2 November, 2009 12:59 by Megan
What was the illustrious German Kiosk? Architectural and landscaping plans from the late 1870s and early 1880s indicate that a kiosk was originally located in the middle of today’s archaeological dig site. By excavating the site we hope to learn something about its location, what it looked like, what it was made of, whether it was a permanent or temporary structure and what it was used for during the 1880-1881 Exhibition.
According to the Official Record the German Kiosk was one of at least four kiosks at the 1880 Exhibition. The ‘Allotment of space’ plan clearly identifies the German Kiosk, Austrian Kiosk and Kiosks B and C.
‘Allotment of space’ plan reproduced from Melbourne International Exhibition 1880-1881 Official Record, 1882, Mason, Firth & M’Cutcheon
Source: Museum Victoria
While we have no photographs of the German Kiosk in the Western Forecourt, we have managed to locate a photograph and description of a kiosk used in a German exhibit inside the building:
A kiosk was erected close to the Iserlohn Exhibition for the display of sewing-machines from the German Sewing-machine Factory, of Frankfort-on-Maine. Many other makers also showed their particular specialties.
Melbourne International Exhibition 1880-1881 Official Record, 1882, Mason, Firth & M’Cutcheon, p. cxviii
Scene in German Court, Temporary Annexe, The Melbourne International Exhibition 1880 Album presented to Thomas B Hill
Image: Unknown, possibly Ludovico W Hart FRMS (1836-1919)
Source: Museum Victoria
This indoor kiosk is similar in style and shape to the outdoor ‘refreshment kiosk’ depicted in The Australasian Sketcher in 1880. However, instead of being used to exhibit goods, the refreshment kiosk is depicted as a place of relaxation. Under the shade of the kiosk roof, ten people sit comfortably at small tables.
‘Jottings at the Melbourne Exhibition’, reproduced from The Australasian Sketcher, 1880, p. 292
Source: Museum Victoria
Enlargement from ‘Jottings at the Melbourne Exhibition’, reproduced from The Australasian Sketcher, 1880, p. 292
Source: Museum Victoria
Kiosks were also used at the Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition in 1888. Jottings from the 1888 Exhibition depict a group of people ‘erecting a kiosk’ (middle row right).
‘Exhibition Jottings’, reproduced from The Australasian Sketcher, 9 August 1888, p. 121
Source: Museum Victoria
Was the German Kiosk a place for people to sit and chat? Perhaps it was more akin to the Austrian Kiosk:
At the north-western corner of the temporary annexes was an Austrian kiosk, in which the lager beer of Vienna was sold in large quantities.
Melbourne International Exhibition 1880-1881 Official Record, 1882, Mason, Firth & M’Cutcheon, p. lxxxiv
These images and descriptions give us small clues to help unravel the mystery of the German Kiosk. Over the next few weeks we hope to locate archaeological evidence that will reveal more about the location, materials and purpose of the kiosk
.