Burns, Philp & Co. office division panel

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

Date1890-1940

Object number00031345

NameWall

MediumWood, metal, lead framed stained glass

DimensionsOverall: 1940 x 3150 x 40 mm

ClassificationsTableware and furnishings

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA Burns, Philp & Company division panel consisting of panelled timber, leadlight glass and the company's Scotch thistle logo. The timber is Queensland Walnut and has been stained. Burns, Philp was a household name in Australian shipping during the 1920s.HistoryBurns, Philp & Co Ltd became incorporated in 1883. Their early operations included running small stores on Queensland's Gympie goldfields and shipping goods between Brisbane and Sydney. The company expanded and began shipping between Australia and the South East Pacific running numerous plantations and warehouses overseas. In the interwar period of the 20th century Burns, Philp & Co became an established name in Australia; their ships clearly recognisable by their Scotch Thistle flag. During World War II a number of their ships were commandeered by the Merchant Navy and used as troop and supply transports. The company’s specialised knowledge of the Pacific became very useful in the allied war effort and both the ships and their personnel were taken into war service. During the 1970s Burns, Philp & Co made major operational changes and became involved in the production and distribution of food and beverage. Burns, Philp & Co operated on the Australian Stock Exchange until December 2006 when it was divided and sold. SignificanceThis dividing panel is an interesting and rare record of the Australian shipping line Burns, Philp & Co, a household name in Australia during the 20th century.