Six photos of the exterior and interior of Thomas Kinsella's past residence in grounds of St Patrick's Catholic Church taken 2000. The house "Donanore" was built in 1900 by Thomas Kinsella and was the family residence for many years. The Stawell news of 26.1.1924 reported the arrival of nuns from the order of Sisters of Joseph. The nuns resided in the house for many years. Three of the six photos are of the interior. One of the front door surrounded by stained glass windows. Another a detail of an external door. The third a view of a statue at the end of the hallway. The photos are in Album 2 p. 52 & 53.Six colour photos taken in 2000 of "Donanore" Tomas Kinsella's residence in the grounds of St Patrick's Catholic Church. Three different views of the house and three photos of the interior entrance and hallway. The house is a red brick house with grey trim and a verandah out the front with a slate roof. stawell

Slide photograph of Stanhope residents prepared to go to the ball held in honour of Princess Alexandra's visit to Melbourne in September 1959. The ball was held at the Melbourne Town Hall. Notes from Matron's Vines book says the lady in yellow is Helen McBain, the other names are not known. The handwritten note implies it is the visit of the Queen Mother, but it was a ball held to welcome Princess Alexandra in September 1959. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of the Stanhope residents participating in an important event.Colour slide of ladies in evening outfits in the Stanhope hallway, in a beige Anscochrome mount.Handwritten on reverse 'Stanhope girls. Visit of Queen Mother' in blue pen.junior legatee, royal visit, ballgown, stanhope

Example of late 19th Century home built by Irving and Glover for Abraham Baxter, a well known engineer, railway contractor and horse racing enthusiast. The estate consisted of about 300 acres, taking in the northern and eastern faces of Green Hill. The family lived at "Mt. Helen" until 1908. The house has been restored in recent in recent years.The fine brick house is an example of late 19th century home built and occupied by the Baxter family until 1908.Colour photograph of the interior hallway of "Mount Helen" built c.1888 by Irving and Glover"Mt. Helen". built c. 1888building, green hill, irving and glover, abraham baxter, interior

Colour photographic postcard of entrance of hallway of Glenara Motel, Lakes Entrance, Victoria, reception counter on right, guest lounge room through doorway on left.motels, entertainment, rsl clubs

'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author. The Grand Staircase of Tara Hall, circa 1957. The central hallway and stairs of Tara Hall, (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, designed this Studley Park Road mansion, of which the hallway was a significant feature, for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. Tara Hall, one of the great houses in Kew was demolished in 1959-60. Possibly Marc Strizic, photographer (1928-2012). Typed inscription on reverse: "The Grand Staircase of Tara Hall (Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne).byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park (kew), george ramsden, sir malcolm mceacharn, edward george kilburn (architect), studley park road (kew)

Built 1870, photograph taken 1972, image of carpeted entrance hallway leading to stairway when being used as an office.Unmounted black and white photograph in good conditionLinden, 14-4-1972. Age photo Y7058/9 ABC'

A simple Edwardian mirrored hallstand made of Australian Blackwood a popular feature of Australian cottage hallways in the early 20th century following on from similar furniture of the 19th century.edwardian, hallstand, australian, cottage, hallways, blackwood, mirror.

Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, designed 'Byram' (later renamed 'Goathland', 'Lowa' and 'Tara Hall') for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. The mansion, one of the most significant in Kew, was demolished in 1960.This is an original small photograph of this historic Kew mansion with provenance by descent from the first owners of the house.An angled view of the main hallway and staircase of Tara Hall (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). To the right of the staircase in this Studley Park Road mansion, was a large inglenook fireplace surrounded by stucco decoration. The latter was a characteristic of the architect, Edward G. Kilburn’s late style.Inscription reverse: "Interior Tara Hall, demolished 1960. Donated by Grandson [Peter Ramsden] of original owner George Ramsden. Home was also called Goathlands [sic] during its ownership by Sir Malcolm McEacharn. Other owners - Mrs F Treadway, Count O'Loughlin, Dr Edward Ryan, Mrs Evans, Royal Womens' Hosp. KH-324"byram, tara hall, lowan, goathland, edward g. kilburn (architect), george ramsden

Series of colour photographs of Town Hall Renovations 1995/96 TOWN HALL RENOVATIONS 1491: STAIRS TO THE UPSTAIRS SUPPER ROOM & A TABLE WITH SWEETS. 1491A: UPSTAIRS HALLWAY. 1491B: MAIN HALLWAY LOOKING TOWARD MAIN ENTRANCE. 1491C: UPSTAIRS WAITING AREA WITH ENTRANCE TO CINEMA. 1491D ANOTHER ANGLE OF PREVIOUS PHOTO. 1491E: LOOKING INTO THE HALL FROM THE BALCONY. 1491F: STAIRWELL TO THE GROUND FLOOR FROM 1491C. 1491G: STAIRS INTO THE CINEMA OTHER SIDE OF 1491C. 1491H: STAIRS TO UPSTAIRS CINEMA ENTRANCE. 1491I: GROUND FLOOR CINEMA ENTRANCE.stawell, town hall renovations

'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author. The Staircase at Tara Hall, circa 1957. An angled view of the main hallway and staircase of Tara Hall (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). To the right of the staircase in this Studley Park Road mansion, a large inglenook fireplace was located, which was surrounded by stucco decoration. The latter was a characteristic of E. G. Kilburn’s late style.Typed inscription on reverse: "The Staircase at Tara Hall. Above the ornate fireplace is the legend 'Come When You Mind, A Welcome Find'. (Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne)." byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park (kew), george ramsden, sir malcolm mceacharn, edward george kilburn (architect), studley park road (kew)

Raglan Street is located within the heritage precinct of central Ballarat. This house was built around the turn of the century, with sewerage being added in 1908. The hallway is lined with pressed metal, the remainder of the metal being used at Talbot Hall. The building was occupied by Dr Pern.Postcard size colour photo of a weatherboard house in Raglan St Ballarat.raglan street, ballarat, house, garden, architecture

Black and white photograph of hallway decorated with many paintings, statures, chairs, etc. Decorated ceiling. History of object: James Lerk 2000 'Quartz King George Lansell's portrait hangs over the marble overmantle of the fire place in the foyer of 'Fortuna Villa'The bronze incense urns are now in the Bendigo Art Gallery collection'. Photographed for Bendigo Advertiser 11.1.2001W Ninnisbuildings, residential, fortuna villa

'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author.Central Hall, Tara Hall, circa 1957. The central hallway and grand staircase of Tara Hall (previously named Byram, Goathland and Lowan). This photograph provides the clearest evidence of the scale and building materials selected by Edward George Kilburn, of Ellerker & Kilburn, for the industrialist George Ramsden in 1888. These include the murals on the second floor, the use of skylights, and the vaulted wooden panelling. byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park (kew), george ramsden, sir malcolm mceacharn, edward george kilburn (architect), studley park road (kew)

'Lost Glories: a memorial to forgotten Australian buildings' was published by David Latta in 1986. It tells the story of a number of significant Australian buildings that had previously been demolished. A chapter in the book was devoted to Goathland, later known as Tara Hall. To supplement the text, he sourced photographs from a range of suppliers, chiefly the Royal Women's Hospital which had once owned Tara Hall, but had sold it in 1960. This is one of the photographs donated to KHS by the author.The Vestibule, Goathland', 1901-11. The vestibule of Tara Hall (originally Byram, and later Goathland and Lowan). The vestibule was entered through a porte-cochère on the east side of the house. Visitors entered the mansion through the vestibule before progressing to the main hallway. The main rooms of the house were accessed through the latter on the ground and first floor. The photograph gives some idea of the decorative style of furnishings during this era. The Vestibule - "Goathland"byram, goathland, tara hall, lowan, studley park (kew), george ramsden, sir malcolm mceacharn, edward george kilburn (architect), studley park road (kew)

Interior photographs of the house at 3 St Helena Road Greensborough (corner Diamond Creek Road), showing lounge, dining, kitchen and hallway. The house was built in 1920. These photographs are from the Ray White sales brochure 2017. The 4 bedroom property sold in December 2017 for $900,000; previous sales: April 2009, $600,000; June 1981, $36,500; June 1976, $32,500. Digital copy of 8 colour photographs.st helena road greensborough, diamond creek road greensborough

Large framed map of Victoria, showing Victorias extensive rail network. Printed by Victorian Railways and is one of a number of 'framed pictures, particularly photographs of scenery, which have always been a feature of the Chalet.' (Pg 83. Historica, 2011) This map has been a permanent fixture situated in the hallway alongside the ballroom leading to the ski hire area since the 1950's and most likely earlier. Listed in Draft Inventory of Significant Collection ItemsLarge railway map of Victoria, Melbourne & Ballarat framed in white painted wood. Scale eight miles to one inch. Areas of the map have been whited out.Yes

"Today the Chalet lounges and hallways are stocked with a number of disparate furnishings of unknown provenance - table and chair settings... many ranging in styles from Edwardian and Art Deco periods. While they may appear to be original to the rooms, the items are not evident in any of the historic photographs surveyed in the course of this report, so their historical association with the Chalet does not appear to be strong and enduring. Some... appear to be domestic furnishings rather than those of a 'resort house'.Six lounge / club chairs, covered in brown vinyl. They are solid and bulky and have square, short block-like feet of dark wood.

"Today the Chalet lounges and hallways are stocked with a number of disparate furnishings of unknown provenance - table and chair settings... many ranging in styles from Edwardian and Art Deco periods. While they may appear to be original to the rooms, the items are not evident in any of the historic photographs surveyed in the course of this report, so their historical association with the Chalet does not appear to be strong and enduring. Some, including the Art Deco dining table and chairs in the Music Room ( MBC0038.2) ... appear to be domestic furnishings rather than those of a 'resort house'. Two blonde wood chairs with brown leather seats. Carved floral design at back, top of chairs.

This chamberstick-style candle holder was commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries as a portable light source before the widespread availability of electric lighting. The handle allowed for easy transport, making it a practical bedroom or hallway light. The scalloped dish base was designed to catch wax drips, preventing messes on surfaces. This type of candle holder was often used in homes, inns, and workplaces, particularly in rural areas where candlelight remained a primary source of illumination for longer. The aged appearance and patina suggest this item dates from the 19th or early 20th century.This is a small metal chamberstick-style candle holder, designed to hold a single candle. It features a scalloped, dish-like base with wavy edges, likely meant to catch dripping wax. The central candle cup is elevated on a decorative turned stem, with a slightly flared lip to support the candle. A circular loop handle is attached to one side, allowing for easy carrying. The base sits on three or four small round feet, elevating it slightly above a surface. The surface shows signs of aging, patina, and oxidation, suggesting it is made of brass, iron, or another aged metal. Donated by Alan McCREDDEN of Grass Flat.candle holder, candle, light, household item

This bottle of liquid floor polish was manufactured before 1960(taken over by Wattyl) in a period when most of the floors in high traffic areas were covered in linoleum. Most of the floors using this product during this period would have been kitchens and laundries. During this period the cleanliness of the kitchen, hallways and eateries had to appear clean (cleanliness was a sign of a bacteria free area). This was a priority for kitchens, mess areas(SEC Hydro Scheme facilities) and connecting walkways. The cleanliness attitude was enhanced in the rural areas due to the "dirty" farm work not impinging upon the residential home.When Mount Beauty was first inhabited all the residential and worker's facilities were a prime area for linoleum floor surfaces. The liquid floor polish was in great demand, "a polished floor is a clean floor".This bottle of liquid floor polish is very significant to the Kiewa Valley, not only that it covers the floors of every home and residential barracks of the first major development of a "town" now known as Mount Beauty but also it demonstrates that the "cleanliness" approach of early Australians living areas in the rural regions was "on par" with its city cousins. It is the smaller types of mores that underlie the "mushrooming" cultural and psyche "wholeness" of an ever expanding Australian culture.This brown opaque glass bottle with an oblong shape has a blue coloured "screw on" cap. It has a "wrap around" label glued firmly on the bottle and covers the front and sides.On the front main label under a red line, "SPARTAN" underneath in smaller print "For use on" below this, "LINOLEUM, RUBBER, COMPOSITION AND HARDWOOD FLOORS" besides this is an encircled Trade Mark of a "Spartan Warrior holding a spear and shield" these word follow the curviture of the circle and are below it "TRADE MARK REGISTERED" Below this are "SUPER FLOOR GLOSS" to the left in very small print "Nett Contents 16 Fluid Ounces". Below this on a blue background and in white print"LIQUID FLOOR WAX WATER REPELLENT". On the bottom of the label "Made under licence by HARDIE TRADING LIMITED for SPARTAN PAINTS PTY, LIMITED" below this in small print "Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, Launceston, Geelong. Embossed on the bootm of the glass is" G/Mfloor cleaners, liquid polish, "hygienic" clean floors.

In the early stages of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme the State Electricity Commission took over the financial and construction responsibility of the Tawonga District General Hospital building at a cost of 27,000 pounds. This included the removal and re-erection of the ex-military Bonegilla ward from Wodonga while in addition they carried out all the necessary building works that allowed the hospital to operate as a functional unit. The work was completed and handed over to the Hospital Committee of Management on September 1, 1949. Local residents raised 3,400 pounds through fund raising. The balance was met by the SEC and the Hospital and Charities Commission. The initial project was to provide for a basic temporary hospital which was later to include an Operating Theatre, Offices, Store, Mortuary and a Nurse’s Home, until the establishment of a permanent medical premises. Following the opening, 455 patients were admitted to the Tawonga District General Hospital and 254 operations were performed in the first year. The hospital relocated to Mount Beauty in the former SEC administration offices located in the town centre. Official opening of the 18 bed Tawonga District General Hospital was on April 29 in 1961. The old weatherboard building was demolished around the late 1900’s to early 2000’s and replaced with a new modern brick building. Alpine Health CEO Mr Lyndon Seys oversaw the opening of the new Mount Beauty Hospital in November 2001 alongside Board of Management President Mr Andrew Randell, other board members and politicians. The Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme the State Electricity Commission played a pivotal part in the planning and initial funding of the Tawonga District General Hospital, with a view to providing medical support for its many workers on the Hydro scheme. Later, spouse and family members of workers were also able to access medical assistance The hospital was originally located in Tawonga away from the majority of the patients as the Hospital and Charities. Many SEC workers and their families have received medical care at Tawonga District General Hospital and Alpine Health over the years. A number of family members of SECV workers as well as other dedicated staff have provided high quality medical attention and support in all the facilities as nursing staff, support staff and volunteers. Many past staff members and their families still remain living in the Kiewa Valley area 19 Colour photographs of the Tawonga and District Hospital situated in Mt Beauty circa 2000. Including photographs of interior and of some staff members1. No markings 2. G Ryder at front entrance 3. Sister G Ryder in the Resuscitation Room 4. Nurse D Hateley in the Kitchen 5. Nurse D Hateley in the Casualty Room 6. Sister W McClelland in new nurse’s station 7. R Forrest, G Ryder, ?, M Ranton 8. Nurse D Hateley in the Pan Room 9. Tawonga District General Hospital: Resuscitation Room 10. Hospital Hallway 11. Empty Nurses Station 12. Tawonga District General Hospital: Nursery 13. Patient Tea Room 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18. No marking mt beauty district hospital, tawonga district hospital, bonegilla ward, ryder family

Identified as: BACK ROW LtoR: J. Tulloch, E. Miskin, A. Hill, D. Ryan, C. Dohrmann, G. Harris, M. Landmann, B. Knights 3RD ROW LtoR: F. Webster, J. Murphy, A. Mitchell, T. Good, R. Proctor, R. Larsen, W. Gladwyne, E. Fraser, W. Kinross, P. Munro 2ND ROW LtoR: R. Blake, L. Warmbrun, R. Frost, E. Thompson, R. Davies, A. Webb, Benjamin Elms, W. Morrison, G. Rae, D. Enticknap, J. Burgess, W. Crellin, FRONT ROW LtoR: C. Potter, N. Smart, F. Parsons, A Sutton, A. Woffenden, Cr. D. Howie, H. Irwin, H. Davidson, D. McDougall, M. Walker, W. Peters The donor Ralph Maxwell Rae was a foundation student, whose father was a member of the 1st Fathers' Club. Ralph married fellow student Jean Gladys Towt in 1947. The original framed photo hangs in hallway at Chatham Primary School. A black and white photograph of 40 men. They are all wearing suits.mr j tulloch,, mr e miskin,, mr a hill,, mr d ryan,, mr c dohrmann,, mr g harris,, mr m landmann,, mr b knights,, mr b elms,, mr w morrison,, mr g rae,, mr h irwin,, mr f webster,, mr j murphy, j. (mr), mr a mitchell,, mr t good,, mr r proctor,, mr r larsen,, mr w gladwyne,, mr e fraser,, mr d enticknap,, mr j burgess,, mr w crellin,, mr c potter,, mr w kinross,, mr p munro,, mr r blake,, mr l warmbrun,, mr r frost,, mr e thompson,, mr r davies,, mr a webb,, mr n smart,, mr f parsons,, mr a sutton,, mr a woffenden,, mr / cr d howie,, mr h davidson,, mr d mcdougall,, mr m walker,, mr w peters,, chatham school fathers club, 1928

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. From Victorian Heritage Database citation for HO40 Craigellachie 2b & 2c Lynedoch Avenue Caulfield North https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/35209 as at (28/10/2020) Craigellachie" is situated at No. 2B Lynedoch Avenue, Caulfield North, and was built for the noted investor, pastoralist and politician, William Pearson, not earlier than 1864 and possible in 1876, undergoing several substantial and contributory extensions during the nineteenth century. It is historically and aesthetically significant.From Victorian Heritage Database citation for HO40 Craigellachie https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/35209 as at (28/10/2020) It is historically significant (Criterion A) as the Melbourne home of William Pearson, MLA, MLC and principal shareholder in Walhalla's Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mining Co. which sustained the township well past the turn of the twentieth century and occupied fifth place amongst Victoria's richest mines. It is aesthetically significant (Criterion E) for its capacity to demonstrate Pearson's continuing financial success throughout the mid to late nineteenth century, the additions associated with the tower being most noteworthy as an example of the lasting appeal of the Italian Style, popularized in the pattern books of the day. The Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) is significant as an outstanding example of a species that is rare in cultivation, as well as for its very high aesthetic value. The Araucaria bidwilli is notable as a fine example of a species infrequently planted in Melbourne and rarely found in private suburban gardens.Page 160 - four photographs of Craigellachie interiors. Handwritten: "Craigellachie" 273 Orrong Road [top right] / 156 [bottom right]trevor hart, orrong road, italianate, mansion, 1870's, william pearson, inkerman street, decorative plaster work, rendered walls, ornamentation, moulded ornaments, 1860's, lynedoch avenue, classical style, caulfield north, craigellachie, late victorian style, st kilda east, hallways, arched doors, stained glass, mrs francis, furnishings

Fred, Gwenda and Geoff Jones Contents 1. Proud memory; Geoff Jones, Diamond Valley News, 21 Nov 1979 2. Sudden death of 'much loved man', Diamond Valley News, 13 Feb 1979 3. Honor for a community friend, Diamond Valley News, 8 March 1995 (On reverse, 'Diverse program to entice riders' about St Andrews Saddle Club and fgeatures a photo of Debbie Jones) Gwendoline (Gwenda) Grace Watson Davies, only daughter of Mr. William Watson Davies and Mrs. Grace Davies (nee Hayes) of Arthur Street, Eltham was born in Newport, 18 February 1908. Gwenda grew up in Arthur Street and when she left school she was employed as an officer at the State Bank of Victoria, Chief Accountants Department, Head Office, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. On October 20, 1937 after ten years of service, Gwenda submitted her letter of resignation effective November 26th as she was to be married in the near future to Fred Jones. Frederick Geoffrey Jones, born 7 January 1911, third son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Jones of Napoleon Street, Eltham, married Gwenda at the Eltham Methodist Church on 27 November 1937. They made their home at ‘Llangollen’, Arthur Street, Eltham, a new house Fred had constructed earlier that year opposite the Shire Offices. Their residence was recorded in the Electoral Rolls from 1963-1980 as 6 Arthur Street, Eltham which was situated on the corner of Arthur Street and present-day Commercial Place. In the 1970s their home was sold and demolished to make way for the new shops. They built a new home at the top of the hill in Bible Street. In the Electoral Rolls for 1943-1980, Frederick’s occupation was recorded as a Plumber’s Assistant. Fred was also a long-standing member of the Eltham Cemetery Trust. He was first appointed 26 April 1944 and resigned 17 July 1957 to be appointed to the Warringal and Eltham Joint Trust where he served till February 1980. He then re-joined the Eltham Cemetery Trust and served a further 14 years till his resignation on 24 August 1994. In total, Fred represented the interests of Eltham Cemetery for 50 years (1944-1994). Gwenda and Fred were blessed with a son, Frederick William Jones in March 1942. Sadly, Frederick only lived two days and was buried at Eltham Cemetery on March 11. It is not known whether his grave is marked. A second son, Geoffrey Morris Jones arrived 25 November 1944 but he sadly contracted polio as a child. A fall down the front steps of Fred and Gwenda’s new home in Bible Street culminated in Geoff’s death from a heart attack whilst in transit to the Austin Hospital on February 6, 1979, at age 34. He was also interred in the Eltham Cemetery. Geoff was posthumously awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to fire safety at the CFA. A small man, handicapped from his childhood polio, he had figured prominently in the area as an active Apex member and as group officer for the 13 local brigades in the CFA Lower Yarra Group. His work for the CFA, all voluntary, included writing a fire-fighting manual and the innovation of aerial fire spotting and weekly fire reports. Gwendoline and Fred were presented with Geoff’s B.EM. award at Government House. Four years later on the anniversary of Geoff’s death, Gwenda could not sleep and collapsed in the hallway at home from a heart attack, 6 February 1983 at age 74. She was interred with her son Geoff, at Eltham Cemetery on February 9th. Fred died 31 July 1997 at age 86 and was also interred at Eltham Cemetery. A memorial plaque to Gwenda, Fred and Geoff lies within the lawn cemetery at Eltham Cemetery.Newsprint clippingscfa, eltham cemetery, eltham cemetery trust, frederick geoffrey jones, geoffrey morris jones b.e.m., gwendoline grace watson jones (nee davies), lower yarra group, debbie jones, st andrews saddle club

This majestic peacock embodies technical achievement, skill and ingenuity of artisans during the 19th century. It is now known as the 'Loch Ard Peacock' and was designed and modelled in 1873 by Paul Comolera (1818-1897), and fired in one piece at the Minton factory at Stoke-on-Trent in the United Kingdom in 1875. The peacock has been portrayed in symbolic motifs and has figured heavily in folktales and fables since antiquity, and many cultures around the world see it as a symbol of beauty, rebirth and power. Wealthy Victorians, loved majolica, and the large peacock would have been the ultimate home accessory, as a conservatory ornament – combining their desire for nature, the exotic and vibrant colours. The peacock model was listed in catalogues by Minton & Co. for a retail price of 35 guineas or sold as a pair for 90 guineas. Minton & Co. was founded in 1793 by Thomas Minton (1765–1836) and became famous pottery and porcelain manufacturers. Comolera was a French artist and sculptor, renowned for dramatic naturalistic forms, and life-size renditions of birds and animals that won him admiration in public and artistic circles. He was employed by Minton & Co. from 1873 to 1880, and the life-sized peacock became his best known work. Comolera, kept a live peacock loaned from the nearby Duke of Sutherland's Trentham Hall Estate in his studio, to create a life-size model of fine buff earthenware model, which was then hand painted in brilliantly coloured green and blue glazes to mimic the peafowl’s dazzling plumage. There are no surviving production records, but according to documents in the Minton Archive, nine peacocks were made by Comolera. However, today some historians now believe that twelve were fired at the Minton factory, research is still on-going. These peacocks were so admired that the Minton & Co. used them as exhibition showpieces at International Exhibitions in London, Paris, and the United States of America, assuring the company had a worldwide reputation. So, when Melbourne hosted an International Exposition in 1880, Minton & Co. sent out ceramics, tiles and in particular, this peacock was intended to be part of their exhibit in the British Court in the Exhibition Building, built in the Carlton Gardens. The early dispatch date (1878) indicates that the company may have intended to exhibit their wares including the peacock at the 1879 Sydney International Exhibition, but the company did not take up this option. The ship that Minton & Co. used to bring the peacock and their other wares to the Australian colonies was the ill-fated Loch Ard, which sunk after striking Mutton Bird Island near Port Campbell, Victoria in calm foggy weather in June 1878 on the final leg on the ships journey to Melbourne. The loss of 52 lives made it one of Victoria’s worst shipwrecks. Therefore, this peacock never made it to the grand exposition in Melbourne, as Minton & Co. had planned. Charles McGillivray dragged this peacock, still in its original packing case onto the beach in the gorge just two days after the Loch Ard went down. The peacock was rescued unscathed apart from a chip on its beak (only repaired in 1988). After a disagreement with Melbourne Customs Officer, Joseph Daish, McGillivray stopped his salvage operations, leaving the peacock on the beach. The second salvagers were James Miller and Thomas Keys. Miller was a member of the firm Howarth, Miller and Matthews, Geelong, who had brought the salvage rights to the Loch Ard wreck on 10 June. When Miller and Keys arrived at the wreck site, a storm had washed many of the salvaged goods including this peacock back into the sea. The two men found the peacock in its case ‘bobbing along in the water’, and pulled it back to the beach. To ensure the peacock wasn't washed out to sea again, Miller and Keys hauled the packing case containing the peacock up the gorge's cliff face to the top, ready to be transported. In an interview in 1928, Keys claimed that at the time of the rescue the head had broken from the body. This account was proven to be true in 1988, following the birds display in Brisbane. This peacock began its life in Australia, not in grandeur of an International Exhibition as intended, but in the hallway of a simple domestic house in Geelong. It appears Minton &Co. did not attempt to buy this peacock back. Florence Miller, daughter of James Miller (Loch Ard salvage rights holder), later remarked that the only item of real value rescued from the wreck had been the peacock and that this had been kept by her father in the family home for many years, and became a treasured family possession. As such, this 'Loch Ard peacock' was almost forgotten and mistaken with other Minton peacocks around the world. Florence tried to sell the peacock due to financial difficulties in the 1930s but was unsuccessful. While attempting to sell the peacock, it was displayed in the window of the Argus newspaper office on Collins Street, and at the National Museum on 1st June 1935, the date of the 57th anniversary of the Loch Ard wreck. As a result, the peacock again attracted public attention with books, newspaper and magazine articles being published telling the story of its survival from a shipwreck. After Miller's death, the peacock remained in an antique dealer's shop in Melbourne for many years until it was bought at auction by Frank Ridley-Lee, in the 1940s, who displayed the bird at his home in Ivanhoe/Heidelberg. The peacock remained in the hands of the Ridley-Lee, until it was offered for sale in 1975 as part of Mrs Ridley-Lee's estate. In 1975, an advertisement in Melbourne newspaper, the Age announced the sale by auction of the art collection of the Ridley-Lee estate that included this peacock. The peacock was not sold at this time, as the reserve price of $4500 was not met. This news was passed on to the board of the newly created Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Urgent efforts were made to raise the necessary funds through fundraising by the Warrnambool City Council and public donations. The Fletcher Jones Company and the Victorian Government contributed half of the of the cost. On 9 September 1975, the peacock was purchased by Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and it found a new home at the maritime museum. Since, it has only left Warrnambool twice. Firstly, in 1980 at the centenary celebrations of the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, and secondly, in 1988, the peacock was given pride of place at the entrance to the Victorian Pavilion at the Brisbane World Expo, acknowledging that this Minton majolica peacock is the most significant shipwreck object in Australia. The Minton majolica peacock is considered of historical social and aesthetic significance to Victoria and is one of only a few 'objects' registered on the Victorian Heritage Register (H 2132), as it is a most notable and rare object associated with the Minton factory of the 1870s and works by the celebrated sculptor Paul Comolera along with the wreck of the Loch Ard on the Victorian coastline. This Minton peacock is historically significant for its rarity; it was one of only 9-12 known to exist. The shipwreck of the Loch Ard is also of significance for Victoria and is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register Ref (S 417). Flagstaff Hill has a varied collection of artefacts from Loch Ard and its collection is significant for being one of the largest accumulation of artefacts from this notable Victorian shipwreck. The collections object is to also give us a snapshot into history so we can interpret the story of this tragic event. The collection is also archaeologically significant as it represents aspects of Victoria's shipping history that allows us to interpret Victoria's early social and historical themes. The collection is historically significant is that it is associated, unfortunately with the worst and best-known shipwreck in Victoria's history. The peacock, resplendent in polychrome glaze, stands perched on a rocky plinth decorated with vines, leaves, flowers, blackberries and wild mushrooms. The peacock’s breast is cobalt blue; the wings and legs are in naturalistic colours. The tail is a mass of feathers coloured in green, ochre blue and brown — a fantastic display of artistry and Minton expertise. Inscribed at the base :P Comolera, and a Minton & Co. design number: 2045.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, loch ard, loch ard gorge, peacock, paul comolera, victorian heritage register, minton peacock, minton & co., stoke upon trent, bird figures, mintons, ceramics, international expositions, majolica, naturalistic, staffordshire