The Collectors
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Thursday 17 November 2005
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We are fortunate enough to look at another piece from the Tasmanian Museum’s Collection but this one’s a bit different. Have you ever been watching the show and noticed the graffiti on our set?
Not the stuff that says “Gordon is the auction king” or “kiss my Mystery Object” - that’s just the crew getting bored. No, what you may have noticed is the blue writing. You see this is the Bond Store at the Tasmanian Museum and it’s got a unique history all of its own. In fact every piece of furniture, barrel of rum and or keg of powder that was brought into the Van Diemen’s Land colony, passed through this very building. Niccole Warren joins the gang to take us further into the history of the Bond Store.
One floor below the Collectors set is the Bond Store basement. 170 years ago this was the Van Dieman's Land colony's supermarket. It held all the provisions coming from England and also home grown produce and was the hub of Hobart town. By 1824 it was under constant military guard.
Imported liquor was moved from ships to the store and held 'in bond' until permits were finalised and customs duty paid.
All four floors are in almost original condition complete with centuries old graffiti. Still a working building it is used every day.
The Bond Store is Australia's oldest surviving maritime warehouse in almost original condition.
