Australian Historical Medals

Lot 467    SESSION 3 (2.30PM TUESDAY 23RD NOV)    Australian Historical Medals

Estimate $500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $640

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS, Sydney 1879-80, Melbourne 1880-81, in bronze (76mm), by J.S. & A.B.Wyon, reverse, 'R.L.J.Ellery/F.R.S., F.R.A.S./For/Services'. Surface marks, some on bust but particularly on naming area, otherwise good extremely fine.

Robert Lewis John Ellery (1827-1908) was born on 14 July 1827 at Cranleigh, Surrey, England. He trained as a surgeon (M.R.C.S.) however his true interest was in astronomy. He migrated to Australia in 1852 and settled at Williamstown, Melbourne, Victoria. He advocated for an observatory at Williamstown and Governor Charles La Trobe acted on the suggestion and Ellery was appointed as its first director, a position he would hold for the next forty years. During this time he would conduct many outstanding researches and also move the astronomy to a more suitable location in Melbourne Domain.

Ellery had various other interests and was president of the Royal Society of Victoria 1866-85, treasurer of the Council of the University of Melbourne, chairman of the board of the Alfred Hospital and a trustee of the Public Library, Gallery and Museum. He was also actively involved in the Australian Antarctic Exploration Committees. He was also in the colonial forces and as a captain he helped establish the Victorian Torpedo and Signal Corps, retiring in December 1888 as lieutenant-colonel. As a hobby he was also president of the Victorian Beekeepers' Club and editor of their journal.

Robert Ellery was elected a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1855 and the Royal Society in 1873. He was appointed C.M.G. in 1889. He died at Melbourne on 14 January 1908.