This award has significance as an illustration of the Festival Records success in generating sales of local recording artists. 'Godspell' was an American rock musical based on the gospel of St Matthew. The 1972 Australian production starred Colleen Hewett, whose number one single 'Day by Day' came from this original cast album, produced by Ian Meldrum.

Festival Records manufactured vinyl discs in Sydney for 40 years. At the height of production in the 1980s Festival's factory was buzzing with 26 record presses pumping out 25,000 records per day. In addition there was a cassette duplicating plant, an art department, a printing department for album covers, plus a huge warehouse for packing and distribution.

Festival Records provided a home to a vast array of musical styles and many independent labels, not readily identified with the Festival brand. For over fifty years its existence as a major independent record company, competing with the multinationals, helped to create a healthy environment for Australian music.

The first gold record awards were presented by American record companies to their artists to acknowledge sales of 1,000,000 records. Various measurements have been used at different times around the world for album and single awards. Some were based on the value of retail sales and others on units sold. The Recording Industry Association of America established a standard for an official gold record in 1958. This was based on wholesale shipments to retail outlets, rather than actual retail sales. Australia follows a similar system. In Australia ARIA awards gold records for 35 000 sales and platinum records for 70 000 sales.

Made by Festival Records at their factory in Miller St Pyrmont.

When Festival Records prepared gold and platinum awards to present to its recording artists, the company sometimes made duplicates to display in the board room and the reception area of its premises. This award was also displayed in the Museum's exhibition 'Spinning Around: 50 Years of Festival Records', from 2001 to 2003.

Music award, gold record, 'Godspell', laminated board / metal / paper, made and used by Festival Records, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1973

Gold record award mounted on wooden board with laminated wood veneer. Gold LP disc with Festival label. Gold plaque in the shape of Australia with the text: 'Gold Record Award for 'Godspell' Original Australian Cast Recording. A Lewis Young Production, June 1973'. Two metal hooks on reverse.

Made: 1973

2007/50/12

1973