Names
Phar Lap Collection
IDs
4384
http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/themes/3205/phar-lap-collection
Descriptions
As well as the hide of Phar Lap, the Museum also holds an important collection of over 350 items of racing equipment and memorabilia relating to Phar Lap, including race programmes, winner's sashes, saddles, horseshoes, horse rugs, jockey's silks, a whip and other items collected by his owners and carers during his working life. Since the late 1980s, the Museum has actively developed the collection to further document the social and historical context of Phar Lap's career and the enduring public interest in the horse since his tragic death at the height of the Great Depression. Included in this latter category is an extensive archive of documents and photographs, examples of publicity materials produced by the Museum featuring Phar Lap, and a range of commercial and homemade souvenirs and memorabilia reflecting people's ongoing fascination with his story.
The Melbourne Museum has been the home of champion race horse Phar Lap, since his mounted hide first went on permanent display in January 1933. He immediately became one of the Museum's most popular exhibits and has continued to draw the fascination of visitors over the decades since, becoming one of the most significant historical icons in any Australian Museum. The Museum also holds an important collection of over 350 items of racing equipment and memorabilia relating to Phar Lap, including race programmes, winner's sashes, saddles, horseshoes, horse rugs, jockey's silks, a whip and other items collected by his owners and carers during his working life. This collection is primarily made up of two important collections assembled by the two most important people in his life; his owner and trainer Harry Telford and his strapper Tommy Woodcock. Since the late 1980s, the Museum has actively developed the collection to further document the social and historical context of Phar Lap's career and the enduring public interest in the horse since his tragic death at the height of the Great Depression. Included in the latter category is an extensive archive of documents and photographs, examples of publicity materials produced by the Museum featuring Phar Lap, and a range of commercial and homemade souvenirs and memorabilia reflecting people's ongoing fascination with his story.
Please direct access requests via Museum Victoria's Discovery Centre http://museumvictoria.com.au/discoverycentre/ask-us-a-question/collection-access-/
Subjects
1925-2010; Advertising; Agua Caliente Handicap, Tijuana, Mexico; Australian Film Industry; Betting; Caulfield Cup; Death & Mourning; Gambling; Horse Husbandry; Horse racing; Horse Riding; Horses; Horseshoes; Keepsakes; Melbourne Cup Racing Carnival; Merchandising; Museum Exhibitions; Museum History; National Symbols; Programmes; Racing Industry; Recreation; Souvenirs; Sport; Spring Racing Carnival; Taxidermy; Trophies; Veterinary Science
Coverage Spatial
Victoria, Australia; Agua Caliente, Mexico; New Zealand
Related Collections
Dates
2012-05-30 23:42
2011-03-31 18:32