History of the Perth Hall Furniture, by Bethwyn Taylor

In the early days of the Theosophical Society there were many things required, and not much money available. So when the T. S. was finally established at No, 1 Museum St., Perth, - there was need for adequate furniture.

So dedicated members gave what they could, and many donations were received. One such person was Mrs. Bessie Rischbieth, from Peppermint Grove, a very beautiful and wealthy lady, who had been a suffragette, and also did great work for the welfare of mankind, to help overcome poverty and misery. She was one of our most outstanding citizens, and her life and history are well documented in the State Library.

She fought against injustice and prejudice and for the rights of women and peace and was a Theosophist, and so grateful for the help and inspiration she received from our great Teachings, and Madame Blavatsky and Annie Besant, that she donated to the T. S. these pieces of antique furniture, original and hand carved, imported from England, to grace the platform for the activities of the Theosophical Society.

Bessie Rischbieth

We received many famous speakers in those days from overseas, and they sat in that magnificent chair, before rising to speak. The table would have flowers on it, and water etc., and the other smaller chairs for the President and the Secretary when the occasion arose. There was a small table too, that stood at one side to match, and there were palms and the whole setting was beautiful and elegant. And so were those who came, Annie Besant, C. W. Leadbeater, Mr. Jinarajadasa, George and Rukmini Arundale, Clara Codd, Mary Neff, Harry Banks, Geoffrey Hodson, and many other wonderful men and women. Also our own members, who gave talks and lectures at Lodge and Public meetings.

This furniture is part of our inheritance, and should always stay in the T. S. It was given in great love by a wonderful soul, to forever bring beauty to the Lodge meetings. It should never be sold because it is irreplaceable, and belongs not only to us, but to the future Theosophists too, who just might love dignity, beauty and their ancestors.

Madame Blavatsky in her Collected Writings, Vol. XIII, has written an article on “Civilisation, the Death of Art and Beauty.” Where she speaks of the need to preserve the past, its beauty, craftsmanship and art, before the greed of materialist, for money, will soon cause “old arts and artistic creations, everything original and unique to disappear.” Her last words are a quotation from Burke:

“A spirit of innovation is generally the result of a selfish temper and confined views. People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backwards to their ancestors.”