Summary
Lead pencil with gold capped end that slides into a fitted gold case. It belonged to Dame Nellie Melba, circa 1925.
Dame Nellie Melba is one of Australia's most famous cultural icons and exports. Her operatic achievements were acknowledged both nationally and internationally and her World War I fundraising efforts earned her Dame Commander of the British Empire. Born Helen Porter Mitchell in Melbourne in 1861, Melba would maintain a constant affection and connection to her homeland and in particular Melbourne and the Yarra Valley where she would establish her Australian home, Coombe Cottage, from 1909. Melba was also a tireless fundraiser, both during World War I, but also for numerous local causes, from hospitals to conservatoriums.
Physical Description
Small, red painted, flat, grey lead pencil attached to 9ct gold base. Fits into customised gold case.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Acknowledgement
Purchased with the assistance of the Sunshine Foundation and the Australian Government through the National Cultural Heritage Account.
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Past Owner & User
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Inscriptions
In gold paint on pencil, top: "ROYAL SOVEREIGN' Base: "...OLFF & SON BRITISH MADE"
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Classification
Recreation & tourism, Performing arts - opera, Personal effects
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
70 mm (Length), 10 mm (Width), 7 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Icons, Music, Opera, Performers, Souvenirs, Writing Equipment
