Today very rare, this piece was acquired by the Museum for its spectacular 'Australian flora in applied art ' exhibition of approximately 200 decorative arts objects both Australian made and commissioned overseas, predominantly in England, for the Australian market. The exhibition opened in 1906 and continued, with new objects being added throughout its duration, until the 1930s. This exhibition travelled to San Francisco as the Australian entrant in the Pacific International Exposition of 1915. As well as depicting Australian native flowers, it is a striking example of the Art Nouveau style which enjoyed great popularity in Australia.

This brooch was made by Deakin and Frances in Birmingham, England. The box was made by J M Dempster Ltd in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

This brooch and box were made in 1909-1910.

Brooch with box, flannel flowers motif, silver gilt/enamel/metal/paper/silk, brooch made by Deakin and Frances, Birmingham, England, retailed by J M Dempster Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1909-1910

Brooch: small silver gilt brooch with two enamelled flannel flowers in green and white with green foliage. These flowers surmount a basse-taille enamelled arc terminating in scrollwork. The whole brooch has a thin gold border. Attached to the back of the brooch is pin attached to a hinge and a simple hook catch plate.

Box: small rectangular box with a hinged lid made of metal covered with brown patterned paper and decorated with a gold border. The inside has a padded cream velvet base and the top is lined with cream silk satin.

Made: Deakin and Francis; Birmingham, England; 1909 - 1910

Made: Deakin and Francis; Sydney; 1909 - 1910

Brooch: there are various marks stamped in the reverse.
Box: stamped in gold on inside of lid: 'J.M. DEMPSTER LTD/RETAIL SILVER PLATE WAREHOUSE/& MERCHANT JEWELLERS./SYDNEY./MADE IN ENGLAND'.

A1230

1909 - 1910