Summary

Black and white photograph, depicting Ron Blaskett and Gerry Gee performing on The Tarax Show, circa 1960.

This photograph relates to products and promotions of the L.J. Sterne Doll Company (1939-1971), a Melbourne doll and toy manufacturer founded by Austrian migrants Leo and Hilda Sterne.

Description of Content

A photograph of Ron Blaskett performing with ventriloquist doll Gerry Gee on The Tarax Sow. Ron Blaskett is looking towards the camera, while Gerry Gee is probably positioned on his lap, with its face on profile. Both wear matching suits of light material, white shirts and dark ties. Behind them seems to be theatrical outdoor scenery. The image is blurry, and was probably taken while The Tarax Show was airing on television.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph.

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 Toy collection at Melbourne 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; key cultural and historical events.

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