trust news tasmania march 2011

TRUSTNEWSTASMANIA • MARCH 2011

NUMBER 220

ShopThe Old Umbrella Shop

Three generations of the Shott family worked in this shop from 1920 until 1978 making and repairing umbrellas.

LAUNcESToN SyNAgogUECaring for one of Launceston’s important heritage buildings.

PAPER DoLLSClaudia Chan Shaw talks about one of the National Trust’s lesser known treasures.

AN INvITATIoN To MEETINgS foR NATIoNAL TRUST MEMBERS

THE NATIoNAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA TASMANIA NEWSLETTER MARCH 20112

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THE CONTRIbUTION THAT HERITAgE MAkES TO TASMANIA’S TOURISM INdUSTRy HAS bEEN WELL dOCUMENTEd OvER THE yEARS THROUgH A RANgE OF STUdIES IN THE STATE’S kEy MARkETS IN SOUTH EASTERN AUSTRALIA ANd THE MANy vISITOR ExIT SURvEyS CONdUCTEd by TOURISM TASMANIA. A notable feature of Tasmania’s heritage sector is the critical role played by community based organisations such as the National Trust in the preservation and management of our state’s heritage. The results of this commitment can be seen in the many museums, heritage centres, interpretation trails and commemorative memorials to be found in almost every town and community throughout the state.

For a variety of reasons the scale and importance of this community contribution to the preservation of our state’s heritage and the success of our tourism industry has yet to be fully recognised and acknowledged. In order to gain a better understanding of this contribution the National Trust has commenced a project to document the extent of the community’s involvement in the management of northern Tasmania’s heritage. This project has been funded by Northern Tasmania development and supported by Tourism Tasmania. To be undertaken over the next few months the project will involve detailed audit of the range of community based heritage initiatives in northern and north-eastern Tasmania. The important role that the National Trust plays in Tasmania’s tourism industry has been underscored by the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Tourism Tasmania and the National Trust. As part of this agreement the two organisations have agreed to work on a number of initiatives including ____

The contribution that the National Trust makes to Tasmania’s tourism infrastructure extends well beyond its flagship heritage properties throughout the state. It also makes a major contribution through its Community Heritage Program initiatives, one of which is the Tasmanian Heritage Festival.

This year the Festival’s theme is Tasmania’s Agriculture, an industry that has shaped much of Tasmania’s nationally recognised cultural landscapes, been the well spring of some amazing innovations and community initiatives as well as underpinning our island reputation for fine food. This years festival involves more than____ organisations presenting some____ events throughout the state during May.

The extent and diversity of the National Trust’s projects and initiatives continues to deepen through the continuing support of a range of sponsors, grant agencies and most importantly the contribution of our volunteers.

Their work is to be seen at each of our properties as well as in many other initiatives such as the recent digitisation of all the images associated with our property files for northern, north-eastern and north-western Tasmania. In all more than 4,000 of these images are now available on the Trust’s web site.

Although a great deal has been done, much still remains to be done at both our properties and with our heritage collections so I would encourage any members who have an interest in either volunteering at one of our properties or becoming involved in a specific project to contact us.

cHRIS TASSELL MANAgINg dIRECTOR

National Trust Australia (Tasmania)

Community contributions key to sustaining heritage and tourism in state

Front cover Photograph: The Old Umbrella Shop

3THE NATIoNAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA TASMANIA NEWSLETTER MARCH 2011

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The Tasmanian Heritage Festival is the largest celebration of Tasmania’s cultural heritage, attracting events throughout all regions of our island home.

The Festival’s 2011 theme, Lamingtons to Lasers – Our Agricultural Heritage has been embraced enthusiastically, resulting in a dynamic program of exhibitions, tours, displays and activities. Lamingtons to Lasers promises to provide unique and diverse experiences that will surprise, entertain, educate and engage with its audience in a sometimes evocative manner.

The Tasmanian Heritage Festival is a National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) event held on an annual basis as an important component to our Community Heritage Program. The festival is supported by Heritage Tasmania, the department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Pure Tasmania (Federal group), Tasmanian Heritage Council and the Australian business Arts Foundation (AbaF). The National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) thanks Festival media partners: The Examiner, The Advocate, The Mercury, Southern Cross Television and the AbC for their generous support.

Lamingtons to Lasers – Our Agricultural Heritage could not take place without the ongoing support of volunteers throughout all regions of Tasmania who dedicated time and energy to ensuring the heritage values of Tasmania are preserved for future generations. The Tasmanian Heritage Festival is also a celebration of this enormous contribution.

The Tasmanian Heritage Festival is a testament to the well established community links the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) holds throughout the state and highlights the strong relationship fostered by the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) between the heritage, tourism, education sectors and a wide range of community based organizations.

Enjoy, celebrate and have fun with “Lamingtons to Lasers – Our Agricultural Heritage”

MATTHEW SMITHIESCOMMUNITy HERITAgE OFFICERNational Trust Australia (Tasmania)

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Heritage Tasmania director, Pete Smith, says this year’s festival theme provides a terrific opportunity to showcase many different aspects of Tasmania’s agricultural development to the present day. ’Historically and today Tasmania remains famous for so much of its fine produce from wines, honey, and dairy products, to fruit and vegetables, and many tourism ventures are now providing paddock to plate experiences for visitors too. These really are exciting times for agriculture, heritage and tourism in Tasmania,’ Mr Smith says. ‘There’s so much happening here which reflects our agricultural heritage past, such as the restoration of the magnificent Callington Mill in Oatlands which is now grinding locally grown grains into flour for use by the local bakery; adding to the appeal of this historic town for locals and visitors alike. Heritage Tasmania is organising its annual Open doors program in Southern Tasmania too. The program is still being finalised, and we want to keep it a surprise, but by way of example Tasmania’s small fruit industry will be represented, along with some unique historic farm estates and walking tours of Hobart’s farming districts.

PETE SMITHHERITAgE TASMANIA dIRECTOR

For full program details go to www.nationaltrusttas.org.auOur Agricultural Heritage ~ 1st May ~ 31st May 2011

Notice is hereby given that there will be a Meeting of members of the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) (the Trust)

In Launceston At the Meeting Room in the Queen victoria Museum and Art gallery, Inveresk, on Saturday 30 April 2011, commencing at 10.30am ( RSvP, 23 April 2011, ph: 6344 6233 or email: [email protected])

In Hobart At Runnymede, 61 bay Road, New Town, Hobart, on Saturday 7 May 2011, commencing at 10.30am ( RSvP, 2 May 2011, ph: 6344 6233 or email: [email protected])

AgENDA1. Attendance – Members to Register their attendance2. Introductory Remarks3. discussion of what Members expect from the Trust4. discussion of what support the Trust needs from Members (i) Need for Membership recruitment and the formation of a Regional Membership Subcommittee

(ii) Need for Fundraising to assist the ongoing operations of the Trust5. Proposals for self help could include (i) Membership drive, Fundraising, donations, bequests (ii) Support of Mossgreen Auctions6. Any other business of which notice has been given to the Trust in writing.

DocUMENTS To BE gIvEN oUT AT THE MEETINg• National Trust Membership Invitation• National Trust Income Support Initiative• National Trust Annual Report 2009-2010• National Trust Strategic Plan 2009-2014• National Trust Heritage Trail

Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the meeting, bring a friend who might be interested in becoming a Member of the Trust.

“... this year’s festival theme provides a terrific opportunity to showcase many

different aspects of Tasmania’s agricultural development to the present day.’

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINgS OF MEMbERS


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THREE gENERATIONS OF THE SHOTT FAMILy WORkEd IN THIS SHOP FROM 1920 UNTIL 1978 MAkINg ANd REPAIRINg UMbRELLAS. THEy ALSO MAdE WALkINg STICkS ANd TASMANIAN WOOd SOUvENIRS ANd bECAME A TASMANIAN INSTITUTION.

Today their shop is one of the few surviving intact early twentieth century shop interiors in Australia.

by 1907 Robert Walter Shott (1858-1835) had opened an umbrella shop at 60 george Street after moving from Melbourne where he had run an umbrella shop since the late 1880’s. He quickly established a reputation for fine craftsmanship and quickly began using Tasmanian timbers in his products.

In 1920 he presented a walking stick to the Prince of Wales during the Royal visit to Tasmania. In the same year he moved his business into this shop having bought the building in 1916.

by the mid 1920’s Robert Walter’s son Robert Martin Shott (1899-1964) began to take an active role in the business. Robert Jnr built upon his father’s reputation for highly skilled craftsmanship and diversified the business through the production and sale of Tasmanian wood souvenirs.

John William Robert Shott (1925-1978) was the last generation to inherit and operate the umbrella wood souvenir business. born in Launceston he began work in the family business as a teenager during the 1940’s. Trained in French polishing he became an expert machinist and was assisted by his sister dare who repaired and sewed decorations onto the umbrellas. From the late 1940’s Shott’s wood souvenirs were widely presented as civic gifts by the Launceston City Council.

In 1979 the National Trust acquired the Umbrella Shop following the death of John Shott. Since then it has continued to operate the Umbrella Shop, although umbrellas and Tasmanian wood souvenirs are no longer manufactured on the premises. The current building was constructed in the

late nineteenth century by the Mathews family and it was acquired by Frederick Tait in 1891. He willed the property to his son John Tait who carried on the trade of hairdresser there until 1908 when he let to the shop to daniel Corcoran who established a grocery.

In 1916 Robert Shott, who occupied the joining shop, bought No 60 george Street. However, for the next four years it was used by a number of tenants until 1920. In that year Robert Shott moved his umbrella shop into the building.

by 1889 Robert Shott had established himself as an umbrella manufacturer in High Street St kilda Melbourne. He was known for his craftsmanship and inventiveness having developed a folding umbrella frame which was sold to the Fox Umbrella Company. Following a period of poor health he decided to move to Launceston, in part because his brother valentine was working in Hobart as an umbrella manufacturer.

by 1907 Robert Shott was manufacturing, repairing and recovering umbrellas at his george Street shop, a business that was to continue for more than 70 years and which was to involve his son, grandson and granddaughter.

As well as manufacture umbrellas Shott’s also sold umbrellas produced by a range of manufacturers over the years. Amongst the brands stocked were those of the Fox Umbrella Company. While umbrellas are no longer made or repaired in the Umbrella Shop a wide range of umbrellas are still sold.

Within a few years of commencing business in Launceston Robert Shott had established a reputation for using Tasmanian timbers in his umbrellas and walking sticks. Often these were specially commissioned for presentation to visiting dignitaries such as the walking stick made from Tasmanian manfern (Dicksonia antarctica) which was presented to the governor general of Australia Thomas denman in 1913.

Brian Rieusset : Curator

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Mary Ann Goddard, female warder

It was Robert Martin Shott who was largely responsible for diversifying the business by commencing the production and sale of Tasmanian wood souvenirs in the 1920’s. Encouraged by the critical acclaim that another Tasmanian company, Pipers of Ulverstone, had received for their Tasmanian wood souvenirs at the 1923 Wembley Exhibition in London, Shott’s began selling and then making their own blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) souvenirs.

The range of souvenirs produced was extensive, both in terms of the types of souvenirs and their costs. Often the souvenirs carried a distinctive silver map of Tasmania and a round paper label. While many of the items were intended as souvenirs for visitors to Tasmania, they were also promoted as gifts for Tasmanians for special occasions such as at Christmas.

As well as producing their own Tasmanian wood souvenirs, Shott’s also sold those made by Pipers and there was a great similarity in the range of souvenirs they both made, up until Pipers ceased manufacturing them in them in the early 1940’s because of the prohibitive luxury taxes applied to such items during World War II.

John William Shott continued the tradition of producing Tasmanian wood souvenirs but greatly expanded the range of timbers used in the late 1940’s. Significantly he began using a number of minor wood species such as She-oak (Casuarina stricta), boobyalla (Acacia sophorae), Myrtle (Nothofagus cunninghamii), Huon Pine (Lagrostrobos franklini), king billy Pine (Athrotaxis selaginoides) and Sassafras (Antherosperma moschatum).

Today the Umbrella Shop still sells Tasmanian wood souvenirs and walking sticks made of Tasmanian timber, continuing a tradition established more than a century ago.


oLD UMBRELLASHoP NEWSTourists from all corners of the world, together with people from interstate and other parts of Tasmania, make a point of visiting the National Trust’s “show piece”, The old Umbrella Shop, in Launceston, all adding to the interest and variety of experiences for the many volunteers who keep the shop operational.

We are very much in-debited to all the volunteers who give generously of their time to operate this unique piece of Launceston history, with over 80 volunteers ‘manning’ the Shop, monthly, the system runs like clock-work.

Some customers are regulars who avail themselves of the unique variety of gifts stocked, for purchasing birthday and Christmas gifts for friends and family, while many tourists are amazed at the wide selection of umbrellas on sale. For superstitious customers we advise of immunity to ‘bad luck’ when opening umbrellas indoors for selection.

RUNNyMEDE gARDENERS HAvE fUN gETTINg DoWN AND DIRTy!The gardeners who volunteer at Runnymede enjoy their work in the wonderful old garden in New Town. They do a range of tasks – anything from sweeping leaves, cutting back perennials, watering, planting to weeding. Some volunteers follow a particular interest or skill –s uch as propagating new plants in the nursery bed, maintaining a favourite area such as the cottage garden or creating compost. An interesting project they have been working on is the re-creation of the geranium beds on the slope in the front of the house. The red and white geraniums were grown by the gardeners and planted to recreate the garden seen in a photograph of the garden c1890. The high point of every Tuesday morning is morning tea in the courtyard. Hail, rain or shine – lots of talk and laughter – and something yummy to eat! The group always welcomes new volunteers – if you like anything to do with gardens you will have fun with this group. They meet from 9 to 12 every Tuesday morning.

Phone Runnymede on 6278 1269 for further information.

gIfT SHoP cRAfTWoRk fRoM RISDoN PRISoNThe gift Shop at the Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site continues to be very popular with our visitors - especially since our recent addition of remarkable craftwork made by a very talented group of prisoners at Risdon Prison. The prisoners are employed in the woodwork shop designing and producing a wide range of beautiful timber products, easily matching anything available at the local markets.

The articles range from simple letter openers to stylized ornate timber clocks, barometers, bowls, egg cups and elegant jewellery boxes. There are large and small chopping boards, coasters, cheese knives, candle sticks and a variety of wooden pen and pencil sets all made from top Tasmanian timbers such as Huon Pine, Myrtle and Sassafras. We have provided the prisoners with special convict artwork which they now incorporate into the finish of the artefacts to make them specific to our Historic Site. The prison has a hi-tech laser machine which can precisely cut thin timber and plastics, as well as engrave computer generated designs into the woodwork and plastic articles. A small Perspex stand depicting an ornate drawing of our historic site has been a popular sales item. We are pleased to provide an outlet for the work of these exceptionally talented prisoners. The products, which they take extraordinary care and dedication to produce, give them a unique sense of satisfaction and achievement. The small profit made by the sales of the artefacts brings in some outside funding to the Prison system to purchase more timber to craft future products. The men are paid a small nominal amount for the work which they produce.

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Funding from the Tasmanian Community Fund will enable the Trust to better understand the history and cultural significance of the interior furniture and fittings of Australia’s second oldest synagogue in Launceston.

Importantly, the report will inform the conservation plan for the furniture and fittings, and assist in the interpretation of the building.

described on the Australian Heritage Places Inventory as “a small square georgian chapel in the Egyptian Revival style”, the Synagogue is one of Launceston’s most important heritage buildings.

Sitting for 165 years near the centre of the city in St John Street, this unique building has functioned as a synagogue for just a small part of that period, reflecting the impact of shifts in population and economic realities over the years. Consecrated in 1846, the Synagogue served as a place of worship for Launceston’s Jewish community until 1871, when diminishing numbers forced its closure. It was not until the early 20th century, and through the efforts of local businessmen Sim Crawcour and Harry Joseph, that the dilapidated building and its contents were repaired. However, without sufficient members to use the Synagogue, the building was rented to the Cromwell Lodge. With an influx of European immigrants around 1939, the Jewish community was once again large enough to form a congregation, and services were held irregularly until 1961. In the late 1980’s and 1990’s the building underwent extensive restoration work and the Synagogue was once again in use by a small local group.

The Synagogue itself is significant in demonstrating the history and influence of the Jewish community in northern Tasmania, and their religious practice.

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MEMBERS ADvocAcy coMMITTEE (HObART)

The National Trust (Tasmania) Members Advocacy Committee (Hobart) was established in June 2010 to provide a voice for Trust members with particular heritage concerns.

The Committee has spent the first six months focussed on developing an understanding of the cultural heritage governance framework in Tasmania, and establishing contact with some of the key players. Informative meetings have been held with Michael Lynch, Chairman of the Tasmanian Heritage Council; brendan Lennard, Cultural Heritage Officer for Hobart City Council; and brad Williams, Heritage Project Officer for Southern Midlands Council. during 2011 the Committee will continue its program of meetings with government officials as well as members of the public to identify ways in which the National Trust can best perform its advocacy role and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage in the State.

The Committee has recognised that the existing cultural heritage framework is well-established and part of its role is to complement that framework. It is also recognised that there are gaps in the framework, for example in relation

to management of the Tasmanian Heritage Register and management of cultural heritage at local council level. These are amongst the issues being broached by those responsible for drafting new historic heritage legislation and of ongoing interest to the Trust.

The Committee has recognised that its priority is cultural heritage most at risk, particularly aspects that might otherwise be overlooked, and for that it relies on the eyes and ears of the Trust – the members.

The Committee was pleased to be able to contribute to the concerted effort that led to re-consideration of a development proposal for ‘Lauderdale’ in New Town. Alternative options for this historic site are now being considered.

The Committee meets on a monthly basis in Hobart, and members of the Trust are welcome to attend. Members wishing to contact the Committee may do so via the National Trust (Tasmania) state office: Telephone: (03) 6344 6233 Email: [email protected] Post to: National Trust (Tasmania) Members Advocacy Committee (Hobart), PO box 711, Launceston, Tasmania 7250. For further information Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0437 124 210

PHILIP TyRELL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Its members have maintained strong connections to the region and this is reflected in memorial tablets and windows in the Synagogue honouring the Joseph, goldberg, krinsky, Crawcour, Fall and Hartnoll families.

An elegant yet simple interior features the impressive Holy Ark, which houses the Torah Scroll. One of the most interesting groupings of furniture are the cedar pews, with decorative carving, probably the work of 19th century local carver and decorator James bennell. bennell and barton were the successful contractors when the Synagogue was built in 1846 and it is believed that bennell was responsible for the interior finishes at that time.

The funding also allowed for the repair and protection of the St John Street stained glass window. The Synagogue will be open for inspection during the Tasmanian Heritage Festival.

RHoNDA HAMILToNPROJECT OFFICERNational Trust Australia (Tasmania)

cARINg foR oNE of LAUNcESToN’S IMPoRTANT HERITAgE BUILDINgS


Caring for our Collection

The management of this collection, dispersed among ten Trust properties throughout the state and containing a great variety of materials (ranging from valuable colonial paintings to humble garden tools) presents enormous challenges.

How does an organisation with a small staff and very limited funds sustainably maintain its collections so that their special qualities can be identified, understood, conserved and enjoyed by present and future generations?

Complicating the issue, the Trust’s collections include not only individual objects but the historic interiors in which these objects are displayed. Therefore, unlike most purpose built contemporary galleries with flexible lighting systems, sophisticated air conditioning, dust extraction, designed display cases and frequently changing exhibitions, our collections are mostly on permanent and ‘open’ display in relatively uncontrolled environments.

How do we reconcile public access with the damage inevitably caused by exposure to high levels of dust and daylight, physical wear and tear and changing humidity levels?

To address these problems, the Trust’s conservation section has begun assessing the preservation needs of the Home Hill, Franklin House and Clarendon collections. We will be considering the influence a variety of environmental and management factors have on the condition of National Trust collections and our ability to preserve them effectively and economically.

For example:

• How do the policies that guide the operation of the National Trust impact on the display and interpretation of our collections?

• do we know the scope, history and significance of the collections? How are they managed, documented and accessed? What security procedures are in place?

• Are the buildings in good condition? How are they maintained?

• Are the collections in good condition? What are the main causes of damage? How are they stored, displayed and maintained?

• Is the storage and display environment suitable? Can it be improved cost effectively? do heritage constraints allow us to do so?

• What impact do visitors have on the condition of the collections? Are housekeeping practices appropriate?

• What skills, materials and funds do we need to manage the collections? Are these resources available within the Trust or do we need to source them elsewhere? What funding opportunities exist?

Ultimately, the project aims to identify the main agents of deterioration for each collection and develope a managed conservation program that enables significance to be revealed and collection items preserved for future generations.

Chinese export sofa, partially restored

Original cane work in poor condition

INTERPRETINg cLARENDoN’S PASTIn 2009 the National Trust board commissioned distinguished historian James broadbent to prepare a furnishings plan for Clarendon. James recommended presenting the house as it was furnished at the end of James and Eliza Cox’s (the first owners) occupation, using the 1869 inventory for the sale of furnishings to guide the selection of furniture in each room. According to this list, the drawing Room was crammed with furniture, including a ‘pair of sofas’.

Fortunately, the Trust has in the collection a rare pair of Chinese export sofas that were brought to Tasmania by a Lieutenant-Colonel Rooke in 1854-55. Although they have no historical association with Clarendon they are of the right age and style (Chinese export furniture was popular in colonial Australian homes during the first half of the nineteenth century) for the house.

The sofas are currently incomplete and in poor condition. To help restore these important pieces of furniture the Trust has received a conservation grant from the Copeland Foundation

THE NATIONAL TRUST OWNS ANd CARES FOR ONE OF THE LARgEST HERITAgE COLLECTIONS IN TASMANIA.

WHAT’S IN THE cLARENDoN coLLEcTIoN?The Clarendon collection contains nearly 3000 registered and many more unregistered items. Information about the collection is scattered among written donation files, registration sheets, newsletter articles, conservation records or kept ‘in the mind’. To facilitate access to these records, Fred and diane Hobson are currently photographing and registering all items and consolidating existing records into a single electronic database.

LINDA cLARkCONSERvATIONS MANAgERNational Trust Australia (Tasmania)


Triumph on TroveIN 2010 THE NATIONAL LIbRARy OF AUSTRALIA CREATEd A NEW SEARCH ENgINE WHICH ALLOWS THE PUbLIC TO vIEW CONTENT AbOUT AUSTRALIA FROM MORE THAN 1000 LIbRARIES AROUNd AUSTRALIA, AS WELL AS MANy OTHER CULTURAL ANd EdUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

It allows the user to view objects right at their source locations and to search across pictures, unpublished manuscripts, books, oral histories, music, videos, research papers, diaries, letters, maps, archived websites and Australian newspapers from 1803 to 1954.

In order to find out how the Trust could contribute to this facility a pilot project was set up. The idea was to take a small number of objects from a Trust collection and published their details with images on the Trust’s own web site with links from the Trove search engine thus allowing the public to gain access to them via the national Trove web site.

The collection selected to try out was from Clarendon where there were a number of “swap” cards describing cars, shipping-lines, London and filmstars. Each week one would have been given away with the 1920’s boys’ comic ‘The Triumph’, a 28 page quarto tabloid costing 2 pennies.

It is interesting to note that this comic’s publisher was Amalgamated Press, a company that started publishing comics in 1890 and was, in a later incarnation, the publisher of that most popular 1950’s boys’ magazine ‘The Eagle’.

Recently all pages and links have been completed and the result may be viewed via the Trust’s web site at http://www.nationaltrusttas.org.au/triumph/pages/triumph.htm and also via the NLA’s Trove site at http://trove.nla.gov.au/result?q=triumph+swap+cards

due to the complexity of the process there are no plans to incorporate our existing web collections on Trove, however it is expected that future collections may be included.

LookINg AfTER DAME ENID LyoNS’ coRoNATIoN RoBES One of the many fascinating features in Home Hill is the glass fronted cabinet in the dining Room, converted from a wardrobe by dame Enid to display her dame grand Cross of the british Empire robes.

Unfortunately relative humidity (RH) often increases in enclosed spaces and the RH inside this cabinet was so high that mould was growing on the glass doors. As a simple, but effective temporary measure, mould has been cleaned from the glass door and damp Rid, a water absorbing material, placed inside.

HANgINg PIcTURES oN THE WALLSdame Enid Lyons took great pains to decorate Home Hill as she wished it to be presented to the public. Numerous original family and official photographs, sketches and signed certificates cover the walls of Home Hill, providing a tangible link with the Lyons family and their activities.

Unfortunately many of these items show disfiguring pest and light damage. To protect this unique collection, the Trust is digitizing original photographs, sketches and signed certificates. In future only scanned copies will be displayed on the walls. All original material will be housed in archival enclosures in the new collection store at Home Hill.

MARk DAvISI.T. MANAgERNational Trust Australia (Tasmania)


And of course the fact that she was not just a Prime Minister’s wife, but a groundbreaker for women, as the first female Member of the House of Representatives, and the first woman to be a Cabinet Minister in the Australian parliament, takes my breath away.

Reading both of these recipes instantly connected me to a time where although things were equally busy, they seemed somehow simpler. It brings a huge smile of recognition of those very kind of scribbly notes from my own memory bank; including ‘Nanny Lyons’ scones.

My kitchen drawers are full of similar handwritten recipes that manage to work their way to the surface just when you need a reminder of how good they are again. I particularly love that both recipes are written ‘to taste’, with room to add a little extra of one thing or less of another, dependant on the cook’s discretion. This instinctual technique of tasting your way through a recipe is one of the best ways to learn to cook, and a tradition we must do all we can to not only hold on to, but to pass on to the next generation.”

MAggIE BEER

REcIPES REvEALED“firstly I would like to state my absolute admiration for a mother of 12 to find the time to cook anything beyond the arbitrary – no wonder there’s a cocktail recipe amongst Enid’s collection!

My kitchen drawers are full of similar handwritten recipes that manage to work their way to the surface just

when you need a reminder of how good they are again.


CARTE dE vISITEA SMALL LEATHER bOUNd CARTE dE vISITE ALbUM IN THE COLLECTIONS AT FRANkLIN HOUSE, FEATURINg vIEWS OF TASMANIA ANd SCOTLANd FROM THE 1870’S, IS TyPICAL OF THIS POPULAR ExPRESSION OF vICTORIAN TASTE. The twenty tiny photographs, known as cdv’s, reflect an admiration for all things british and Royal from a home in the colonies. Albums such as these first appeared on the market in the 1860s when photography became widely available and affordable. This album was purchased locally from J Walch and Sons, stationers, for 15/- . The tiny photographs mounted on card and measuring just 6 x 10 cm, created a “card mania.” They were collected enthusiastically, sent overseas, left as calling cards, exchanged for sentimental reasons and mounted together in specially bound albums. Compilers expressed their individual taste by choice of album, photographs and the arrangement within the album. Typically the albums were filled with photographs of friends and relatives, royalty, the famous and infamous, local scenery and public buildings. The albums were a part of the clutter in victorian sitting rooms where their contents gave an indication of the compiler’s aspirations and connections, or perhaps as a conversation starter. In this album the first image sets the scene – a composite photograph depicting Auld Lang Syne immediately suggests a love of Scotland. Other photographs show five great Scottish landmarks – Sir Walter Scott’s home at Abbotsford, Melrose Abbey, balmoral Castle, Edinburgh Castle and the Falls of Clyde. Interestingly one of the four waterfalls that make up the Falls is Corra Linn – and the Tasmanian beauty spot of the same name features in this album.Other Tasmanian photographs interspersed in the album include views of government House Hobart and Mona vale at Ross, both places which hosted the 23 year old Prince Alfred, duke of Edinburgh in 1868. As the son of Queen victoria he was the first member of the british Royal family to tour Australia. His visit created enormous interest and a subsequent output of souvenirs in the form of books illustrated with photographs from his visit. do people still keep photograph albums in these digital times? While there are obvious advantages in digital storage capacity and immediate access to a multitude of images on screen, the thrill of turning pages of original albumen photographs and discovering what lies inside ornate album covers still remains, despite modern technologies.


quite formal and intricate in design,and vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers were intermixed.

The design at Franklin House was assisted by brigitte Lyons, Horticultural consultant and was specifically structured to enable another one or three squares to be added on and keep the overall pattern. We wanted to start small and be able to manage the garden well with the resources we have.

Two grants were instrumental in starting up the garden. The first was a community grant from Rio Tinto Alcan, which enabled us to research designs, buy plants, seeds, equipment etc. The second grant was from the Community Support Levy, charitable organizations grant programme which enabled us to employ, a person with an intellectual disability one day a week for approximately 9 months.

Jane Waite has been busy and dug a small mirror image of the kitchen garden next to the original one. This is the pumpkin patch. Heritage seeds of delicata, Turkish Turban and green Hubbard have been sourced and are producing well.

It is wonderful to find such a dedicated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer, who is in the garden most Tuesdays and Friday mornings, regardless of the recent weather patterns.

Also new to the garden are four heritage apple trees: bramley, Sturmer, Crofton and Sturmer Pippin and four heritage pear trees: two Winter Cole and two Comice. Once these are more established they will be espaliered.

As the seasons change here in Northern Tasmania so do the plantings in the garden, and there is an updated version of these plantings on the National Trust website.

blooming marvellous! As our local garden guru Peter Cundall would say of our own victorian kitchen garden. Please come and enjoy all of our garden at Franklin House soon.

HILARy kEELEyMANAgER

THE kITCHEN gARdEN, ATTACHEd TO MOST COUNTRy ESTATES, WAS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE WORkINg gARdEN. THESE gARdENS PROvIdEd THE FAMILy ANd ITS SERvANTS WITH FRUIT ANd vEgETAbLES ALL yEAR ROUNd ANd FLOWERS FOR THE HOUSE. Hardy crops grew on the open ground, fruit trees were espaliered up walls and heated glass houses supplied tender or early delicacies.

A lot of research went in to establishing the victorian kitchen garden at Franklin House, and thanks must go to the Head gardener, Simon Tetlow of Tatton Park, in Cheshire, U.k. for his time and patience with my constant questions on the garden there and the management of volunteers.

The concept of kitchen gardens in the victoria era was that while producing for the household, they were quite formal and intricate in design, and vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers were intermixed. The design at Franklin House was assisted by brigitte Lyons, Horticultural consultant and was specifically structured to enable another one or three squares to be added on and keep the overall pattern. We wanted to start small and be able to manage the garden well with the resources we have. Two grants were instrumental in starting up the garden. The first was a community grant from Rio Tinto Alcan, which enabled us to research designs, buy plants, seeds, equipment etc. The second grant was from the Community Support Levy, charitable organizations grant programme which enabled us to employ, a person with an intellectual disability one day a week for approximately 9 months.

Produce from the garden is used in the tea room at Franklin House, in soups, frittata, garnish etc. Any extra is sold for funds to buy/propagate new plants. All the plants and flowers grown in the garden are of the era of the house, and a lot of effort goes into sourcing authentic seeds and plants.

Where are we today? The concept of this project was to be self-sustaining and this we have achieved . At present our only expense is to buy new seeds ( and change the variety where possible) and some organic fertilizer. We do not use anything on/in the garden that would not have been available in 1840. Any pesticides are hand made and lightly sprayed on to the plants. The concept of kitchen gardens in the victoria era was that while producing for the household, they were

fRANkLIN HoUSE – victorian kitchen garden


In reconsidering the presentation of the Runnymede background the house manager, gemma Webberley, suggested that a physical model could be desirable.

The house is now surrounded by suburban development and it is difficult for visitors to appreciate the rural setting of the 1830s in which the Pitcairns chose to build. At that time, too, the foreshore of New Town bay adjoined the property whereas now, following landfill in the mid-twentieth century, what remains of the bay is out of sight.

The purpose of the model, then, is to show the house in the landscape of the late 1840’s, by which time a number of other elegant houses had been built in the neighbourhood (two of which have not survived) but before major subdivision of the original farm estates. Again, visitors may not realise that those free-settler, 100-acre farm holdings date from the first weeks of Lt.-governor david Collins’ establishment of the colony at Sullivan’s Cove in 1804; and their boundaries are still evidenced in the layout of streets to the north and south of New Town Rivulet. bay Road, on which Runnymede is located, and Albert Road, with Pitt’s Farm House (c.1810), are the two earliest roads in the area. The context model illustrates these influences.

In the 1840’s photography was in its infancy so we are dependent on the work of contemporary artists for images of the landscape, in particular g.T.W.b. boyes, J. Skinner Prout and T. LeM. Winter. We are also fortunate that plans of the two local estates, “belle vue” and “Swanston’s”, have survived from the 1830’s, giving valuable land-use detail; and photographs from the later nineteenth century helped confirm inferences made from the earlier material. Our current planning authority maps, derived from satellite survey, give excellent topographical information but it’s a sad reflection on “progress” that one has to resort to google Earth to find out where the buildings are! ‘Earth’ was our source for the roof-forms, too.

The model will normally be seen in-the-round, displayed on a table, but can be stored and also seen in a cupboard, leaning against the back wall. For this reason it was limited in size to 60cm square. It represents an area of about one square kilometre, centered on the house, and hence is quite small scale. The maker, John Akerman, has worked wonders in miniature! John’s skills are already known to the Trust as he was maker of the Penitentiary Chapel model, on display at that site.

The context model was facilitated by Peter Fawcett, who has donated the model to the Runnymede collection. Thanks to donald Howatson for historical information and brendan Lennard (Hobart City Council) for assistance with maps.

PETER SAWcETTRUNNyMEdE vOLUNTEER

The Pitcairns’ House: Context Model

Peter Fawcett and the New Town Bay model.

TSo coMPETITIoNThe Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s Schools’ Composition Competition was established in 2008 by kate gray, TSO Education & Training Coordinator, to encourage school-aged students to compose for orchestral instruments.

For the first two years students were asked to write duets for flute and clarinet then in 2010 for string orchestra. All works had to be inspired by a chosen theme and the winning works performed in the relevant schools concerts each year. Past winners are ben Austin from Launceston College with his duet Mirrored Lake, kirby baxter-Clark from Launceston College with her duet Merlin Ambrosius and Joseph Thompson from Hobart College with his work for strings Cat by the Fire.

In 2011 the TSO is making links with the Tasmanian Heritage Festival ‘Lamingtons to Lasers – Our Agricultural Heritage’ and is calling for works for string orchestra inspired by the theme of ‘A Country Carnival’. Entries close on 30 June 2011 and you can find out more by emailing kate gray at [email protected].

kATE gRAyEdUCATION & TRAININg COORdINATORTasmanian Symphony Orchestra

The TSO just before performing Joseph’s work in 2010.

RUNNyMEDE ToURSRunnymede volunteers have been busy adapting to the new specialist tour schedule operating at the site. A range of tours have been introduced including the current offering ‘Uncovering the Truth at Runnymede’. This tour provides visitors with a rare opportunity to enjoy a behind the scenes tour to learn about the traditional and contemporary techniques used to conserve the house and grounds. visitors have been particularly impressed that the conservation processes are explained and are visible throughout the house. The Paddock to Plate tour offered from April will explore the productive landscape of Runnymede and follow foods grown from the paddock to the kitchen and dining room. An enjoyable part of the tours for visitors is morning and afternoon tea served in the drawing Room with fine china and silverware and an opportunity to reminisce as to what life was like in a more genteel era.

Tours are available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. and twilight tours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings by arrangement.


PAPER dOLLSWHEN I WAS AbOUT TWELvE yEARS OLd I WAS FASCINATEd WITH FILM NOIR. I’d STAy UP ANd WATCH THE LATE SHOW. FOLLOWEd by THE LATE LATE SHOW. IT WAS THEN I SAW THE FILM LAURA WITH gENE TIERNEy FOR THE FIRST TIME.

We didn’t have videos or dvd’s in those days but I did manage to find a book of gene Tierney Paper dolls. She was glamorous and beautiful, with a fabulous wardrobe.

There were paper doll versions of barbie, doris day, Olivia Newton John as Sandy in grease, Ronald Reagan, even Frida kahlo and diego Rivera.

Paper dolls were one of the cheapest toys you could buy. I played with gene Tierney so often that the tabs on her outfits eventually came away. They were bent one time too often.

Paper dolls were popularised in women’s magazines at the start of the 20th century. The most memorable include the delightful Rose O’Neill “kewpie” paper dolls from the Woman’s Home Companion, and also the “Lettie Lane” and “betty bonnet” paper dolls found in the American Ladies’ Home Journal. A number of paper dolls from the 1917 issues of Ladies’ Home Journal (LHJ) are included in the Clarendon Collection.

Created by the popular and prolific Sheila young, Lettie Lane and betty bonnet are featured in the collection.

Lettie was first published in the LHJ during 1908 and her family members were soon added. during 1915 betty bonnet joined the magazine, together with her family. betty was portrayed as part of the wealthy middle class having a large wardrobe and a household that included maids, a chauffeur, footman, cook and nanny.

The paper dolls were printed in colour and designed to be cut out and then pasted to cardboard. They were accompanied by hats, coats, dresses, shoes and accessories (including the dolls’ own dolls) which were affixed to the bodies with paper tabs.

The magazine cleverly made the publication desirable by adding a new sheet of dolls each month, complete with seasonal clothes and themes such as ‘Lettie Lane Comes Home for Christmas’ (LHJ 1915) or ‘betty bonnet’s Halloween Party’ (LHJ 1917).

The collection is like a time capsule – a glimpse into the everyday life of a child from the early 1900’s and a

reflection of the fashions and tastes of the day. The paper dolls were inexpensive

and portable. Children were enchanted by their delightful faces and beautiful clothing and could role play with their new tiny friends.

The social concerns of the day were mirrored. In many sheets the men are portrayed as having US service uniforms as well as civilian dress ( ‘betty bonnet’s big brother’ LHJ 1917) and the women as having American Red Cross pinafores (‘betty bonnet’s Household Servants’ LHJ 1918).

Costumes from ‘Lettie Lane’s Around-the-World Party’ (LHJ 1910) are extremely detailed and exotic and show garments from around the world. This would have sparked the imagination of a child.

during the 1920’s and 1930’s The Pictorial Review magazine featured grace drayton’s cherubic “dolly dingle” paper dolls. And the betsy McCall paper dolls found in McCall’s magazine were popular in the 1950’s into the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Today children are discovering “virtual Paper dolls”. There is no paper, no cutting out. The child can experiment with clothing styles and discover how other cultures dress with a simple drag and drop method used with the computer mouse. The final result can be printed out.

While playing with paper dolls could often be a solitary past time, children today have the opportunity to share their ideas and styles with a whole online community.

Paper dolls have captured the imagination of children and adults alike, whether in paper or now virtual form. but the purist in me will always appreciate the feel of an original paper doll. As a child, I had to be involved with the process of creation from the very beginning – cutting out the outfits and the doll.

The paper dolls in the Clarendon Collection take us back to simpler times, when all a child needed was a pair of scissors and a little imagination.

cLAUDIA cHAN SHAWAbC COLLECTORS


WH

AT’S ON

‘CONvICT COOkERy’ with Sally Wise

19 MAY 2011As part of the National Trust Tasmanian Heritage Festival the Tamar group is hosting a session on ‘Convict Cookery’ at Franklin House on Thursday 19 May 2011 commencing at 10am. Morning tea will be provided.The speaker is Sally Wise, acclaimed cook and author. Sally is a regular guest on AbC local radio and has written popular cookbooks including “A year in a bottle”, “Slow Cooker” and “Out of the bottle”. Cost is $22 per person. bookings at Franklin House - phone 6344 7824.

CONTEMPORARy ARTS MEETS HERITAgE PROJECTMARCH 2011Starting in March, Contemporary Arts meets Heritage project, supported by the Community Support Levy Charitable Organisations grant. The objects of the project are to explore and demonstrate how a heritage site can be a catalyst for contemporary arts and community cultural development, culminating with an exhibition of works at Franklin House.

HERITAgE FESTIvAL (This year we are doing a series of events)‘Twelve of everything’, opening up bridal Hope Chests in Tasmania. This is a textile exhibition through out Franklin House of items that are not normally on display and items which are not in the designated time period of the house circa 1838–1845, and are not directly related to the residence or the main historical themes at Franklin House. However these wonderful treasures are important , as is the history behind trousseaus or hope chests. This exhibition will run throughout May, with our usual opening hours and admission costs. $5.00 members. The Launch will be on Thursday 21st April, at Franklin House from 6.00pm. bookings essential

SAvINg THE SEEdS 10 MAY 2011for our agricultural heritage, a talk with david kenyon, from Inspirations garden Centre, Exeter. This will be an interactive talk on heritage seed varieties and their evolution. Tuesday 10th May from 10am, including morning tea. Cost $20.00 non members, $15.00 members, bookings essential please

THE FRANkLIN vILLAgE HERITAgE TRAILwith Terry childs and Fairlie Ogilvie.

MAY 2011Transport yourself back to Franklin village in the 1840’s . Franklin House , St. James church, kerrylodge bridge and

the Pioneer Memorial Highway. Map and brochure provided and morning tea.Starts at Franklin House at 10am. Cost $20.00 non members, $15.00 members. bookings essential please.

LOST gARdENThe challenges and constraints of re – buildingwith Tim barbour.

21 MAY 2011Tim barbour the well known horticulturalist and entrepreneur will be talking about his thoughts, the challenges and constraints of building the victorian garden at Franklin House. Saturday 21st May from 10am, including morning tea. Cost $20.00 non members, $15.00 members. bookings essential for catering please.

kITCHEN gARdENSThe practicalities of creating your own kitchen garden with brigitte Lyons, Horticultural Consultant, diploma of Horticulture (burnley, victoria)

23 JUNE 2011See a working kitchen garden at Franklin House and the practicalities of creating your own. Notes will be available on the day. Thursday 23rd June, from 10am – 12.00pm. Cost $25.00 including morning tea.

RUNNyMEDE voLUNTEERS

PLANT SALE61 bAy ROAd, NEW TOWN. 7008

Sunday 10 april 10.00am - 2.00pm

PLANTS, PRESERvES & LOTS MORE.

16th Engineering Heritage Australia conference

Conserving our heritage – Make a diference!

Wrest Point Conference Centre • Hobart Tasmania • 13-16 November 2011

Further details: Ph: 03 6231 2999 Fax: 03 6231 1522 Email: [email protected]

Australian Heritage Week is a new initiative of the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

To celebrate, the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) is holding a gold coin admission day on Friday 15th April at the following properties:Runnymede, clarendon, franklin House,Penitentiary chapel Historic Site and Home Hill. For full details go to www.nationaltrusttas.org.au


The National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) is a not for profit organisation and relies on the support of the community to continue its important role.

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THE foLLoWINg ARE SUPPLIERS To THE NATIoNAL TRUST of AUSTRALIA (TASMANIA) AND SPoNSoRS of THIS EDITIoN of TRUST NEWS TASMANIA.

Old Umbrella Shop • Franklin House • Clarendon • Norfolk Plains Heritage Centre & Lake Masonic Hall • Latrobe Court House Museum• Home Hill • Penghana • Oak Lodge • Runnymede • Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site

Published by:

National Trust of Australia (Tasmania)PO box 711, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250Tel: (03) 6344 6233 fax: (03) 6344 4033Email (Trust State Office):[email protected]: All correspondence, news and articles should be addressed to the National Trust at the above address.Advertising Enquiries: Enquiries should be directed to the Trust State Office at the above address.frequency of Publication: Issued March, May, August and NovemberDeadline for the March newsletter:All inclusions for the next edition must be received at the Trust State Office no later than Friday 26 February 2011contributions: Contributions can be submitted electronically to the above email address or typed and double spaced using one side of the paper only. Photographs need to be provided electronically and clearly captioned. Contributions will be handled with all reasonable care but the National Trust accepts no responsibility for loss or damage. Publication of any advertisement, letter, article or report does not necessarily imply endorsement of a product and views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the National Trust.

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trust news tasmania march 2011

Documents

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tasmanias tourism industry

community initiatives

tasmanian heritage festival

flagship heritage properties