Historical information
These three wooden chairs, each upholstered in red leather with brass detailing, are of notable historical and civic significance. One of the chairs features a silver presentation plaque inscribed:
"Presented to Council by A.C. Gibb, Son of Alexander Gibb of Meadowbank"
This inscription links the chair to A.C. Gibb, the son of Alexander Gibb, a prominent early settler of the district. Alexander Gibb is recognised as a first-generation settler and served as the 6th Shire President, contributing significantly to the early governance and development of the local area.
The chairs are believed to have been used in council chambers or other official settings, symbolising both the continuity of civic leadership and the legacy of pioneering families in the region. The craftsmanship—evident in the quality timber, rich red leather, and brass fittings—reflects the period’s aesthetic and the importance placed on civic furnishings.
The donation of these chairs by A.C. Gibb may have been intended to honour his father’s service and to contribute to the enduring heritage of the Broadmeadows Shire. Their preservation offers insight into the material culture of local government and the personal histories that shaped it.
Significance
These three wooden chairs, each upholstered in red leather with brass detailing, are of considerable historical and civic significance. One chair bears a silver presentation plaque inscribed:
"Presented to Council by A.C. Gibb, Son of Alexander Gibb of Meadowbank"
The chairs are directly associated with Alexander Gibb, a first-generation settler and the 6th Shire President of Broadmeadows, whose leadership contributed to the early development of local governance in the region. The donation by his son, A.C. Gibb, reflects a continued family commitment to civic service and commemorates the foundational role played by pioneering families in shaping the Shire’s identity.
The chairs are representative of the material culture of council chambers in the late 19th to early 20th century, demonstrating the values of formality, durability, and prestige in civic furnishings. Their fine timber construction, red leather upholstery, and brass fittings exemplify the craftsmanship of the period and the importance placed on public institutions.
As objects of both functional and commemorative value, the chairs contribute to an understanding of the Shire’s political heritage and the legacy of settler leadership. They are significant for their historical associations, aesthetic qualities, and social value within the local community.
Physical description
Three wooden chairs, each with red leather upholstery, brass, 1 x chair, silver plaque
Inscriptions & markings
Shire president chair plaque: Presented to the shire by Cr. A.C. Gibb J.P. / February 1916,
Secretary's Chair: right front leg - Scratched: BYLAWS
