This year’s summer of cricket is set to be marvellous as Victorians get the rare chance to see the sport’s greatest icon – the Ashes urn – on display at State Library Victoria. Visiting Australia for only the third time in 137 years, the original Ashes urn is on show as part of the State Library’s new free exhibition Velvet, Iron, Ashes, sitting alongside Ned Kelly’s armour and more than 200 other local treasures.
“This is a special day for cricket lovers, who have the rare opportunity to see the Ashes urn on display in Australia.” Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley commented “The urn is one of the greatest symbols in sporting history, and it’s now landed here at State Library Victoria for all Victorians to enjoy as part of a fantastic new and free exhibition.”
Minister Foley explained that the urn is on exclusive loan from Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in London and is a highlight of the interactive exhibition which explores the surprising connections between some of Victoria’s greatest stories, including the birth of the Ashes series. From a mock funeral notice, a perfume jar and a family cricket match in Sunbury, visitors will learn how the Ashes urn is connected to Ned Kelly, Freddo Frog, Yallourn power station, and even Nappie Wash.
“We’re thrilled that visitors will get to see the original urn, which rarely leaves its home at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, here at the Library.” State Library Victoria chief executive Kate Torney commented “The history of the urn is woven into the history of our state and visitors will discover the true origins of the Ashes series in our wonderful new exhibition, Velvet, Iron, Ashes.”
Tourney said that the exhibition is presented in the Library’s new Victoria Gallery, part of its $88.1 million redevelopment. This significant revitalisation has been supported by an investment of $60.4 million from the Andrews Labor Government. Toruney added that the Ashes urn is on display as part of the free Velvet, Iron, Ashes exhibition at State Library Victoria, corner of Swanston and La Trobe streets, until 23 February 2020.