This trophy was awarded to William Kermode of Mona Vale for the best pair of Merino ewes exhibited at the Southern Tasmanian Agricultural and Pastoral Society in October, 1879. William Kermode formed the Mona Vale flock in 1829 with VDL C. Saxons. In the early 1870s under Kermode, Ercildoun rams were tried, as was a St Johnstone ram. It is well documented that the famous Steiger-blood ram, Sir Robert (out of a Mona Vale ewe), had considerable impact on a number of Tasmania's influential studs. At its height in the late nineteenth century, Mona Vale was regarded as "... one of Tasmania's leading and parent studs, producing robust fine-wool sheep with quality, long-stapled and dense wool." (Massy 1990: p.406). The first agricultural society in Australia was formed in Hobart on 1 Jan. 1822. The trophy was retailed by Walsh Brothers, Melbourne in c.1875. The cup has no makers marks, but has been attributed by Christie's to Edward Fischer, a local Geelong silversmith. This attribution is based upon stylistic criteria. However, Ms Veronica Filmer of the Geelong Art Gallery (curator of "Geelong's Colonial Silversmiths", Geelong Art Gallery, 1988), has suggested that the lack of stamps is unusual (most of Fishcher's work was stamped) and also that it is somewhat heavy for Fischer's work. The trophy originated from the collection of Edward Clark, an antique dealer. Prior ownership of the trophy is uncertain, but it is believed that Clark purchased it in the mid 1990s from descendants of the original prize recipients.Trophy, sterling silver. Circular, stepped base and tapering stem decorated with cartouches of leaves on a matt background. The bowl of the trophy has an applied belt cartouche with an inscription. Within the belt cartouche is an engraved and embossed panel of two sheep with a cottage in the background. There are ribbon tied floral swags on either side of the cartouche, and a presentation inscription with a beaded border on the reverse of the bowl.SOUTHERN TASMANIAN AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL SOCIETY Presented / to / Joseph Clarke Esq / and awarded to / W.A. Kermode Esq / of Mona Vale / for Best Pair Merino Ewes, / October 1879southern tasmanian agricultural and pastoral society, logo merino: sheep in australian art and design - exhibition (29/07/2000 - 04/02/2001), fischer, mr edward - silversmiths and jewellers kermode, mr william - mona vale stud clarke, mr joseph, mona vale stud, tasmania

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows. This is one of 23 garments donated by her granddaugher, Mrs Glenda Ilsley.Ladie's short sleeve jumper knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows.Child's cardigan knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale, 1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows.Knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows. This is one of 23 garments donated by her granddaugher, Mrs Glenda Ilsley.The only dress knitted by Vera Neale, c 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows.Child's cardigan knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows. This is one of 23 garments donated by her granddaugher, Mrs Glenda Ilsley.Fawn child's jumper knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows in Victoria and New South Wales.Socks knitted by Vera Neale,1901 - 1990.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows in Victoria and New South Wales.Tea cosy knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale, 1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows.Gloves knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows. This is one of 23 garments donated by her granddaugher, Mrs Glenda Ilsley.Shorts sleeved jumper knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows. This is one of 23 garments donated by her granddaugher, Mrs Glenda Ilsley.Man's vest knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows in Victoria and New South Wales.Mustard ladies' jumper knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows.Child's cardigan with cables knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows. This is one of 23 garments donated by her granddaugher, Mrs Glenda Ilsley.Child's jumper knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows in Victoria and New South Wales.Tea cosy knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows. This is one of 23 garments donated by her granddaugher, Mrs Glenda Ilsley.Pale pink bed jacket, long sleeved, hand knitted. Vertical pattern on sleeves and most of body. Round collar with tie.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts, bed jacket, clothing, children

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows in Victoria and New South Wales.Peach child's jumper knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows.Knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows.Child's jumper with cowl neck knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows.Ladies' jumper knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows in Victoria and New South Wales.Ladies' jumper knitted by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows. This is one of 23 garments donated by her granddaugher, Mrs Glenda Ilsley.The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool, often using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows. This is one of 23 garments donated by her granddaugher, Mrs Glenda Ilsley. The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts

The knitter was Vera Neale,1901 - 1990. Married with three children, Vera knitted with one and two ply wool using piano wire or bicycle spokes as needles, entering the garments in agricultural shows.Cream knitted cot cover made by Vera Neale in the 1950s.knitting handicrafts, neale, mrs vera, knitting, handicrafts