This lamp base would have had a glass chimney clipped to the burner. It is a portable kerosene lamp used in the 19th century and the early 20th century for household lighting before the advent of electricity.This item is retained for display purposes as an example of household lighting a hundred years ago.This is a clear glass lamp base with a metal burner attached to the top. The bottom of the base is hollow. The glass on the stem and bulb is patterned. A BLIXTENvintage household lighting, kerosene lamps

"The Mikado" is a two act comic opera with the music by A. Sullivan and the libretto by W. S. Gilbert. It is a satire of late 19th century British society set in a fantasy Japan. It opened in March 1885.Bendigo Community Theatre & Arts program for 'The Mikado' production Green coloured program, title of The Mikado in red ink on front cover Red ink details of The Story, Characters & Cast names on inside page. No photos of cast members A4 size program folded in half (2 double sided pages), Program made from light cardboard. No dates mentioned souvenir programme, bendigo community theatre

One of several 16th-19th century editions of the Summa in the collection. This work of Aquinas was a landmark of medieval western thought. It is regularly consulted by scholars of theology to this day and underpins much Catholic philosophy.An early folio of a landmark of medieval western thought.Folio size, Rag paper bound in Vellum. Binding cracked and broken.Guillaum McCormack, Middensis; Summa Theologae

19th century iron and nickel plated brass bed formerly in the Catholic Bishop's Palace Ballarat. Originally purchased for the palace in the 1870s and bought at auction to replace similar bedstead that was broken at Hymettus.A recorded piece with history of only two owners, marketed from Ballarat manufacturer and retailer Tunbridge & Sons in the late 19th century.Nickel plated iron & brass three quarter bed. Base stretcher stencil label of Tunbridge & Sons manufacturer Ballarat.On timber matress base/frame stamped Tunbridge & Sons Ballarat.bishops' palace, ballarat, bed, iron furniture,

Stereoscopes work on the principle of viewing left and right eye images of the same image and in the process having the image appear as 3 dimensional. The have been popular since the middle of the 19th century.The Holmes version of this object was manufactured cheaply and became widely available, hence it is an object with which many people would be familiar.Wooden oval shaped with glass viewing inserts. Extension in cross shape with wire brackets either side.warrnambool, stereoscope, holmes stereoscope

This perfume bottle has no known local provenance but ones like this would have been common in ladies' bedrooms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The use of perfume was important in those days of limited access to bathing facilities. Today more modern versions of perfume bottles are still in use though now they are not such a necessary item.This perfume bottle is retained for display purposes only.This is a small glass bottle with a silver-coloured metal attachment at the top forming a lid and a spray mechanism that includes a metal tube that goes into the bottle. The spray mechanism no longer works. The metal sections are tarnished.vintage accessories, warrnambool history

There is no known history attached to this item. Lamps such as this one were common household items in the 19th century and the first three decades of the 20th century until electrical lighting became common in most households. This item has no known local provenance but it is useful for display as an item that was common in households in the past. This item has a cast iron base in a pyramidal shape with the four sides having identical scrolls and star shapes. A piece of brass attaches the base to a violet-coloured bowl. The bowl contains a white wick. The brass wick holder has an external knob for regulating the light intensity. There is more brass between the bowl and the mantle which is made of plain glass. On the base of the lamp: ‘Rd. No. 207869’ history of warrnambool, social history, ruby glass kerosene lamp

There is no known history connected to this item. A spirit lamp was an essential household item in the 19th century and the first three decades of the 20th century until electric lighting became a common feature of most homes. This lamp has no particular significance and is suitable for display as an example of family life in the past.This is a spirit lamp with a milk glass base in two sections (two pedestals in rings). The bowl is made of green glass emulating the shape of the base. There is a brass section connecting the bowl to the wick holder with the wick exposed. There is a small knob or handle external to the bowl for controlling the wick’s use. The clear glass lamp mantle is slim-line bulbous shaped. history of warrnambool, social history, spirit lamp

The life story of Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, 1769 – 1852, a leading military and political figure of 19th-century Britain. He defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.Good example of embossed book cover384 p. + advertisements, frontis. Gold and black embossed design on light brown coverWm. Chapple, Ballarat 1884 on fly leaf, bookseller's stamp "F. & A. Symons"duke of wellington, arthur wellesley

The grave is that of Martha Williams and her father John and is the only existing grave in the old Mickleham Cemetery which was associated with the Wesleyan Chapel and is a reminder of the strength of the Wesleyan faith in the Mickleham district in the 19th century.A coloured photograph of a grave site with a concrete edge and low iron fence around it and a simple tombstone with a curved top. There are clumps of tussocky grass scattered across the grass and two sprawling eucalyptus are growing behind the grave.former mickleham cemetery, mt. ridley road, williams, martha, john, george evans collection

The full costume used traditionally by ladies in the 16th to 19th century AD. Now used in Greek dances, parades and theatrical performances as a traditional costume. In Australia used by Thessaloniki Association "The White Tower".Historical significance for the purposes it was used by Thessaloniki Association "The White Tower", in functions, dancing and parades.Lady's dancing costume belt. Woollen with silver sequins and beading. Fringe on either end. Slightly damaged, silver buttons missing. Part "D" of a four piece costume.lady's costume, belt, greek, βλαχοπούλα, ζώνη, στολή

Modern flour sifters, as we know them, gained popularity in the 19th century, with patents awarded for flour sifters and sieve holders. They were used in the kitchen to aerate and remove lumps from flour.A vintage tin MAGPIE brand flour sifter with a shaped handle and a wooden knob. There are horizontal bands or lines indented around the sifter as well as the brand near the top. Wire mesh inside sifts the flour as the handle is turned.'MAGPIE' is indented inside a rectangular shape at the top.kitchenware, kitchen equipment, flour sifters, sieves

This postcard is part of an album of postcards which date from late 19th century to mid 20th century. It depicts the interior of Chester Cathedral, an English cathedral built in 1092 and a significant tourist attraction.This postcard is in an album of postcards dating from the late 19th century to mid 20th century. It reflects the popularity of collecting postcards in Australia which reached a height in the early 1900s until around 1920. Postcard of interior of Chester Cathedral On back, printed: 'Interior of Chester Cathedral'postcard, photography, 1900s, , cathedral, chester, "green postcard album"

This handmade glass bottle was recovered from the wreck of the 1895-1902 ship Inverlochy and is part of the John Chance Collection. The bottle has side seams that extend from base to mouth, indicating that it would have been made in a mould. The parallel, diagonal lines are likely to have been made by the molten glass being mouth-blown into the mould. The mould would have also had the pattern for the embossed numbers in the base. The seamless applied mouth would have been added after the bottle was removed from the two-piece mould. The even neck of the bottle would have probably been sealed with a cork or glass stopper. Bottles similar to this one were used for medical (apothecary) and cosmetic purposes. Bottles with these features date from around the late 19th to early 20th century. Bottles began to have embossed numbers on the bases from the late 19th century and the practice continues into modern times. The numbers may represent the date of manufacture i.e. “4188” may be 4th January 1888. It may instead be the date of the patent or design pattern number. This bottle may have been made around 1888 and the latest it could have been made was 1902, the year of the wreck of the Inverlochy. THE INVERLOCHY (1895-1902) - The Inverlochy was a steel sailing barque built in Scotland in 1895 for international trade. In 1902 the Inverlochy left Liverpool under the command of Captain E.R. Kendrick. There were 21 officers and crew and the captain’s wife Mrs Kendrick, on board, bound for Australia with cargo that included tools, chemicals, liquor (beer, whisky, stout, rum, and brandy), steel, iron, wire netting, hoop iron, tinplate and pig iron), and steel wire for the Melbourne Tramway Company, tiles, soap, soft goods and earthenware. On December 18 almost at their destination, the Inverlochy ran aground on Ingoldsby Reef at Point Addis, near Anglesea. The crew and passengers left the ship via lifeboat and landed at Thompson’s Creek, then walked about 20 kilometres to Barwon Heads. Salvagers were interested in the 10 miles of cable in the hold. Mrs Kendrick’s ‘high grade’ bicycle was amongst the items salvaged but she lost her jewellery and two pianos. By February 1903 the ship had broken up and objects such as bottles and casks of liquor were washed ashore. Bad weather shook the wreck in June 1903, causing the ship’s spars and figurehead to be washed ashore. This glass bottle is historically significant as it represents methods of storage and manufacture that were used from the 19th century and into the early-20th century, before machine made bottles were becoming common. The shape and size of the bottle are similar to bottles used for medical and cosmetic purposes in that period. The glass bottle also has significant as it was recovered by John Chance, a diver from the wreck of the Inverlochy in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Items that come from several wrecks along Victoria's coast have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. This glass bottle is significant because of its historical connection to the barque Inverlochy, which is an example of a commercial international steel sailing barque and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Database VHR S338. The Inverlochy is significant for its cargo, which is a snapshot of the kind of goods imported into Australia at the turn of the 19th century, including cable for the Melbourne Tramway Company. The wreck of the Inverlochy is important as an accessible dive site that shows the remains of a large international trading vessel and its contents. It is valuable for an insight into Victorian era of shipping and maritime history. Bottle; clear glass, round, handmade. Narrow lip is flat across top and on side edge, neck is straight, about a third of the bottle’s height. The shoulder is rounded, and the body has straight sides with two side seams from below the lip to the base, which is shallow. Outer glass surface is rough, inner surface has areas of dried, light coloured substance. The body has several diagonal parallel lines and areas with opalescent shine. Base has embossed inscription. Embossed inscription on base "4188".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, john chance, inverlochy, scotland, captain e.r. kendrick, melbourne tramway company, ingoldsby reef, handmade, glass bottle, apothecary, cosmetic, mould blown, vintage, two-piece bould, point addis, medicine

This handmade glass bottle was recovered from the wreck of the 1895-1902 ship Inverlochy and is part of the John Chance Collection. The bottle has side seams that extend from base to mouth, indicating that it would have been made in a mould. The parallel, diagonal lines are likely to have been made by the molten glass being mouth-blown into the mould. The mould would have also had the pattern for the embossed numbers in the base. The seamless applied mouth would have been added after the bottle was removed from the two-piece mould. The even neck of the bottle would have probably been sealed with a cork or glass stopper. Bottles similar to this one were used for medical (apothecary) and cosmetic purposes. Bottles with these features date from around the late 19th to early 20th century. Bottles began to have embossed numbers on the bases from the late 19th century and the practice continues into modern times. The numbers may represent the date of manufacture i.e. “463” may be April 1863. It may instead be the date of the patent or design pattern number. This bottle may have been made around 1863 and the latest it could have been made was 1902, the year of the wreck of the Inverlochy. THE INVERLOCHY (1895-1902) - The Inverlochy was a steel sailing barque built in Scotland in 1895 for international trade. In 1902 the Inverlochy left Liverpool under the command of Captain E.R. Kendrick. There were 21 officers and crew and the captain’s wife Mrs Kendrick, on board, bound for Australia with cargo that included tools, chemicals, liquor (beer, whisky, stout, rum, and brandy), steel, iron, wire netting, hoop iron, tinplate and pig iron), and steel wire for the Melbourne Tramway Company, tiles, soap, soft goods and earthenware. On December 18 almost at their destination, the Inverlochy ran aground on Ingoldsby Reef at Point Addis, near Anglesea. The crew and passengers left the ship via lifeboat and landed at Thompson’s Creek, then walked about 20 kilometres to Barwon Heads. Salvagers were interested in the 10 miles of cable in the hold. Mrs Kendrick’s ‘high grade’ bicycle was amongst the items salvaged but she lost her jewellery and two pianos. By February 1903 the ship had broken up and objects such as bottles and casks of liquor were washed ashore. Bad weather shook the wreck in June 1903, causing the ship’s spars and figurehead to be washed ashore. This glass bottle is historically significant as it represents methods of storage and manufacture that were used from the 19th century and into the early-20th century, before machine made bottles were becoming common. The shape and size of the bottle are similar to bottles used for medical and cosmetic purposes in that period. The glass bottle also has significant as it was recovered by John Chance, a diver from the wreck of the Inverlochy in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Items that come from several wrecks along Victoria's coast have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. This glass bottle is significant because of its historical connection to the barque Inverlochy, which is an example of a commercial international steel sailing barque and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Database VHR S338. The Inverlochy is significant for its cargo, which is a snapshot of the kind of goods imported into Australia at the turn of the 19th century, including cable for the Melbourne Tramway Company. The wreck of the Inverlochy is important as an accessible dive site that shows the remains of a large international trading vessel and its contents. It is valuable for an insight into Victorian era of shipping and maritime history. Bottle; clear glass with opalescent shine in places, round, handmade. Narrow lip is flat across top and on side edge, neck is straight, about a third of the bottle’s height. The shoulder is rounded, and the body has straight sides with two pronounced side seams from below the lip to the base, which is shallow. Outer glass surface is smooth, inner surface has areas of dried, light coloured substance. Base has embossed inscription. Embossed "463" and logo symbol [trident]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, john chance, inverlochy, scotland, captain e.r. kendrick, melbourne tramway company, ingoldsby reef, handmade, glass bottle, apothecary, cosmetic, mould blown, vintage, two-piece bould, point addis, medicine

The development of stereoscopic photography views or stereographs was immensely popular in the United States and Europe from about the mid-1850s through the early years of the 20th century. First described in 1832 by English physicist Sir Charles Wheatstone, stereoscopy was improved by Sir David Brewster in 1849. The production of the stereograph entailed making two images of the same subject, usually with a camera with two lenses placed 6 cm apart to simulate the position of the human eyes, and then mounting the positive prints side by side laterally on a stiff backing. Brewster devised a stereoscope through which the finished stereograph could be viewed; the stereoscope had two eyepieces through which the laterally mounted images, placed in a holder in front of the lenses, were viewed. The two images were brought together by the effort of the human brain to create an illusion of three-dimensionality. Stereographs were made of a wide range of subjects, the most popular being views of landscapes and monuments and composing narrative scenes of a humorous or slightly suggestive nature. Stereoscopes were manufactured for various price ranges and tastes, from the simple hand-held device introduced by Oliver Wendell Holmes who promoted stereography through articles to elaborate floor models containing large numbers of images that could be flipped into place. The stereograph became especially popular after Queen Victoria expressed interest in it when it was exhibited at the 1851 Crystal Palace Exposition. Like television today, stereography during the second half of the 19th century was both an educational and a recreational device with a considerable impact on public knowledge and taste. The Fine-art Photographers' Publishing Co. published many stereoscopic pictures from many different photographers from around the world under license. They also not only sold these images of various scenes and of famous people of the time but also were retail sellers of the viewers with the subject item having been made in the USA probably by H C White who held the patent for the subject items design from 1895 to 1902.An item that was very popular from the mid 19th century through to the beginning of the Edwardian period. Used for entertainment and also educational purposes and significant as it gives us a snapshot into the Victorian era and its social and domestic societal norms. Stereoscope viewer with adjustable view-finder that has a padded nose rest. The slide holder can move along the channel to suit the viewer. Made in London by the Fine-art Photographers' Publishing Co. Printed on metal plate "THE FINE-ART PHOTOGRAPHERS' PUBLISHING CO. 48 Rydevale Rd, LONDON, S.W." Embossed on viewing cup "U.S.A. PATENT OCT.15.1895" "CANADA / FRANCE / GERMANY / D'R''G'M' NO. 53803" "JUNE 3.1902 / FEBY 1.1896 / B.S.G.D.B. / GREAT BRITAIN / AUSTRIA / BELGIUM"warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, stereoscope, stereographs, stereoscope viewers, home entertainment

James Henry Steward (1817–1896) established J.H. Steward in London in 1852. As “Head Optician” he would have been a qualified oculist but little is known about the founder’s early life and scholastic achievements. However, given the variety of disciplines for which he undertook he was also an accredited instrument maker,he clearly was a gifted scholar and quickly gained professional recognition in a full range of fields for an instrument maker of his day. J.H Steward became incorporated as J.H. Steward Limited on 1st February,1913. The business grew from modest beginnings. Steward would sell pocket watches and assorted items at the annual competition days of "The National Rifle Association of the United Kingdom(NRA)" from a stall. As the governing body for full bore rifle and pistol shooting sports in the UK. The Association established in 1859 with the aim to improve the shooting skills of the newly formed corps of volunteers to meet the perceived threat of an invasion by the French. J.H. Steward advert first appeared in the NRA competition program of 1865. The NRA meetings were held at first on Wimbledon Common, Surrey until 1889. Then because of pressure by the local community, the NRA along with its buildings and its flourishing meetings moved further south to Brookwood, Surrey. By now the Steward operation had grown from a modest stall into a large marquee selling various optical and scientific instruments at these meetings. Throughout its long trading history the J.H. Steward company and many members of the family maintained strong ties to the NRA and competition shooting events. The NRA records show that at the end of the 19th century the NRA bestowed a Life Membership on 7 Steward family members. First presented by J. H. Steward Ltd. in 1902 was the “Steward Trophy” that is still an annual competition for teams of four from any rifle club affiliated to the NRA. There is also evidence that many family members were fine shots.The item was made by a significant instrument manufacturing company that concentrated during the middle 19th century on supplying the British military. This items pattern & design is still available as a reproduction, available on the internet. However this original seems unique as the writer cannot find another for sale or in a collection to date. The assumption is that this type of compass was made for the British artillery units given the sun dial. Further research is ongoing as the writer regards this item as rare and social significant.Brass Compass and Sundial manufactured by J H Steward 407 & 406 West Strand, London. Can be used in both hemispheres. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, compass, sundial, combination compass and sundial, steward strand london, j h steward

Voltaire (1694-1778) is a famous and influential French philosospher. The library purchased the 70 volumes of his complete works in the middle of the 19th Century. This purchase was made by Redmond Barry from the London booksellers Guillaume.This a rare set of volumes in Australia in excellent condition.70 Volumes of leather bound books with gold embossing. Oeuvres de Voltaire, has Guillaume, the booksellers, bookplate.

Very Old. Until the end of the 19th century the bodies of jack planes were predominantly wooden, typically made out of beech (wood). Wooden planes were largely superseded by iron-bodied planes.Used by carpenters and cabinet makers in the Kiewa Valley from the late 1800s and the early 1900s.A Jack Plane is a general purpose woodworking bench plane, used for dressing timber down to size in preparation for truing and/or edge jointing. It is usually the first plane used on rough stock, but for rougher work it can be preceded by the scrub plane. German Pattern Jack Plane. The smallest - 1.5 inches. Ref. Page 21 - Tools for all Trades Catalogue 1930s?"The Burgham Tools Company / Solingen Germany"woodworking tool, jack plane, plane

Picture of late 19th century double storey mansion with central arcaded entry way with two symmetrical wings with arched portico to the side. Classical romanesque style. Part of Donald McDonald collection of images.J F McMullen. Backed, unmounted copy of black and white photo, good condition.Inverleith, Acland St, E side, residence of J F McMullen banker,photograph 1872, flats now stand on Acland St frontage'

The mud brick cottage and outbuilding was possibly built by James Waylett in the 1850's and it is only one of three remaining mud brick buildings in the Oaklands-Greenvale which were constructed in the late 19th Century.A coloured photograph of farm scene. A dam is in the foreground and the remains of a mud brick cottage and timber and corrugated building in the middle distance. Further farm buildings can be seen in the distance.mud brick buildings, waylett, james, farm buildings, sherwood, somerton road, oaklands hunt club, george evans collection

A home sewing needle kit. These paper sleeved novelty needle books were available in the late 19th Century. They were often free as a promotional give-away. In the 1900's they were colourful and fun.A vintage Novelty Needle Book made in Japan with 50 needles mounted inside a pop up card. The needles are presented in gold and red strips attached to a coloured card depicting two small children playing on a see-saw with their teddy bear in a garden. Five needles are missing. The back of the card is yellow and shows a girl holding a red rose.'Novelty Needle Book 50 Needles' is printed on the front of the card which shows two children playing on a see-saw with their teddy bear. 'Made in Japan' is printed at the bottom right on the front of the card.sewing equipment, sewing, sewing needles

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. The Museum's Decorative Arts & Design collection includes artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).‘Oak Tree’ pattern. Sample of original Morris & Co wallpaper, designed circa 1896 by John Henry Dearle (1859–1932). Oakleaf and acorns in pale blue on cream ground. Sample manufactured ca.1920–ca.1930. Printed border : OAK TREE / MORRIS & COdecorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, john henry dearle, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. The Museum's Decorative Arts & Design collection includes artefacts (wallpapers, textiles, carpet samples), furnishings, printed materials (catalogues, books, periodicals), and pictures (photographs).Wallpaper sample: ‘Chrysanthemum’ pattern. Original pattern created 1876–1877 by William Morris (1834-1896). Sample is a later Morris-style wallpaper block reproduction from the 1970s. decorative arts & design, wallpapers -- morris & co, wall coverings – history, wallpapers – history, interior decoration – history

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. Most rooms in this historically and aesthetically significant house have stone (typically marble) fireplaces that are inset with plain and decorative tiles produced by the company of Mintons Ltd.Digital photograph of the pattern of plain and decorative hearth tiles in the fireplace of the drawing room at Villa Alba. The decorative tiles depict pink clematis flowers, buds and foliage. The tiles were produced by Mintons Ltd.fireplaces, villa alba - drawing room, mintons, mintons - tiles

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. Most rooms in this historically and aesthetically significant house have stone (typically marble) fireplaces that are inset with plain and decorative tiles produced by the company of Mintons Ltd.Digital photograph of the pattern of decorative surround tiles in the fireplace of the drawing room at Villa Alba. The gold, white and blue decorative tiles depict abstract flowers within a quatrefoil design. The tiles were produced by Mintons Ltd. In the Minton's Ltd Tile Catalogue, this tile is listed as No. 1427 G. Sin. Tiles. / End Tile. It can be viewed in the flipbook viewer of the original catalogue published by The Minton Archive on page 44/206.fireplaces, villa alba - drawing room, mintons, mintons - tiles

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. Most rooms in this historically and aesthetically significant house have stone (typically marble) fireplaces that are inset with plain and decorative tiles produced by the company of Mintons Ltd.Digital photograph of the fireplace in the dining room at Villa Alba. The original 1880s black marble mantel surround is inset with plain and decorative tiles produced by Mintons Ltd.fireplaces, mintons, mintons - tiles, villa alba -- dining room

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. Most rooms in this historically and aesthetically significant house have stone (typically marble) fireplaces that are inset with plain and decorative tiles produced by the company of Mintons Ltd.Digital photograph of the pattern of plain and decorative hearth tiles in the fireplace of the dining room at Villa Alba. The decorative tiles placed on the left and right of the centrally-placed tile panel depict pink and yellow flowers, set within plain maroon and teal blue rectangular tiles. The tiles were produced by Mintons Ltd.fireplaces, mintons, mintons - tiles, villa alba -- dining room

The Villa Alba Museum is cultural institution committed to the collection, study and display of 19th century interior decorative finishes, and the components of 19th and 20th century interior decoration. Most rooms in this historically and aesthetically significant house have stone (typically marble) fireplaces that are inset with plain and decorative tiles produced by the company of Mintons Ltd.Digital photograph of the pattern of plain and decorative hearth tiles in the fireplace of the dining room at Villa Alba. The centrally-placed decorative tiles depict a surround of pink and yellow flowers with a corner decoration, once assembled, that features cobalt blue fern leaves, chrysanthemums and foliage, , set within plain maroon and teal blue rectangular tiles. The tiles were produced by Mintons Ltd.fireplaces, mintons, mintons - tiles, villa alba -- dining room