Historical information
Trunk belonged to Godfrey Hirst and was used in his travels between Australian and England. Godfrey Hirst's first trip to Australia was in 1885 and his last trip was in 1916. In this time Hirst was known to travel between Australia and England regularly on the lookout for the latest updates from England that he could bring to his factory in Geelong.
The Trunk is likely a Saratoga style due to its many compartments including one compartment that features a metal half bowl in order to keep the shape of a hat. The trunk was donated by Susan Wiffen (née Betts), the great granddaughter of Godfrey Hirst.
Godfrey Hirst set up a successful woollen textile factory in Geelong in 1888. The factory stayed in operation until 1966. The company still bearing his name has since been purchased by various investment companies but continues to be the largest carpet manufacturer in Australia.
Physical description
Predominately black trunk with two wooden bands around the sides of the trunk and five across the top (lid). The lid is slightly curved and contains white printed lettering GODFREY HIRST. The trunk also contains small wheel underneath locked for pushing the trunk sideways only. The trunk contains two leather handles on either side. Internally, the trunk contains three levels of storage with baskets stackable on top of one another. The baskets are finished in a white and brown striped fabric which has red taped edging for additional strength. The top layer of baskets also has brown leather latches in order to keep the basket lids shut. The layered levels of storage are synonymous of Saratoga style trunk.
Inscriptions & markings
Printed. Letters: Godfrey Hirst
