Search Victorian Collections

This collection belonged to Sister Tessa Thomas R.R.M. (Nee Youngman) Sister Thomas was born at Creswick 1882, died Brisbane 1948. She trained at the Alfred Hospital for 3 years from 1909. On the 28th November 1914, as a staff nurse she embarked on the "Shyarra" from Australia and served at the 1st Australian General Hospital, Egypt. February 1917 she was attached to the 2nd Auxiliary Hospital Southhall, one of the hospitals specializing in fitting artificial limbs. 2 June 1916, she was awarded the Royal Red Cross Medal 2nd class for her valuable services.

WW1 Active Service Return Medal WW1 Return from Overseas Services Chevron, Lapel badge WW1 Royal Irish Rifles badge WW1 Manchester Regiment Fleur de Lis Egyptian Enamel Broach

Used as a teacher aid mid 1880s by teacher Miss Catherine Hanrahan at St Joseph's Catholic School, Blampied.

This is the only example of this type of teaching aid in our collection. It is intact and unrestored but not in good condition.

Printed calico cloth

"I see the sun/it is up in the sky/the sun is hot/the sun is red/hat/it is a hat. I see a hat/is it a big hat?/no it is not a big hat/pin/I see a pin/the pin is in the hat/is it a big pin"

st joseph's, catholic, blampied, teaching aid, school

Mrs. Margot Eddy was a member of the Creswick Red Cross Society for over 40 years. Creswick Red Cross was established in 1915 after the outbreak of WWI. Mrs. Eddy received her 40 year bar in 1977; she was President of the Creswick Red Cross for 10 years up to 1975.

Mrs. Margot Eddy's daughter Mrs. Lucia Stephens donated these Red Cross badges and newspaper articles and letter to the Creswick Museum August 2014.

10 badges from Mrs. Margot Eddy of Red Cross. a- round metal badge; b- round metal badge; c- rectangle metal badge; d- rectangle metal badge; e- rectangle metal badge;h- round plastic badge on pin g- round metal badge with flourish at base; h- rectangle metal badge; i- red ribbon with oval metal badge at base and rectangle metal piece at top; j- round white plastic badge

a- on front- Australian Red Cross. Victorian Division - back- 38102; b- front- Australian Red Cross Society - back- Stokes; c- front- Red Cross/ Emergency Service - back- 5177;d- front- Life Member;e- front- Mrs. M. Eddy - back- stokes/melb; f- front- blue ring with white interior and red cross in middle- back- 50c; g- front- Australian Red Cross Society/ Service Award - back- Stokes/Melb.; h- front- Red Cross/ Emergency Service - back- 5178; i- front- Australian/ Red Cross/Society/Twenty Years' Service - back - c / 76/ w. o. luke/ melb.; j- front- white badge with red cross at top/ Mrs. M. Eddy/ Creswick - back - Imprint Plastic/ Myaree, West. Aust.

red cross; badge;

The Dead Man's Penny is a commenorative medallion presented to next of kin of men and women who died during \world War One.The Bronze medallion features an image of Lady Britannia surrounded by two dolphins (representing Britain's sea power) and a lion (representing Britain) standing over a defeated eagle (symbolising Germany). Around the outer edge are the words 'He died for freedom and honour'. Next to Lady Britannia is the deceased Soldier's name, with no rank provided to show equality in their sacrifice. The Dead Man's Penny was accompanied by a letter from King George V, stating 'I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War'.

William Hendric 3373 Enlisted 3/8/1915 Embarked ex-Brisbane on H.M.A.T "Sea Bas" 4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F. Born 1994 Died 1st April 1918 Foster Mother: Mrs J Charlesworth, Creswick. (Cabbage Tree)

The Bronze Medallion Features an image of Lady Britania surrounded by two dolphins

Inscribed William Hendric

ww1, creswick, hendric, 4th pioneer battalion a.i.f

Strap was used at the Springmount School

Springmount school est 1875 and closed in 1960

Leather plaited strap

Leather plaited strap with metal belt clip

springmount, strap, school, creswick district

Handmade pottery teapot made by Doug Alexander at his Springmount Pottery in Creswick about 1972.

Doug Alexander was one of Australia's greatest studio potters.

Pottery teapot, glazed

Doug Alexander's mark

doug alexander, pottery, teapot, springmount, creswick, glaze

Made by Doug Alexander at his Springmount Pottery.

Typical form and glaze for this time, early 1970s. Doug Alexander was one of Australia's greatest studio potters.

pottery vase, glazed, brown and white

Doug Alexander's mark

doug alexander, springmount pottery, creswick, ceramic, potter

Pupils who listed World War 1.

Wooden Board with 80 small glass panels holding photographs. Four wooden panels listing 157 names of the pupils in gold lettering with red cross against the names of the soldiers who were killed.

Top Creswick School Roll of Honour Botton: A tribute to the Students of this school who served the Empire. The Great War 1914-1919. Photos in LHS 1. JS Anderson 2 A Anderson 3 R Anderson 4 A Beckerleg, 5 R Bell 6 A Bernado 7 J Bernado 8 EG Booth 9 M Boradale 10 R Boradale 11 R Boradale 12 WJ Bowley 13 FA Canning 14 HGN Cassell 15 E Clarkson 16 A Clausen 17 V Crougey 18 HG Dean 19 W K Dean 20 CV Gardner 21 WG Gardner 22 RJ Gardner 23 EH Goats 24 R Gray 25 B Gray 26 AB Grose 27 CT Grose 28 BA Grose 29 JB Grose 30 W Hadler 31 W Hartley 32 GT Hewitson 33 CC Hewitson 34 W Howie 35 R Howie 36 C Howie 37 WH James 38 P Kennedy 39 WJ Lambert 40 A Lambert 41 F Lambert RHS 42 H Lambert 43 WH McFarlane 44 VH Malone 45 PJA Malone 46 J Maughan 47 J Mendham 48 AE Merriman* 49 AC New 50 T New 51 W Parkes* 52 R Pasco 53 FH Pavarno 54 EP Pavarno 55 AB Peters* 56 G Petrie* 57 T Porter 58 G Porter 59 F Porter 60 H Praetz 61 R Praetz 62 S Reeves 63 W Sherriff 64 P Short 65 J Skewes 66 N Slade 67 JC Smith 68 J Still 69 GW Tait 70 DG Toohey 71 A Tonkins 72 SH Townshend 73 E Townshend* 74 HE Townshend 75 H H Townshend 76 S Treloar 77 RJ Ward 78 WE Westcott* 79 FC Whitfield* 80 AC Wisby* Writen Names T Anderson, T Arnold, S,D,G & W Barclay, G Beaucort, B Bentwich, J Berry, E&C Blake, S&A Bush, AF, WJW & R, Bowley, J,F & HB Brady, Alex Bowley, L Brotherton, JC Caddy*, J Canning, SF Carlyon, R Chaulkey, F Clausen, F*,G & J Clifton,V Creati,B Crosbie, H* & V Clover, A Chandler, J&G Davidson, S Dean, W Denny, W Digby, C Douglas D,H* & J Drummond, G Donald*, JP Dooley, W*&A Edmends, Percy Ellis, P,SW & T Ellis, A Egglestone, W & R Fricker, A,C & Clive Falla, G Fricker, A* & W Gibson, H Gardner, EJA Gray, WEC, N & H Grose, H Green, M Glass, FP Grady, W Hadler, W Hartley, N&T Hammon, H & J Harris, W & L Hartland, R Hawkey, PA Hertford, T Hogo, R Forrestor, A,F & N James, J Jebb, Alex,A & FT Johnson, WE Jordan, P Jory, E Jane, HC,RJ & JW Kelly, A King, S knight* M Lang(Sister), Clint'n Lavas, Mat Lang, C&TJ Liddicoat, RG* & ED Lindsay, W Little, L Lucas(navy), W & C Mann, WHS Merriman, J Mitchell, S Northcott, S New, W Nicholas, V Northcott, L Orange, JT & HC Packham, E Pearce, E Pilling, J Praetz, R Williams, AM & F* Robertson, A Romeo, J Rowe, H Russell, H & C Woods, C Sandford, G Sherriff, W & F Smith, J & R Snell, A & J* Spence, W Stephenson, J A Still, W,WL & AJ Surredge, J Shaw, Jas Wisby, A Treeby, F Tregonning, FL & W Treloar, A Tremearne, R Tilt, H Vague, A Wade, H Wall, BT,IW & J Ward, J,M & O Whatman, D Wilson, H & A Wood, DG Wormald, A Wright, L Watt, A Whitfield*.

Daryl Lindsay was born and grew up in Creswick, one of the famous Lindsay family of artists. He had a love of horses and this was his favourite. He often did portraits of horses for famous owners.

Daryl Lindsay became a noted international artist and the Director of the National Gallery of Victoria. He had a very considerable influence on Australian art, particularly from the 1940s to the 1970s.

Oil painting on canvas by Daryl Lindsay of his favourite horse, "Pompey".

Signed Daryl Lindsay on front. On the back is written "Daryl Lindsay painted his favourite horse Pompey c. 1930 at Mulberry Hill, Baxter. Presented to the Creswick Museum by Joan Lindsay May 1977.

daryl lindsay, painting, horse, pompey, creswick, ngv

Early vase thrown by Doug Alexander who began Springmount Pottery in 1970.

A rare early piece, possibly made before he actually started Springmount Pottery. Doug Alexander became one of Australia's most respected potters.

Pottery vase, sloped, made by Doug Alexander about 1970.

Impressed marker's mark "A".

doug alexander, springmount pottery, creswick, ceramic, potter

Early vase made by Doug Alexander, who started Springmount Pottery in 1970.

A rare early piece, possibly made before he actually started Springmount Pottery. Doug Alexander became one of Australia's most respected potters.

Pottery vase made by Doug Alexander about 1970.

Potters impressed mark of "A"

doug alexander, springmount pottery, creswick, ceramic, potter

Photograph, Sepia, Easter Sports 22 and 23rd April 1867 in aid of Creswick Hospital. Structures in order from gate 1 No. 3 Publican’s Booth- W. Davies. 2 Richardson’s Show 50’ x 25’ inside platform 14’ outside 21’ x 18’ (Braganzro (?) provide poles) 3 Refreshment Booth 50’ x 12 ½ ‘ shingle roof, bazaar and wheel of fortune (J. Hook) 4 No. 1 Publican Booth, T. W. Anthony 40’ x 20'. 5 Storage for donations. Secretary’s office, Steward’s room 60’ x 13’. 6 Dancing Booth 80’ x 30’ floored with such boards; contains 8,000’ of ?? 7 No. 2 Publican’s Booth W. J. Whatman. Sports commenced 1 p.m. 2 large swings at south end of ground; running was 300 yards round platform for dancing in center; skittle alley fenced off near entrance; portion roped off on East side and provided with seats for ladies; entrance 1/- children 6d A. M. Wilson- Aunt Sally; Mr. Rowell- Doodlem Buck ; 3 shils a penny; Bobbly Down; Wheel of Fortune; Sunny’s ? ; skittles, Dancing excellent string band Monster balloon ascends last day, sent by J. Moore at conclusion of sport. Full brass band. Easter Sports Committee; H. Piening treasurer; C. Whiffle; E. Williams; J. Machiman; H. Williams; G. Frazer; B. Trevan; W. Johnson. W. Pobjoy Hon. Sec. Refreshement Booth; Mesdames Geljon, H. Williams, Moore, Sedon (2), Burke, Grigan, Whalley.Lennon Troupe: Lennon, Burrel, & Carroll Taming a Tiger. Photograph taken from Water street about intersection with East side of Roger street.

Photo taken by H. Moser Monday 22nd April 1867) Easter Sports 22 and 23rd April 1867 in aid of Creswick Hospital.

Photograph, Sepia,

1 No. 3 Publican’s Booth- W. Davies. 2 Richardson’s Show 50’ x 25’ inside platform 14’ outside 21’ x 18’ (Braganzro (?) provide poles) 3 Refreshment Booth 50’ x 12 ½ ‘ shingle roof, bazaar and wheel of fortune (J. Hook) 4 No. 1 Publican Booth, T. W. Anthony 40’ x 20'. 5 Storage for donations. Secretary’s office, Steward’s room 60’ x 13’. 6 Dancing Booth 80’ x 30’ floored with such boards; contains 8,000’ of ?? 7 No. 2 Publican’s Booth W. J. Whatman.

photograph, h. moser, easter sports, creswick

Sir A.J.Peacock KCMG MLA / Born Creswick June 18 1861 / died Creswick 7th Oct. 1933, Premier of Victoria 1901-02, 1914-17, 1924. The painting was presented to Sir Alexander Peacock by the Trade Council for his work on the Eight Hour Bill in 1901.

Oil painting of Alexander Peacock in a John Thallum gilt frame. Has metal plate at lower centre with information on the sitter.

On the back of the frame label of John Thallum Frame-maker.

Alexander Peacock and Millie Holden married on January 1st 1901 the day of Australian Federation. The names listed on the illuminated address were all prominent men in the Borough and Shire of Creswick. John English, John Leishman, Jonah Ward, William Thomas, W. Davies, J. Tait, H. Hammon, D. Luttet, L.D. Watson, D. McGarth, G. Maughan,

Illuminated address to Hon. A.J. Peacock, Chief Secretary of Victoria. It has cameos of Creswick Town Hall, Peacock's home, Creswick Goldfields Hospital and gold mine. It has portraits of both Alexander Peacock and Millie Holden as printed on the announcement of their engagement. The address is signed by prominent citizens of Creswick.

alexander peacock, millie holden, millie peacock, creswick

Federation of six states of Australia

Rare Souvenir Flag from Federation of Australia 1901

Silk printed flag. Union Jack as background with 6 stars representing the 6 States of the Federation. Portraits of their H.R.H George, Duke of Cornwall and York and his wife Mary, Duchess of Cornwall and York. A crown above their portraits and a scroll with the words Australian Federation 1901. After conservation the flag has been mounted on a pad and stored in box made to fit the flag.

royal tour 1901, federation,

Philip Keatch was commanding officer of Creswick Rifle Corp when it was disbanded in 1883.

Rare photograph of a member of the Creswick Rifle Corp, a volunteers group.

Photograph of Philip Keatch in uniform of Creswick Rifle Corp

Uniform used by Major Philip Ketch, Commanding Officer Creswick Volunteers (1883). Was on display for many years at Ballarat Ranger Barracks but at the families request returned to Creswick Museum

Only known uniform on display of the Creswick (Ballarat) Volunteers.

Creswick Volunteers Officer's Dress Tunic. Main body in black wool fabric with rounded red stand up collar and braid. Sleeves end with red wool pointed cuffs with braid. Braiding on main body of uniform. Froged with 5 rows of braid ending with netted button. On sleeve badge with crossed rifles year 1883 and above years 1880, 1881, & 1882. Leather belt across shoulder with whistle attached.

volunteer uniform, creswick, philip ketch

Rev. Thomas Williams was grandfather of the Lindsay children. He is credited with encouraging his grandchildren in their artistic talents. Both Lionel and Normam learnt their model making skills from him. Creswick Hospital was foundation stone was laid in 1863. It operated as a hospital until 1911 when it was sold to the government as part of the School of Forestry (now University of Melbourne). The model shows it as a red brick building. In the 1870s it was painted as a white building. The Museum has b/w photos of the building taken prior to rendering. The people of Creswick collected fund for the project and obtained a government grant. The 1857 survey map of the proposed township shows the area at Eastern Hills reserved for a hospital and Benevolent Society

The model's unique association with the Lindsay Artist of Creswick.

Model of Creswick Hospital before rendering. Made of paper with painted background and framed.

model, creswick hospital, rev t. williams, lindsay family

The watch was presented to the Museum by John Stuart Hepburn's Great Great Grandson. Before travelling to Australia he was a seafarer in the Merchant Navy. In 1835 he was an Overlander. Capt. Hepburn returned in 1837 with his family to Victoria and was an early pastoralist and took up land at Smeaton. He died at Smeaton House in 1860 aged 57.

Associated with Capt.John Hepburn

Brass outer case Pocket Watch with ceramic face. 1 to 12 are in Roman numerals. Fusee workings. Cracked face between 1 & 2. Internal Fusee workings with diamond and rubies. Pierced pattern metal case.

Inside case T (?) Maddock London AD 1810

pocket watch, fusee movement, capt, john hepburn, smeaton

Crib Pail owned by John Tom Clifton. His mother Frances Clifton re-married after his death to Thomas Harvey and it was held by the Harvey family It was loaned by Leonard Harvey to the organisers of the Great Australasia Mining Disaster Centenary Committee 1982 but then presented by his family to the museum in his memory.

It is the only known article from the New Australasian No.2 Gold Mining Disaster. It was reported that three were removed from the mine at the time of the disaster. The Bellingham Billy rusted when left in a shed. Manley's was believed to have been lost

The round crib pail is made of tin and is badly rusted. A crib pail was used by miners to carry their food down the mines. The lid is missing. This pail was taken down the mine by John Tom Clifton and he wrote a message on it before he died in the New Australasian No.2 Gold Mining Disaster 1882.

It was known to have the following inscription "Goodbye dear mother, sisters and brothers: Philippa my dear girl. John Tom Clifton" but is not readable .

clifton billy, miner's pail, crib pail, new australasian no.2, gold mining disaster, creswick

The concertina was owned by Simon McDonald. He gave the concertina to Myrtle Porter in exchanged for town water. Simon McDonald lived in Melbourne Rd., Creswick.

Simon McDonald (1906 - 1968) was a noted self taught Australian folk musician whose home was in Creswick. Consider in the industry as the most important.

20 Button Anglo Concertina & Case. Hexagon shaped Concertina. Both sides have fretwork and 10 bone buttons making it a 20 plus single button Anglo concertina. The leather straps have at sometime been replaced with white plastic strap. It has 5 bellows in black and white pattern leather. The hexagon wood case is lined, although the lining is showing wear.

One side: small disc with Lachenal & Co., Patent Concertina Manufacturers, London. Opposite side: Initials on red card J.W.G

simon mcdonald, anglo concertina, creswick

Early self portrait of famous painter Lionel Lindsay. Lionel was one of the famous family of artists, which included Norman Lindsay, Percy Lindsay, Daryl Lindsay and Ruby Lindsay.

A rare early self portrait by Lionel Lindsay, showing himself in a "Spanish style", before he followed his dream and went to Spain. Lionel became a famous artist in Australia and Europe, especially noted for his Spanish etchings.

Watercolour painting on paper of self portrait by Lionel Lindsay.

Signed "Lionel Lindsay 1899"

lionel lindsay, creswick, etching, watercolour, spain, norman lindsay

The Railway Hotel in Creswick later became a hostel for Dutch immigrants just after WW2. It is now demolished.

Paintings by William Tibbits are relatively rare. They are valuable as a record of life in Creswick (and other towns) in the colonial period.

Watercolour painting on paper by William Tibbits depicting the Railway Hotel, Creswick, in about 1870.

william tibbits, railway hotel, creswick, colonial art, watercolour

Painted "en plein air", as seen by the artist, recording things as they were in 1959.

Painted by Victor Litherland who arrived in Creswick in 1938. He became a noted artist represented in major collections. He painted in the naive style and recorded his history of the town.

Gouache painting on paper of the old Creswick Fire Station and Town Hall (now the home of the Creswick Museum), done in naive style.

signed "Victor Litherland" and dated 1959

victor litherland, creswick, naive, gouache, town hall, fire station, 1959

Probably brought to the area by Chinese miners or shopkeepers. It was used to weigh small items at a time when goods were often paid in gold. In could also be used for weighing opium. In China it was known as a Dotchin. Creswick had a large Chinese population which arrived circa 1855 and established the Chinese Camp (now Calembeen Park) plus other satelite camps in the area. In 1859 there was over 1,000 residents in the area and many operated as shopkeepers.

Joined pieces of wood (bamboo), violin shape case joined with brass rivet together. The case features a long section to house the ivory rod with the bulbous section to house metal dish with four holes. Ivory rod. Metal weight is missing

Ivory rod has markings to indicate weight. Metal dish has four holes

scale, goldrush, gold, miners, opium smoking, shopkeeping

Naive painting of the Creswick Post Office painted on site, "en plein air", part of his recording of the town. Litherland was born in Odessa in 1897 and arrived in Creswick in 1938, where he lived until his death in 1978. This painting and 65 others were bequeathed to the town by him.

This painting records the life of the town of Creswick at a moment of time, in the naive style. Litherland became a character about town and a noted artist. He is represented in the National Gallery of Victoria, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the National Gallery of Australia and other regional galleries.

Gouache painting on paper of Creswick Post Office in the naive style. Framed by artist. Named on the back by the artist.

Signed lower middle "Victor Litherland" and dated 1963. On the back the name "Creswick Post Office" is written by the artist.

victor litherland, creswick, naive art, gouache