Published Thursday, 08 March, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
GOVERNOR BOWEN’S CEREMONIAL TROWEL RETURNS HOME
An important historical artefact – the ceremonial trowel used to lay the first stone of Queensland’s Parliament House - has returned to Queensland and will stay here Premier Peter Beattie told State Parliament today.
Mr Beattie said the Queensland Government had successfully bid $8,500 for the trowel at an auction in Melbourne last week and would donate it to the Queensland Museum.
The newly acquired trowel had its first public showing in State Parliament today.
“This is a small item but a large and symbolic contribution to the celebration of Queensland’s 150th anniversary in 2009,” Mr Beattie said.
The 30 centimetre long trowel features a wooden handle with a metal crown detail at its base. The metal blade is engraved with the inscription:
‘This trowel was used in laying the first stone of the Houses of Parliament at Brisbane on the 14th July, 1865 by Sir G.F. Bowen, C.C.M.G Governor of Queensland, presented to His Excellency by the Honourable The Secretary for Public Works.’
Mr Beattie said the trowel had most recently been in the private collection of Melbourne collector, Alex Copland, who passed away two years ago.
“His large and eclectic collection of furniture, maritime objects, scientific instruments, historic memorabilia and cars, was auctioned last week,” Mr Beattie said.
“Amongst the treasures in Mr Copland’s estate was this ceremonial trowel. There was substantial interest in the trowel but I’m pleased to say the Queensland Government’s bid for this important historic artefact was successful.
“The vision for our 150th celebration is to “reflect on our past and imagine our future.
“Artefacts, like the ceremonial trowel, are powerful symbols of our democratic traditions and heritage and it is important they are preserved for future generations,” Mr Beattie said.
Media inquiries: Premier’s office 3224 4500
8 March 2007
Mr Beattie said the Queensland Government had successfully bid $8,500 for the trowel at an auction in Melbourne last week and would donate it to the Queensland Museum.
The newly acquired trowel had its first public showing in State Parliament today.
“This is a small item but a large and symbolic contribution to the celebration of Queensland’s 150th anniversary in 2009,” Mr Beattie said.
The 30 centimetre long trowel features a wooden handle with a metal crown detail at its base. The metal blade is engraved with the inscription:
‘This trowel was used in laying the first stone of the Houses of Parliament at Brisbane on the 14th July, 1865 by Sir G.F. Bowen, C.C.M.G Governor of Queensland, presented to His Excellency by the Honourable The Secretary for Public Works.’
Mr Beattie said the trowel had most recently been in the private collection of Melbourne collector, Alex Copland, who passed away two years ago.
“His large and eclectic collection of furniture, maritime objects, scientific instruments, historic memorabilia and cars, was auctioned last week,” Mr Beattie said.
“Amongst the treasures in Mr Copland’s estate was this ceremonial trowel. There was substantial interest in the trowel but I’m pleased to say the Queensland Government’s bid for this important historic artefact was successful.
“The vision for our 150th celebration is to “reflect on our past and imagine our future.
“Artefacts, like the ceremonial trowel, are powerful symbols of our democratic traditions and heritage and it is important they are preserved for future generations,” Mr Beattie said.
Media inquiries: Premier’s office 3224 4500
8 March 2007