Historical information

These labels were used in the business of E.B.Phillips, firstly when he as in partnership with Thomson in the late 1890s and later when he was the sole proprietor. Ernest Brighton Phillips (1875-1924) was a furniture maker and seller with a business at the corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets. At the beginning of the 20th century it was the largest furniture warehouse and factory in Victoria outside of Melbourne. Samples of his furniture making are still in use in various parts of Australia. Philips built his home, ‘Heatherlie’, diagonally opposite his business and this site today is occupied by ‘Heatherlie’ flats for the elderly.

Significance

These labels are of interest as mementoes of the Warrnambool furniture shop and factory of E.B.Phillips, a prominent businessman in Warrnambool a hundred or more years ago.

Physical description

.1 A sheet of cream-coloured paper with cream printing on an orange background and a space for an address. The sheet has two ragged edges.
.2 A circular label or sticker pasted on to an irregular-shaped sheet of brown paper (part of the original wrapping). The label has an image in brown and white tonings of a woman with an easel, some stylized decoration and blue and white printing. The edges of the label are worn away.

Inscriptions & markings

.1 Late with J.J.O’Mullane
From Phillips, Thomson and Co. General House Furnishers Corner Liebig & Koroit Sts. Warrnambool
.2 Framed by E.B.Phillips The Artistic House Furnisher and Picture Framer Warrnambool