History - Reibey Silver

Reibey Silver

Dining Room

In the Dining Room, when the morning sun hits it just right, a glint of silver will catch your eye. The display cabinet in the corner, easily missed when such a large table and stunning chandelier dominate the space, houses a treasure trove of antique silver.

In amongst the trays and cutlery, a delicately decorated tea set might catch your eye – consisting of a tea pot, tall coffee pot, sugar bowl, and milk jug. Donated by the Atkinson family, this tea set has been passed down from generation to generation since 1865. For those not familiar with the family tree, the Atkinsons are direct descendants of Mary Reibey, from her sixth child Jane Penelope Reibey, who married John Atkinson in 1824.

Jane Penelope Reibey & John Atkinson went on to have several children, but it was their eighth child, James Reibey Atkinson who married a Henrietta Agnes Garrett in 1865. Henrietta’s father was Reverend James Garrett – the founder of the Presbyterian church in Van Diemens Land, a doctor, and a minister. Rev. Garrett presented the tea set (originally with a large silver tray) to the happy couple upon their marriage, with the intention of it being handed down to the eldest child in the Atkinson family upon their marriage – a tradition carried on until it was donated to Entally in 2020.

The tea set was passed down six times: to John Sidney Garrett Atkinson (eldest son of Henrietta & James) in 1901, Ruth Atkinson in 1923, Genifer McManus in 1950, then David Hinton, Sally Hinton, and lastly Larry Hinton in 1996. With the family line quietening down, the family decided to donate the set to Entally Estate, to be enjoyed by future generations to come.

The family have many fond memories of using the tea set – in particular the children of Ruth McManus (nee Atkinson). They recall living in a small house off Mary Street, and often having tea on their front verandah and garden. Genifer was the eldest of five children, and it was her job to clean and polish the tea set, in preparation for visitors. After Genifer inherited it, the tea set took place of pride in her china cabinet, bringing back happy memories of childhood and parents long gone.

The House is full of delicate antiques with fascinating stories – none more fascinating than the stories of items donated to the collection. Every item donated is well loved by the donator, and greatly appreciated and cared for by us as the new caretakers.