Germany at the International Exhibitions in the 19th Century in Australia

Germany at the International Exhibitions in the 19th Century in Australia

At the International Exhibitions at Sydney (1879) and at Melbourne (1880) German companies made a concerted effort to promote their products and won first prizes for a variety of consumer goods. Previously German companies had not paid much attention to trade possibilities with Australia, considering it all too costly and far away. However, the trade organisation Centralverein für Handelsgeographie und Förderung deutscher Interessen im Ausland wrote an article in a business journal in 1879 criticising German companies' lack of interest in the exhibitions in Australia. This persuaded many companies to get into the action and also lead to German government help with the transport of exhibits to Australia. In the Melbourne Centenary Exhibition of 1888 German companies took out 315 first prizes, 209 second prizes, 151 third prizes and 48 honourable mentions. After this, German export trade to Australia took off.

Pianos were very popular in Australia in the 19th century. A large number of homes contained one. Piano manufacturers in Germany exploited this export market. At the International Exhibitions a huge number of German pianos were on display and attracted many visitors.

Photo: piano hall
The piano hall at the Sydney Exhibition
(Latrobe Picture Collection, State Library of Victoria)

Photo: beer court
The German beer court at the Sydney Exhibition
(Latrobe Picture Collection, State Library of Victoria)

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