Ashes trophy to be showcased at State Library of Victoria exhibit
The iconic Ashes Urn has hit Australian soil for the third time in 137 years as the centrepiece of a landmark new exhibition in Melbourne. Here’s where and when you can see the pint-sized trophy.
VIC News
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The urn has returned.
For the third time in its celebrated history, the Ashes trophy has left its perch at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London and been brought back to Melbourne.
The precious cargo was flown over in its own business class seat and will be on display at the State Library from 10am Tuesday.
The three-month loan of the treasured urn is a focal point of the Velvet, Iron, Ashes exhibition, which commemorates key events in Victorian history.
It marks a homecoming for the famous sporting trophy, which has its origins in the fabled story of a bail being burnt and presented to a visiting English team in Sunbury in 1883.
Marylebone Cricket Club collections curator Neil Robinson said it was the perfect place to showcase the urn.
“Melbourne’s history is deeply connected with the history of cricket,” he said.
“It’s the birthplace of the Ashes. I can’t think of a better city in Australia to bring the urn back to.”
Mr Robinson said the display would appeal to cricket fans and non-fans, and explore the history of how “a curious little piece of ceramic has become associated with this most longstanding and passionate of sporting rivalries”.
He said the decision to bring out the urn was not linked to the results of this year’s series, which ended with Australia retaining the Ashes 2-2.
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The Velvet, Iron, Ashes exhibit is free to enter and is in the library’s new Victoria Gallery.
Its launch comes ahead of the library’s Swanston St entrance being reopened next Thursday, December 5, as part of its $88 million redevelopment.