Historians have unveiled an exhibit and a new beer celebrating famed local inventor James Harrison for Geelong Design Week.
The exhibit at Barwon Grange, near the site of Harrison’s first experiments on the Barwon River, features models, medals, memorabilia and a fresco mural.
Born in 1816, Harrison began his working life as a printing apprentice in Glasgow, and in 1840 founded the Geelong Advertiser.
In 1854 he became the first person in the world to apply steam power to making ice in commercial quantities.
He improved his invention in Geelong, then London, before returning to found a local ice works and create a new industry.
The Geelong and Region Branch of the National Trust last Saturday launched James Harrison’s Momentous Achievements to celebrate his “adventurous and unpredictable” career.
Southern Bay Brewery also launched the Harrison’s Rocky Point Dark Lager at the event to commemorate his first commercial invention, a ‘self-acting’ beer and wine preserver.
“James Harrison first produced ice in a humble shed at Rocky Point beside the Barwon River in Newtown and lived his latter life at Point Henry, not far from Southern Bay Brewery,” brewery general manager Michael Connell said.
“His system was embraced by the brewing industry and in 1863 he was awarded a medal for his beer preserver as it enabled production of cold fermented lagers like this one.
“Lagers are bottom fermented, require lower temperatures and can handle longer aging times.”
The lager boasts aromas of rich caramel, chocolate and roast notes with a hint of smokiness from smoked malt from New Zealand, according to Connell.
“This beer also gives a nod to his Scottish heritage and is inspired by smoked peated whisky from Scotland, where James was born,” he said.
The exhibit runs until Sunday. Details: geelongcityofdesign.com.au/geelong-design-week
