In November 1914, an advertisement was placed in the British national press inviting monetary contributions to a 'Sailors and Soldiers Christmas Fund' which had been created by Princess Mary, the 17 year old daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. The purpose was to provide everyone wearing the King's uniform and serving overseas on Christmas Day with a 'gift from the nation'. The response was overwhelming, and it was decided to spend the money on an embossed brass box, based on a design by Messrs Adshead and Ramsay. The contents varied considerably; officers and men on active service afloat or at the front received a box containing a combinationof pipe, lighter, tobacco and 20 cigarettes and wrappers. Non smokers received a bullet pencil and a packet of sweets instead. Indian troops often got sweets and spices, and nurses were given chocolate.This box is on loan from the grandson of the soldier who it was given to.This box is on loan from Terry Phillips. It belonged to his Grandfather who served at Gallipoli.Princess Mary 1914 Christmas Gift tin. Decorative brass with Princess Mary's profile surrounded by a laurel wreath engraved in the the centre of the lid, with the letter 'M' on both sides. The names of the allied nations are engraved in the corners and on the sides. A sword and scabbard decorate the top side. The lower side is decorated with battleships..At the top a decorative cartouche contains the words "Imperium Britannicum" and one on the lower edge contains the words "Christmas 1914". In small roundels on the corners appear the names "Belgium", "Japan", "Montenegro" and "Servia". "France and "Russia" are written on the short sides.world war one, box, brass box, princess mary 1914 christmas gift, decorative box, anzac, 1914, christmas, gift, princess, mary, russia, belgium, japan, montenegro, servia, france

black and white photograph of Princess Mary of Cambridge wearing Victorian outfit.photograph, person, female, black and white photograph of princess mary of cambridge

A brass tin embossed on hinged lid with an effigy of Princess Mary surrounded by a laurel wreath, around edges are the names of the allied countries in WW1 & Christmas 1914, the tins contained various items and were sent to troops on the front, a small card inside reads, With best wishes for a victorious new year from The Princess Mary and friends at home, also contains a replica bullet which would have contained a pencil, with the Princess Mary's emblem on side.military, world war 1, princess mary tin

A 'Sailors & Soldiers Christmas Fund' created by Princess Mary had overwhelming response and so it was decided to give every person 'wearing the King's uniform on Christmas Day 1914' the brass tin along with a Christmas card and a picture of the princess, and items such as pipe, lighter, tobacco, and 20 cigarettes. Non-smokers and boys received a bullet pencil and a packet of sweets. Indian troops often received sweets and spices, and nurses received chocolates. Many of the items were sent separately from the boxes because of lack of space. Not all the tins could be sent out by Christmas and so those sent in January 1915 contained a New Year card. Shortage of brass meant that many did not received their tins until summer 1916, however by January 1919 some still did not receive them. After using up the contents many service people then used the tins to store small items. The brass tin, bullet pencil, and medals belonged to Pte George Nutting of the 2nd London regiment, and regimental number 2080/230442. After World War 1 George Nutting sailed for Melbourne on June 1, 1922 aboard the S.S. Borda. He then lived at several addresses in the Sunshine/Albion area including Dawson St, 32 King Edward Ave, and 15 Kamarooka St. At one stage he was involved in a window cleaning and gardening business, and both he and his wife Janet were very good dancers. George Nutting was also involved in the loyal Sunshine Lodge and was presented with a Past Grand's Collar in 1943. He lived at 15 Kamarooka St until he passed away on March 20th 1979 at the age of 85. The above information was sourced from http://www.kinnethmont.co.uk/1914-1918_files/xmas-box-1914.htm (accessed 1/3/2014), and from http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/1329146/tin-princess-mary-s-Christmas-gift-1914 (accessed 1/3/2014), and from research work done by Eva and Marie of S&DHS.The Tin and Medals provide a visible historical record of the Christmas gift, and the awards that the average WW1 British service person received about 100 years ago. The bullet pencil may indicate that Pte G. Nutting was probably a non-smoker, at least around circa 1914.Brass rectangular box with an embossed and hinged lid. The lid features the profile of Princess Mary with an 'M' on each side, and the names of Britain's allies in 1914. The pencil fits into the brass bullet casing to give the appearance of a bullet. The WW1 British medals are: 1. 1914 - 1915 Star, 2. British War Medal 1914 - 1918 (Silver), 3. Allied Victory Medal.TIN: Imperium Brittanicum, Christmas 1914, Belgium, France, Servia, Japan, Russia, Monte Negro. MEDALS: 2080 Pte G. Nutting 2 - Lond.R g. nutting, princess mary tin, christmas 1914, bullet pencil, british ww1 medals, 1914 - 1915 star, british war medal 1914 - 1918, allied victory medal

Containers like these containing tobacco, sweets, cigarettes were sent to allied troops at Christmas in 1914.This box also holds a poem called Far Away by De Siva (1st Battalion), which was likely placed there for safekeeping by its original owner.More than 400,000 of these gift boxes, embossed with the effigy of Princess Mary, were distributed to Commonwealth troops on Christmas Day, 1914. A gift from the Princess, they contained various items including sweets, tobacco and pencils. This box also holds a poem called Far Away by De Siva (1st Battalion), which was likely placed there for safekeeping by its original owner.Brass gift box / container with the effigy of Princess Mary, laurel leaves and elaborate border decoration. Box contains two ribbon bars, one rainbow medal ribbon (no medal), and one red, white and blue ribbon with safety pin. Also inside is a poem called 'Far Away' by De Siva (1st Battalion) printed on white paper.On tin (clockwise from top left): "Belgium / Imperium Brittannicum / Japan / Russia / Montenegro / Christmas 1914 / Servia / France"christmas tin, brass tin, brass, princess mary, princess mary christmas gift box, ribbons, far away, poem

1914 WW1. Priness MaryRare 1914 Christmas greetingsOff white Cardboard front and rear with white paper insert making up two internal pages. Card - Christmas Card from the Princess Mary and Friends at Home - 1914 Front of card has "M" "1914"Christmas best wishes & Victorious New Year from The Princess Mary & friends at home.

The contents of this display case are known as Princess Mary’s Christmas Fund 1914. In October 1914 Princess Mary, the 17 year-old daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, launched an appeal to raise funds to produce a Christmas present for every person serving in the British and Allied Forces in World War One. The Christmas box was a silver one for officers and a brass one for other ranks. The box usually contained a packet of cigarettes and tobacco, a Christmas card and a photograph of Princess Mary but some boxes contained confectionery, notebooks, pencils etc. By Christmas 1914 200,000 boxes had been distributed but it took until 1920 to dispose of the 2,500,000 boxes that were produced. Many of the boxes given to Australian servicemen have survived but few contain any or all of the contents. It is not known to whom this box was sent. This box and its contents are of great interest as an important memento of Australian participation in World War One. This is a rectangular brass tin and its contents – two yellow cardboard boxes which originally held cigarettes and tobacco, a Christmas card and a photograph of Princess Mary. The five items are displayed within a rectangular wooden box with a removable glass top. The brass tin is embossed with an image in the centre of Princess Mary surrounded by a laurel wreath. The embossing includes the letter ‘M’ (twice) and the names of some of the allies of Britain in World War One. Christmas Card: ‘With Best Wishes for a Happy Christmas and a Victorious New Year from The Princess Mary and Friends at Home’ Cigarettes and Tobacco Boxes: ‘Her Royal Highness The Princess Mary’s Christmas Fund 1914’. warrnambool and world war one, princess mary’s christmas fund 1914

Princess Mary gift box was intended to be distributed to all members of the British Armed Forces at Christmas 1914, during WW1. It contained various gifts including chocolate, cigarettes and tobacco.Gold colour tin with ornate design on front, with an image of Princess Mary within a circle and laurels. There is a stylised "M" on either side. Along the outside is written "Imperial Brittani cum". On top centre and around the edges is the name of various other allies.Inscribed "Christmas 1914".gift box, ww1, princess mary

Brass tin with Gilt finish. Given to British Commonwealth Troops for Christmas in 1914. Usually contained cigarettes or tobacco. Also a card and pencil set in a 303 bullet.Imperium Britanicum Christmas 1914. Belgium, France, Serbia, Japan, Russia, Monte Negro.

postcard : HRH Princess Mary's Son, The Hon. G.H.Hubert Lascelles.- Pincess Mary's son Image shows small boy, holding a ball. On rear : Beagles' Post Card 1930's ?royalty, british, hubert lascelles, princess mary, hubert lascelles

A brass gift box with an embossed hinging lid which was presented to WW1 sailors and soldiers for Christmas 1914. The gift was at the initiative of HRH The Princess Victoria Alexandra Alice Mary the daughter of the then King George V and Queen Mary. This box is empty however the full story of the box and contents can be found at the following url < http://collections.iwm.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.994/setPaginate/No >The lid is embossed with the bust of HRH Princess Mary in a wreath with the letter "M" to either side and the following words "IMPERIUM BRITANNICUM" and "CHRISTMAS 1914" and has the country names "FRANCE", "BELGIUM", "JAPAN", "RUSSIA", MONTENEGRO" and "SERVIA". box, ww1, brass, wwi, gift box, princess mary s gift box, present, christmas present

World War 1 Australian Bombardier with the Royal Field Artillery189 A brass gift box with an embossed hinging lid which was presented to WW1 sailors and soldiers for Christmas 1914. The gift was at the initiative of HRH The Princess Victoria Alexandra Alice Mary the daughter of the then King George V and Queen Mary. 189.1 Small card with paper insert 189.2 Three medals with coloured ribbons, one medal has a small metal badge attached. Items belonging to Bombardier G.S.Hunt, 57473 in the Royal Field Artillery, WW1.The lid is embossed with the bust of HRH Princess Mary in a wreath with the letter "M" to either side and the following words "IMPERIUM BRITANNICUM" and "CHRISTMAS 1914" and has the country names "FRANCE", "BELGIUM", "JAPAN", "RUSSIA", MONTENEGRO" and "SERVIA". 189.1 Front of card a crown with M underneath with 1915 under that. Inside Wreath with sword through it and the words With best wishes for a victorious new year from The Princess Mary and friends at home. 189.2 WW1 Campaign Medals / ribbons 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.brass, hunt, g.s hunt, christmas, 1914, princess mary, bombadier, ww1, world war 1, army, royal field artillery, 1914 star, british war medal, victory medal

The tins held various items from pencils, writing paper to tobacco and spices. The idea came from Princess Mary to get one to all Allied troops serving overseas. Item relates to Gilbert Turner MM, No 1410, 45th Batt AIF. Refer 1294P, 1039P, 1038. Princess Mary Christmas tin 1914, brass, lid is embossed with writing and an image of the Princess, hinged lid, "Imperium Britanicum Christmas 1914", "Japan, Russia, Montenegro, Serbia, France, Belgium"containers - commercial, xmas 1914, turner

Gift to troops in France 1914-15. Decorative brass tin sent by Princess Mary to members of the British, Colonial and Indian Armed Forces for Christmas 1914. Over 426,000 of these tins were distributed to those serving on Christmas Day 1914. The tins were filled with various items including tobacco, confectionary, spices, pencils, a Christmas card and a picture of the princess. http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/1329146/tin-princess-mary-s-christmas-gift-19142Gift to the troops tobacco tins Christmas 1914 Brass hinged lidded tin New Year 1915 Brass hinged lidded tin containing tobacco in "plugs"Christmas 1914 Imperium Brittanicum France Russia (embossed) Australian coat of arms To the Australian Expeditionary Forces From the Australian Contingent Association Happy New Year 1915 christmas gift, tobacco, princess mary

Item belonged to Horace Eli Hambly No 794 AIF. refer 2325.2 for his service history.Small, yellow cardboard outer with paper inside. Folds in half. Front has crown with M & 1915 in red underneath.Written inside: Best Wishes for a Victorious Year from Princess Marydocuments - cards, military history

WW1 Brass tin type container, containing a pack of cigarettes and tobaccoLid has etchings : Imperium Britannicum Christmas 1914, left side France, right side Russia. Cameo with a laurel wreath depicting Princess Mary. Cigarettes and tobacco packets printed with "Her Royal Highness The Princess Mary's Christmas Fund 1914.chiltern, ww1

Set of documents collected by Mike Ryan of the transfer of tram SW 6 965 from Melbourne to Denmark and its launch by Princess Mary during May 2006. .1 - Danish Tramway Museum Magazine - "By Trafik" - Feb. 2006 containing an article in its shipping to Arhus by Yokohama ex Melbourne along with some printed notes on the transfer within the magazine. .2 - ditto - Jun 2006 - with the launch of the tram by the Prince and Princess with a translation of the article. .3 - Museum marketing brochure featuring 965 on the front along with a translation note. .4 - Museum Catalogue of its tramcars .5 - Museum Annual report for 2005. .6 - Danish newspaper cuttings for 23 May 2006 on the launch of the tram. .7 - ditto for 24 May 2006. .8 - photocopy of an article in Lloyd's list for 6-1-2006 on the shipping of the tram. Three Museum Postcards; .9 - view of 965 at the Museum .10 - View of the launch function - 23/5/2006 .11 - Photo of Copenhagen tram 575.trams, tramways, disposal, denmark, museums, tram 965

The embossed brass tin was a Christmas Gift to the Troops 1914 from HRH Princess Mary containing pipe, tinder lighter, tobacco, cigarettes and Christmas Card.Embossed tin presented to troops as a Xmas gift about 1914. Gold coloured metal embossed tin.passchendaele barracks trust, ww1, gift

Items souvenired, collected by Horace Eli Hambly No 794 AIF. Refer 2325.2 for his service history..1) Tin, metal, gold colour with hinged lid, ornate on lid with "Princess Mary Centre", "Christmas 1914" - gift tin to troops. .2) Badge, metal, brass, "Letters 'L.H'" with lugs & pin. .3) Same as .2). .4) Badge, metal, round centre has letters "RSA" in white & red. "Returned Soldiers Assoc. Victoria"..4) "1904"numismatics-badges, societies-service clubs

This is a short study of Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, written expressly to coincide with their wedding. It tells some of the stories behind the Royal romance as well as sketching the personalities and characters of the young Royal couple. The book probably belonged to Mary Gilbert, a prominent member of the Orbost community - a teacher and historian who was the first curator of the Orbost Museum. This book is a useful reference tool.A 64 pp dark blue hardback book with gold print on the cover - ELIZABETH and PHILIP and underneath a gold line - LOUIS WULFF, M.V.O. It contains b/w photographs and stories of Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten. It is authored by Louis Wulff, M. V. O.Inside front cover - in brown pencil - Gilbertsroyal-family princess-elizabeth gilbert-mary

Rectangular brass / tin box issued to allied servicemen Christmas 1914, organised by Princess Mary (daughter of King George V). the tin was presented to all the troops at War for Christmas containing a photo of King George and Queen Mary, a Christmas card tobacco or chocolate. Initially to seamen at sea and soldiers at the front but widened as many thought they missed out. Funding the Christmas boxes were organised by public donation.Tin lid impressed with a female head in profile encircled with a wreath, and two "M". The tin is dated Christmas 1914. Around the edges the names of the allied countries are noted including France, Russia and Japanchristmas box, christmas 1914

A slim rectangular brown toned softcover booklet with Guernsey printed in black lettering at the top of the front cover and Price 6d. net printed in white lettering at the bottom right. The front and back covers depict a large overall scene of Guernsey from the land looking over the water. The Bailiwick of Guernsey: (The Islands of Guernsey, Alderney and Sark) is printed on the title page with a sepia coloured photograph of the reception of their majesties the King and Queen, and Princess Mary on the occasion of their visit, July11, 1921. There are many black and white photographs throughout the booklet. It has brown thin cord tied on the spine. 24p.non-fictionA historical descriptive booklet describing the charms and amenities of the wonderful island of Guernsey and all it has to offer. It includes archaeology, schools and colleges, churches, yachting, agriculture, sports, the growing industry. It has small sections on Alderney and Sark.history booklet, guernsey history

Set of four items or materials from the event of the Royal Visit to the Danish Tramway Museum by Crown Prince Frederick and Princess Mary 2006 to visit the Royal Tram, ex Melbourne No. 965. .1 - Cloth bound, A4 Calendar for 2007 featuring the royal visit on the front cover. .2 - Christmas Card for 2006 featuring the royal visit and a personal note to Mike Ryan who assisted in the project. .3 - Colour photo of W6 965 at the Museum, at night dated 10/12/2006. .4 - colour photo of W6 965 at the Christmas Cavalcade, Copenhagen (on a truck) Sat. 25.11.2006.trams, tramways, denmark, royal visit, w6 class, tram 965

This newspaper supplement has a series of pictures specially drawn by 'Sphere" artists to show a pictorial record of the journey of the Unknown Warrior from a lonely grave on the battlefield to a tomb in Westminster Abbey on 11th November 1920. 11 November 1920 On 11 November 1920, the second anniversary of the Armistice, the commemoration became a funeral when the remains of an unknown soldier were returned from the battlefields of the Western Front. The remains were interred with full military honours in Westminster Abbey in London. In attendance were King George V, Queen Mary, The Queen Mother, The Queen of Spain and Princess Mary. The service was conducted by the Dean of Westminster.Eight page newspaper supplement of "The Sphere" which gives a series of pictures specially drawn by "Sphere" artists of Armistice Day celebrations 1920. A pictorial record of the journey of the Unknown Warrior from a lonely grave on the battlefield to a tomb in Wesminster Abbey.armistice day 1920, the warrior's pilgrimage 11/1/1920, the unknown warrior, "verdun", bluejackets, king george v, westminster abbey, the cenotaph london

Brass gift box, presented to serving military personnel in World War 1. Attributed as being the brainchild of Princess Mary, daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. On top of tin the head of the Princess is surrounded by a laurel wreath. Embossed on top 'Imperium Britannicum', on bottom 'Christmas 1914' This tin was found in a secretaire given to Graham Hookey, inside the tin is gold woven epaulette, nibs for a dip pen and a small lock 'Miller' embossed on front. Also enclosed are two medals - one metal 'volunteered for active service' printed around outside of medal, other two appear to be off a uniform, another 'corps of engineers' gold badge. Rising sun medal with 'Australian Commonwealth Military Force' embossed.australia, military, brass comfort tin

Birthday Books are personal record books for names and birth dates of friends and relatives. This book includes a quote from Charles Dickens for each day of the year. The books were published in many editions, with different publishers, illustrators, covers and designs. This Dickens Birthday book was presented as a gift to fifteen-year-old Clara Skirrow on January 19th 1911, by Mr and Mrs B Watson, perhaps the 'Benji Watson' in the book, whose birthday was July 1st, 1887. The entries in the book include several with the surnames Watson and Skirrow. Interestingly, names are entered in various writing styles, perhaps because each entry was written by the person of that name, similar to an autograph book. Curiously, there are two entries for Connie Watson, one in brackets on March 16th, the other on March 23rd, without brackets. The artist, Pilford Fletcher Watson (1892-1907), was born in London. He moved to Sydney, where he became a prominent and well-established artist and a founding member of the Academy of Arts, Australia, established in 1891. His works included local scenery, architecture, and the interiors of historic buildings. Many of his pieces were bequeathed to the State Library of New South Wales. The firm, Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, was a printer and publisher that operated in London from 1866 to 1960. Its logo was the artist's easel, palette and brush. The firm that specialised in greeting cards and produced puzzles. It also became the world’s largest postcard publisher. In 1960, the firm amalgamated with others to become the British Printing Corporation. The fly page states that Ralph Tuck & Sons, Ltd. was the publisher to Their Majesties, the King and Queen, and Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales. This would suggest that this book was published from 1901 to 1910, when King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and Prince George and his wife Princess Mary were permitted to use these titles. NAMES LISTED IN THE BIRTHDAY BOOK (the museum has photographs of every entry in the book, which are available on enquiry): - January 1 Mrs J (or S) Watson January 11 Wilfred Skirrow, 1904 January 16 Elsie Watson, 1897 January 17 Elsie Hartley, 23/06/2012 [error?] January 21 Frances Victoria Haieck January 29 Annie Skirrow, 1884 February 14 Willie Illingworth February 17 Bessie Watson February 19 Mrs Butterfield, 22 Apperley Rd, Idle [UK] February 27 William Ernest Futter ? March 13 Carrie Barker March 16 Connie Watson March 19 Hilda Graham March 20 Mrs W. Illingworth March 23 Connie Watson April 5 Mrs Ruth Ann Skirrow April 6 William Dickinson Goldsbrough April 11 Norman Goldsbrough April 16 May Jessen April 19 Mrs A Dixon April 20 Mrs S Watson April 23 John Fred Stansfield, 1912 April 24 Reginald Goldsbrough May 12 Bertha Ellis May 18 Gladys McInnes May 28 Mrs Arthur Watson June 3 Jack Watson, 1910 June 10 Mr James Watmough June 18 Miss Hilda Hodgson, 1895 June 26 Sarah Atkinson, 1894 June 30 Mary A Bannister, 1896 July 1 Benji Watson, 1887 July 1 Ester Watmough, 1896 July 2 Clara Skirrow, 1896 July 2 Aunt Jinni July 2 Aunt Hannah July 10 Ellen Gertrude Connolly July 11 Violet Mathieson July 23 Hady Rogers July 26 Sarah Atkinson August 2 Allan Watson August 3 George Skirrow August 6 Thomas Skirrow August 6 Gladys Patten August 8 John Waite, 1909 August 21 Lilian Pattison, 1909 August 25 Ethel Watson, 1889 August 25 Evellyn Goldsbrough September 4 Miss Frances Barker September 12 Ernest Hartley, 1888 September 14 Harry Stansfield, 1895 September 20 Harry Padgett September 25 Leslie Watson September 26 Florrie Wise, 1896 September 27 Dorothy Watson, 1909 October 1 Madge Ferrier October 3 Elizabeth Padgett, 1896 October 5 Violet Altridge, 1895 October 13 Elsie Hodgson, 1893 October 18 Arthur Watson October 21 Emily Bradshaw November 14 Mr A Dixon December 27 Laura Hartley, 1890 December 29 Arther Skirrow, 1894 December 29 Dolly GrahamThis early 20th-century Birthday Book is significant for containing quotes by the famous writer Charles Dickens. It is also connected to the popular and prolific publisher and printer, Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, and the renowned illustrator and artist, Pilford Fletcher Watson. Ownership of a rare and beautifully presented book like this indicates the value placed on keeping records of family and friends, and remembering their birthdays, in the early 1900s. The book is highly significant for the entries of local family names, some with birth dates. Book: small book with padded maroon leather hard cover and embossed with gold text on cover and spine; cover also has a gold motif. The pages include coloured illustrations, sketches, and lines for personal entries. The first pages are about Charles Dickens. Title: The Dickens Birthday Book, with six illustrations in Colour by P. Fletcher-Watson Publisher: Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, Britain Printed in England 1901-1910 Artist: P. Fletcher-Watson This padded red leather hardcover book has embossed gold text on the front cover and spine. The six colour illustrations throughout the book were by artist P. Fletcher-Watson; one is a portrait of Dickens. Each day has a quote from Charles Dickens' works and blank lines below. The drawing on the fly page depicts a stone building with side pillars and a logo in the centre of the horizontal beam. It has a gift inscription for Clara Skirrow on January 19th, 1911. There are handwritten entries under many of the dates, some include years that range from 1884 to 1912, and one includes an address in the U.K.. Embossed on cover and spine: “The DICKENS Birthday Book” Handwritten in black ink: "From Mr & Mrs B. Watson / To Clara Skirrow / With Best wishes / January 19th 1911" Illustration on fly page: Logo [artist's palette, brush and easel] Publisher information: “Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, London, Paris, Berlin, New York, Montreal,” “Publishers to their Majesties the King and Queen, and T.R.H. the Prince and Princess of Wales” “Printed in England” Handwritten entries with names, some dates, and one address. flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, birthday book, p. fletcher-watson, raphael tuck & sons ltd, 1901-1910, illustrated, 19-01-1911, mr & mrs b. watson, clara skirrow, red cover, british printing corporation, king and queen and trh prince and princess, king edward vii and queen alexandra, antique book, rare book, atkinson, bannister, barker, bradshaw, butterfield, connolly, dixon, ellis, ferrier, futter, goldsbrough, graham, hartley, hodgson, illingworth, jessen, mathieson, mcinnes, padgett, patten, pattison, rogers, stansfield, waite, watmough, watson, wise, dickens birthday book, charles dickens, dickens quotes, skirrow

Slate has been used for hundreds of years as a base for writing and many young students began their schooling using one to practise their writing. They had many advantages among them the fact that they were reusable and errors could be erased and corrected. A small duster or cloth was often attached for cleaning.This slate belonged to Olive Ardlie who was the daughter of Arthur Stanley Ardlie and Ethel Mary Lisburne (nee Ryan). They lived at "Aroona" 19 Princess St Warrnambool and Arthur worked as an accountant in his father's law firm. Olive was their eldest child and she died in 1912 at the age of 6. She was the granddaughter of William Ardlie one of Warrnambool's earliest residents and one of the state's longest serving solicitors . Olive had two sisters one of whom donated this slate. A common object with links to one of Warrnambool's oldest and well known families.Four sided slate with unpainted wooden frame. Hinged in the centre with metal hinges. Inside Olive Ardlie 13.2.1911 is written on the wood at the top of the frame.Olive Ardlie 13.2.1911 is written on the wood at the top of the frame.warrnambool, olive ardlie