Summary

Alternative Name(s): Food Safe
This is a Baltic pine and wire mesh Meat Safe. It comprises two double door compartments, the large rectangular body supported by four short legs. It was made by Gaylard Furniture of Dandenong, Victoria, Australia in 1996 from timber used in the original Great Hall balcony at the Exhibition Building, constructed in 1880.
The timber was salvaged during the restoration of the Royal Exhibition Building in 1989. Gaylard Furniture, Dandenong, Victoria used the timber to produce various pieces of furniture.

Meat Safes/ Food Safes are containers used principally to keep food safe (from flies and other pests), clean and cool. They have been used to store perishable foodstuffs for centuries, and are still made and used today. Whether homemade or manufactured, their construction is simple; it consists of a frame made of metal or wood, with wire mesh panels. Meat/ Food Safes vary in size from portable cages that can be hung, to fixed items of kitchen or pantry furniture. They are usually placed in a well ventilated area to allow for air flow, thus ensuring the produce is kept cool.

Physical Description

This is a Baltic pine and wire mesh meat safe. FRONT: 2 cupboards, the upper section 2/3 height, lower section 1/3 height. DOORS: wooden frame with wire mesh panels. Tear shaped wooden catch upper left of right hand doors. Beading far left of right hand doors holds left hand doors shut. BACK: untreated wooden panels. Stamped upper centre with maker's details. SIDES: 2 sections, wooden frames with wire mesh panels. INTERIOR: both cupboards single chambers. Label taped to bottom of shelf, front left in upper cupboard.

Significance

Made by Gaylard Furniture of Dandenong, Victoria, from timber used in the original Great Hall balcony at the Exhibition Building, constructed in 1880. The timber was salvaged during the restoration of the Royal Exhibition Building in 1989.

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