POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Commemorative spoon, Australasian Federation League

Object No. 2002/78/1

Designed to promote Australia's Federation movement, this silver spoon belongs to the collection of silver and EPNS (electroplated nickel silver) tableware, trophies, napkin rings and spoons made and/or used in Australia mostly between the 1890s and 1950s. Presented to the Powerhouse Museum in 2002, the collection was assembled in the 1980s and 1990s by Dr G W Kenneth Cavill, an Emeritus Professor of the University of New South Wales. In his retirement, Professor Cavill has researched and published the histories of notable early 20th century Australian silverware manufacturers. The collection is representative of their products and includes rare objects. It was put together to document and preserve examples of the golden era for the production of domestic silverware and quality giftware in Australia. Rare manufacturers' catalogues of the 1920s and 1930s that complete the collection, show the extensive range of products then available. Souvenir and commemorative spoons are well represented in the Cavill Collection. Spoons inspired by Australia's unique flora and fauna were made from the 1890s initially mostly in England. Designs celebrating important Australian events began with those promoting and commemorating Australia's Federation in 1901. Made by Sheffield's (England) Walker & Hall about 1899, this spoon is an excellent example. The enamelled finial bears the flag and slogan of the Australasian Federation League: 'One people, one destiny, one flag'. (See: K. Cavill, 'Commemorative and souvenir spoons of Australian interest, 1894-1994', Australiana, 1994 (4), pp 95-106.)