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House flag of Burns, Philp and Company shipping line

Maker Burns, Philp & Company Limited (Australian, 1884 - 2006)

Date1884-2006

Object number00037586

NameFlag

MediumCanvas, nylon rope

DimensionsOverall: 670 x 1310 mm, 200 kg

ClassificationsVisual communication

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Eric Olufson

Terms

DescriptionThis house flag of the shipping line Burns, Philp and Company features a central green thistle purple flower on a diagonal tricolour background of red, white and blue. The Scotch thistle was the logo of Burns, Philp and Company since its incorporation in 1883.HistoryBurns, Philp & Co Ltd became incorporated in 1883. Their early merchant activities included running small stores on Queensland's goldfields at Gympie and shipping goods between Brisbane and Sydney. The company expanded and went on to run a fleet of merchant ships trading in the Pacific, establishing plantations and warehouses. In the interwar period of the 20th century Burns, Philp & Co was a well known name in Australia, their ships were clearly recognisable by their Scotch Thistle flag. The flag's Scottish themed logo was designed as both the company’s founders James Burns and Robert Philp were from Scotland. During World War II many of the ships of Burns, Philp & Co were incorporated into the Merchant Navy and used as troop transports or supply carriers. After the war the vessels resumed their duties conducting trade for Burns, Philp & Co. The company operated on the Australian Stock Exchange until December 2006 when it was divided up and sold. SignificanceThis house flag of the merchant shipping company Burns, Philp & Co, was widely recognised among Australians as the company's ships were prominent in the development of Australian trade and passenger networks in the South Pacific region.