Souvenir in Commemoration of the Grand Opening of the Australia House by the King and Queen

Souvenir paper table napkin commemorating the opening of Australia House in London by King George V and Queen Mary on 3rd August 1918. The napkin is illustrated with a woodcut of Australia House and printed information in two columns. The first column provides details of the opening ceremony and the processional route taken by the royal party. The second column provides general information about the construction of Australia House and its cost. The napkin is surrounded by a blue floral border.

Souvenir napkins were printed for every large public event, ceremony or procession that occured in London from the late 19th to mid 20th century. The squares were imported into London from Japan pre-printed with a decorative border in up to 5 colours and a blank central area. Burgess was one of the main printer of such napkins that would be sold for one penny (1d) by street hawkers moving amongst the huge crowds that attended such popular events. As well as providing practical information such as a programme and timetable of the day's events these napkins were also intended to be taken home and kept as a souvenir. Many were framed and used as decoration in working class homes.