Engraving Plate [Sydney International Exhibition 1879]
Production date
1879
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2006.262
Production period
Description
Copper plate face features design, lead base. The design shows a female figure standing in profile with one arm raised and holding a wreath, her other hand touches a shield. Her hair and robe are Gretian inspired, and behind her are objects such as an anchor, musical instrument, wheel, vases etc. A large building can be seen in the distance. The motto 'Orta Recens Quam Pura Nites' is inscribed around the circumference of the coin (translated as 'Newly Risen, How Bright Thou Shinest'). This is related to the state of N.S.W.
Brief History
This electro printing block features a design used for the 1879 Sydney International Exhibition, Australia's first international exhibition. Printing blocks such as this were used when multiple reproductions of complex or expensive, usually hand-engraved, blocks were needed. The original engraved block is coated with a very thin layer of carbon which is then taken off carefully with a carrier backing. This produces a carbon 'mould' onto which a thin, but reasonably strong, layer of copper can be electroplated (the carbon conducts electricity). This very accurately duplicates the original engraved surface. The backing and carbon are then removed from the copper, the back of which is filled with a thick layer by pouring in molten printer's type metal, thus building up the overall thickness and supporting the thin copper. The copper surface is ideal for printing as it is stronger than printer's type metal. The reproduction can then be mounted on a base (usually wood) to bring it to type-height (0.918") for use in a press with type, for example. For a major event like an international exhibition, quite a number of blocks would be needed to print the wide range of material needed.
The Exhibition opened in September 1879 and ran for 7 months. Over 1.1 million visitors went through the vast Garden Palace building in Sydney's Domain, looking at exhibits of glass, heavy machinery, and ethnographic specimens specimens from over 30 countries. Medals and certificates were awarded to winning exhibits. The front of the medals were stamped with the image that is found on this printing block, and which was designed by Samuel Begg (1854-1936).
The Exhibition opened in September 1879 and ran for 7 months. Over 1.1 million visitors went through the vast Garden Palace building in Sydney's Domain, looking at exhibits of glass, heavy machinery, and ethnographic specimens specimens from over 30 countries. Medals and certificates were awarded to winning exhibits. The front of the medals were stamped with the image that is found on this printing block, and which was designed by Samuel Begg (1854-1936).
Marks
INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION / SYDNEY N.S.W / M.D. CCC. LXXIX / ORTA RECENS QUAM PURA NITES Logo
Media/Materials
Credit Line
1879. Engraving Plate [Sydney International Exhibition 1879], 2006.262. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Public comments
Be the first to comment on this object record.