The piano factory closed in 1935, becoming a Heinz food processing plant and in 1955, GTV Channel 9 studios and offices.Early Australians had to be self-reliant in regards to making and mending their clothes and utensils. Rupert became a share broker and went on to represent Victoria in inter-State tennis in 1913-27 and Australia in Davis Cup matches against Czechoslovakia in 1922.
Hugo died of chronic hepatitis on 11 July 1919 at his home at South Yarra, his wife, two daughters and three sons survived him Herbert Joseph (1886-1972), the eldest, continued the business. In laying the foundation stone, Prime Minister Alfred Deakin observed that “few men with such opportunities for a life of ease would have embarked on such an enterprise” In 1908 Wertheim opened a large, innovative piano factory at Richmond, Melbourne, intending to produce 2000 pianos and player pianos annually, predominantly using Australian materials. Hugo continued to own 25 per cent of one of Beale's companies, which became Wertheim's Queensland business. Beale worked with him before setting up his own piano business in New South Wales. He also mounted elaborate displays at agricultural shows and in 1901 at the Pan American Exposition, Buffalo, United States of America. O.
In a short time, with extensive advertising, Hugo established a substantial business, selling sewing machines, bicycles, pianos and other mechanical devices, under brands such as Wertheim, Electra, Planet, Griffin and Hapsburg. Hugo returned to Germany where he married Joseph Wertheim's daughter Sophie Emilie (1864-1953) on 30 August 1885 at Frankfurt. He soon began advertising, from premises at 39 Flinders Lane East, as agent for his father's cousin Joseph Wertheim, a well-established manufacturer of sewing machines. Hugo Wertheim (1854-1919), was a merchant and manufacturer and was born on the 12th July 1854 at Lispenhausen, in the German electorate of Hesse-Kassel, son of Meyer Wertheim and his wife Minna, née Heinemann. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse. Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community. Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections. Or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow. Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material - images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons.Ĭontent also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.Īboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material - images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders - past, present and future.
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