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- A Issued By London, United Kingdom
- A Mint London, United Kingdom
- B Awarded To Great Western, Australia
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Medal - Greater Britain Exhibition, First Prize, Great Britain, 1899
Reg. No: NU 17892
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- Summary:
- Medal awarded to Hans W.H. Irvine at the Greater Britain Exhibition, first prize, in 1899.
Hans William Henry Irvine, born in Melbourne in 1856, was a successful vigneron and politician, and was known as the 'wine king of Australia'. His largest holding was the Great Western winery, which he owned from 1888-1918. In the early 1890s Irvine purchased two-thirds of the produce of local vignerons, much of which was distilled into his brandy. He also became known for his claret, hock, chablis, burgundy, hermitage, sparkling hock and sparking burgandy. He was an effective self-promoter, and in 1982 entertained the Victorian governor in lavish style. He also pioneered wine advertising. Irvine was particularly interested in the science of wine-making, and used the latest technologies in his cellars. These contributed to his success at a time when so many other Victorian wine-makers were struggling.
In 1892 he was commissioned by the Victorian minister of agriculture to write a report on the Australian wine trade. Two years later he suggested a conference of vignerons to discuss problems facing the industry, and supported the proposal for a college of viticulture and the introduction of phylloxera-resistant American root stocks. He encouraged industry self-regulation through an elected board, the establishment of regional wineries and cheaper finance for investors in the wine industry. He travelled to Europe several times to learn wine-making techniques and arrange sales. - Description:
- A gold plated Bronze medal (45 mm diameter) featuring Britannia seated facing left by Stokes & Sons awarded to Hans Irvine.
| Discipline: | Numismatics |
| Dimensions: | 45 mm (Diameter) |
| Weight: | 48.64 g (Weight) |
More information
| Tagged with: | agriculture, exhibitions, wine |
| Themes this item is part of: | Great Western Winery Timeline 1858-1922, Hans William Henry Irvine, Vigneron & Politician (1856-1922), Public Life & Institutions Collection, Sustainable Futures Collection, Stokes & Son, Medal Makers, Melbourne, Victoria & Sydney, New South Wales, Hans William Henry Irvine, Vigneron & Politician (1856-1922) |
| Primary Classification: | MEDALS |
| Secondary Classification: | Civil |
| Tertiary Classification: | agricultural prizes |
| Series: | British Exhibition Medals |
| DateEra: | 1899 AD |
| Obverse Description: | Britannia seated facing left, her cape blowing behind; left hand rests on shield decorated with Union Jack and right hand holds trident; beside her to left, forepart of lion; to right a flagstaff; below Arms and clasped hands; around above, GREATER BRITAIN EXHIBITION 1899 in exergue, EARLS COURT LONDON and on the ribbon, below the Arms, DOMINE DIRIGE NOS |
| Reverse Description: | Within an olive wreath, AWARDED TO Hans W.H. Irvine 1ST. PRIZE; and below in tiny letters STOKES & SONS |
| Edge Description: | Plain |
| Inscriptions: | Obverse: GREATER BRITAIN EXHIBITION 1899 EARLS COURT LONDON Reverse: AWARDED TO Hans W.H. Irvine 1ST. PRIZE; and in tiny letters STOKES & SONS |
| Material: | Gold-plated |
| Issued By: | Exhibition: 1899, Greater Britain, London, London, England, Great Britain, 1899 |
| Mint: | Stokes & Sons, London, England, Great Britain, 1899 Stokes set up a mint at this exhibition. |
| Awarded To: | Mr Hans Irvine - Great Western Vineyards & Champagne Cellars, Great Western, Victoria, Australia, 1899 |
Themes
This item is part of the following themes:
- Great Western Winery Timeline 1858-1922
- Hans William Henry Irvine, Vigneron & Politician (1856-1922)
- Public Life & Institutions Collection
- Sustainable Futures Collection
- Stokes & Son, Medal Makers, Melbourne, Victoria & Sydney, New South Wales
- Hans William Henry Irvine, Vigneron & Politician (1856-1922)
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