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Advance Australia

Datec 1897

Object number00034327

NameEmbroidery

MediumSilk, paper, glass, gilded wood

DimensionsOverall: 630 x 690 x 20 mm, 3.06 kg
Display Dimensions: 629 x 690 x 40 mm

ClassificationsDecorative and folk art

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA tapestry on a silk panel embroiderd in metallic thread depicting the Australian coat of arms with an emu and kangaroo, a red ensign, a New South Wales white ensign, a rising sun and 'Advance Australia' written in a scroll beneath. Believed to have been made for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.HistoryThis souvenir embroidery is associated with the move to federate the Australian colonies in the 1890s. The white flag with the cross of stars and Union Jack was known as the Federation Flag and was adopted by the Federation movement in about 1893. In 1895 the Harrod's mail order catalogue offered an Australian flag for sale, which was almost certainly this pattern of flag. The Rising Sun and shield in the centre of the embroidery was a pattern that was also associated with the Federation movement. However, the original design for this dates from the early 1840s, when it was adopted by the 'Australian Natives' Association’ (i.e. Australian born citizens). This explains why there are only four symbols on the shield - there were only four Australian colonies when it was designed although there were six by the 1890s. The motto 'Advance Australia' was also adopted in the 1840s. Throughout this period there was considerable debate over the placing of the kangaroo and emu beside the shield and which way their bodies and heads should face. This was only finally resolved after Federation in 1901. The red flag on the embroidery is similar to an ensign which was adopted by the Victorian Colonial Navy in the 1890s. It is thought to have been carried by the Victorian Contingent to the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. As they sailed to China in the troopship SALAMIS, and not in one of the aging ships attached to the Victorian Colonial Navy, the flag is unlikely to have been flown from a ship. Anecdotal evidence given by veteran’s families would suggest this embroidery is of Chinese origin, almost certainly from Hong Kong, where the contingent stopped on their way to and from service during the Rebellion. The 'quilted' appearance on the embroidered flags is characteristic of Chinese work. It was possible to order embroideries of one's choice to bring home as a souvenir, and some sailors selected a combination of Federation symbols and an emblem representing their contingent. Foreign manufacture is also suggested by the strange appearance of the kangaroo in the embroidery.SignificanceThis tapestry is an aspirational piece centering on the straight lines of the rays of sun giving this symbol the feeling of power, hope and joy of the new country.