Discovering Hidden Treasures: A Behind-the-Scenes look at the National Trust Collection

Spencer, 1815 c. Cotton, linen. Handmade

A unique example of the practicalities of repurposing, this jacket is said to have been made from a pair of sailor’s trousers. Constructed from a sturdy cotton, the spencer is an outdoor jacket, meant to keep the wearer dry. Although a very practical garment, the jacket is decorated with silk Russian braid. Each stitch has been made by hand and the fashionable high collar has been stiffened using a cording technique, with very fine stitching.

Hair Wreath 1879, Maker: Henrietta De Grandi

Made from human hair, this wreath of artificial flowers was donated by Marie Isobel Buesst, who with her husband Tristan were well-known collectors of Australiana.

The box containing the flowers holds a clue to who the original artisan was. Handwritten in pencil on the back of the box are the words ‘Silver Medal Intercolonial Juvenile Industrial Exhibition, 1879’. Six young girls entered hair-work for exhibition. Only two won silver medals – Henrietta De Grandi and Ada Vogler. Ada entered flowers and Prince of Wales feathers; Henrietta a floral wreath. In 1879 Henrietta De Grandi was 10 years old, her father had emigrated from the Lombardy region of Italy, whilst her mother had come with her family from Germany in the early 1850s. The family settled in Ararat, where Henrietta crafted her wreath, a skill taught to her by her mother, Francesca, who was well known for her fancy work with hair.

Dolls in the Como collection 1865 c.

When Como was purchased in 1864 only one daughter Ada had been born to Charles and Caroline Armytage – she was 6 years old. Ethel Maude was born the following year, next came Laura in 1869. Constance and Leila were both born in the 1870s. It is more than likely that all these little girls played with these dolls – they look very well loved.

The dolls heads are made of composite – a material made from a mix of sawdust, glue cornstarch and resin. Their bodies are cloth and stuffed with sawdust, with dainty wooden calves and feet with shiny black boots.

Although their outfits are missing, the doll’s moulded hairstyles give us a clue to their age and time period. They have very fashionably coiffured hair for the late 1860s. These are not baby dolls but fashion dolls – adult dolls on which young girls could project their hopes, dreams, and wishes – imagining their future lives as a form of play.

The Orchestrion

The entrance passage to the ballroom at Como is called the ‘Orchestrion Hall’ named after a large mechanical music box. Leila Armytage remembered ‘at small dinner parties, the orchestrion was used to entertain the quests. This huge instrument, which reached right up to the ceiling … played a great many different tunes when it was wound up. It continued for a quarter of an hour, and amongst the tunes were the Flick and Flock Gallop and The Blue Danube.’

The Orchestrion was in use during Como’s social heyday 1890s -1908. This was a time when the family hosted many social events and balls. As part of the ‘Vice Regal set,’ the Armytage family entertained lavishly and often employed a live orchestra. Well known musician Herr Plock, and his orchestra, provided the live musical entertainment. The orchestrion was used on all other occasions.

The Symphonium Orchestrion currently on display at Como was acquired to be a ‘living object.’ It can be played for visitors. It was manufactured in Germany in the late 19th century. The cabinetry, frosted and etched glass are typical of the decorative style of the time. 21 disks can be operated, with music including Bach, and Strauss’ Blue Danube, as mentioned by Leila Armytage.

The Melbourne Rose Containing Views of Geelong, Ballaarat (sic), published by C. Adler & Co. 1863

A rare piece of ephemera featuring chromolithographed and engraved views of Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat in the form of posey holder, decorated with a bouquet of pink roses. It opens out into a circle featuring views illustrated by well known artists of the time – S.T Gill and Nicholas Chevalier. It was sold as a souvenir of Victoria – to be sent to friends and family – and came with its own envelope. This example is in the Como collection. The Armytage’s purchased Como in 1864 a year after this ephemeron was published.

Make a difference with a Membership

Every item in the National Trust collection tells a story of craftsmanship, history, and the lives of those who created and cherished them. To discover more hidden treasures and support the preservation of these invaluable artifacts, consider becoming a member of the National Trust. Your membership helps us continue to protect and share these cultural gems with future generations. Join us today and be a part of preserving history!