French Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr David Martinon, will visit The Briars on Friday 23 October to explore the Mornington Peninsula's remarkable connection to Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Ambassador will be joined by Federal Member for Flinders Zoe McKenzie MP and welcomed by Mayor Cr Stephen Batty and Deputy Mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro. The visit celebrates the historical and cultural connections between France and the Mornington Peninsula.
During the visit, Mr Martinon will enjoy a private viewing of selected items from The Briars' internationally significant Napoleonic Collection. Curated by Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, the collection will form part of a dedicated exhibition when the Homestead reopens later this year following restoration works.
Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the visit highlights an extraordinary chapter of local history that continues to connect the Mornington Peninsula with France more than 200 years later.
"We are honoured to welcome His Excellency Mr Martinon and share the unique story that connects our region to one of history's most influential figures," Cr Batty said.
The collection traces its origins to the Balcombe family, who befriended Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile on St Helena in 1815. Personal items gifted by Napoleon to the family later became the foundation of the collection at The Briars. Descendant Dame Mabel Brookes later expanded the collection through the acquisition of artefacts associated with Napoleon's life and exile.
The 382-piece Mabel Brookes Napoleonic Collection was bequeathed to the National Gallery of Victoria in 1975. Selected objects were displayed at The Briars from 1989 until the Homestead closed for restoration in 2019. The collection was transferred to Mornington Peninsula Shire in 2016 from the National Gallery of Victoria and is housed at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.
The collection is recognised as one of the most significant collections of Napoleonic artefacts outside Europe and is widely regarded as the largest of its kind beyond the continent. Notable items include a table believed to have been used by Napoleon while writing his memoirs, a cabinet from The Briars Pavilion on St Helena, Napoleon's death mask, and a range of personal effects and furniture linked to the former French emperor.
As part of the restoration of The Briars Homestead, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and the National Trust are curating a display of furniture and items from the Dame Mabel Brookes collection for the Homestead's reopening later this year.
Deputy Mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro said the visit also highlights the restoration of The Briars Homestead and the preservation of its unique stories for future generations.
While the Ambassador's visit is a private viewing, the restored Homestead will reopen to the public later this year. Visitors will once again be able to discover the collection and explore the historical connection between France, Napoleon Bonaparte, the Balcombe family and the Mornington Peninsula.
The Briars is a 230-hectare conservation, heritage and visitor destination on Bunurong Country, where nature, history, sustainability and community come together to inspire connection, learning, recreation and care for the environment.
Images from the visit and background documentation: Media folder
More about The Briars Homestead: The Briars Homestead and Gardens
