Teacup coverfeaturing HMAS AUSTRALIA
Datec 1914
Object number00054379
NameTea cup cover
MediumCotton, glass
DimensionsDisplay dimensions: 895 × 660 mm
Overall: 155 × 150 mm, 7 g
Overall: 155 × 150 mm, 7 g
ClassificationsToys, games and souvenirs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Gerard & Anita Bakkers
DescriptionThis cloth crocheted teacup cover with beading on the edge has a centre image of HMAS AUSTRALIA II circa 1924.
Commemorative artefacts with imagery of naval vessels was a highlight of the early stages of the WWI, with posters, scarves, models and other useful household items adorned with images of RAN vessels. This continued after WWI.
This teacup cover shows the incongruity of a delicate, hand made, embriodery item with a battleship motif - a meeting of the domestic home front with war and service at sea.HistoryThe delicate, hand made, crochet work with a battleship motif highlights a meeting of the domestic home front with Navy and is an excellent representation of how the navy was the early focus of Australian nationalism on the world stage during WWI and after.
Patriotic crochet work such as this was important for women during the war and as gifts for those serving at sea. While there are extensive collections of such work, there are few known examples with navy themes or images.SignificanceThis is an uncommon example of commemorative ephemera associated with the early RAN. 
