Melbourne’s International Exhibition of 1880 was a huge event in its day, allowing Victoria to parade the colony’s achievements to the world. The magnificent building designed by Joseph Reed has hosted many important events for Victoria and Australia. Today, with the gardens, it is UNESCO listed as one of the very few 19th-century palaces of industry still standing. Many souvenirs commemorated this event and recently I have been looking with fresh eyes at my black lacquerware Mauchline Ware dice cup (plate 1). This cup bears a sepia-tinted oval view labelled ‘EXHIBITION BUILDING MELBOURNE 1880’, within a decorative lily of the valley background. Museums Victoria has a money box turned in black lacquerware showing the same scene.