CEREMONIAL STERLING SILVER TROWEL SUBIACO COUNCIL

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c. 1909

Overview

An engraved sterling silver trowel used for ceremonial purposes. The trowel has a treated brown wooden handle, with detailing at the hilt. The blade of the trowel has significant engraved detailing on its face. At its base, the blade is cut out to resemble a shield on a coat of arms, around the edge is a small, continuous etching; a larger leaf-like indentation follows the smaller etching from the bottom of the blade to half way. A vine-like pattern ending in flowers or stars emerges from where the handle meets the blade. At this point, the handle also spreads out into a leaf pattern. The blade, both front and back, has many scratches and some chipping. Engraved on the face of the blade is: 'Presented to/ Shirley White Esqre JP / MAYOR / On the occasion / of laying / THE FOUNDATION STONE/ SUBIACO COUNCIL CHAMBERS/ JULY 16th 1909/ BY/ F E SEDGLEY Esq / CONTRACTOR'. The reverse side has stamped in the centre: 'EP S P M M'

Historical information

The trowel was used by Mayor White to lay the foundation stone of the second iteration of the old Council Chambers in 1909. The First Subiaco Council Chambers was built in 1899, and the second (which Mayor White officiated) was built on the remaining land between the original chambers and the post office. The old council chambers were subsequently used exclusively for the Subiaco Literary Society, before both buildings were demolished in 1971 to make room for new council chambers.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-43-2016.3

Item type

Objects

Keywords

WHITE, Thomas Harold Shirley 'Shirley Snr'

Year

c. 1909

Statement of significance

Aesthetic: The object is engraved sterling silver. It is nice to look at!
Historic: The object was owned by Shirley White, a former Mayor of Subiaco and was presented to him to lay the foundation stone of the Council Chambers on 16th July 1909.
Social: The object was part of a notable social event.

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Artistic or aesthetic significance

Social or spiritual significance

Subiaco Museum

Organisation Details
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