Toy - Expo Oz
Production date
Circa 1988
Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail
Description
World Expo 88 Souvenir - Plush fabric, seated platypus 'Expo Oz' mascot figure wearing a yellow 'Digger Hat' with embroidered Expo 88 logo and Safari-Style jacket .
Classification
CIVIC MEMENTOES Souvenirs EXPO 88 toy
Production date
Circa 1988
Production place
Measurements
L300 x W280 x H280mm
Media/Materials description
Plastic eyes on plush body, with clothes made from cotton and nylon/polyester.
Signature/Marks
World Expo 88
World Expo 88 Logo
World Expo 88 Logo
History and use
Expo Oz was the platypus mascot for the 1988 World Exposition (commonly known as Expo ’88), which was held in Brisbane. The character was commissioned in 1984 by then Premier of Queensland, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen. Expo Oz appeared across a wide range of Expo souvenir merchandise and was used as emblematic of the event in promotional articles and posters. The character was also incorporated into Expo’s daily parades and concerts, and visitors could be photographed with the platypus as he strolled around the Expo site.
This plush toy version of Expo Oz represents the largest size of toy souvenir produced for Expo ‘88. The character features many design elements chosen to celebrate Australianness, including a slouch hat (as worn by Australian soldiers) and a green and gold safari suit, depicting an outdoors lifestyle and Australia’s national sporting colours. The emphasis on yellow (gold) in the costume additionally signifies Expo Oz’s origins in sunny Queensland.
World Expo ’88 is often said to have been a turning point for Brisbane, and Queensland, having attracted large numbers of tourists and increased local interest and investment in arts and cultural industries.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
This plush toy version of Expo Oz represents the largest size of toy souvenir produced for Expo ‘88. The character features many design elements chosen to celebrate Australianness, including a slouch hat (as worn by Australian soldiers) and a green and gold safari suit, depicting an outdoors lifestyle and Australia’s national sporting colours. The emphasis on yellow (gold) in the costume additionally signifies Expo Oz’s origins in sunny Queensland.
World Expo ’88 is often said to have been a turning point for Brisbane, and Queensland, having attracted large numbers of tourists and increased local interest and investment in arts and cultural industries.
Uploaded to the Web 27 May 2011.
Registration number
H19810
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