Historical information

The Springthorpe Memorial is an elaborate late 19th century memorial located within Boroondara General Cemetery. Harold Desbrowe-Annear designed the memorial for the Melbourne doctor John Springthorpe, in honour of the doctor’s wife. Construction began in 1897, and the memorial was unveiled in 1901. On the sarcophagus is sculpted group of figures by Bertram Mackennal.

Significance

Rare postcard showing details of the figurative group o n the monument and its original glass case.

Physical description

This close-up of two of the figures shows an angel leaning over the representation of Dr John Springthorpe’s wife. The postcard is historically interesting in that it shows the wreath, which is now missing.