Isn’t this a striking, full length portrait? The subject is Tasmanian born artist Florence Rodway. It was completed by her friend and fellow artist Norman Carter (1875-1963), in 1910. Unfortunately no colour version exists. The first mention of the portrait in the press was in 1911; Mr
Read more →
The Kindergarten Union of New South Wales was established by a handful of educational reformers in 1895. They believed that Sydney’s deprived, inner-city children should be given the opportunity to experience gentle, play based learning before entering public school. A founding member of the group was the
Read more →
While visiting Tasmania a few years ago, I bought a miniature barrel (circa 1940s), made from Tasmanian Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon). It’s a very tactile object, but more importantly it reminds me of my childhood in the island state. On the lid is a tiny, silver map of
Read more →
Fitzgerald’s…..the name evokes memories for so many Tasmanians. In March 1886, Hobart born George Parker Fitzgerald (1843-1917) established a department store that would remain an integral part of the city for decades to come. I suspect this is one of the earliest photos of the building, not
Read more →
When Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten announced their engagement in July 1947, Australians were as excited as the British by the prospect of a royal wedding. With a November 20 date set, time was short, but every State came up with what they considered an appropriate gift.
Read more →
By the 1850s Tasmania (still known as Van Dieman’s Land) was in need of its own, official postage system and legislation was duly passed. It was intended that the first stamps would be printed in England, but as the deadline of a November 1 1853 issue date
Read more →
Edith Holmes (1893-1973) was born in the rural community of Hamilton, in Tasmania. She showed great promise at drawing from an early age. Encouraged by her mother, Edith began studying art at the Hobart Technical College in 1918, aged 15. In 1930-31 she received tuition at Julian
Read more →
HOBART – Sunday. The Premier Mr A. G. Ogilvie announced tonight that the Government intended to submit a bill to Parliament on October 13 to permit a private company to construct a pontoon type of bridge across the Derwent between Government House Point and midway between Lindisfarne
Read more →
Anna King was the first Governor’s spouse to reside in New South Wales. Her husband (and first cousin) was Philip Gidley King, the Colony’s third Governor. He was in office from 1800 until 1806. In 1799 Anna boarded the ship Speedy for a not so speedy trip
Read more →
Among the treasures from the Trevor Kennedy collection, purchased recently by the Australian National Museum, is a unique brooch. It was made-to-order in Amsterdam for pioneer aviator Charles Kingsford Smith, as a gift for his bride to be, Mary Powell. The couple had become engaged on Mary’s
Read more →