founded in Victoria by Peter Scratchley. By 1876, five of the six colonies - New South Wales , Victoria ,Queensland ,Tasmania and Western Australia - had raised their own engineer units. The RAE is ranked fourth in seniority in the Corp of the Australian Army.Silver and Gold coloured hat badge showing outer laurel wreath surrounding gold St Edwards Crown with inner gold belt and ER in centre.The inner gold belt is inscribed Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense. (Meaning - in French -" Evil be to him who evil thinks." Below the wreath in gold are the words "Royal Australian Engineers." The centre has the gold " E R ". -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Nautical chart
Used as display in AMSA workshop foyer, Moorabbin, Vic. Nautical charts x 2 , The framed and glazed chart identifies strategic points in the notorious Bass Strait passage, which in the nineteenth century was known as the ‘Eye of the Needle’. It covers the whole of Tasmania, Bass Strait and the islands, and the lower part of Victoria with its coastline between Cape Otway and Gabo Island. The chart has an electric cord connecting it to a wall switch which enables a series of small lights to flash on strategic geographical locations.. While it is not known if it is original to Wilsons Promontory, it certainly elates to its location. A similar chart at Cape Otway shows less of Tasmania and is not electrified. Gabo Island Lightstation has two large framed charts; one is the same as the Wilsons Promontory example but without the lights and the other is entirely different, focussing on the east coast between Point Hicks and Montague Island. The Wilsons Promontory chart is unique as an illuminated version of the other charts and has first level significance if its provenance to the lightstation can be confirmed.The framed and glazed chart has an electric cord connecting it to a wall switch which enables a series of small lights to flash on strategic geographical locations.Yes -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Booklet - Australian Ski Year Book - Golden Jubilee Edition, 1977
"The Australian Ski Year Book" was first published in 1928 by the Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia, which with the Kiandra Ski Club, were the oldest organisations for skiing in Australia. In later years organisations from Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand were included. It was published on behalf of N.S.W. Ski Council, Ski Club of Victoria, Ski Council of Tasmania, Ski Council of the Federated N.Z. Mountain Clubs. It aimed to provide an annual record of the sport of ski running in Australia, and of events elsewhere which would be of interest to Australian ski enthusiasts. This edition celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the publication. It included an extensive article "The Girls Have Made It" about Australia's first Women's Ski Team written by Bill Bachman. The death of Falls Creek Ski Patroller Alexander Warrender in a car accident is also acknowledged.This item is significant because it is a sample of Australia's earliest ski publications.The Golden Jubilee Edition of the Australian Ski Year Book. The publication contains images, articles and advertising to document the development of the Australian Ski Industry.australian skiing, australian ski publications, tom mitchell, herbert schlink -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - CORRESPONDENCE: ESPIE AND STONE FAMILIES (LOCKWOOD)
1991 correspondence re Espie and Stone families (Lockwood) from Alex H Stone. Also mention of Nicholas and Johson families (Tasmania). Family history in letter and accompanying letter is a 'List of Material being sent' nominating 13 items. This list is incomplete - there is now attached : Petition (1857); Parish plans 4 pages; 3 copies of photos - Queen's Hotel, Lockwood, Lockwood Post Office, Lockwood South Post Office (Happy Jack Hotel).List of Postmasters at Lockwood from 1856.person, individual, samuel espie, espie, nicholas stone and johson families. mrs margaret m. stone of duntroon helbourne. etloe bothwell. william nicholas, anne hope, bendigo creek, sandhurst, lockwood county of bendigo, lockwood south post office opened 1909, happy jack hotel, queens head hotel lockwood, 1865 post master lockwood samuel espie, alex h. stone. -
Tarnagulla History Archive
Registration of Death form, 1872
A large lot of papers, including this and many other birth and death registration forms, were apparently found in the ceiling cavity of the Sandy Creek/Tarnagulla Post and Telegraph Office in the later 20th Century, during building works. Donald Clark Collection. Registration of Death form Name of deceased: section missing (female) Born at: Newcastle, England Age: section missing, (at least 36+ years, based on oldest child) Cause of Death: section missing Date of Death: section missing Place of Death: section missing Date of burial: 6th August, 1872 Place of burial: Tarnagulla Father's name: David Miller Mother's name: Anne Miller Married, Place: Tasmania Age: Not known To whom: William Williams Eight children listed ages 18-36 years. -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Book, The British Electrical & Allied Manufacturers' Association Inc" of London, "Why Trolleybuses?", May. 1956
Booklet - 16 pages, centre stapled, black and white photographs with red colour printed headings, titled "Why Trolleybuses?", published "The British Electrical & Allied Manufacturers' Association Inc" of London. Notes at BEAMA Publication No. 143, published as the 2nd edition, May 1956. Looks at the benefits of trolley buses over motor buses, their features, silence, life and cost. Has photographs of buses in Great Britain, Denmark, Portugal, Finland, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia (Adelaide) and Tasmania, along with sketches of animals."4K2" in ink on front cover and AETA stamp top and bottom of cover.trams, tramways, trolley buses, uk, electrical equipment -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Newspaper, Genevieve FORDE, Gateway to Victoria -150 years of history at Sandridge, Emerald Hill and St Kilda come alive, 22 Nov 1984
This 18 page Liftout Souvenir from The Emerald Hill and Sandridge Times marks the 150 Anniversary of arrival of the first white settlers in Victoria. They were the Henty Brothers from Tasmania who settled around Portland. Although the first white settlers did not arrive in the area of Sandridge, Emerald Hill and St Kilda until 1835 these are the areas covered in this publication. 18 Page souvenir newspaper with large brown lithograph of 'Sandridge from Hobson's Bay on the front cover.sandridge, emerald hill, st kilda, emerald hill and sandridge times, kitchen, polly woodside, wilbraham liardet -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, Undated c.1900
Rev John G. Wheen born 1858 in England. Local preacher in Yorkshire in 1885. Candidate for the ministry. Methodist Minister: Prahran, Charlton, 1890 - 1897 Tasmania. Elected to the General Conference 1894. President General in 1926. General Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board in 1913. His daughter Agnes was headmistress of Annesley Girls College. Died in 1929.Sepia toned photographic print on cabinet card mount. Waist length studio portrait of the Rev. John Gladwell Wheen.rev john wheen, local preacher, methodist, minister, foreign mission board, general conference, president general, annesley girls' college -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Blanket, Godfrey Hirst, 1950s
Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special. Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Diamond blanket, mint and lemon"An All Wool Blanket" /By Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/100% Virgin Woolwool, blanket, blanket fever, diamond blanket, godfrey hirst, geelong -
Ambulance Victoria Museum
Ambulance, Motor, Chrysler Royal, 1960, Chrysler, 1960
The Victorian Civil Ambulance had a fleet of 40 of these ambulances which were sturdy and tough vehicles. This vehicle was in service at Davenport, Tasmania till 1970. The Sate Emergency Service then used the vehicle for a further three years before it was retired. The Ambulance Historical Society of Victoria purchased the vehicle in 2006. It was in very poor condition and has since been fully restored.Grey painted ambulance.Victorian Civil Ambulance Servicechrysler, chrysler royal, victorian civil ambulance service, davenport, state emergencey service -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, EDGECOMBE, Jean, Flinders Island and eastern Bass Strait, 1986
Stamped 'Phillip Island & District Historical Society'. Inscribed 'Presented to Phillip Island Historical Society by Jean Edgecombe August 1988'.natural history, australia, flinders island, tasmania, furneaux islands, bass strait, description, travel, history -
Federation University Historical Collection
Letter - Correspondence, Edgar McConnon, Letter from Edgar McConnon to Ballarat School of Mines, 1898, 16/11/1898
The Ballaray School of Mines is a predecessor institution of Federation Univerity Australia, Four cream blue feint lined pages folded with handwriting in black ink on two pagesFront: 659 handwritten in circle on top right hand page Inside on right hand page: "Replied to 6 Dec" in handwriting in middle of right hand pageballarat school of mines, mcconnon, edgar mcconnon, new town, mining engineering, hobart, ballarat, tasmania, new town -
Hume City Civic Collection
Book, Basic Skills in Arithmetic, Whitcombe's Book V
This book is one of a series used by grades III to VI in Tasmanian primary schools between 1954 - 1960s.A book with a cream cover with green stripes and green lettering. 135 pages of arithmetic lessons and answers.whitcombe & tombs, stocks, f.n. ba., bed., teaching, primary school, tasmania, education department, george evans collection -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, William Gladman Story, 2016
This book, written by Valmae Davenport, gives information on William Gladman and his descendants in Australia. William Gladman came from England to Tasmania as a convict in 1823 and came to Victoria with his wife Rhoda about 1850. In 2012 there were over 7000 family members connected in some way with the Gladman families. The noted Australia singer Marjorie Lawrence was one of these people. This book is of particular interest to Warrnambool as several branches of the Gladman family settled in the Warrnambool area. It will therefore be of particular interest to researchers. It is also a good example of a well-researched and well-written family history. This is a soft cover book of 374 pages. The cover is coloured mauve with an image of a sailing ship enclosed by an ornamental border on the front cover and an image of William Gladman on the back cover. The book has a Disclaimer page, an Acknowledgements page, Contents pages, a List of Illustrations, 21 Chapters and a Bibliography. There are many black and white photographs, maps and family trees. The inscription on the inside title page is handwritten in blue biro. Front Cover: ‘The William Gladman Story’ ‘Family History and Recollections from England and Australia 1800-2014’ Inside Title Page: ‘To the Warrnambool & District Historical Soc with every good wish and lots of information on the Gladmans. Cheers, Valmae Davenport, 27/June/2016’ william and rhoda gladman, gladman families, winchelsea, history of warrnambool -
Federation University Historical Collection
Garment, R. W. Bredin & Son, Chancellor's academic gown, c1998
This Chancellor's academic gown was worn by Professor David Caro during his time as the University of Ballarat's Chancellor from 1998-2005. Among his many roles during his long career, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Melbourne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Tasmania, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne & Interim Vice-Chancellor at Northern Territory University. The Chancellor's academic gown is of royal blue light weight woollen cloth trimmed with gold oak-leaf braid on the facings, yoke and bottom hem; and sleeves with one gold embroided frog at the shoulder and four chevrons of gold oak-leaf braid below the arm hole. A gold embroided button and gold tassel are centred on each chevron.Makers embroidered patch - R.W. Bredin & Son, Academic, Legal & Civic Robe Makers, Melbourne, Australia federation university, university of ballarat, chancellor's academic gown, emeritus robert h t smith -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, Undated
Born 1916 in Kettering Tasmania. Attended Clemes College Hobart. Served with 2nd A.I.F. Ordained Methodist minister March 1948. Married Muriel Campbell 1948. Stationed at: Foster-Toora, Terang, Eltham/Greensborough, Balaclava, Kew, Northcote/Thornbury. Served AMF in Korea and Japan. Chaplain Balcombe Army Camp. Retired 1981. Died March 7 2000.B & W waist length studio portrait of Horace Morrisby Watsonrev horace morrisby watson, methodist, minister -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Blanket, Godfrey Hirst, 1950s
Note from collector: Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special. Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Double-sized mint and cream diamond blanketAn All Wool Blanket" /By Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/100% Virgin Woolwool, blanket, blanket fever, godfrey hirst, diamond blanket -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Blanket, 1950s
Note from collector: Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special.Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Double-sized, pink and mint diamond blanket"An All Wool Blanket" /By Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/100% Virgin Woolwool, blanket, blanket fever, godfrey hirst, diamond blanket, geelong