In loving remembrance of Irene Elizabeth Australia Black who died 15th January 1935 / for many years a devoted member of LHLG [Ladies Harbour Lights Guild]

Date1935

Object number00054915

NameMemorial Plaque

MediumBronze, ink

DimensionsOverall: 250 × 405 mm

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mission to Seafarers

Terms

DescriptionA rectangular bronze memorial plaque for Irene Elizabeth Australia Black. The engraved text reads 'In loving remembrance of Irene Elizabeth Australia Black who died 15th January 1935. For many years a devoted member of LHLG [Ladies Harbour Lights Guild]. She spoke in deeds not words'.HistoryThe Ladies Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 assist the resident Chaplain in raising awareness and funds for the Missions to Seamen including raising money for the Memorial Chapel of St Peter the Mariner. The women’s volunteer group soon gained the support of thousands of members around the country, many of who came from prominent society backgrounds. In 1963 the Guild merged with the worldwide Flying Angel League, resulting in a joint male and female volunteer base that continues today. SignificanceThis plaque is part of a group from the Mission that range from 1900 to 1943 erected for people and ships lost at sea and people who worked for many years at the mission. They are all wonderful, evocative and poignant memorials, ranging from 'lost at sea through enemy action', 'a faithful friend of seamen', 'died of an accident on the bridge', 'lost overboard aged 21', and 'fell from aloft'. They are important records of a time when lost sailors were grieved for at the mission and the plaques and services stood in for burials that did not occur. They are outstanding examples of maritime related sites of grief, commemoration and memory.