Summary
Three door wardrobe in Huon pine and blackwood which was part of a bedroom suite made by Melbourne firm W. H. Rocke & Co. for the Melbourne International Exhibition held at the (Royal) Exhibition Building from 1880-1881. W. H. Rocke & Co. was colonial Victoria's largest, most successful and profitable furniture manufacturers and agents. At the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition W. H. Rocke & Co. dominated Victoria's display on the Avenue of Nations. Under the design eye of John Mather (the Exhibition Building's interior designer), the company created a 31 ft2 bedroom with Huon pine and blackwood parquetry flooring, turquoise and silver sateen wallpaper and curtains, and a bedroom suite manufactured by local craftsmen from local timbers. Around the outside of room were raised platforms on which were displayed furniture for a dining room and drawing room, and another bedroom suite.
Physical Description
Three door wardrobe made of blackwood and Huon pine, inlaid with ebony and holly and with carved blackwood and Huon pine decoration. The central door has a mirror and the two side doors are decorated with elaborate inlay work. The two side cupboards are lined in white and blue fabric and have a brass railing and hooks. The central cupboard has three full drawers (which are graduated in size), an open shelf, two drawers and an open shelf.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Acknowledgement
This item was purchased with the support of the Australian Government through the National Cultural Heritage Account.
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Manufacturer
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Place & Date Exhibited
Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1880-1881
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Inscriptions
Oval brass label with 'W.H. ROCKE & CO/ MELBOURNE' fitted to the inside of the left door of the wardrobe.
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Classification
Royal exhibition building, International exhibitions, Exhibition heritage
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
2160 mm (Width), 690 mm (Depth), 2450 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Exhibitions: Melbourne International, 1880-1881, Furniture Manufacturing, Furniture