15
IconThree spades presented to Hon EW O’Sullivan
Three spades presented to Hon EW O’Sullivan on turning of first sod of Temora to Wyalong Railway, 17 May 1902; Manly Pittwater Tramway, 1901; and tramway extension to Watson’s Bay, 1901, 1901–02
makers include R Spiers and W Farmer & Co
gold or gilt silver
acquired from Miss E O’Sullivan, 1953
LR 26/Item a, LR 26/Item b, LR 26/Item c
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, ceremonial spades were a popular tradition for marking the commencement of building or infrastructure projects. As well as serving the function of being used by dignitaries to break ground or turn the first sod, they were often elaboratively engraved and decorated to create a lasting souvenir of the occasion. These three examples were presented to Edward William O’Sullivan (1846-1910), the NSW Secretary for Public Works from 1899 until 1904. O’Sullivan oversaw numerous expansions to the tramway and railway networks during this time, and these three spades reflect such projects.
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