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Royal Exhibition Building Western Forecourt Collection
Image: Western Forecourt Archaeological Dig Site During Excavation, Melbourne, November 2009
Source: Museum Victoria
The Royal Exhibition Building Western Forecourt Collection consists of 1,566 artefacts excavated during an archaeological dig of the western forecourt of the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne, in November 2009. A majority of the artefacts were recovered from nightsoil deposits on the site, which were particularly rich in ceramics, glass and food refuse. Further artefacts were recovered from immediately below the crushed rock base of the circular driveway, which was constructed on the site for the Melbourne International Exhibition, 1880-1881.
The western forecourt was an integral part of the palace garden setting designed by architect Joseph Reed for the Melbourne International Exhibition, 1880-1881. At the opening of the Exhibition the forecourt featured a circular garden of informally planted garden beds and a central kiosk, around which a carriageway led to the western entrance of the building.
The archaeological dig investigated and recorded evidence of the 1880 iteration of the western forecourt garden in order to inform its reconstruction as part of Museum Victoria's World Heritage, World Futures project. The dig also recorded evidence of various incarnations of the site over time, prior to its conversion into an asphalt car park in the 1950s. Heritage consultants Godden Mackay Logan undertook the excavation in conjunction with the archaeology program at La Trobe University.
The artefact collection provides evidence of nightsoil deposited in the Carlton Gardens prior to 1879. Although the source of the nightsoil is as general as 19th century domestic, commercial and/or industrial discard from Melbourne and surrounds, the collection contains many artefacts of historical significance and interest. Artefacts include oyster shells and butchered meat bones, clay pipes, ceramics, wine and beer bottles, building materials including glass panes and wire nails, personal grooming and hygiene items, buttons, ornaments and even a harmonica.
Items per page: 10 50 (showing 1 - 10) 1566 items
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Type Series - Western Forecourt Excavation, Royal Exhibition Building, Christine Williamso ...
Type series from the Royal Exhibition Building western forecourt archaeological dig, prepared by Christine Williamson in 2010. Type series include: bottle bases, bottle finishes, button ...
Images: 18 -
Plate - Ceramic, White Glazed, J & MP Bell & Co, Glasgow, circa 1881-1928
One white glazed earthenware base fragment of a plate. Has a maker's mark on base (J & M P Bell of Glasgow). Dates to between circa 1881 and 1928. May have had a sparse transfer printe ...
Images: 2 -
Clay Pipe - Ceramic, Thomas Davidson, Glasgow, circa 1861-circa 1891
Two conjoining fragments of clay pipe stem. Stem is undecorated but has 'Davidson' & 'Glasgow' impressed. Manufactured by Thomas Davidson of Glasgow between circa 1861 and circa 1891. ...
Images: 3 -
Clay Pipe - Ceramic
Two conjoining fragments of plain, undecorated and un-marked clay pipe stem.
Images: 2 -
Platter - Ceramic, White Glaze, 1840s-circa 1930
Six partially refitting thick, white-glazed earthenware fragments of a large circular or oval item, probably a platter. The edge has a moulded scroll design that is typical of 'White Gr ...
Images: 1 -
Plate - Ceramic, circa 1840s-early 20th century
Six conjoining fragments of earthenware plate rim. Pattern is blue transfer-printed 'Asiatic Pheasants', popular in the second half of the 19th century and into Edwardian times.
Images: 1 -
Plate - Ceramic, Asiatic Pheasants, circa 1840s–circa 1915
Three earthenware fragments from the base of a plate (could all be from the same item). Transfer print is blue 'Asiatic Pheasants', popular in the second half of the 19th century and in ...
Images: 1 -
Plate - Ceramic, Rhine, circa 1850-circa 1900
Three conjoining pieces of earthenware plate base. Transfer print is dark blue/grey 'Rhine', probably manufactured in the latter part of the 19th century.
Images: 1 -
Plate - Ceramic, Asiatic Pheasants, circa 1840s-circa 1915
One piece of earthenware base, probably a plate. Transfer print is blue 'Asiatic Pheasants', popular in the second half of the 19th century and into Edwardian times.
Images: 1 -
Plate - Ceramic, Asiatic Pheasants, circa 1840s–circa 1915
One earthenware plate rim fragment. Transfer print is blue 'Asiatic Pheasants', popular in the second half of the 19th century and into Edwardian times.
Images: 1
