Lot 3038

Description

Australia's 150th Anniversary, 1938, in silvered bronze (57mm) (C.1938/7), by Amor, unnamed; Jubilee of the Commonwealth of Australia, 1951, in silvered bronze (63mm) (C.1951/7, this medal), by Amor, reverse inscribed, 'Harald.A.Bowden. M.B.E.' Both in cases of issue, extremely fine. (2)

The first with a handwritten note to indicate that it was acquired from the daughter of Harald Bowden. In the awarding of the MBE as recorded below, it reveals that Mr Bowden was very much involved in events that were staged during the 150th Anniversary celebrations.

Harald Bowden, was born in Sydney about 1886. He became an actor in 1905 and had an association with J.C.Williamson Ltd (was their New York agent 1924-34), and later became manager and a director of the company. In 1938 he was one of the operators of the Criterion Theatre, which is one of the many names that North Sydney's Independent Theatre, Sydney's oldest continually running 'live' theatre, has operated under. As well as an MBE, Mr Bowden was also a recipient of a King George VI Coronation Medal in 1937. He died in Sydney on 23 August 1970.

Harald Arthur Bowden was awarded an MBE (Civil Division) for services in connection with patriotic movements in the State of New South Wales and as Chairman of the 'Pageant of Nations' Committee, Australia's 150th Anniversary Celebrations. (London Gazette Supplement 9 June 1938, p3702)