About this objectWindvane (arrow) section of a metal windvane shaped into the Fairbridge logo of a capital F with ploughing man with 2 horse team. When looking at the windvane the F is on the far left followed by the man, plough and horses facing right.
Recovered from the Fairbridge Farm School site, Molong, at the base of a building. Most likely from the Nuffield Dining Hall as photo show the windvane remains still in situ. Old photos of the building show the windvane on the ventilation tower (windcatcher) of the dining hall. Plans for the building prepared by S.C Van Breda, Architects, Orange, show the windvane on the plans. Given this, it is assumed that the windvane was custom made and placed here by the builder.
Windvanes have been around since 48BC and this windvane Is of similar materials and construction. Given that the windvane was located on the main hall at Fairbridge the windvane would have stood as beacon on the building. It would have reinforced the structure, routine and reminded students of their location and situation – good & bad, while also providing a utilitarian purpose of wind direction and therefore weather forecast at the farm.
The windvane is of historic significance and forms part of a larger Fairbridge Collection. It has good provenience to the Fairbridge complex and amongst the ex-students. It is a one-off piece, assumed made at the time of building. While damaged (only a section of the original windvane) it is in good used condition.
As part of the larger Fairbridge Collection the windvane has excellent interpretative capacity and can once again become a focal point of the Museums Fairbridge Collection.
Prepared by Hayley Lavers, 2020, for Molong Historical Society
