Stamp cases/holders began being produced in the late 19th century, commonly made of gold, wood, and silver. In this case, the item is made of sterling silver and has patterns and details etched into the metal sheets that make up the case. Sterling silver is the standard alloy used in jewellery and detailed metalworks with its physical properties making it maleable and corrosion resistant, therefore a favourable metal to work with both across many centuriesn the past and present. Stamp cases where popularised by James Allen of Birmingham who created and registered the stamp holders he made. As they gained popularity, it was common for stamp holders to consist of multiple compartments holding various small items such as matches, strikers and of course stamps. Metalwork and silverwork has been a prominent proffession and artform historically and socially for many years. There are many different types of metal work to specialise in and distinct patterns and inscriptions for identifying the provenance of the item. Hallmarking is this proccess of inscribing the item, and consissts of four main components (including assaying) which can indicate the date of creation. Unfortunately this item has no hallmark, therefore it is relatively unknown where, what, when and who created it.

This item is of social and historic significance as it highlights the importance of preserving histoical items. This item display's the intricate and highly skilled trades of the past with a glimpse into the social and cultural aspects of the beechworths' history.

A small, silver stamp holder with decorative details etched into the metal. It has a small loop on the left side of the case, indicating it could be connected and held by a chain or ring.

A01145 (obejct number): A01145 [object number inside stamp case] / STERLING SILVER [inscription inside stamp case]

metalwork, silver, silverware, sterling silver, stamp holder, stamp case, burke museum, social history, burke museum collection, beechworth

The hallmarks on this silver cigarette case indicate that the object was made in Birmingham (anchor hallmark), is Stirling silver (lion hallmark), and was made 1900 (a hallmark) by the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. (makers mark hallmark). The Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. was established in 1890-1891 at Fenchurch Street, London, forming an alliance with Sheffield cutler R F Mosley in 1900 before later moving to Birmingham. Dates of the exact move to Birmingham differ from site to site.

The hallmarks on this object make it significant in the representation of silver wares made by the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. which, when added to the other pieces of information available about this manufacturer, add to the information and history available. As the Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co. was based in England, this is of international significance. The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A small rectangular case silver in colour, with gold wash on the inside. The case has a clasp along one edge, a swirling floral design on its top, and two brown elastic straps on the inside.

AC [over] MCo / Anchor symbol / Lion symbol / a [Hallmark inside case, lower LHS] Lion symbol / a [Hallmark inside case, upper RHSD]

accessories, social history, burke museum, silver

Specific historical and contextual information pertaining to this object is unknown. There are no hallmarks or documentation to indicate provenance or historical significance. This coin purse appears to have a covering made of mother of pearl. Evidence of interest from over 20,000 years ago mark Aboriginal groups in Australia as some of the first people to value the power and beauty of pearlshell, while evidence of Australian pearlshell being taken across the sea to other countries dates back as early as the 1500s. The 1850s-60s saw the beginnings of the Australian pearling industry. Following the popularisation of plastic for items such as buttons the pearlshell market waned in the mid-twentieth century but was soon after began to re-forge in Australia with a new industry of cultured pearl farms. Most of Australian's pearling industry was initially located in Western Australia and off the Torres Strait Islands. The Australian War Memorial notes on their website that many tokens made from mother of pearl were sent home to loved ones throughout World Wars One and Two from the Middle East, England, the South West Pacific, Australia and elsewhere, but that unfortunately provenance such as the manufacture and sale of many of these items is not recorded.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A small rectangular purse with silver edging and half clasp, covered in white and cream coloured shell (mother of pearl?)

A01154

burke museum, social history, accessories, mother of pearl, nacre, australian industry

Coin cases were commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a way to easily organise and carry money. These coin cases were often given as gifts.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A silver-plated coin case that is embossed with a floral design. The top of the case features 5 spring-loaded compartments where coins are stored. Each compartment is denoted a particular coin value: Florin, Half Crown, Sixpence, Shilling, Threepence.

2/~ 2/6 6 D~. 1/~ 3 D~.

coins, numismatics, 19th century, 20th century

Calling Card Cases were used by the aristocracy in 18th Century Europe as it was requirement in genteel society to leave a calling card when visiting a household. According to the Hallmarks on the case it was made in 1904 by the Williams Birmingham Ltd. in Birmingham, England.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A small rectangular silver calling card case that has an ornate pattern etched into its front.

FRONT: WB LD/ Anchor symbol/ Lion symbol/ e (Hallmark)

early 20th century

Calling Card Cases were used by the aristocracy in 18th Century Europe as it was requirement in genteel society to leave a calling card when visiting a household. According to the Hallmarks on the case it was made in 1774 by the Adie Brothers Ltd. in Birmingham, England.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A silver rectangular case that features an angled hinged lid.

LID: Lion symbol / B (Hallmarks) LIP: A BROS LTD/ Anchor symbol / Lion symbol / B (Hallmarks) CASE BACK: A1574

18th century, european

Wristwatches became popular after World War 1, where they were used to ensure soldiers could undertake operation at the same time over a last distance. In the 1920s the automatic watch was invented by John Harwood and the mass production of wristwatches began, allowing all members of society the ability to keep track of time.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

Small silver watch, with black and white number face, with the exception of a red ink 12. The watch has a small gold hand mechanism turner on the right side and a small silver spike sitting on the bottom of the watch.

Clock is currently set on five past one.

watch, horology, early 20th century

Although the exact creation of this pocket watch is unknown, the pocket watch was first invented in 1510, in Nuremberg, Germany. The inception of this invention can be attributed to Peter Henlein, a master locksmith who continued producing timepieces until the 16th century when their manufacturing expanded to other parts of Europe. During the 15th century, pocket watches served as a means of distinguishing between the lower classes and the affluent members of society since only the wealthy could afford them. In this era, an early version of the pocket watch was typically worn around the neck, as opposed to being attached to a pocket watch chain like the Albert T Bar chain. Furthermore, the increasing use of the railways during the latter part of the 1800s significantly accelerated the popularity of pocket watches.

This pocket watch is significant as they relate to the social history within the Burke Museum's collection playing a vital role in narrating the history of Beechworth, demonstrating the past of the town through insights into its social, cultural, and economic dimensions.

A silver pocketwatch with a leather strap attached at the clasp.

A01153

clock, pocketwatch, timepiece, burke museum

A lorgnette, in essence, consists of a handle-mounted pair of spectacles. Lorgnettes, which preceded modern opera binoculars, were frequently seen at both theaters and operas during the 19th century. The term "lorgnette" is derived from the French word "lorgner," which means to discreetly observe or gaze. Prior to the 17th century, optical devices were mainly associated with men, however the creation of the lorgnette marked a significant shift as women started to play a more prominent role in the realm of eyewear. The lorgnette piqued women's curiosity and led to the development of various new designs, such as the "jealousy lorgnette." Furthermore, the lorgnette evolved beyond its initial function as a theater or opera accessory and transformed into a practical daily accessory. Initial versions of the lorgnette featured a handle without any joints. Subsequent iterations introduced a hinged handle, and by the 19th century, a spring mechanism was incorporated which enabled the lenses to fold neatly inside the handle, which also doubled as a protective case.

The Burke Museum's collection of historical artifacts illuminates Beechworth's past by showcasing the town's social, cultural, and economic dimensions, contributing to a richer understanding of its social history.

A pair of spectacles with a decorative handle attached.

burke museum, social history, glasses, opera

Pince-nez were a style of spectacles that held on to a person's nose by a spring mechanism and was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in European cultures.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A pair of brass pince-nez styled spectacles.

glasses, eyewear, fashion

Pince-nez were a style of spectacles that held on to a person's nose by a spring mechanism and was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in European cultures.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A pair of brass pince-nez styled spectacles with a loose brass chain earpiece

A01156.2

glasses, eyewear, fashion

The exact creation date of this chatelaine is unknown, however the hallmarks and engravings on some of the attached objects indicate that this chatelaine was made in the late 1890s. The shark tooth and the liberty bell attached to the chatelaine suggest that the item once belonged to an Australian who had connections to America. The compact, scent bottle lid, and feminine design of the other objects suggest that this wasowned by a woman. The name on the plate indicates that this object may have belonged to someone with the surname Heine. The hallmarks on the scent bottle lid and the compact indicate that they were made in Birmingham, England in the late 1890s, and that the compact was made by H. Matthews. Chatelaines where used by both men and women, usually fastened to a belt or pocket, and small household objects were attached to the main body of the chatelaine by chains. They were only worn by the heads of the household as a display of position and power.

The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.

A decorative silver belt hook with small household object attached by chains to a suspended name plate. There are 8 chains and 7 objects; a vesta case, scent bottle lid, compact, shark tooth, bell, button hook handle, container.

HEINE/ [plate] CHERRY./ from/ LEO/ May 12th 1899/ [inscription on vesta case] L??S/ Anchor symbol/ x symbol/ lion symbol/ [Hallmark on scent bottle lid] R/ HM/ Anchor symbol/ Lion symbol/ m symbol/ [Hallmark on back of the compact] SYDNEY/ [inscription on shark tooth] Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all inhabitants thereof/ By order of the Assembly of the Province of Pensylvania for the State House in Philada/ [inscription on bell]

burke museum, silverware, social history, heine

Garnet is a popular gemstone used in jewellery due to its hardness and durability. There are about 5 varieties of Garnet, which distinguish the colour of each stone. In Australia mostly Pyrope and Aimandine varieties are found; Pyrope, which is blood-red to black and Aimadine, which is brownish-red to black. Other varieties are rarely found in Australia. The garnets visible in this specimen are likely Pyrope. Galnea is the natural mineral form of lead sulphide and has had various uses throughout history; from makeup to car batteries. It was first mined in South Australia in 1841. Green feldspar is an amazonite mineral, a variety of the potassium feldspar called microcline. This particular mineral is considered uncommon. It has been used in jewellery throughout history. It is likely that this specimen was found in Broken Hill, NSW, presumed due to findings of specimens with similar combinations. Broken Hill is Australia’s longest-lived mining city. The city’s fortunes have come and gone against an extreme economic background of boom and bust which continues today.

This geological specimen is a rarity, given that is formed of three distinct minerals and the richness of colour that remains visible in this item attests to the strength of each structure. As we cannot pinpoint exactly where this specimen was found further research can only strengthen what is known about mining within Australia. As such the item is significant due to its scientific rarity and its ability to represent three specimens in one.

A solid palm-sized mineral that features shades of grey, red and green.

garnet, galnea, green feldspar, minerals, mining, rare specimen

Named in 1845 by Wilhelm Karl von Haidinger cerussite takes its name from the Latin cerussa, meaning 'white lead'. When viewed under certain lighting conditions cerussite gives of fire and rainbow-like colours (due to its high dispersion) and it is quite sought after by geological collectors for this very reason. Cerussite is usually found in the oxidised zone of lead ore deposits. It is a very common weathering product of galena and other lead ore minerals. It is a secondary mineral, meaning it forms as a result of the alteration of pre-existing minerals in the Earth’s crust. The presence of lead in cerussite makes it potentially toxic. Historically, it has been an important source of lead, which has numerous industrial applications, including in batteries, construction materials, and radiation shielding. Cerussite has a crystal structure that belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system. Its crystal structure is characterized by a three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a repeating pattern. The crystal lattice of cerussite consists of interconnected lead (Pb) and carbonate (CO3) ions. This crystal structure is visible in the specimen. This specimen was found in Dundas (formerly Mount Dundas), a historical mining locality, mineral field and railway located on the western foothills of the West Coast Range in Western Tasmania. During the 1890s Dundas swelled in numbers however it is now lost in a temperate rainforest and its population is now 2. The present Dundas Extended mine, about 1.5 km east of Dundas is presently worked for specimen material.

Faceted cerussite gems are considered rare and valuable, given the softness of the mineral. This item is not a faceted gem however its historical and scientific research potential give it significance; mined in an Australian township, this cerussite could shed light on the now lost history of Dundas and the mining that occurred there. Additionally, the uses of this mineral in historical industrial processes give it scientific significance. Such knowledge can add to understandings of the geographical and geological nature of Western Tasmania and allow for further study of Australian geological specimens.

A small lead carbonite mineral with shades of cream, white and brown throughout, flaky shards of white at base.

CERUSSITE / (lead carbonite) / Locality: Dundas, W. Tasmania

dundas, tasmania, cerussite, lead, orthorhombic, geology, minerals, mining

This specimen is a copper-carbonate malachite mineral. It is often found as crystalline aggregates or crusts, which have a banded agate-like appearance while also commonly found as botryoidal clusters of radiating crystals. Malachite is often bright green in colour, with dark green and blackish blooms or stripes/bands throughout the mineral. This particular specimen was recovered from the Burra Burra Copper Mine located Burra, South Australia. By the 1860's, South Australia was known as the "Copper Kingdom" due to its large amount of copper mines and huge success in the copper mining industry. Burra Burra was no exception to this phenomena, as this mining company was greatly famous and successful, being nicknamed the "Monster Mine". It was first established in 1848 and was the largest metal mine in Australia up until 1860.

This specimen is significant as it highlights the historic use and value of malachite and the rarity of the mineral. Malachite is a rare gemstone which has been used in various ways historically. It has been cut and sculpted into beads for jewellery use as its rich colour and distinct yet unique patterns have made it a well sought after gemstone. Its' continued use over time only heightens the value and significance of this mineral.

A hand-sized solid copper-carbonate hydroxide mineral specimen in shades of blue, green and copper tones throughout.

MALACHITE / (Copper carbonite) / Locality: Burra, South Aust. | Malachite / Burra Burra / South Australia / (good specimen) / needs a wash / BB

burke museum, burke museum collection, beechworth museum, beechworth, geological specimen, geological, mineral, mineraology, copper carbonate, malachite, burra burra mine, copper mining

This specimen is a native copper specimen that is metallic. Copper is typically found in the earth's crust and is often found alongside other metals such as gold, zinc, lead and silver which all belong to the same group which is the Copper/Gold group. Copper is most commonly formed from large masses of molten lava rock which has solidified in the earth's crust and over time though different sizes and speeds of crystal growth has turned into large amounts of copper, stored in porphyry copper deposits. Copper has a distinctive colour, yet can sometime appear blue and greenish which is often caused by oxidisation or a mixture of copper and other metals. This specific specimen was recovered from Moonta, South Australia. The Moonta Mining Company was established in 1861, after a Shepard in the area noticed traces of copper. This lead to a rush in the copper mining industry which was relatively young in Australia at the time, making Moonta Mining Company one of the richest in Australia. By the 1860's, South Australia had been nicknamed the "Copper Kingdom" due to its vast amount of Large copper mines and resources. As of 2016, Australia was the second largest producer of Copper internationally, following behind Chile in first place.

This copper specimen is significant historically and scientifically as it is such an important metal commonly used throughout the world in various ways. Copper is an invaluable recourse used in daily life, used in most electrical appliances as it is a great conductor of heat and electricity, as well as being soft and malleable, making it easy to bend and mould into delicate sheets and wires. Copper does not corrode and is therefore used in the production of water pipes among countless other significant necessities that are often overlooked in our society. Historically, Copper holds great significance as it was the first metal used by humans. It was discovered roughly 9000 years ago and was utilised by the Neolithic Man who learnt that heating the metal made it more malleable, thus tools and utensils were made which were far superior to the previous stone tools used by humans. This history and its connection to the current and ongoing relationship between humans and copper must be preserved and highlighted as it is integral to the history of all humankind.

A small, palm-sized solid native copper mineral specimen with shades of browns, black and rustic tones throughout the specimen.

NATIVE (metalic) COPPER / Locality: Moonta, South Australia

beechworth, burke museum, geological specimen, native specimen, geological, mineral, mineralogy, indigo shire, beechworth museum, copper, copper ore

Given by Isaac Isaacs to his friend, Henry Vandenberg in 1880. Henry Vandenberg was a publican and Dentist. Born in London in 1847, the son of Jacob and Christina. He arrived in the Beechworth district in 1857 with his parents. Henry ran the Victoria Hotel and boarding house at Everton. The next ran Ryans Hotel, Beechworth and in 1884 he took over the Corner Hotel, on the corner of Ford and Camp Streets. He made a brief foray into business as a draper, but sold out in June 1887. Vandenberg made a brief trip to Western Australia after which he undertook training as a dentist, which was the occupation he carried on with until his death. His rooms were situated in Ford Street, next to the Star Hotel (his rooms destroyed by fire in 1905). Vandenberg lived in the de-licensed Vine Hotel which had been run by his father for many years. He was a justice of the peace, a member of the United Shire of Beechworth Council from 1897-1923, being the President in 1912-13, and had the dubious honour of being voted the winner of the 'Ugly Man Competition' at the 'Back to Beechworth' celebrations in 1922. In 1889 he founded 'Vandenberg's Beechworth Brass Band' which was in constant demand for local dances. Henry died on 20th July 1933 as a result of pneumonia. He is buried in the Beechworth Cemetery.

Gold retractable pen/pencil. Telescopic, in 3 sections. ring at top for attaching to a chain (?). Bottom section contains 2 slides, raising and lowering one brings a pen holder complete with nib into view, the other a pencil lead holder.

Monogrammed 'HV from II.'

burke museum, beechworth, sir isaac isaacs, isaac isaacs, henry vandenberg

An Army Medal 1939 - 1945, issued to Corporal Joan Cahill. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service.

A army service medal featuring a silver pendant and a light blue, dark blue, white, and red striped ribbon

FRONT: 1939 / 1945 BACK: G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP: GEORGIV S VI

burke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, army medal, ww2, wwii, world war two

This badge was awarded to Joan Cahill in 1948 for serving full-term in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women’s Army Service. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service were she rose to the rank of Corporal.

Gold metal badge with wing, rising sun and anchor design, crown at top.

OBVERSE: 'SERVICE / AUSTRALIA', REVERSE: '1948 / ISSUED BY C'WLTH GOVT / A307351 / AMOR / SYDNEY

burke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, ww2, wwii, world war two, joan cahill

This hat was worn by Joan Cahill during her service in the AWAS, where she served in the Signals Branch and rose to the rank of Corporal. The AWAS was formed in 1941, and its main objective was to support the Australian army in various ways. Over 24,000 women served in the AWAS, performing critical support roles such as clerical work, vehicle maintenance, and communications. The Signals Branch, which Joan Cahill served in, was responsible for providing reliable and secure communication services between the Australian army and Allied forces.

Khaki women's army hat with grosgrain band wrapped around the circumference with a small metal rising sun attached.

burke museum, beechworth, army service, army uniform, joan cahill, australian women's army service, ww2, wwii, world war two

Alluvial deposits along with water were scooped into this pan and aggressively agitated to allow dense material, such as gold, sink to the bottom for easy extraction.

Mining played an important role in the history of Beechworth, for the township was established in the mid-1850s after gold was discovered in the area. The success of goldmining lead to the growth and development of early Beechworth.

A circular gold panning tin featuring sloped sides, a folded over rim, and handles.

burke museum, beechworth, gold mining, alluvial mining

Nozzle was fitted in the end of the director and was used for hydraulic gold mining

Mining played an important role in the history of Beechworth, for the township was established in the mid-1850s after gold was discovered in the area. The success of goldmining lead to the growth and development of early Beechworth.

A sluicing nozzle attachment which is 3 inch diameter inside top. Base area has thread machined inside for attachment to sluice. Casting venturi shaped internally.

3 /

burke museum, beechworth, gold mining, sluicing

These protective over-boots were compulsorily worn in the Powder Magazine so as not to induce static electricity.

The Beechworth Powder Magazine was constructed in 1859, and was used as a storage room for large amounts of black-powder used in mining and quarrying. By law, miners were required to leave bulk black-powder in this building overnight.

Pair of brown over-boots. Large, lighter leather foot with polished harder leather back and sole, stitched at sides, four lace holes. Stitched leather insole and pull tab at back.

burke museum, beechworth, mining, powder magazine, footware

A tin trunk used by the Rocky Mountain Extended Sluicing Company (Limited).

Mining played an important role in the history of Beechworth, for the township was established in the mid-1850s after gold was discovered in the area. The success of goldmining lead to the growth and development of early Beechworth. The Rocky Mountain Company was a very successful gold mining company and had a big impact on the people and landscape of early Beechworth.

A tin trunk painted in black with gold script painted on the front.

The Rocky Mountain Extended / Gold Slucing Company. (Limited / BMM 8068

This cardbord box was used to package explosives which were used for mining. Black powder and dynamite were heavily used on the goldfields to blast away large sections of earth which. Explosives were stored at Beechworth Powder Magazine

Mining played an important role in the history of Beechworth, for the township was established in the mid-1850s after gold was discovered in the area. The success of goldmining lead to the growth and development of early Beechworth.

A brown rectangular cardbord box with opening flaps at top and features printed text on sides and top.

GLASGOW / THE PERFECT COMBINATION / NOBEL-GLASGOW EXPLOSIVES / NOBEL-GLASGOW DETONATORS

burke museum, beechworth, mining, explosives

Knitted handbag made by patient of Mayday Hills Asylum.

Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects.

A pink knitted fabric handbag in moss stitch with plastic handles.

beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, knitting, handbag, bag, fibre art, craft

A knitted handbag made by patients of Mayday Hills Asylum.

Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects.

A blue and white knitted handbag with cane handles, made by a patient of Mayday Hills.

beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, knitting, handbag, bag, craft, fibre art

Child-size rocking horse made and sold by a patient of Mayday Hills Asylum. Purchased in 1978 and used by a family for generations.

Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects.

A small wooden rocking horse painted in green, white and brown, with carpet lining on seat.

beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, rocking horse, children's toys

Centenary issue of the Open Door Magazine that was produced by both staff and patients. The title reflects Mayday Hills "open door" approach to patient care.

Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects.

13-page A4 paper magazine with 4 copper staples.

CENTENARY ISSUE / 1867 / The New Open Door / 1967 [The Australian National Coat of Arms]

beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills, magazine, centenary

Carving of a small female head made by a patient of Mayday Hills Asylum. A grid has been drawn across the top with Romanian letters written within the cells.

Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects.

A limb of a tree roughly carved into the shape of a woman's face, featuring a thick hair style, slanted eyes, delicate mouth, and long neck. Pen notations on top of sculpture.

beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, sculpture, wood carving