Summary

Black & White photograph of four performers from the Tarax Club, circa 1950s-1960s.

Description of Content

Black & White photograph of four performers from the Tarax Show. From right to left: The first person from is Gael Dixon, the second person is 'Uncle Norman' (Norman Swain) wearing a white striped blazer, white shirt, black tie and pants, the third person is Patti McGrath (now Patti Newton married to Bert Newton) wearing a white dress, the fourth person is 'Joffa Boy' (Joff Ellen), wearing possibly a grey suit, white shirt and bow tie and possibly a straw hat and the fifth person is Ron Blaskett in a black suit and tie peering over the back. Possibly in the background is studio set (white lines, arch shape etc.)

Physical Description

Black & White photograph with a straight edge.

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 and immediately established a business that became one of the most successful doll and toy manufactures 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.

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