Wooden sewing box
Date1860-1932
Object number00056362
NameBox
MediumWood, metal
DimensionsOverall: 59 × 117 × 74 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Glenn Alfred Thorpe
DescriptionWooden Clark & Co Anchor sewing box with floral design on lid owned by Alfred Thorpe and used to store a collection of commemorative medallions, enamel ships badges, shipping company cap badges and navy and merchant shipping company buttons.
Part of a collection of objects assembled by Alfred Thorpe (c. 1852 – 1931) relating to his merchant and naval service career and association with Antarctic exploration while serving as pilot and harbour master at Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand. The collection is illustrative of the important role Lyttelton paid in Antarctic exploration in the early 20th century, as both the final major port vessels of exploration and their relief ships visited on their journey south, and also the first they put in at on their return.
SignificanceThis collection of objects highlights the importance of the port of Lyttleton in early 20th century Antarctic exploration and the role of pilots and harbour masters in supporting the crews and vessels sailing south. The collection not only illustrates the professional relationship between port staff and ships’ crews, but also the high degree of mutual respect the association engendered. The close working association between mariners and key maritime roles, such as pilot and harbour master, is apparent in this collection.
