Summary
Cabinet 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
Bedside cabinet made of blackwood and Huon pine with carved decorative pedestal on top. It is inlaid with ebony and holly and has carved blackwood and Huon pine decoration. There is a single door and one interior 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' affixed to inside of door.
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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
410 mm (Width), 340 mm (Depth), 884 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Exhibitions: Melbourne International, 1880-1881, Furniture Manufacturing, Furniture