The Collection

Handmade Wax Cows

Date: c.1890

Donated by: the Thomas Family (Thomas Memorial Library Collection)

Location: Shellharbour City Museum Collection

These miniature cows were handmade from wax and cowhide by members of the Thomas family of Shellharbour. William and Sarah Thomas came to the area to work for Henry Osborne at his Marshall Mount Estate in 1838 and their descendants still live in Shellharbour today.

The model cows are believed to have been made by William and Sarah’s daughter-in-law, Maria Thomas who lived with her husband John in Shellharbour Village. The cows were once part of the Thomas Memorial Library Collection that was housed in the School of Arts buildings at Shellharbour Village.

Opening hours

Monday  9.30am–8pm
Tuesday 9:30am–8pm
Wednesday 9:30am–8pm
Thursday 9:30am–8pm

Friday 9.30am–5pm
Saturday 9am–3pm
Sunday 12pm–3pm

Shellharbour City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of Dharawal Country and recognises their continued connection to the land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and the contribution they make to the life of this city.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed.