Historical information

This item is one that was sold to tourists in Warrnambool in the mid to late 20th century. The dish has been mass produced in England and the image of Shelly Beach in Warrnambool added later, probably in Australia. As it is a Royal Stafford china piece it would have been a relatively costly item. It could have been bought for use in the buyer’s home or as a present for another person. Souvenir dishes such as this one have been popular souvenir items for tourists for over 100 years. Warrnambool, as a coastal location, has always been a tourist town and it remains today an important industry for the city.

Significance

This dish is of interest as an example of the items sold to tourists in the mid 20th century. It will be useful for display.

Physical description

This is an oval-shaped china dish with fluted sides and a fluted edge and gold paint around the edge. The gold edging is partly worn off. The dish is white with a multi-coloured image set into the base of the dish. There is a crack on one side of the dish. On the base of the dish is a crown symbol and details of the manufacturer.

Inscriptions & markings

‘Shelly Beach, Warrnambool, Victoria’
“Royal Stafford China Made in England”