Queen Elizabeth, Coronation 1953, Scrap Book compiled by Robert Stephens
Date1953
Object number00054492
NameScrapbook
MediumPaper, newspaper clippings.
Dimensions375 x 250 mm
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert Sterphens
DescriptionBritish child migrant Robert Stephens was obsessed with the British royal family. He received this scrapbook commemorating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II from his mother in England, after arriving in Australia with the Fairbridge child migration scheme in 1952 at the age of nine.HistoryBetween 1913 and 1967, more than 7,000 British children were sent to Australia by charities such as Fairbridge, Barnardo's, and the Salvation Army. The Fairbridge Farm School in Molong NSW (opened 1937) was one of three farm training schools established under Fairbridge principles in Australia. South African philanthropist Kingsley Fairbridge aimed to alleviate the plight of British slum children by sending them to farm schools in the colonies. The idea was to remove children from impoverishment, while simultaneously developing remote rural areas of the British empire with young white labour.
SignificanceThis scrapbook reflects Robert Stephens' enduring attachment to his British heritage and his mother. Robert’s story is typical of many former child migrants, who contrary to popular belief, were not orphans but came from broken homes or families struggling financially.
