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Bonnet worn by Nellie Melba as Mimi in La Bohème, c.1924
Melba learnt the role of Mimi in Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème with the composer and her performances helped to make the opera famous. She wore this bonnet in the 1924 Melba–Williamson Grand Opera Season in Australia and probably other productions of…
Gold wreath brooch presented to Nellie Melba, c.1905
Engraved on each leaf of this brooch are names of North American cities to which Melba toured including Boston, Cincinnati, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Montreal, Philadelphia, St Louis, Toronto and Washington.
Muyu (slit drum)
Small rounded slit drum with handle on top. Abstractly shaped to represent a "fish head" (used to accompany Buddhist chant). Slit across flattened base - hollowed out slightly to resonate when struck with accompanying beater. Painted red and gold…
Sterling silver cigarette box with engraved signatures, c.1910
This silver cigarette box brings together the engraved signatures of both Nellie Melba and Percy Grainger, making it a unique object within this exhibition. While the history of the memento is not known, it clearly has a musical context. All the…
Portable vanity unit used by Nellie Melba, c.1895
This burr walnut vanity unit accompanied Melba to various theatres for personal use in her dressing room. It was given to her coachman/driver, William Hayes, when she left for an extended stay abroad. Hayes was married to Melba’s maid, who would fill…
His Master’s Voice gramophone, ‘Melba’ model, c.1915
As early as 1904, His Master’s Voice named their concert grand model gramophone the ‘Melba’.
Melba also laid the foundation stone of the company’s first factory in Hayes, England. Following her death, an article in The Voice magazine reflected on…
Melba also laid the foundation stone of the company’s first factory in Hayes, England. Following her death, an article in The Voice magazine reflected on…
Percy Grainger
silver gelatin print.
Photo: 21.1 x 16 cm
Photo and card: 25.2 x 20.2 cm
Although taken in a formal studio setting, this photograph was certainly not meant for promotional purposes. Grainger had his portrait taken by Mary Dale Clark on a…
Photo: 21.1 x 16 cm
Photo and card: 25.2 x 20.2 cm
Although taken in a formal studio setting, this photograph was certainly not meant for promotional purposes. Grainger had his portrait taken by Mary Dale Clark on a…
Percy Grainger, c 1920.
Silver gelatin print.
Photo: 20.2 x 15.6 cm
Photo and board: 37.5 x 29.8 cm
This portrait depicts Percy Grainger with his fingers interlaced in front of him. The photograph is mounted on board.
Photo: 20.2 x 15.6 cm
Photo and board: 37.5 x 29.8 cm
This portrait depicts Percy Grainger with his fingers interlaced in front of him. The photograph is mounted on board.
Portrait of Percy Grainger in uniform (standing)
Black and white photograph.
25.6 x 20.2 cm
Portrait of Percy Grainger in uniform during the First World War. He is leaning against a dark cloth backdrop against patterned carpet with his right hand crossed over his left.
25.6 x 20.2 cm
Portrait of Percy Grainger in uniform during the First World War. He is leaning against a dark cloth backdrop against patterned carpet with his right hand crossed over his left.