Local History Talk – Excavation and restoration of a Chinese jacket
Hear the incredible story of a rare 1890s wool jacket recovered from the Chinese Cemetery in East Perth before the site was redeveloped. Join us to see the jacket and learn about its journey from excavation to conservation.
The Chinese Cemetery, on the western side of Plain Street, East Perth, was one of the 8 original cemeteries that comprised Perth’s first colonial burial ground, the East Perth Cemeteries.
In 2020, archaeological excavations were undertaken prior to further development of the site, which uncovered artefacts including fragments of clothing and grave goods intended to ensure the comfort of the deceased in the afterlife.
The excavated artefacts included a remarkably well preserved and extremely rare wool jacket dating from between 1889-99. This jacket has been carefully conserved thanks to donations from the Chung Wah Association and members of the public.
National Trust of Western Australia Manager Interpretation and Collections, Sarah Murphy, will give a presentation on this excavation, the jacket and its conservation.