From:World Rugby Museum
Name/TitleTouch Flag, England v South Africa 1906
About this objectThis touch flag is believed to have been used in the England v South Africa match at Crystal Palace in 1906. This was the first time these two sides had played each other. When the flag arrived at the Museum it was in an extremely poor state. Since then it has undergone intensive treatment by an expert textile conservator. Originally the flag was mounted on card and covered with glue. It was very fragile and yellow. The conservator carefully removed it from the card and applied warm water to the gluey areas to soften them. It was then bathed in water and chemicals to reduce future soiling. Weak areas were patched up and the flag was sewn onto a padded board. The flag is now less brittle and appears much brighter. Most importantly, the flag has been strengthened and will now hopefully survive another 100 years!
Date Made1906
Place MadeSouth Africa
Medium and MaterialsCotton, Wood
Measurements440 x 645 mm
Credit LineDonated, 2005
Object TypeTouch Flag
Object numberLDWRM:2006/45
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
