Trade Needle Display

Created for display at the Adelaide International Exhibition of 1887 and the Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition of 1888, this large, framed exhibition piece shows the range of needles, crochet hooks, surgical needles, and needle cases produced by W. Bartleet ; Sons of Redditch, England.This piece is a very fine example of the 'typical' but now rare displays prepared by19th century industrialists to promote their products. This one is finely produced, with clear design principles, and is roughly in the shape of a series of three arched windows as in a church or another ecclesiastical building. The display incorporates two medals, from the Adelaide Jubilee International Exhibition of 1887, where the company won a First Order of Merit and three medals from the Centennial International Exhibition, where the company won a First Order of Merit for 'Sewing and Other Machines Used for Making Up Clothing, etc.'.