What’s happening?
The National Museum of Australia has added to its National Historical Collection with the acquisition of Sir Donald Bradman’s baggy green cap. The cap was worn during the 1946–47 Ashes series and purchased for $438,550. The Australian Government’s National Cultural Heritage Account provided half of the funding.
Why it matters
This cap represents a major addition to the Museum’s collection. It highlights both the sporting achievements of Bradman and the cultural significance of cricket in post-war Australia. The series marked a return to normal life after years of global conflict.
Local impact
The cap will be exhibited in the Landmarks gallery. The gallery explores defining objects and events in Australia’s history and has recently reopened.
By the numbers
-
$438,550 was the cost of the cap.
-
11 Bradman baggy greens exist worldwide.
-
50 percent of the cost was funded by the National Cultural Heritage Account.
-
Bradman’s average remains at 99.94.
Zoom in
Arts Minister Tony Burke said visitors will now have “the opportunity to get up close and connect with our sporting and cultural history.”
Museum director Katherine McMahon said the cap is a reminder of a time when “sporting heroes gave Australians hope, following the heartbreak and hardship of the Second World War.”
Zoom out
The Museum has previously secured other artefacts with support from the National Cultural Heritage Account, including an Australian Colonial Billiard Table, a 1912 McDonald tractor, and a preserved thylacine skin.
What to look for next?
The Bradman cap will be displayed with his signed 1934 Ashes bat and Eddie Gilbert’s historic 1931 ball.
