Intercolonial Exhibition Victoria 1866-7 Bronze Plaque

Intercolonial Exhibition Victoria 1866-7: bronze plaque (22 cm) designed by Charles Summers & produced by W. Calvert; awarded to J.T. Smith and held in the original round cedar frame for display. Overall 27 cm diameter. The medallion depicts allegorical figures presenting the produce of the colonies. A translation of the lettering around the medal (Latin) is: 'They all look different, and yet alike - as sisters would' - in reference to the colonies here represented by female figures. Inter-colonial and international exhibitions of the late nineteenth century were major forces in shaping Australian material culture. The colonial exhibitions were usually held in preparation for international exhibitions which played a major role in drawing world attention to Australia's resources. J.T. Smith, Mla, (1816 - 79) had served as Mayor of Melbourne for a record seven times between 1851 and 1864 and had been instrumental in the planning and preparations for the Exhibition. He was also a commissioner for the 1875 Exhibition. It was during Mr. Smith's Mayoralty that the Eureka uprising occurred, and owing to a rumour that the diggers contemplated holding up the banks, the Mayor organised a force of 300 special constables to defend the financial institutions of the capital. His funeral, in 1879, attracted one of the largest crowds seen in the Colony.