Item MM 132370 Photograph - Portrait of Leo Sterne, Victoria, circa 1939-1965

Summary

Black and white photograph of Leo Sterne posing for a portrait, Victoria, Australia, circa 1939 - 1965

Description of Content

Leo Sterne poses for a professional portrait. He wears a dark jacket, light shirt and tie. His head is tilted and he holds his right hand to his chin, gazing away from the camera toward the right side of the photograph.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph on paper postcard support with stamped hand written text.

Significance

This item is part of a growing collection of material relating to the migration and settlement experiences of Leo and Hilda Sterne who arrived in Melbourne in 1939. They immediately established a business that became one of the most successful doll and toy manufacturers in post-war Melbourne.
The L.J Sterne Doll Company (1939-71) is significant as one of the few surviving collections related to an Australian toy and doll manufacturer, a once thriving industry in Australia. Only the A.L. Lindsay and Co. Archive at the Powerhouse Museum and the Jakas Toys collection at Museum Victoria are comparable.
This collection of photographs, business and promotional documents, dolls and toys enables the exploration of many Australian post-war historical and social themes including: local television and manufacturing industries; design and production innovation; marketing and merchandising; childhood; gender and cultural representations; leisure and sport; and key cultural and historical events.