Summary

This wax model was made at the Industrial and Technological Museum by Thomas McMillan in 1875. It was modelled on a specimen presented by Robert Whatmough and grown at his orchard at 'Willis Vale' in Greensborough.

Whilst Whatmough had planted and cultivated many varieties at his orchard (some of which are represented in this collection), this species came from a very famous tree known as the 'Batman Tree.' Originally this tree was planted by John Batman in his Orchard on Spencer Street in Melbourne. Coincidently Robert Whatmough lived opposite this orchard when, after Batman's death, some time in 1841 the tree was relocated to a property in Greensborough. Again coincidently, this property, 'Willis Vale' was the orchard Robert Whatmough would later rent for two decades to run his orchard. The variety of the apple was unknown so when it came to be modelled and exhibited it was given the name, Whatmough's Fancy. The tree still stands on the land which was once Willis Vale, although the homestead and orchard no longer stand.

Physical Description

Wax model of an apple with short stem, painted yellow and orange.

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