Summary

Catalogue produced to accompany the 1958 French Fair, held in the Melbourne Exhibition Buildings, 29 September - 11 October 1958. The French Fair was organised by the Chambre de Commerce Francaise en Australie (The French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry).

The French-Australia Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1899 to promote commercial, industrial and economic relations between the two nations. The rationale behind the 1958 French Fair was to increase trade and cultural relations between France and Australia, and to promote the sale of French products to Australia. Special events at the Fair included French cooking demonstrations, Can Can dancers, fashion parades and free films. Australian businesses at the Fair included: the Australian Stamp Dealers' Association, E. J Headland & Co Pty Ltd (Machine Tool Merchants), Rene Henri (Hairdresser), and Paterson, Laing & Bruce Ltd, (Fashion Wholesalers). Many of the Australian businesses were wholesalers of, or representative for, French products such as lace, perfume, gloves, clothing, china, crystal and textiles. French businesses included: Societe Francaise des Textiles, Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes (shipping) and Air France.

The French-Australia Chamber continues to host events such as Bastille Day and Tour de France celebrations, Soirée de Galas, regattas, and a Victorian wine competition and separate corporate events such as seminars, workshops, luncheons, breakfasts and cocktail parties.

Physical Description

A5 stapled dark brown catalogue with white text.The cover features the French flag and a coloured illustration of a crowing, patterned rooster. The reverse side is a black and white advertisement, with blue text, for T.A.I airlines.

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