Colour photographfloral carpet, ballarat begonia festival 1983

floral carpet 1985, 150 years settlement anniversary

colour photographballarat botanical gardens, begonia festival 1984, floral carpet

colour photograph of planpavilion plan, ballaarat botanical gardens, circa 1890

Photocopy of pencil design on paperpetersen bequest, garden drinking fountain, sturt street ballarat

Robert Ingpen, illustrator, designer, writer and consultant, was born in Geelong in 1936. He was educated in Geelong before studying art and illustration under Harold Freedman at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, 1955-58. Early in his career he specialised in relating design to scientific research, and this included work as a graphic design artist for the CSIRO, 1958-67, commissions for designing pamphlets on fisheries for the United Nations in Mexico and Peru, and involvement in a number of Australian conservation and environmental projects. He launched into freelance work in 1968. Ingpen's work has focused on environmental and heritage issues and his exploration of fantasy and imagination. He is best known as an illustrator, and as an author of children's books, and historical books and pamphlets for adults. He has painted murals on public buildings, designed the flag and coat of arms for the Northern Territory, and designed postage stamps, including stamps for the Captain Cook Bicentenary and the 50th anniversary of CSIRO. He has been involved in a number of conservation and environmental projects, including the establishment of the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement as consultant/designer. He was one of the founders of the Australian Conservation Foundation. Ingpen rose to prominence with his illustrations for Colin Thiele's classic children's story Storm Boy, winning for him the first Visual Arts Board award for children's book illustration. He won the international Hans Christian Anderson Medal for children's literature in 1986, and the Dromkeen Medal in 1989.Robert Ingpen, celebrated Geelong artist, was commissioned to paint a mural to be located above the entrance of the new west wing. The mural was designed to represent the objects and systems that characterise Geelong and its district and that played a major role in the city’s growth and development. The three systems comprise: the natural (producing) system; the man-made or technological system, and the natural (trading) system.ingpen, mural, city hall geelong, james harrison

Courier, "Inside Out with Kim Quinlan", Wednesday 25th May, 1994, speaking with Bob Whitehead, outgoing Chairman of the Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Ballarat.Bob Whitehead was instrumental in the formation of the Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Prior to that, he was Parks and Gardens Director for the City Council. So, he was something of an authority on the Gardens and the Friends' early history. p.4 of the Ballarat Courier, torn down right side, yellow with age. There is a black and white photograph of the Statuary Pavilion in the Gardens, top right hand corner.Blue biro marks in columns 3,4,5.john garner collection, garner, dr, whitehead, courier, chairman, friends of the botanical gardens, city council, ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat, gardens, bob whitehead, jack chisolm, jessie scott, ballarat botanical gardens' design, gardens' history, history of the friends.

01 Gives an account of the Morey Gates and Pergola over time and 02 the Ballarat Courier 16/12/1893 gives an account of the Unveiling of the Two Marble Lions in the Gardens being postponed.Important in the History of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and as gifts designed in Ballarat and to adorn main entrance to the Gardens01 One half page in point form 02 Ballarat Courier 16/12/1893 02 References written in black biro, 2nd column of page and reference to presentations by Morey and Ham. Ballarat Courier, 18/8/1894.morey gates, pergola in the ballarat botanical gardens. chronology of the gates and pergola, donor of gates and pergola, construction, designers, damage to structures, original plan, mr d. ham mlc, two marble lions in the ballarat botanical gardens, mr e. morey mlc., john garner collection, garner, dr, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat

There are fine examples of some Conifers in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Conifers in the Ballarat Botanical gardens are an important and longstanding part of the Garden's original design which called to mind trees in the British Isles, from where some of Ballarat's early settlers had come.1 white sheet with Conifers as the heading with trees shown in colour. Cones and vegetation shown below each tree featured. Noneconifers, this england, ballarat botanical gardens, john garner, doctor, john garner collection, friends of ballarat botanical gardens, george longley, gardens, ballarat

It has been claimed that Vogt printed many of Bulmer's negatives without acknowledgement when he purchased his studio. ('Gippsland in Focus', by Squires, Barraclough and Clothier)Black and white postcard of Barkes Store. Built in 1893 by McKnockiter Bros, the extensive weatherboard store was designed by Harry French. General store, grocery and bakery were managed by William Barke, brother John managing the clothing and fancy goods. Horse and cart in picture, Post Office in background, building demolished and replaced by Centrepoint Arcade in 1985-86. Lakes Entrance VictoriaCunninghame Gippsland Lakes S Vogt Bairnsdaleretail trade, transport, postal services

Colour photograph group of people unveiling the WW1 plaque designed by TAFE student on foreshore at Lakes Entrance Victoriamemorials, world war 1914-1918

Robert Samuel Valentine Cocking (1882 - 14/5/1945) Born in Bendigo, Val Cocking began hi retail career at Myer Bendigo before opening his own draper shop c. 1912 in the lower block Pall Mall. In 1914 he moved his stock into temporary premises while he renovated his new shop, which combined the former Post Office Hotel and adjacent grocery and stationary shops. The new emporium opened in Aug 1918 selling drapery and soft goods. Mr Cocking was a champion rifle shooter; President of the Bendigo Chamber of Commerce; President of the Sandhurst Football Club for 18 years and President of the Bendigo Cricket Club. Bennetts Hardware shop was in Hargeaves St near the entrance to Allan's Walk in the 1950's. Beehive buildings. This was originally the Sandhust Mining Exchange and as such was the oldest purpose built exchange in Australia and was one of only two in regional Australia. It was initially established in the 1850's to service the miners of the area. It's first double story incarnation as the Bendigo Stock Exchange, contained up to 2000 stockbrokers and 5000 shareholders. In 1871 the building burnt to the ground and the new and current building was completed in 1872. The modern building was designed by Charles Webb, who was also responsible for the Royal Arcade in Melbourne. and features a pitched glass roof similar to the Royal Arcade, Melbourne.Three samples of wrapping paper from a. Cockings, b. Bennetts Store & c. Beehive storeswrapping paper, cockings, bennetts, beehive

Black and white photograph of student Libby Heath winner of $1000 wood design award with Bruce Evans E G Shire Commissioner, Lakes Entrance Victoriaeducation

Colour photograph of a wood design project made by a student at Forestec, Lakes Entrance Victoriaeducation, design

Colour photograph of three students working on chain saws at Forestec, Lakes Entrance Victoriaeducation, design

Hall designed by H G French erected by E Cowlishew, seated 350, lit with acetylene light, opened with a grand ball 26 September 1907. Later altered, bio-box added to show films. Hall was drastically altered in 1962, demolished 1998. New Civic Centre and library built on site.|This is the before paired photograph used in the 150 year Lakes Entrance 1858-2008 display.|The after paired photograph Number 02401.1 Also one 12 x 16 framed photograph used in room display.Black and white photograph of the timber Mechanics Hall. Building has gable roof, four ventilators and chimney, foyer at end of building has gable roof, steps leading to doors of foyer and main building. Many windows. Lakes Entrance VictoriaMechanics Hallhalls, room display, historic buildings

Typical of the flat roofed design of the 1950'sColour photograph of a fibro cement, flat roofed dwelling at 240 Marine Parade. Timber framed corner windows. Front patio tiled with natural stone. Lakes Entrance Victoriahouses, fences, heritage study

St George's Presbyterian Church is at 4 Chapel Street, St Kilda East. It is substantial red brick Gothic Revival building with distinctive 33.5-metre banded octagonal belltower and attractive contrasting cream brickwork and freestone dressings. The facade is dominated by a double entrance surmounted by a triangular rose window. It was designed by Albert Purchas. It opened on 1 October 1877 and the newsletter discusses the celebrations of the centenary in 1977. It is now St George's Uniting Church.Folded white paper printed in black on both sides, with a photograph of St George's Presbyterian Church, St KildaHandrwritten corrections to the typed text.st george's east st kilda uniting church, st george's presbyterian church st kilda, st george's monthly

Wedding dress designed by Melbourne designer based on the wedding dress worn by Princess Margaret for the marriage of Miss Evelyn Hancock of Lakes Entrancewedding dress design based on dress worn by Princess Margaretclothing

The cast iron gates (manufactured in Glasgow) introduced at the North West entrance in 1907. The gates were purchased from ‘Fairlie” corner of Acland and Anderson Streets, South Yarra at the cost of 72 pounds and cost 60 pounds to install. They had originally cost the owners of ‘Fairlie’ 1200 pounds. Lee Heap Furniture Warehouse of Williamstown used the postcards to advertise. The postcards are evidence of the interest the gardens held as a subject for postcard publishers. The text and images provide a snapshot into fashions, social interests and concerns of the time. The professionally produced images provide a pictorial history of Gardens including changing planting styles, various structures and features of the Gardens eg the aviary, cannons, the fountain, the second Curator’s Lodge and gates. The images offer an opportunity to compare garden vistas with the present day. The image in this postcard shows the gates intact and as installed in 1907. The current layout of this area still reflects the change of design, which followed the 1907 removal of the first gardener's residence and the subsequent re-organisation of this quarter of the gardens. This postcard is evidence of the placement of one of the cannons relocated from Fort Gellibrand in 1906. They were removed from the Gardens in the 1960s. These same cannons remain a feature on the Williamstown waterfront in 2013. Black and white image of main entrance gates which are open. Through the gates can be seen a man in waistcoat standing in front of a cannon. The gates are cast iron, double carriage gates with single pedestrian gates on either side and supported by four cast iron posts with ornamental finials. Front: ‘The Entrance Gates, Williamstown Gardens. Vic.’ ‘0457/2’ ‘THE CROWN STUDIOS, SYDNEY’. Reverse: Centre top ‘POST CARD’ with a logo in the middle of the words. Left top corner a drawing of an artist’s board and brushes with a camera in the centre. Left side ‘MESSAGE ONLY.’ Right side ‘ADDRESS ONLY.’ Top right corner inside a dotted rectangle ‘STAMP HERE’. Bottom on card ‘BY THE CROWN STUDIOS, SYNDEY.’ Under the vertical line down the middle line ‘Neither the Address not the Message must cross this line’. In ink ‘With Compliments / from’. An oval stamp with scalloped rim ‘LEE HEAP FURNITURE MANUFACTURER’ inside inner oval ‘FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, / WILLIAMSTOWN’.postcard, gardens, post-card, williamstown-botanic-gardens, hobsons-bay-city-council, entrance gates, entrance-gates, cast iron, finials, cannon, crown studios, lee heap furniture warehouse

Colour photograph showing rusted remains of the grab winch. Part of the overhead gantry system designed to lift huge precast concrete blocks in construction of piers. Lakes Entrance Victoria waterways, public works, machinery

The memorial was erected in August 2000, and the design represents an eternal flame.Colour photograph of the memorial on the Glenelg Highway at the Ballarat-end entrance to Linton. The monument commemorates the five firefighters who died in a bushfire near Linton in December 1998.memorials, monuments, firefighters, cfa volunteers, linton bushfire 1998

(1) The plaque which commemorates the seventy-fifth anniversary of the opening of the College in 1966. It was designed by Joseph Swift and unveiled by T.H. Kneen on 26 October 1969 (on reverse.) It reads, "Burnley College of Horticulture 1891-1996." Hangs in the Administration Building. Appears as an illustration in, "Green Grows Our Garden," A.P. Winzenried p 102. Attached to the wall on the inside of the entrance to the Administration Building on the left as you walk in.(1) 2 black and white photographs of a plaque which commemorates the seventy-fifth anniversary of the opening of the College in 1966. (2) Newspaper cutting, "College plaque is Joe Swift epitaph," descrption of the unveiling of the plaque on 26 October 1969 in Nunawading Gazette 1969. (3) Memorandum dated 28 October 1969 for Chief of the Division of Agricultural Education re: Plaque Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the College signed by E.B. Littlejohn (Principal). Describes the history of the making of the plaque, paid for by the Past Students Association, and a description of the unveiling.(1) The caption reads, "Bronze plaque presented by the Past Students' Association to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the college. It shows both the pavilion and the 1951 administration building, and includes one of the keys from the Pavilion."plaque, seventy-fifth anniversary, 1966, joseph swift, t.h. kneen, burnley college of horticulture, 1891-1996, administration building, green grows our garden, a.p. winzenried, pavilion, e.b. littlejohn, principal, unveiling, burnley past students association

The dam at the entrance to the Nerreman Gateway in Eltham was built according to an internationally acclaimed theory developed by the builder's father. In 1920, Victorian engineer B.A. Smith was awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers J. James R. Cross Gold Medal for his Technical Paper titled 'Arched Dams'. It was the first time this medal had been awarded outside the United States. The concrete arched dam across the Eltham West Drain was built in 1940 by B.A. Smith's son and engineer, D. B. (Bernie) Smith to water the 24 acre (9.75 ha) hobby farm owned by himself and new wife, Isa Smith. Upon completion of the dam a pump-house was constructed beside the creek but before the water could be pumped up the hill they had to dig a trench and lay 500m of 100mm water main to an elevated holding tank. The Smiths made the pump-house their home for several years until they constructed their home at the top of the hill overlooking Eltham and views extending to Kinglake. Following Bernie's death in 1983, Nerreman Park was subdivided between 1993 and 1995. Gordon Ford designed the landscaping and the pump-house was demolished. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p137 The dam at the entrance to the Nerreman Gateway in Eltham, was built according to an internationally acclaimed theory developed by the builder’s father. In 1920, Victorian engineer B A Smith was awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers J. James R. Croes Gold Medal, for his Technical Paper titled Arched Dams. It was the first time this medal had been awarded outside America. An international example of the application of Smith’s work can be found in the design of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, Nevada, USA. Built between 1930 and 1936, it is recognised by the ASCE as one of ‘America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders’.1 The concrete arched dam across the Eltham West Drain was built by B A Smith’s son and engineer, D B (Bernie) Smith. Bernie’s dam followed his father’s theory, having a curvature that takes maximum advantage of concrete’s great strength in compression. The water load is carried into the abutments because of this curvature, which permits a wall thickness of only 225 millimetres thick at its crest, despite the dam’s capacity of more than 4.5 megalitres. The Eltham dam was designed to water the 24 acre (9.75 ha) hobby farm belonging to newly married couple Bernie and Isa Smith. Bernie, from Armadale, and Isa, from a farm at Tyntynder near Swan Hill, were attracted to the hilly topography and the creek running through the property. It extended from Ryans Road, Eltham, to Karingal Drive, Montmorency and was adjacent to Meruka Park. The Smiths named it Nerreman Park using the Aboriginal word Nerreman meaning ‘River Bend’ as their creek had a pronounced bend.2 In 1940 the first thing Bernie did was to build a dam, and with Isa’s help, a pump-house, to secure a water supply for their cattle, pigs, chickens, orchard and vegetable gardens. It was also available for the fire-plugs, which they placed all over the property in case of bushfire. The couple built the pump-house beside the creek and installed a Tange three-plunger pump, which had originally supplied the City of Wodonga with water. But before the Smiths could pump water up the hill from the dam they had to dig a trench and lay about 550 yards (500m) of a four-inch (100mm) water main up to an elevated holding tank. The trench was dug with a single furrow plough drawn by an old draught horse. Living in rough conditions did not deter the Smiths, who made the pump-house their home, where they still lived when their first child was born in 1944. They later built their home at the top of their property overlooking Eltham, with magnificent views to Kinglake, the Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne. From 1946 it took them almost 20 years to complete the 36-square house with its 12-foot (3.6m) high ceilings. Material for the concrete roof and walls faced with sandstone, was ripped out of the ground on their property by plough pulled by tandem Clydesdale horses. Isa was a strong woman – two days before their second child was born – she set three huge sandstone boulders in place in the bottom wall of the garage. She also mixed all the cement for the house. A collapsed kitchen wall did not discourage her from rebuilding it in a week, while her husband was away working in the country. She later recalled: ‘We stood back to admire this beautiful wall we’d built and while we were looking at it, it came tumbling down’.3 Following Bernie’s death in 1983, Nerreman Park was subdivided, between 1993 and 1995. Local Gordon Ford designed the landscaping and the pump-house was pulled down. But the dam remains as a reminder of exceptional engineering4 – and of a remarkable couple.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, karingal drive, smiths dam, bernie smith, gordon ford, isa smith, nerreman gateway, nerreman park estate, dams

The Eltham Community and Reception Centre was Australia's first public mud-brick building. Commissioned in 1977 by Eltham Shire Council, led by Shire president (and architect) Robert Marshall, architects Whitford and Peck were asked to design a multipurpose facility in mud-brick and timber. The official opening was performed by the Hon. R.J. Hamer; E.D., M.P., Premier of Victorai on Saturday, April 22, 1978. Architects: Whitford & Peck Pty Ltd Quantity Surveyor: D.J. Cant & Associates Structural Civil Engineers: Charlett & Moore Pty Ltd Landscape: Peter Glass, Dennis Edwards Mech Elec: Lobley Treidel & Partners Pty Ltd Acoustics: Riley Barden & Kirkhope Builder: L.U. Simon Pty Ltd Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p177 The Wiggles performed there, so has the ABC’s Play School. New citizens have made their vows, volunteers have been honoured, school children have performed, weddings celebrated and people mourned at funerals. Since 1978 the Eltham Community and Reception Centre at the corner of Pitt Street and Main Road, has provided a beautiful and quintessential Eltham environment for people from all over Melbourne. Recognised as Australia’s first public mud-brick building, the centre was built partly on the site of the parsonage of the former Methodist Church (now the Uniting Church).1 Commissioned by the Eltham Council headed by President Robert Marshall, architects Whitford and Peck were asked to design a multipurpose facility in mud-brick and timber. Following public consultation, it was agreed to build a centre for dances, exhibitions, films, plays or concerts. The results – at a cost of around $620,000 – captured the Eltham rustic style. The building – in soft tones of mud-brick and timber and immense floor-to-ceiling windows – overlooks the Diamond Creek and sporting fields. Eltham’s strong artistic heritage is reflected in the centre. Although the lighting is not ideal for a gallery and labels cannot be placed on walls, the centre hosts the Nillumbik Art Awards and displays around ten to 20% of the Nillumbik Shire Art Collection, usually for around a year at a time.2 On permanent display, close to the entrance, is local artist Clifton Pugh’s White Choughs in the Landscape. Further to the right is the Walter Withers Gallery, named after a local member of the Heidelberg School of artists. As part of the Eltham Gateway opposite the Eltham Hotel, the centre stands on what was once part of the Eltham Town Centre along this section of Main Road, then known as Maria Street. On the same site once stood the house and flour mill owned by Henry Dendy, best known as the founder of Brighton, although he lived longer in Eltham. Beside the drive is a wheel-rim tool with accompanying plaque, illustrating a technology important during the horse-powered age and now almost completely gone, as has the blacksmith’s shop that had housed it nearby. The implement is a platform for fitting iron tyres to the wooden rims of cartwheels. Beneath it is a capsule placed in 1985 to commemorate Victoria’s 150 years, which is to be opened in 2035. Although the plants, forming part of the landscaping by Peter Glass and Denis Edwards, are largely indigenous and other native species, some exotic plants are protected as an important link with the site’s past. Planted at the front around 1920, is a large Peppercorn tree with two joined trunks growing from the base, and close by is a Bhutan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa). Three other Peppercorn trees fringe the drive. The building includes two halls – the larger seating 250 people – and a large foyer overlooking trees and ovals. Both halls have retractable rear walls providing varying spaces as required, and guests can use several external decks. A site for outdoor theatre has been carved out of the natural slope outside the entrance. The Bricklayers Union refused to use the traditional mud-bricks, which weigh more than 22kg. As a result the mud-bricks were redesigned to reduce their weight and were laid back-to-back to produce a wall of normal thickness.3 The centre’s massive timber frame is reminiscent of timber bridge construction, with infill panels of mud-brick.4 In accord with the rustic style are colossal rough-sawn posts, bolts and steel brackets. The combination of mud-brick, exposed feature timber framing and creative design in this centre, characterises Eltham’s innovative buildings and the social movement behind them from the 1940s to the 1970s.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham community and reception centre, mudbrick construction

Ellis Stones, well known landscape designer, designed and supervised the entrance to the Parklands from Rockbeare Grove. He designed a winding path but Council insisted on two straight paths for vehicle access.B&W photograph. Annotated with:[RPCG working bee]. Shows children Phil and Gill Course. This item and all other Darebin Parklands Association archival material is now held by State Library Victoria (Accession No: YMS 13746). Please contact State Library Victoria if access is required.

Bendigo Art Gallery was founded in 1887 and has over the years undergone extensive building and renovation programs in recent years adding a new contemporary wing, storage areas, and a new entrance and gallery shop. This marquette was created to commemorate the new architecturally designed wing which was completed in 2014. Small folded anodised steel sculpture to commemorate the expansion of the Bendigo Art Gallery.bendigo art gallery / expansion 2014bendigo art gallery, city of greater bendigo tourism

Graham Masters is a potter based at Sweenies Creek, just outside Bendigo, Victoria who specialises in a patented technique of low relief stoneware depicting Australian animals and landscapes. He obtained a Diploma of Art and Design in Ceramics from the Bendigo Institute of Technology in 1973, then operated a pottery for a year in Bendigo, before becoming an employee, then a partner at Maldon Pottery, Victoria with Neville Wilson and Thomas Metcalf. He left Maldon to set up his own pottery at Sweenies Creek in 1984. (1.) (Judith Pearce). Built in 1869, the (former) Strathfieldsaye Shire Hall is one of The City of Bendigo's earliest surviving public buildings. Designed by George Steane and built by George Pallett in 1869 the Strathfieldsaye Shire Hall has aesthetic significance as a purpose built Shire Hall designed in the Free Classical manner. It is also of importance as an early example of the novel system of cavity wall construction. The building is largely intact and unaltered. Other important elements include the arched portico of the main entrance with brick arched features on either side; the brick quoining and dressings to the round arch windows; the three gabled roof; and the matching chimneys that reinforce the symmetrical design. The Hall has social significance as a temporary schooling facility in the 1870s and as a flood refuge in 1889. The Strathfieldsaye Shire Hall is a brick building designed in the Free Classical manner. This style was favoured by the Public Works Department for a number of public buildings including Shire Halls and courthouses. The form includes a central taller volume flanked by matching smaller gables. In the case of the Shire Hall these would be occupied by the Shire Secretary and Shire Engineer whilst the larger volume was the council chamber. The portico at the front is designed with a flat arch in the centre and matching smaller arches each side. The face red brick is unadorned apart from a plain string course at the roof springing point, brick quoining and dressings to the round arch windows. There are matching chimneys that are located to reinforce the symmetrical design and the original roof is believed to have been slate but is now corrugated iron. Large wheel thrown ceramic platter with a shallow well, broad flaring ledge and raised on a high foot rim. Rim decorated with slab rolled gum trees protruding on centre left and right sides of plater. which reflect the low relief image of trees and the Strathfieldsaye Shire Hall on the surface of the plate. Glazed with golden brown and cream. Front centre top; 'Shire of Strathfieldsaye'. Front lower centre '1866 - 1991 - 125 Years'. Signed 'G Master / 1991' on rim centre right. Reverse; signed 'G Master' / 1991. Bendigo Pottery stamp.shire of strathfieldsaye, bendigo pottery

The design of this small disc is from the Australian Colonial period. The cedar wood desk was made in Australian by Foy & Gibson in the 1880s, most probably in the business’s works in Collingwood, Victoria. The heavy brass locks fitted into the desk drawers were made by the famous Hobbs & Co of London, mid-late 19th century. In 1860 the business changed hands but the locks were still branded Hobbs & Co. The desk is branded with the symbol of Victoria’s Public Works Department. There is currently no information on when, where and by whom this desk was used. However, a very similar desk with Hobbs & Co. locks is on site at the Point Hicks Lightstation in Victoria and was formerly used by the Point Hicks head light keeper there. Other light stations also have similar desks from the P.W.D. (see also ‘Desk, Parks Victoria – Point Hicks Lightstation, Victorian Collections’.) HOBBS & CO., LONDON Alfred Charles Hobbs, 1812-1891, was American born. He became an executive salesman in 1840 for renowned lock manufacturer Day & Newell. His technique of exposing the weaknesses of people’s current locks was very successful in generating sales. He represented Day & Newell at London’s Great Exhibition of 1851, competing with other lock makers. Through the Exhibition he became famous for picking the best trusted Bramah and Chubb locks. Hobbs’ fame led him to found his own company in 1851 then register it in 1852 as Hobbs & Co., London. Hobbs was awarded the Telford Medal by the British Institution of Civil Engineers in 1854 for his paper 'On the Principles and Construction of Locks'. In 1855 the very successful company added partners and became Hobbs, Ashley and Co. In 1860, it traded under the name of Hobbs, Hart & Co. and was based in Cheapside London, where the business remained. Hobbs then returned to America, having sold the complete company to John Mathias Hart. He briefly returned to attend the 21st anniversary celebrations of the successful business in 1872. Hobbs kept himself busy in America, inventing and manufacturing firearm ammunition, for which he held several patents. He passed away there in 1891, a month after his 70th birthday. FOY & GIBSON Mark Foy wan an Irish draper who migrated to Bendigo, Victoria in 1858, attracted by the gold rush. He lived and worked in the area, establishing a drapery business. In the 1870s he moved to Melbourne where there were better prospects for expansion. He chose a place in Smith Street, Collingwood, a suburb of Melbourne, and started his business at the rear. In 1883 Foy retired, bringing in William Gibson as a partner, and then transferred his own share of the company to his son Francis Foy. Not long afterwards Francis sold his half share to Gibson, and the business continued under the name of Foy & Gibson. Francis Foy and he and his brother Mark Foy (junior) moved to Sydney. They established a business there in 1885, named after their father, Mark Foy. Gibson added to his business by starting his own manufacturing works from 1887, producing clothing, millinery, furniture, bedding and hardware for his stores. The factories, warehouses and stores complex became one of Victoria’s largest employers. He set up branches of his stores in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide and two more branches in Melbourne. Foy & Gibson (usually referred to as Foys) became one of Australia’s largest retail department stores. In 1931 Foy’s little house in Collingwood was still part of the entrance to Foy & Gibson Emporium. In 1955 the company was bought out by Cox Brothers. Later on the stores were sold to various businesses such as David Jones, Woolworths and Harris Scarfe. In 1968 Cox Brothers went into receivership, ending almost 100 years of the business known as Foy’s. The former Foy & Gibson Complex is registered by Heritage Council Victoria. “Designed by William Pitt, this magnificent 19th and early 20th century complex of factories, warehouses and showrooms saw the production of a remarkable range of goods for Foy & Gibson, Melbourne’s earliest department store chain”. (Quoted from the Plaque erected by the Collingwood Historical Society 2007) P.W.D. – Public Works Department, Victoria The desk is stamped “P.W.D,” signifying that it is from the Public Works Department in Victoria, which operated from 1855-1987. The department was responsible for, among other things, the design and supply of office furniture and equipment for public buildings and organisations. This desk is significant historically as it originated from Foy & Gibson, a colonial Australian company that had a positive and strong impact on employment, manufacturing and retailing in Melbourne, Victoria and Australia. The significance of Foy & Gibson to Victoria’s and Australia’s history is marked by the Collingwood Complex being registered in both Heritage Victoria Register (H0755, H0897 and H0896) and National Trust Register (B2668). This locks on this desk are significant for their connection with their manufacturer, Hobbs & Co, who invented a lock that surpassed the security of any other locks produced in the mid-19th century. Desk; Australian Colonial cedar desk, honey coloured. Desktop has a wooden border with a rolled edge and a fitted timber centrepiece. The four tapered legs are tulip turned. Two half-width drawers fit side by side and extend the full depth of the desk. The drawers have dovetail joints. Each drawer has two round wooden knob handles, a keyhole and a fitted, heavy brass lever lock. Inscriptions are on the desktop, drawers, desk leg and lock. Made in Australia circa 1880 by Foy & Gibson, lock made by Hobbs & Co, London.Impressed into timber frame of one drawer “FOY & GIBSON” Impressed into lock “HOBBS & CO / LONDON”, “MACHINE MADE”, “LEVER” Impressed along the front edge of the desktop [indecipherable] text. Impressed into the timber of right front leg “P. W. D.” below a ‘crown’ symbol Handwritten in white chalk under a drawer “206” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, desk, cedar desk, colonial desk, 1880s desk, australian colonial furniture, furniture, office furniture, office equipment, australian made furniture, colonial furniture, colonial hardware, foy & gibson, alfred charles hobbs, hobbs & co london, hobs & co lever lock, cabinetry lock, machine made lever lock, p.w.d., public works department victoria, day & newell, great exhibition of 1851, bramah lock, chubb lock, telford medal 1854, cheapside london, mark foy, mark foy – bendigo draper, smith street collingwood, william gibson, foy & gibson emporium, foy & gibson complex, cox brothers