3-052-544 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Medal of the Sydney Exhibition, 1880. 'The design for the gold, silver, and bronze medals given to the successful exhibitors at the Sydney International Exhibition was originally prepared at Sydney, and a premium was given for it by the Exhibition Commissioners there. But when it came to London for the dies to be struck, the design had to be modified and simplified, under the advice of Messrs. J. S. and A. B. Wyon, by whom the dies have been prepared of two different sizes - namely, 3 in. diameter for the bronze, and 2 in. the gold and silver. Our Illustration shows the design as executed. On the obverse side is a female figure which represents Australia, and a shield which contains the arms of New South Wales - viz., the Southern Cross and the emblems, the Golden Fleece (Wool), a Ship (Commerce), Pick and Shovel (Mining), and a Wheatsheaf (Agriculture). The emblems around represent Science, Arts, and Commerce; and in the background is the main Exhibition Building or "Garden Palace" at Sydney. On the reverse side is a wreath of Australian plants and flowers, the centre one being the Warratah or native tulip. The rock rose is a strongly-scented pink or rose coloured flower, growing in moist rocky places near Sydney'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.