HOWZAT! NATIONAL MUSEUM CATCHES BRADMAN’S BAGGY GREEN
One of Sir Donald Bradman’s Baggy Green caps has been secured by the National Museum of Australia with help from the Australian Government’s National Cultural Heritage Account.
The ultimate symbol of Test cricket, the cap was worn by Bradman in the 1946-47 Ashes Series in Australia. It is one of only two of Bradman’s caps from that Test series in existence.
Bradman was instrumental in the Series win against England, the first tour post-World War II which saw an increasingly dominant national team led by him become an important social and sporting moment for Australia.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the acquisition would excite sports and history lovers alike.
“You’d be hard-pressed to meet an Australian who hasn’t heard of the great Sir Donald Bradman AC, the greatest cricketer of all time.
“With one of his iconic Baggy Greens in our National Collection, visitors will now have the opportunity to get up close, connecting with our sporting and cultural history.
“This purchase safeguards an important piece of our national history for future generations.”
Minister for Sport Anika Wells said Australia’s national story is intrinsically linked to sport.
“Sport and its history binds Australians, creating social cohesion across our vast land, and securing a key artefact like a Baggy Green of the Don will ensure his story connects with future generations.
“Don Bradman remains the greatest cricketer in the greatest form of cricket, Test cricket, and its vital we preserve his legacy.”
Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman said the National Museum of Australia plays an important role in preserving Australia’s rich history.
“The National Museum does much more than preserve objects, it tells our national story and reflects who we are. Acquisitions like this allow the Museum to tell the Australian story in an even more powerful and compelling way.
“I’m delighted that the National Cultural Heritage Account has supported the purchase of an artefact that will mean so much to so many Australians.”
National Museum Director, Katherine McMahon, thanked the Albanese Labor Government for its financial support to purchase this iconic piece of Australian cricket history, one which embodies a deep sense of national pride.
“Sir Bradman’s Baggy Green is from a time when sporting heroes gave Australians hope, following the heartbreak and hardship of World War II.
“We are delighted that the National Cultural Heritage Account has supported this national treasure to find a home here at the National Museum of Australia, for all Australians to enjoy,” Ms McMahon said.
The acquisition was made possible by funding from the National Cultural Heritage Account (the Account). The Account was established to assist Australian cultural organisations to acquire significant Australian cultural heritage objects for display and safe-keeping.
The cap can be seen on display from today where it will be part of the Museum’s Landmarks gallery, which explores the broad history of Australia. This permanent exhibition space includes a dedicated showcase focused on sport and includes other Bradman material.