Cirrus@Austlit

'Between 1847 and 1853, Charles Brentani was a noticeable character around Melbourne. Today, few have heard of him. There are occasional references, usually in relation to an 1849 gold discovery, or to silverware supplied by his retail jewellery business, but none gives comprehensive details of his life. He was one of those extraordinary 'ordinary men' whose story is lost in a history that tends to concentrate on 'big people'. In telling Brentani's story, this article supports the vision of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria that 'knowing the individual stories of past inhabitants gives present and future generations, links with local place and local community, bolstering a sense of identity and belonging, and enriching our cultural heritage'.' (Publication summary)