Historical information

This so-called Hickford medal was a medal struck in 1897 by the Town of Warrnambool (bearing Walter Hickford’s name as the Mayor at the time) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria. Walter John Hickford was Mayor of Warrnambool 1895-6-7 and President of the Committee that organized the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7. A skilled decorative artist, Hickford carried out art work in many private houses, business and churches in Warrnambool. His shop in Liebig Street supplied paint materials for households, businesses and artists. Hickford Parade is named after him. The 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign was celebrated widely throughout Australia and the British Empire.

Significance

This medal is one of several owned by the Warrnambool and District Historical Society. It is of some importance as it shows the extent to which civic authorities and individuals in places like Warrnambool were concerned with all things British and the influence of the British monarchy in Australian affairs in the late 19th century. It also shows the importance attached at the time to the position of Mayor, with his name being inscribed on the medal.

Physical description

This is a medal, possibly bronze, with the logo of the Town of Warrnambool on one side and two images of Queen Victoria on the other.

Inscriptions & markings

Side one: Town of Warrnambool, W.J.Hickford, Mayor
Side two: 1837-1897, Queen Victoria’s 60th Year of Reign