Help tell the Australian story
by Nathan Pharaoh on 2 September, 2016
In the last six months we have been working on the body and interior of the Daimler – involving a lot of dismantling, a lot of close inspection and a whole range of decision-making.
Continue reading “Working on the Hooper body”by Catrina Vignando on 12 September, 2013
The Royal Daimler has been classified as a Canberra treasure in a new book by Betty Churcher, ex Director of the National Gallery of Australia, and artist Lucy Quinn. Continue reading “The Royal Daimler is a Canberra Treasure”
by Monica Lindemann on 16 August, 2013
News today that William, Kate and George might be heading to Australia to next year. news link
Did you know that the Royal Daimler in the Museum’s collection was originally painted in the little prince’s great grandfather, King George’s, colours? Continue reading “Fit for a king, a queen and maybe a prince!”
by Monica Lindemann on 19 April, 2013
Below you can see four additional petrol caps are used to illustrate the type of effect you would get from each treatment. Continue reading “What does our Conservation team think: conservation not restoration”
by Laura Breen on 6 December, 2012
Last week, we were able to complete another small piece of the Daimler history puzzle… Continue reading “A long-lost relative”
by Laura Breen on 17 July, 2012
In researching our Daimler’s lengthy past, I was not the least bit surprised to discover that the car’s ceremonial duties did not cease with the completion of Queen Elizabeth’s royal tour in 1954. After all, in the aftermath of the royal visit, what else could be done with such a cumbersome and imposing motor car?
by Heidi Bock on 31 May, 2012
As I have just joined the Museum, I have been exploring and discovering the interesting facts about the 1954 Royal Tour and this majestic Daimler. Continue reading “Facts and figures from the 1954 Royal Tour”
by Laura Breen on 3 May, 2012
It wasn’t until February 1954 that the newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth eventually stepped onto Australian soil. Although by now almost six years old, the four Daimlers languishing in storage were recalled for duty. Perhaps we can assume that the huge cost of acquiring them in the first place offset the need to impress the Queen with more fashionable vehicles?
Continue reading “Here she comes!”by Laura Breen on 12 April, 2012
After news of the cancellation of the 1949 royal tour reached Australia, the Chifley government was now faced with the unenviable prospect of redirecting the final stages of planning for the tour – street displays, infrastructure, souvenir production and transport. A huge budget had been allocated to the celebrations, most of which had already been spent, to the dismay of many.
The Museum is lucky to hold rare examples of some of the commemorative material produced for the tour which wasn’t to be. This ‘Royal Tudor’ teacup was made by Barker Bros. of England, and was presumably shipped out to Australia in the months before the cancellation was announced.
Continue reading “Goods no longer required”by Laura Breen on 29 March, 2012
This photograph of the Australian government’s completed order of Daimler cars, possibly taken by a proud factory employee in November 1948, is rendered all the more poignant in light of what happened next.
Each four-ton vehicle was fully equipped with every imaginable luxury – an electric-operated sun roof, cream Bedford cord and blue leather upholstery, a walnut dash, roller-sprung silk window blinds, engraved glass light fittings and ashtrays, thick fitted carpets and electric windows.
Continue reading “King George’s visit cancelled!”