Medal - Royal Visit of the Prince of Wales to Geelong, Australia, 1920

Search the collections

Summary:: Australia Victoria
Visit of the Prince of Wales to Geelong 1920 (AD)
Mint: Stokes & Sons
Other Details: In 1920 the Prince of Wales visited Australia to extend official thanks for its support during World War I and to strengthen links to the Empire. The Prince toured extensively, and his tour was one of the most popular royal visits ever. Wherever he went public holidays were declared, foundation stones laid, memorials unveiled and receptions and balls. The Prince made a point of meeting ex-servicemen and women. He spent nine days in Victoria, eleven days in New South Wales, four days in Tasmania, eleven days in Western Australia, six days in South Australia and eight days in Queensland. The Prince was seen as the embodiment of the White Australia, symbolic of the spirit of his race. His presence strengthened the identity of the young Australian nation as a member of the Empire, resisting the influence of other powers and other races.
Acquisition Information:: Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 1976

Tagged with:	royal visits, wars conflicts, white australia policy, world war i 1914-1918, -1
Themes this item is part of:	Public Life & Institutions Collection, HRH Edward VIII (1894-1972), Stokes & Son, Medal Makers, Melbourne, Victoria & Sydney, New South Wales
Primary Classification:	MEDALS
Secondary Classification:	Commemorative
Tertiary Classification:	royal visits
Series:	Australian Commemorative Medals
DateEra:	1920 AD
Obverse Description:	3/4 left bust of Prince in uniform wearing cap; around in two lines, H.R.H. PRINCE OF WALES / WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA; in small letters below bust, STOKES
Reverse Description:	Shield of Geelong featuring kangaroo on central shield surounded by, sheep, wheat sheaf, sailing ship and grapes and wine barrel, above, GEELONG JUNE 1920, below, ribbon with motto BY THE RIGHT USE OF GOD'S GIFTS; around, TO COMMEMORATE THE VISIT OF H.R.H. PRINCE OF WALES TO AUSTRALIA
Edge Description:	Plain
Material:	Gilt Bronze
Issued By:	Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Mint:	Stokes & Sons, Victoria, Australia, 1920
Person Depicted:	HRH Edward Prince of Wales, Victoria, Australia, 1920
References:	Car. 1920/6
Bibliography:	[Article] Fewster, Kevin. 1980. Politics, Pagentry and Purpose: the 1920 Tour of Australia by the Prince of Wales. Labour History. 38 (May 1980)