Summary

This is the original medal pattern entered by Harry Stokes for the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition prize medal competition. It features a crowned figure of Victoria standing facing holding a shield and spear; in the background on the left is a view of the Royal Exhibition Building. Harry Stokes did not offer a portrait of Queen Victoria for the obverse as the competition required, rather his design featured the Latin motto VITAM / EXCOLERE / PER ARTES within a closed wreath. This design for the reverse of the medal was adopted for the prize medals.

The Melbourne International Exhibition ran from 1 October 1880 to 30 April 1881. The exhibition building that still stands was constructed for the occasion, designed by Joseph Reed and built by David Mitchell. Over 1.3 million people visited the exhibition; Melbourne's population at that time was around 282,000.

Obverse Description

Within an ornate rim of arches and beads turreted classical figure representing the Colony of Victoria standing facing holding a shield and spear; in the background on the left is a view of the Royal Exhibition Building and an anchor; on the right is a rural scene; on a wide exergue line, ADVANCE AUSTRALIA; on the top exergue line are the artist's initials, H.R.S.

Reverse Description

Within wreath, "VITAM / EXCOLVERE / PER ARTES" In tiny letters near rim at 06, H. STOKES

Edge Description

STRUCK BY STOKES & MARTIN _ MELBOURNE

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