Blundell's Cottage

Blundell's Cottage

Blundell's Cottage was built in 1860 to accommodate skilled workers on the Duntroon Estate. It remains the only such building in the Parliamentry Triangle. Furnished to depict turn-of-the-century rural life, the cottage provides an intriguing contrast to modern Canberra. Visitors gain an insight into the Limestone Plains before it was chosen as the site for the National Capital. Education program designed for ages 8 to 11.

Address: 
Wendouree Drive, Parkes, ACT
Tel: 
0262732667
Hours: 
11.00am - 4.00pm Daily
Admission: 
$1 Concession (students, pensioners), $2 Adults, $5 Family.
Facilities: 
Guided tours, school groups (bookings essential - call the cottage for more information) - education programs for 5-12year olds, brochure.
Collection: 
The cottage collection comprises less than 700 objects, the majority of which are on display. The focus is domestic and rural equipment from the period 1890-1910.

Items

Reed Organ

Harmonium

Harmonium
Creator:
Alexandre et Fils of sq Ruw Meslar - Paris
Description:
Small reed organ, operated by bellows, encased in a wooden box with ivory keys.
Date:
C1860

Organ was used by Miss MacIintosh, of Queanbeyan, Grandmother of Mr Roy Morton of Queanbeyan who donated the object.

Sampler

Tapestry Sampler

Tapestry Sampler
Creator:
Catherine Tom
Description:
Large sampler, green, pink, grey thread of a house surrounded by floral motifs.
Date:
C1860
Item Id Number:
CDHS 190

Catherine Tom was the Governess to the children of the Southwell family - their descendants are still in the district. The sampler was made as a teaching aid.

In Memorian Card

Memoria Card to Flora Blundell

Memoria Card to Flora Blundell
Creator:
Unknown - local Canberra
Description:
Heavy buff paper with ink spatterwork design of cross and ferns inscribed in ink with date of Flora Blundells death and a prayer.
Date:
1892

Flora Blundell (1875-1892) eldest daughter of Flora and George Blundell of Blundell's cottage, part of the Duntroon estate. Died from burn incurred while ironing in the cottage.

Vase

Homemade Mosaic Vase

Homemade Mosaic Vase
Creator:
The Kaye Children
Description:
Multicoloured broken shell, glass & ceramic on a terracotta vase with clay
Date:
C1840
Item Id Number:
CDHS 221

The children of the Kaye family of Southbank (prominent family in the district) made this for their mother. Two ceramic cupids on either side of the vase are believed to have come from St Johns Church.

Meat Platter

Roast Platter

Roast Platter
Creator:
Opagus China
Description:
Willow pattern dish, with hollow to collect meat juices.
Date:
1893
Item Id Number:
CDHS 355

This was a wedding present from Mrs George Campbell of Duntroon to Sarah Winter & Samuel Shumack in 1889, well known families in the district, their descendants are still in the area.