Historical information

The desk set does not have a maker’s mark so it is unclear where or by whom it was made. The employees of the Public Parks and Gardens presented the desk set to Bosisto in 1882 as a token of gratitude. This is most probably because Bosisto successfully campaigned for gardeners employed at public parks and gardens to receive retirement allowances in the years immediately prior, which all other public servants were entitled to (Geelong Advertiser 1880:3). In addition to his lifetime interest in plants and their medicinal uses, Joseph Bosisto was committed to public service and represented Richmond in the Legislative Assembly from 1874 till 1889. Bosisto was the mayor of Richmond 1865-1867 and Commissioner of the Melbourne International Exhibition 1880-1881.
This is the only known presentation swan desk set of its type. The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences in Sydney has a collection of presentation inkstands. These range from rare gold inkstands to small silver and plated sets; the most similar to this example is noted to be part of a collection of national standing.
Related to this item, the Emerald Museum collection also includes vintage Bosisto oil bottles, as well as Camden wollybutt (Eucaplytus macarthuri) live plantings, which are remnants of Bosisto’s eucalyptus distillery industry that operated approximately 500 metres from the former nursery. Both Butterfield Park (past Bosisto eucalyptus oil distillery) in Emerald and the Bosisto factory/depot in Oakleigh are interested in these collection items.
The desk set belonged to Melville Lober and originally came from the family's engraving / engineering business, Max Lober P/L, in Bridge Road Richmond, not far from Bosisto Street. Melville's daughter, Mirren Alenson, is not sure if it was given to her father or grandfather to restore and then was not wanted, or if it was left in the Richmond property by the previous owner.

Significance

he desk set is of historic, social and aesthetic significance. It is the only surviving presentation piece owned by Joseph Bosisto (1824-1898), a prominent chemist, inventor and public figure in Melbourne and nationally.
His particular significance for the Emerald area is that he set up eucalyptus distilleries at Emerald, Menzies Creek, and Macclesfield in 1882.

Physical description

Made from silver and electroplated silver (base), this desk set features two cast figures of swans in blackened silver finish, each sitting on a stylised acanthus leaf. The swans support and elevate the central candle stand with their outstretched wings, while flanking a gilt inscription engraved in the center of a rectangular base with curved sides and an applied gadrooned rim. At front and back there is a recess to hold pens, and the sides have a circular recess for ink glass-bottles (missing). The whole rests on four cast acanthus feet and the two cast side handles feature a scroll-and-palmette motif. The inkwell is not marked, and the maker is not known; it was probably imported from England or assembled in Australia from imported components.

Inscriptions & markings

On inkstand inscribed: ‘PRESENTED TO/ Joseph Bosisto Esq. MLA/ BY/ THE EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS/ 1882’.