Historical information

The large cedar desk was formerly used by the head light keeper at Point Hicks. It was made in the nineteenth century, probably by the Victorian Public Works Department (PWD) as an item of standard issue for use in government offices. The PWD operated in Victoria from 1855 to 1987 and was responsible for the design of Victoria’s major public buildings and other infrastructure including the supply of stores, furniture and equipment.The desk has turned legs, leather top and two drawers each with a pair of wooden knob hand pulls and is identical to the large desk remaining at Cape Nelson. A smaller version is at Cape Schanck, and another desk formerly at Cape Schanck is not able to be located. Gabo Island has a small cedar desk or table in the same style. Two sides of the Cape Schanck desk are stamped with the crown motif and monogram of the PWD but it is not known if the Point Hicks desk and the other nineteenth century examples are stamped with these details. There are also c.mid-twentieth century desks remaining in the collections at Wilsons Promontory and Gabo Island. office

Significance

The Point Hicks desk has first level contributory significance for its historic values as government issued furnishing that is original to lightstation’s head keeper’s.

Physical description

Early, large two drawer cedar desk. Each drawer has two wooden handles. Leather insert on top of desk is worn. Commonwealth of Australia, Dept of Transport stamp with stock number on side of desk.

Inscriptions & markings

On label on side, "C. of A. / D. O. T. / 143581"