Historical information

In 1988 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip travelled across Australia to take part in the bicentenary celebrations.

In April Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrived in Geelong to open the Wool Week Display in the almost complete National Wool Centre. Crowds gathered to welcome the royal couple, wool shearing demonstrations took place outside the centre and “Spud” the sheepdog exhibited his heading talents.
During their visit to the wool centre they were met by the chairman of the Geelong Regional Commission, Mr Colin Atkins and Mrs Monique Atkins. The Queen was presented with a rug woven by the museums 1910 gripper-type Axminster Jacquard carpet loom and the Duke was presented with a woollen jumper. In return the Queen presented three letters from the archives of the Windsor Castle to the museum. The couple left in the afternoon, charming the Geelong crowd.

Physical description

Two black and white photographs of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Jim Fidge, watching a shearing demonstration by local Geelong shearers outside the then National Wool Centre. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened the Wool Week Display in the almost complete National Wool Centre during her visit in April 1988.