Summary
Empire Day Flap used in Melbourne, Victoria, circa 1936
Empire Day was first introduced in 1905 to promote loyalty among the dominion countries of the British Empire. Celebrated on 24 May, Queen Victoria's birthday, it was directed especially at school children. Teachers were encouraged to promote special steps to develop a feeling of pride in the British Empire and the achievements of the British race. Often a morning of short addresses, recitations and patriotic songs such as 'Rule Britannia' and 'Advance Australia' was followed by a half-day holiday to mark the celebration of Australia's strong ties to the British Empire.
Physical Description
British flag. Flag consists of a rectangular piece of canvas with the British flag design on it, below the design the word EMPIRE DAY is printed in white ink on a red background. Flag is attached to a narrow stick.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mrs Lois Stephenson, Apr 1989
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Place & Date Used
Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1936
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Inscriptions
White printed text on front of flag: EMPIRE DAY On the back side of flag there is a light pencil inscription in the bottom left corner: '1936'
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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overall dimensions
30.5 cm (Length), 0.5 cm (Width), 39.5 cm (Height)
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Exhibition Collection Management
305 mm (Width), 390 mm (Height)
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Maximum dimensions
300 mm (Length), 7 mm (Width), 395 mm (Height)
Measurement From Conservation.
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Keywords
Celebrations, Civic Mementoes, Empire Day, Keepsakes, Royalty, Royalty: British, Souvenirs