The Gentleman's Bedroom |
There is no record of the exact manner in which the bedrooms would have been used
so the decision was made to depict them as one designed for a man and one for
a lady. This allowed for the total difference that could be achieved by using the
relative furnishings. This room is set up as a typical bedroom of a gentleman of the Victorian era. The unusual ceiling is carried through to the Lady's Bedroom and the Lantern Room. Each of the bedrooms has a fireplace. It was customary for the fires to burn constantly in the bedrooms during cold weather. The collection of walking canes in very interesting with one containing a small flask for spirits and another with a knob that could be used as a weapon. The collection of luggage is much heavier than used today. The solid leather hat boxes lined with red satin were fashioned to contain a gentleman's opera hat that was elaborately manufactured from seal skin. The model is dressed in full evening suit with opera hat and white silk scarf. A debonair dandy of the Victorian Era. The seven drawer chest is made from original Australian cedar. The cigar box on top is also of cedar. Mr.Wells a Frankston pioneer, is the subject of the photograph on the chest. The large spacious wardrobe and the what-not wash stand, which holds various toilet articles dating from the nineteenth century, are also of cedar. The night shirt draped across the polished bedstead is dated c1840. It belonged to Thomas Johns of England and his initials are worked on the garment. Thomas lived from 1765-1855. On the bedpost is a black velvet smoking cap and at the bottom of the bed are two types of hotwater bottles. The chaise lounge under the window is another piece donated by Mrs. Clarke a descendant of the Long family, the second owners of Ballam Park. Mrs. Clarke also donated the gentleman's leather dressing case containing four silver bottles, so useful for travelling. The lithograph on the wall is of Melbourne in 1843. It is the work of Wilbraham Liardet the father of Frederick, the first owner of Ballam Park. The picture shows Port Melbourne with tall sailing ships and mounted soldiers chasing Aboriginies through the trees. |