Summary

This apron, embroidered in 1934, commemorates the London to Australia air race, one of the more ambitious celebratory events held during Melbourne's centenary year. It saw 20 aeroplanes set out from Mildenhall near London for Flemington Racecourse. The event was proposed by Melbourne's Lord Mayor Harold Gengoult-Smith in 1930, who perceived it as a means to demonstrate Australia's close link with England. A sponsor was sought and found in the chocolate manufacturer and self-promoter Sir Macpherson Robertson. He stipulated that the race be named after him and that it 'be organised to be as safe as possible'. Twelve of the 20 competitors made it safely to Melbourne. The winning crew of Charles Scott and Tom Campbell Black, flying the Comet 'Grosvenor House', completed the course in just under three days.

Physical Description

Hand-embroidered apron commemorating the London-Australia air race in 1934. Peach coloured cotton with purple border; brown embroidered aeroplane, outline of Australia and Great Britain on two pockets. Red, mauve, purple, yellow, peach flowers in lazy daisy stitch with black long stitch centres, other work in stem stitch and blanket stitch.

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