Mark Vender
A special exhibit about Australian refrigeration pioneer James Harrison features in the Royal Geelong Show, running from October 13–16.
The exhibit forms part of the Pioneer Museum, a collection of vintage machinery including some equipment powered by two enormous steam engines.
The James Harrison section of the Pioneer Museum features items provided by the Geelong and Region Branch of the National Trust (GRBNT) that were previously displayed at the James Harrison’s Momentous Achievements exhibition at Barwon Grange in March 2021. This includes a comprehensive timeline of Harrison and other important items from his life.
Also on display is a commercial compressor dating back to about 1910 and a Hallstrom domestic refrigerator from the 1920s.
“The James Harrison refrigeration display for the Pioneer Museum section at the Royal Geelong Show has come up really well,” says Lex Chalmers, OAM, chair of the GRBNT City of Design Sub-Committee.
“The reproduction – with permission of the Geelong Gallery – of James’ portrait has now been framed by former Chair of the James Harrison Museum Inc. Graham Hobbs, who is lending some of his books and memorabilia to the display.”
The Pioneer Museum will also be showing the 10-minute ABC Landline segment about Harrison, A Very Cool Idea, from its 2022 series on Australian inventors.
The display reflects the ongoing efforts to build recognition for James Harrison, and ultimately to establish a James Harrison museum.
“We are all still working on promoting Harrison’s legacy in refrigeration, and local interest in Harrison’s story is growing,” says Chalmers.
For information about the Royal Geelong Show, click here.
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