Summary

Dressing Table 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

Dressing table, on cast iron casters, made of blackwood and Huon pine, inlaid with ebony and holly and with carved blackwood and Huon pine decoration. Flanking the rectangular central mirror are two draw units with five drawers graduating in size from largest to smallest. Mounted atop the two main draw units are two smaller units (which the mirror attaches to) these each have a recessed mirror with two small drawers above and are topped with a decorative pedestal. Under the central mirror is a blue and silver foot cushion which lifts up to reveal a small compartment. There is an oval manufactures mark on the underside of the mirror.

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