The Clara Just Collection numbers over 350 objects that were predominantly souvenirs from travel abroad in the 1930s. Postcards, ornaments, tea pots, crockery, jewellery, art, and postcards, not unlike the souvenirs of today.
Clara Emma Just (1892- 1978) was the daughter of migrants who settled in Goombungee, Queensland. She was 5th of thirteen children. At 23 in 1915 Clara became the housekeeper to Mr Herbert Edward Baker, a grazier and bachelor, at his property in Charleville. Baker was an enthusiastic traveler and travel writer, publishing World Ramblings: Follow the trail through Forty-Four Countries with Impressions and Experiences in 1939.
It is unconfirmed how Clara acquired each object as they were transferred after her death. In 1936, Clara’s father died leaving her £200 (equivalent of $22,977.65 in 2026), so she was a woman of some means of her own, so it is possible that Clara accompanied Baker on his travels or perhaps some were a gift from him.
In November 1949 Baker died leaving Clara £10 000 ($711,913.75 in 2026) for her faithful service, especially throughout his last 12 years of sickness.
The collection was donated by the Public Trustee as part of Clara’s Estate in 1978.
Objects from the Clara Just Collection are exhibited in Fragile and Forever: Ceramics from the Queensland Museum Collection, a free exhibition at Queensland Museum Kurilpa.
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