Help tell the Australian story
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 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!”