Christmas Bush model
Object No. D10202
This is a botanical model of the fruit of a Christmas Bush. It is made by mixed media and modelled by Arthur Edward Rice and coloured by Charles Toms of the Museum in about 1900. In 1890 the Museum introduced an exhibition of native flowers displaying up to 300 examples sent in by enthusiastic 'friends'. Joseph Maiden, then the Museum's curator, expressed the hope that 'now the beauty of our Australian flora is brought under notice, the ruthless destruction of our trees and flowers will be stopped'. In 1896 the new curator, R T Baker, admitted that the Museum now needed models of 'indigenous vegetation' to match the 'good collection of exotics'. In 1897 Baker was able to report that these new models were proving a popular attraction, particularity with Technical College botany students. The flowers were made by College staff 'from nature'.
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Summary
Object Statement
Botanical model, fruit of Christmas Bush, mixed media, modelled by Arthur Edward Rice, coloured by Charles Toms, Sydney Technical College, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, c. 1900
Physical Description
A botanical flower-like model on a trapezium-shaped blue base with five pink petals, darker at the tips.
DIMENSIONS
Height
430 mm
Width
230 mm
Depth
280 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Arthur Edward Rice (1868-1941) was educated at Sydney Technical College and taught there until 1904 when he joined Wunderlich as a modeller. His wife was Mary Catherine nee Liebentritt, daughter of (John) Frederick Liebentritt of the Cumberland Pottery and Tile Works. Charles Toms (1852-1924) was the Museum's Colourist from 1890 to 1916.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Source unknown
Acquisition Date
25 October 1938
Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.
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