Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. The Bendigo Mayoress medallion was commissioned by Sir George Lansell Jnr in the tradition of making a mayoral presentation in gold. It was first worn by Mayoress Snell and was presented to her on April 11th, 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock Hotel. The medallion was passed on to each subsequent Mayoress when the new Mayor was appointed. The Mayoress medallion was commissioned by Sir George Lansell Jnr in the tradition of making a mayoral presentation in gold. The drop and chain have been hand crafted n 18ct yellow gold and engraved by a master engraver also by hand. It was first worn by Mayoress Snell and was presented to her on April 11th, 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock Hotel. Front; Progress / BENDIGO. Verso; PRESENTED / TO THE / BENDIGO CITY COUNCIL / by / SIR GEORGE LANSELL, / TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY OF / LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BENDIGO / 10 - 1 - 56george lansell jnr, mayoress chain, bendigo centenary, mayoress snell, city of greater bendigo ceremonial item, lansell pendant

See related Record 2201.20. Bendigo mining magnate George Lansell returned to home country England in 1880 but was petitioned to return by 2,628 Bendigo citizens in 1887 to help restore the city's declining mining industry. This illuminated address was likely a formal gesture of welcome and respect from the local mine managers upon his return in late 1887.A coloured photocopy of the Illuminated Address to George Lansell. Mounted on illustration board. Framed for Fossicking to Federation, August 2001. Markings 'Illuminated Address to George Lansell From the Mine Managers of Bendigo Presented upon Lansell's return from England.'person, individual, george lansell

Black and white image of George Lansell.george lansell, bendigo

This petition was a formal request signed by 2,626 citizens of Bendigo urging George Lansell, a local mining entrepreneur known as the "Quartz King" to return from London to help revitalise the local gold mining industry. By 1887, Bendigo's economy had declined. The petition was organised with a belief Lansell’s expertise and leadership were essential to "restore the good times" to the city.Leather bound, gold embossing on borders of cover and inside folder. Front text in gold print: 'presented to George Lansell Esq by the residents of Bendigo June 1887' Inside: illuminated address to George Lansell, London, imploring him to return to Bendigo ' Your long absence from Bendigo is keenly felt ..' Address written in black calligraphy surrounded by water colour flowers.person, individual, george lansell esq., lansell, george, fortuna, illuminated address

A piano keyboard once owned by George Lansell when Bendigo was known as Sandhurst. The item was bought at a clearing sale on the Morning PeninsulaFortuna Article - "Piano, owned by George Lansell, Sandhurst, Victoria" - The "way we were" Bendigo Advertiser Oct 12 2002 This item contains the following: 11217.30a Black and White photo of a piano keyboard with engraving on the topnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, piano

Imagine the scene in Bendigo's Pall Mall, focus on the largely forgotten statue of George Lansell. The statue is situated near the old Post office building with its Italian Renaissance architecture in Bendigo's main street, Pall Mall. The area is busy, with people hurrying by, posting letters, waiting for transport, and taxi drivers chatting. The statue of George Lensell is mostly ignored by passersby, who rarely notice or acknowledge it. Even city records and books seldom mention George Lensell or the statue dedicated to him. The narrative highlights how public memory can fade, leaving once-significant figures and monuments overlooked amid daily urban life. The document uses the statue as a symbol of forgotten history within a bustling modern city. - quote from K. D. MolyneuxFortuna Article - Booklet titled Goldfield Colossus, the story of George Lansell by K. D. Molyneux in 1968 This item contains the following document: 11217.64a Foolscap size large booklet on George Lansell and Fortuna - many pages and photographs faded and barely recognizable. Contact BHS for further details 11217.64b First page textnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, edith lansell, k. d. molyneux

Mrs Lansell was the wife of George Lansell, a significant mine manager during the gold rush years of 1850s to his death in 1906. The Lansell family's gifts to the Bendigo Hospital in the. past have run into many thousands of pounds in endowments and giftsAn illuminated address presented to Mrs George Lansell by the Bendigo Gold District General Hospital upon the death of her Husband 20th April 1906. Leather bound with silver embossing, printed in black with an off white silk frontispiece. Address states: 'Bendigo Gold District General Hospital. To Mrs George Lansell. Dear Madam, We are deputed by the Board Of Management to convey to you and your family their sincere sympathy with you all in your recent bereavement and present sorrow. To the wise liberality of your late husband, the present efficiency if this hospital is largely due, his many gifts have formed the basis of an Endowment Fund that will remain to perpetuate his memory and be a memorial of his charity. To his faith in the future of Bendigo, his enterprise, perseverance and expenditure, the development of the mining resources of this district is mainly due, and continued prosperity of this important city is largely due the result of his efforts. We are, dear madam, yours faithfully.' Signatures, President, Hon Treasurer and Secretary.' dated 20th April 1906.person, individual, george lansell, lansell, bendigo hospital

A black and white photograph of the statue of Sir George Lansell in Rosalind Park in April 1969. See 3320.100bendigo, parks and gardens, sir george lansell statue, la trobe university bendigo collection, collection, bendigo, sir george lansell, statue, statues, miss j.c. burnett, mr. geoff pryor, gardens, parks, rosalind park, photo, photos, photograph, photographs, history

Slide. Mr. George Lansell. The Quartz King, taken from 'Bendigo and Vicinity' .mine, gold, mr. george lansell., bendigo mines-jack hattam collection.

Fortuna is the goddess of fortune and the personification of luck. Fortuna Villa is a magnificent house built by George Lansell it was kept secure for many years while use by the Defence Department. tour this magnificent home.Fortuna in Bendigo.george lansell, bendigo, fortuna

Program of a Complementary Dinner for Sir George Lansell held at the Hotel Shamrock on Saturday, January 20th, 1951. Includes a full-length photograph of Sir George Lansell and a list of toasts. The back cover has twenty signatures of attendees. The program is printed on cream coloured card.sir george lansell, knighthood

Mrs Edith Lansell (nee Bassford) from Bendigo, was the second wife of George Lansell, after his first wife, died in the late 1870s. Mr Lansell was a well respected a mine manager in Bendigo, making significant wealth and died in 1906. The first marriage didn't produce children, however his marriage to Edith resulted in six children from early 1880s, ensuring Lansell family heirs.Wooden box with plaque on the top ''Mrs. George Lansell''. Inside a large ornate black leather bound book with metal plaque ''In Memoriam''. On the first page a black and white oval photo of George Lansell, died Bendigo, March 19th 1906. The photo and words are surrounded by flowers. Next page a dedication to Mrs. George Lansell, Fortuna Villa, Bendigo April, 1906 with an eulogy from the representatives of the various companies in which Mr. Lansell was involved. The following three pages are full of cards from mining company with signatures of directors and managers. The Address states "Mrs George Lansell – “Fortuna Villa” Bendigo April 1906. Dear Madam, as representatives of the companies in which the late Mr Lansell took a special interest, being personally concerned in the management, we desire most respectfully but sincerely to express this sorrow felt at his death, not only by those now immediately constituting the management of the companies, but by the many hundreds of shareholders who reside all over this continent. Many of us have worked in cooperation with him for years and all are imbued with profound respect for the sound judgment, sagacity, strict impartiality and kindness of heart displayed by him. In all the varying fortunes through which his companies name here have passed, he was ever the same cheerful, enterprising hopeful man. Such success as has attended them is largely due to his association with the management and many who perchance did know him are now reaping the benefit of his courage and experience. His enterprises and judgment in presenting the operations of our mines and his tenacity of purpose in holding fast to ventures when disappointments were met and success was long delayed and seemed improbable have built up this district contributed largely to the wealth of many and found employment for thousands of workers for the past two generations. He has passed awa y in the fulness of years, but in passing he has left a name for enterprise and uprightness that will be as ensuring as the rocks themselves and he an example and incentive to generations yet to come. We tender our heartfelt sympathies to yourself and family in the great bereavement you have sustained and pray that God in his goodness may brighten your life with the devoted love of your family and bless you with many years of happiness and peace. On behalf of the companies named we subscribe ourselves. Yours most respectfully"person, individual, george lansell

Geo. (George) Lansell - ''a few facts''. Five handwritten pages written by A Richardson, VP of Bendigo Branch, Royal Historical Society. Some reference to Fortuna. Photostat copy of this documentA. Richardsonperson, individual, george lansell, the quartz king, william lansell, george lansell, thomas lansell, geo lansell.

A large colourful certificate of acceptance of the mayoral chain presented to the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of Margate, presented by George Lansell. Signed by the Mayor and Town Clerk of the Borough of Margate. Markings - Borough of Margate crest and seal.person, individual, george lansell

A presentation to George Lansell from the mine managers of Bendigo district to welcome him home. Hand painted and written on card with a scene of Fortuna Villa on top and bordered with autumn leaves, sturt desert peas, and signatures of mine managers underneath the greeting. Markings 'Ludwig Lang, Prahran.'person, individual, george lansell

Certificate of Life Governorship presented to George Lansell by the Bendigo Benevolent Asylum Incorporated. Hand painted and written on card with a scene of the Bendigo Benevolent Asylum in centre and bordered with a very intricate design of flowers and leaves in tones of blue, burgundy and gold. Certificate has a curved top. Markings - L (Ludwig) Lang, Prahran.person, individual, george lansell

Extract(s) from biography of George Lansell, from ''Bendigo and Vicinity'' by W B Kimberley, published 1895. There are two typewritten and two handwritten documents all covering the same extract from the Kimberley book. Not all of these four are exactly the same, with the final parts of each offering less detail than others. Essentially covering the same extract.W.B. Kimberleyperson, individual, george lansell, bendigo and vicinity by

Piano keyboard enclosed in a black wooden box. Box has three rusted hinges back, closed with two latches. Printed on front in white paint " George Lansell, Sandhurst, Victoria" Sticker on front of piano keyboard "Pleyel Wolff et cie". Numbers under keyboard '2 2 6 5 4. Keyboard was purchased from an antique shop in Rosebud in late 1990s by the donor, Joan McEwan."Pleyel Wolff et cie"musical instruments, keyboard, george lansell

Fortuna was built by George Lansell.Black and white image of George Lansell an interior room of George Lansell's Fortuna,george lansell, bendigo, fortuna

Document: DEATH CERTIFICATE : WILLIAM DAVID FIELD ( DESCENDANT OF GEORGE LANSELL ). Died 13th. July 1951, Bexley NSW.NSW Govt.place, fortuna, family history, bendigo, lansell, fortuna, william david field.

Invitation to Mr G and Mrs Lansell to attend the celebrations in Melbourne in connection with the opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia. Paper certificate mounted on card with illustrations of female figures and coats of arms.person, individual, george lansell

Photo of George V Lansell, portrait in black & white, framed in brown wooden frame with gold trim.Bartlett Bros. Bendigo.person, individual, portrait of george v lansell

Willam John Turner. The recommendation details his awards of being made a Life Govenor twice, Fund raising for the POW efforts, RSL Relief fund, RSL Picnic Committee, Chairman & Organizer off, RSL Inter Units Social Club, President and Treasurer off and Committee. The originals of this submission are damaged and will be in later Cat No’s in the Turner collection. Cat No 8030 will detail his service history and more RSL involvement.Framed letter, frame is timber gold colour, frame backing is maroon colour with the letter I set. This is a copy of the letter for the reccomendation for a Life Membership of the RSL to William John Turner Bendigo Sub Branch. The letter is very specific as to the roles and fund raising undertaken by Turner over many years. The fund raising amounts in Pounds is quite large.Letter heading and signed, “Memorial Hall Pall Mall Bendigo 13th May 1954” “Yours faithfully" "Sir George Lansell” Funds raised in Pounds, “£3891 - £4,100 - £2,000 - £938 - £200” The last figure was an annual amount raised.brsl, smirsl, life membership

Photo: photocopy of sepia photo of Mavis Jean Gould ( nee Field ) descendant of George Lansell. Photo taken in 1931. Woman dressed in light coloured top, with beads around neck, Hair pulled back and waved down side of face. Written on back in biro: 'if any thanks are given they should be to my dear Mother who never threw out anything, sincerely Margaret.'place, fortuna, family history, fortuna, lansell, bendigo

Fortuna Villa is associated with the 180 Mine on the New Chum Reef. Historically ‘Fortuna’ is significant for the record it provides from 1855 to 1871 of Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates and from 1871 to 1935 of the Lansell family, George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. The photo album depict the ornamental lake, garden, Roman bath and Pompeii fountain, all features of the house. Bound blue cloth family photo album. Nineteen brown card 'pages' each with photograph adhered to both sides. Total of thirty eight black and white photographs depicting interior and exterior of Fortuna as well as the Lansell family, friends and pets. Photographs of FORTUNA Bendigofortuna villa

Theodore Batterstedt and his father bought five acres of land on which they built a quartz crushing mill and a two storied, 8 roomed home in 1855. In 1869 they added 2 large rooms to each floor. In 1870 they sold the property to George Lansell. Further additions and renovations too place in 1888' 1890, 1900 and 1907. In 1942 the largely derelict building was compulsorily acquired by the army to house the Land Headquarters Cartographic Company and later the Army Survey Regiment.A 2 page document detailing the history of George Lansell's 'Fortuna' estate.george lansell, fortuna, military

'Quartz King' George Lansell bought the modes two story Fortuna Villa in 1871 and began rebuilding with the zeal he had used to make himself Australia's richest man.Bendigo Advertiser half page story entitled 'Fortuna Villa Celebrations' with two photos, one of Fortuna and its former owner George Lansell.bendigo, fortuna, george lansell

George Lansell was persuaded to begin investing in the newly forming mining companies of Bendigo, from 1855. His first investments failed, he lost money, and refocused on his original businesses. In 1865 George re-entered mining and with substantial investment was able to dictate the mining practices of his companies. His approach, of mining ever deeper than had been reached before, was so successful that he became known as the Quartz King of Bendigo. He soon became a millionaire. For a time, he may have been the richest man in the world. In 1871 Lansell purchased the Ballerstedt mines, equipment, machinery and mansion from the now deceased Christopher’s son, for 30,000 pounds. Although this was a large sum for the times, it demonstrated Lansell’s sound judgement: under his direction, the 180 Mine was extended down to over 3000 feet, becoming the deepest mine in the southern hemisphere at the time. By 1889, it was estimated that Ballerstadt and Lansell, over the time of the mine’s operation, had taken out at least a million pounds worth of gold from it. Mr. Lansell returned to England in about 1882 and took up his residence in Surrey, just across the river from London. There, when in his sixtieth year, he married Miss Edith Bassford, who was of English birth, but who was reared in Bendigo, where he first met her and her family. After a residence of seven years in Surrey Mr. Lansell and family returned to Bendigo, having been requested to do so by many leading citizens, who felt that it needed his presence and energy to keep mining in quartzopolis on the up grade. He was heartily welcomed by them on his return. Since then he has lived a quiet, uneventful life at his beautiful residence, "Fortuna." George Lansell travelled extensively, from the 1870’s, and extended his Fortuna Villa residence greatly, embellishing it as his fancy was inspired by his travels. Likewise it was filled with unusual items acquired on those travels. The surrounds did not miss out, being extensively landscaped and developed with features like ornamental lakes, a classical fountain, enclosed Roman style baths.Fortuna Articles - Photo of George Lansell's residence in England This item contains the following document: 11217.66a Black and white Photo Print of George Lansell's residence in England 10 x 8 inches, on rear of photo is written "George Lansell's Residence in England between 1881 and 1887 11217.66b Black and white Negative of George Lansell's residence in England 10 x 8 inches - Contact BHS for detailsnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, edith lansell, edith bassford