Summary

Medal to commemorate the centenary of Stokes and Sons mint. Reverse designed by Andor Meszaros and minted by Stokes and Sons, Victoria, Australia in 1956.

The private mint Stokes began in 1857 when Thomas Stokes purchased a press that had been sent to Melbourne at the beginning of the Victorian gold rush. The firm went produced many of Victoria's commemorative medals, including this one celebrating its own centenary in 1956. Noted medallist Andor Meszaros designed the reverse, which features a man at a lathe, while in the background are scenes of industry, transport, agriculture and domestic life.The firm still operates from the Melbourne suburb of Mitcham.

Physical Description

medal issued to commemorate one hundred years of Stokes opperation. Obverse featuring Across centre of medal a view of the Stokes factory in Brunswick; above, STOKES & SONS PTY LTD / 100 YEARS / PROGRESS below, MELBOURNE / AUSTRALIA / 1956 the makers name below the image on right, STOKES MELB. Reverse (damaged as usual by glue used in felt of plastic container of issue) featuring Man with back to viewer operating lathe, above lathe, INDUSTRY IS LIFE below lathe at right the artist's name and logo MESZAROS; between legs the mint name, STOKES MELB. Above lathe images of different forms of industry, catering, forrestry, factory and transport (shipping and flight)

Obverse Description

Across centre of medal a view of the Stokes factory in Brunswick; above, STOKES & SONS PTY LTD / 100 YEARS / PROGRESS below, MELBOURNE / AUSTRALIA / 1956

Reverse Description

Man with back to viewer operating lathe, above lathe, INDUSTRY IS LIFE below lathe at right the artist's name and logo MESZAROS; between legs the mint name, STOKES MELB. Above lathe images of different forms of industry, catering, forrestry, factory and transport (shipping and flight)

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

For over half a century, sculptors Andor (1900-1973) and Michael (1945- ) Meszaros have created medals that reflect the high points of life in Australia. From major awards and portraits of eminent Australians to artwork celebrating popular culture and the natural world, these objects illuminate our culture and history. Grounded in a centuries-old European art tradition, the medals create connections across disciplines and link such diverse subjects as scientific advances, religious themes, sport, the performing arts and motherhood. Through their public and private commissions and their personal artworks, the Meszaros sculptors have defined the modern Australian medal.

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