Summary

Album produced as a souvenir of the 1956 Olympics which were held in Melbourne, Australia. The unused album has a metal plaque attached to the cover that features an image of a sprinter, the Olympic rings and date.

The XVIth Olympiad (the Olympic Games) hosted by Melbourne in 1956, is considered a watershed event in the city's history; it was instrumental in helping create the 'modern' and 'international' city of today. A variety of souvenirs was produced for the games; handkerchiefs, tea towels, scarves, playing cards, swap cards, crockery, ashtrays, etc. These souvenirs drew upon Olympic imagery: the Olympic torch (frequently positioned over the map of Victoria), the Olympic rings, the flags of participating nations, etc.

This album is one of many souvenirs of the Melbourne Olympic Games of 1956 that found a ready market both within Melbourne and throughout Australia. It was bought by the donor's father as a keepsake of what was an important civic event. As the donor notes, though neither of her parents attended any of the sporting events, they were caught up in the excitement of having the games in Melbourne

Physical Description

Brown leather-look plastic cover bound with cream silk, string. Attached to the front a metal plaque with impressed decoration. The unused photo pages are heavy grey paper.

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