• Shaping memory
• First World War
• Second World War
• Post-war responses
• Memorials
• Future directions
• Medallions

Medallions

The medallions shown here all date from the early 20th century.

Medallions were first produced in small numbers by the Romans as a means of rewarding victorious generals. The art of making them was revived during the Renaissance when sculptors and jewellers produced individually cast medallions. These commemorated successful battles or the reigns of rulers, Only the aristocracy could afford these costly items, and so they were often displayed in special cabinets. Methods of die-casting large medallions were perfected in the 19th century, The initial medallion was designed by specialist sculptors or medallists, but the finished product was mass produced. As a result, medallions became popular collectable objects for the middle classes, although the subjects shown still celebrated an event or person.

During the First World War medallions were produced not only as commemorative items but also for propaganda purposes, and as a means of raising money for the war effort.

Karl Goetz
The sinking of the Lusitania
The obverse shows Death selling tickets at Cunard’s New York office beneath a German sign that says business first. A man reads a newspaper article about the U-boat menace and the German ambassador raises a warning finger. The reverse shows the sinking Lusitania, with armaments falling from her deck and German words that say no contraband.
RELAWM13813

Karl Goetz
The sinking of the Lusitania
The obverse shows Death selling tickets at Cunard’s New York office beneath a German sign that says business first. A man reads a newspaper article about the U-boat menace and the German ambassador raises a warning finger. The reverse shows the sinking Lusitania, with armaments falling from her deck and German words that say no contraband.
REL/01276

Unknown
Dixmuiden: withstand the raging of the storm
RELAWM01219

Marcelle Lancelot-Croce
Grieving woman and child at a soldier's grave
RELAWM09346.001

Charles Pillet
Heroes of Verdun
RELAWM09354.001

Louis-Alexandre Bottee; Adolphe Rivet
Unnamed prize-winners medallion
RELAWM09357.001

Marcel Dammann
Burial of the unknown French soldier
RELAWM09361.001

Julien Prosper Legastelois
To the glory of the armies of right and liberty
RELAWM09596.002

Raoul Benard
Versailles peace treaty, 1919
RELAWM09597.001

Dora Ohlfsen
ANZAC: in eternal remembrance 1914–19
The Australian sculptor Dora Ohlfsen designed this medallion while she was working in Rome. It was manufactured in England. Ohlfsen returned to Australia in 1920 to promote the sale of the medallion in aid of permanently disabled Australian and New Zealand soldiers. The obverse shows the figure of Australia crowning her dead son with laurel.
RELAWM14879

Karl Goetz
John Bull (England) tries to presuade a reluctant Uncle Sam (United States) to cross the Atlantic and join the war
RELAWM13825

Karl Goetz
U-Boat blockade
RELAWM13831

Karl Goetz
England's honourable flag: U-41
RELAWM13817

Dora Ohlfsen
The awakening of Australian Art
RELAWM14881

Marcel Dammann
I shall strike the stars [reverse]
RELAWM14885