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
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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
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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.
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For birds, sight is the most critical of the senses for survival. Hence, their eyes are much larger in relation to the size of their heads (and brains) in comparison to other vertebrate, including we humans. A large pupil allows more light to enter. That’s why an
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Is it possible to make friends with a bandicoot? Well, to my surprise the answer is ……yes! Lorraine Tongs Clifford spent her early years on a farm at North Motton, outside Ulverstone on the north-west coast of Tasmania. It was an idyllic childhood, as her recently completed
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Residents of Devonport, on the north-west coast of Tasmania, once had an opportunity to pick up an old master; a portrait by French artist Nicolas de Largillière (1656-1746) THE SELLER – MR GARNETT Offering the painting at auction was Yorkshire born George H. Garnett. He was a
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