Bonjour!
Moorabool is pleased to be a part of the 2023 ‘Le Festival Français’, to be held on the last weekend of October 2023.
It’s a fabulous celebration of all things French – Food, Wine, Music – there’s even a ‘New Caledonia Tourism’ stand which is giving away a trip to that French Paradise in the Pacific….
The location is a favourite of Moorabool’s: ‘The Heights’, one of Geleong’s historic National Trust properties. John & Lorraine Rosenberg were always involved with projects at this fascinating property, and their son Paul had his introduction to presenting the ‘world of Antiques’ to an appreciative audience here in the 1990’s with an exhibition & talk on ceramics.
This year, we have the privilege of providing something ‘Fresh’ for the interior of the historic house, installing a series of displays to set the theme of French Culture. Paul is to talk on this subject, 3.30 on the Saturday (bookings essential via Le Festival Website).
The house itself has an interesting story. It is actually Continental – not French, but not far off: it was imported from Germany in 1854 as a pre-fab, and has the distinction of being the largest prefab in Victoria.
Read more about ‘The Heights’ on the National Trust’s website:
Our display throughout the house, titled ‘Tres Français’, is a look at three main epochs of French History:
- the Ancien Regime, with Royal objects of the 18th century
- the Revolution, with some Revolutionary Rarities
- the one & only Napoleon, with a series of period & later ‘Napoleonic’ items
Most of the items illustrated here & on display in ‘The Heights’ are shop stock, a few are from the Lorraine Rosenberg Reference Collection @ Moorabool Antiques, Geelong.
There is also an installation of a remarkable suite of Aubusson room furnishings, later 19th century, complete with carpet, wall panels, and upholstery for chairs. We’ve brought out our original 18th century Aubusson-clad Louis XV chair, and the collection of original designs, called ‘cartoons’, which were used by the Aubusson craftsmen to create their famous products in the 18th & 19th century.
As well, we are putting together a ‘Brocante’ – the French equivalent of a flea market – in the historic dovecot, next to the stables. Here you’ll find almost everything – from some special 18th century – and pricey – items, right down to $5 Irrésistible French Bargains.
A feature will be an extensive array of brand-new French-theme cushions, with a cover just $25, or a full cushion with eco-friendly Australian made inner, $35.
Come along and enjoy the Fabulous French Food & Wine, Music & Entertainment, and of course, the ‘Antiquités’!
