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 Francis, Birmingham, England and the box by J M Dempster Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

This brooch was made 1909-1910.

Brooch with box, wattle, silver gilt / metal / fabric, made by Deakin and Francis, Birmingham, England, retailed by JM Dempster Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1909-1910

Brooch: shaped brooch made of silver gilt and decorated with wattle blossom in yellow painted enamel with a green and purple basse-taille enemelled open work surround. The brooch has a thin gold border. Attached to the back is a hinged pin and catch-plate.

Box: rectangular box with hinged lid made of metal covered with brown paper and decorated with a gold border. The inside is lined with cream velvet on the bottom and cream silk in the lid.

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

Made: Deakin and Francis; Sydney; 1909 - 1910

Stamped on back of brooch 'D&F'. Stamped in gold inside lid of box 'J.M. DEMPSTER LTD./RETAIL SILVER PLATE WAREHOUSE/& MERCHANT JEWELLERS./SYDNEY./MADE IN ENGLAND'.

A1246

1909 - 1910