Clothing. Full length black silk-satin skirt, with a 4-pleat cummerbund waist sash - 10 cms deep. Two x 10 cm wide ''falls'' of satin, angled at the lower edge fall from the plackett left side, and are 51 cm long and 63 cm long at their peak. Two panels of the skirt fabric, 81 cm long and 23 cm wide are attached from the waistline at the centre front and centre back. Each panel has a beaded floral motif, 13 cmx 9.5 cm beaded with jet beads.costume, female, black silk skirt with beaded trim

BHS CollectionWaist length dark green cotton bodice. Fabric has alternating stripes of pulled thread pattern and wider stripes of small dot pattern. Front opening with deep V to waist with lined lace insert extending from throat to waist. LHS of bodice fastened to lace insert with five press studs. Stand up collar of lined black lace (%cm) fastened with two hook and eyes. The bodice is made from five pieces. The two front sections have three knife pleats facing out and falling from the shoulder. The pleats are stitched down for twenty cms from the shoulders. On either side of the front opening is decorative embroidered black lace that extends across the shoulders to the back of the collar. There are two side panels from under the arm. The back section has three box pleats falling from the collars and tapering to the waist. The hem of the bodice is fastened with black cotton tape. Leg of mutton sleeves are trimmed with black embroidered brais at elbow and wrist. Lower sleeves have pintucks from elbow to wrist. The sleeves are lined with black cotton fabric. The back of the bodice is lined with black cotton fabric almost to the hem. A three cm piece of white and blue cotton tape is attached across the lower back with cotton ties at either end. The underarm panels are lined with brown cotton fabric and green satin inserted sections. The front has a separate lining with front opening and shaped with darts. Fastened with six buttons and buttonholes. Two shoulder pads on each side- one white piece under the shoulder and a green satin piece under the gathered section of each sleeve. Dark green full length skirt. Cotton fabric with alternating stripes of pulled thread pattern and wider stripe of small dot pattern. Skirt is made of three sections. Centre front panel widens slightly to hemline. Side panels continue around to join at centre back. Darts at both hips to shape sides. Panels widen to hemline. Inverted pleats at either side of back opening create fullness. Back opening(30cm) has insert of black satin joined to LHS of opening to enlarge the opening. Insert attached to waist band with two press studs. Two other press studs attach skirt to RHS of insert. Brown cotton waistband hand stitched to skirt. Ties attached to waistband at back opening- one cotton tape, one satin ribbon. Front centre panel has a piece of black satin stitched as lining from eighteen cm below waist (57cm deep). Stitched across and attached to side seams. Lower edge trimmed with black lace. Second piece of satin lining stitched to centre seam and stitched around the hip to partway across back.(Looks like a nylon petticoat cut in two pieces and stitched inside skirt as a lining). Hemline has fifteen cm piece of cotton lining attached and lower edge of hem has fringed cotton binding attached.. Side seams of front panel have decorative trim of embroidered braid extending seventy-six cms from waist. Braid then turned ninety degrees and continued in a horizontal zig zag line around to centre back seam (both sides) twenty cms above hem. Hand and machine stitched.costume, female, ladies dress- bodice.

A dress belonging to the family of George Ward Cole in the late 1800s; possibly his wife Thomas Anne Ward Cole or one of his daughters, Margaret or Agnes. George Ward Cole was an early member of the Victorian Parliament and the family featured prominently in Melbourne Society in their time. They established a substantial home known as “St Ninians” at 10 Miller Street in 1841. The family reportedly entertained Melbourne’s first Royal visitor the Duke Of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria’s second son at St Ninians in 1867. In later years St Ninians was subsequently subdivided and later demolished. A hand sewn, brown silk, evening dress, circa 1860, consisting of a bodice and skirt. The bodice features an off the shoulder neckline edged with cream lace. A chevron design of black velvet trim, passes from the shoulders to the centre front waist, then hangs loosely to the hip line. The black velvet trim on the sleeves and the skirt is edged with a black fringe. The bodice (.1) base is finished in a v-shaped front at the natural waistline. There are short puffed sleeves also feature the black velvet fringed trim and lace at the edge along with three epaulette style strips, which pass from the shoulder seam to the edge of the sleeve. Each strip finishes with a decorative bobble. The bodice lining is cream glazed silk with steel boning, cotton tabs sewn into both sides have four eyelets for lacing. The dress has a full, floor length unlined skirt (.2) which is slightly longer at the back creating a modest train. The skirt has horizontal bands of the velvet trim and finishes with a box pleated trim of the dress fabric. The dress is fastened at the back using two connecting rows of black velvet covered buttons.brighton, st ninian's, 1860s, evening dress, george ward cole, thomas anne ward cole, margaret morison ward cole, agnes bruce ward cole

Alice Henty (1852-1932) was the third daughter of Francis and Mary Ann Henty. her father was the youngest son of Thomas Henty, who with his family, their retainers and property moved to the Australian colonies between 1829 and 1832. In 1834, Francis’ older brother, Edward, sailed from Launceston in Van Diemen’s Land to what was to become Portland in the western part of Port Phillip District [Victoria]. Francis, together with the first flock of Merino sheep [in Victoria], followed some months later. The first and second generations of the Henty family established vast pastoral properties in the Western part of the Port Phillip District. Francis Henty managed ‘Merino Downs’ near Casterton, while also living with his wife following his retirement at ‘Field Place' in Kew. The Henty Collection of nineteenth and twentieth century clothing, including outerwear and underwear, was collected, stored and exhibited over time by female family members descended from Francis and Mary Ann Henty. During the twentieth century, items from the collection were modelled in two fashion parades by various descendants [1937, 1959]. The items in the collection are historically and aesthetically significant, with provenance provided by oral and written tradition within or held by the family. A number of the items in the collection are very rare survivors, and provide researchers with the evidence needed to reconstruct the lives of notable women in the Port Phillip District [later Victoria] during the nineteenth and early twentieth century.Alice Henty’s wedding dress, made in 1876 for her marriage to John Hindson was remodelled in 1943 for the wedding of her granddaughter, Alice Henty Hindson to Norman Lithgow Tait at Holy Trinity, Kew. It was worn again by Margaret Henty Hindson (1918-2000) at her marriage to Dougald Webster Matheson at St Paul's Church, Henty in 1944. The two piece dress has a low décolletage shaped with a collar from which two curved panels drop. The fastenings for the bodice are buttons covered with the same fabric. The bodice is completed with two full length sleeves. The full skirt is slightly flattened at the front with a long train. In contrast, the ivory silk, silk faille and satin bodice with long tails remained unaltered. The front closure of the jacket has handmade embroidered buttonholes and covered buttons. The pleated collar and sleeves are decorated with gathered silk tulle. The jacket features long tails. alice frances (henty) hindson, women's clothing, wedding dresses, margaret henty hindson

This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Of all the items Di donated to the Society, this four-piece Easton Pearson outfit was her favourite. When she bought it around 1997-98, it was the first time she had spent a large amount of money on clothing, and she thought it only fitting to throw a suitably elegant party at which to wear it. James Cameron's hit movie 'Titanic' had just been released, and upon discovering the recipe book 'Last Dinner On the Titanic: Menus and Recipes from the Great Liner', Di was inspired to host a Titanic-themed party for her friends. Held at her home in Brighton in 1998, the event included a string quartet, an eleven-course meal prepared entirely by Di, and a life boat in the backyard swimming pool.A four piece outfit consisting of a blouse/cardigan, camisole, skirt and wrap. Double-layered silk wrap with an outer layer of silk chiffon. Both ends feature and embroidered band of brown and black cotton, copper wire, and copper glass beads. Camisole of black and copper shot polyester rayon with wide shoulder straps and small shoulder pads. Blouse of brown silk chiffon, with a v-neck and eleven silk-covered buttons and loops at centre front. Patch pockets over front hip and full length sleeves. The neckline and sleeve edges are trimmed with copper-coloured glass beads. Full-length double-layered straight skirt with black and copper shot polyester rayon lining and silk chiffon overskirt. The skirt secures centre back with a nylon zip and botton closure. The skirt features a centre front embroidered panel of brown and black cotton leaf and flower motifs, with copper wire and copper glass beads. manufacturer's label: "Oh! Easton Pearson", "Pure Silk", "Polyester Rayon", Care label, "M"costume party, titanic, easton pearson, pamela easton, lydia pearson, australian fashion, di reidie, 1990s

A woman stands at the end of a log bridge over a creek looking towards the south along the unsealed roadway. The sun illuminates her back. She is wearing a woollen knit beanie with edges rolled up, dark jacket and skirt, full length dark stockings and slip on dark leather shoes with raised heel, typical of the early 1920s. The creek is possibly feeding into the Karingal Yalloc. The direction of the road based on shadows is northwest as is the Eltham Road to Greensborough (present day Sherbourne, Karingal and St Helena roads). The creek is falling to the foreground so from south west to the north east, possibly feeding into the Karingal Yalloc, somewhere near presenet day Ramptons Road Reserve. This glass plate negative was used to manufacture postcards (1:1 printing) for commercial sale by the Rose Sterograph Company and its subsidiaries. George Rose founded the Rose Stereograph Company in 1880 and was joined by Herbert (Bert) Cutts in the early 20th Century. The pair formed a lifetime working partnership and strong personal friendship. Assisted by George’s two sons, Herbert George and Walter, and later by Neil Cutts, the Rose Stereograph Company continued its operations for more than 140 years. The company was initially built on stereographs, but as cinema took over and stereographs fell out of fashion, the Rose Stereograph Company developed Australia’s first commercially viable photographic postcard business. Specialising in postcards of iconic historical moments and significant landmarks, The Rose Stereograph Company became a staple of the Australian travel industry.This remarkable collection of glass plate negatives, transparencies, and postcards – arguably Australia’s most significant photography collection outside of public hands – has been passed down through the generations, surviving war, relocation, and the harsh Victorian climate. The historic Rose Stereograph collection is the culmination of George Rose’s dream of capturing and preserving precious moments in time and remains the legacy of the Rose and Cutts families. It is with great sadness that the Cutts family says goodbye to a collection that spans five generations and 140 years. The Cutts family understands that for these historically important pieces to rest with one family is to deny others the pleasure of their custodianship.Glass Plate Negative Size: 9.2 x 13.8 cmLog Bridge, Eltham Road, Greensborougheltham, postcard, travel, rose stereograph company, glass plate negative, creek, eltham road, greensborough, karingal road, karingal yallock, log bridge, sherbourne road, st helena road, women's fashion, rampton's road reserve, peter and elizabeth pidgeon collection

Ivory coloured waist length silk wedding bodice with front opening. Silk fabric has alternating striped pattern of chequerboard pattern, running stitch pattern and diagonal woven pattern. The bodice is made of two layers of the silk fabric with cotton fabric lining. The front inner layer has two darts from the waistline. The back inner layer has a centre seam and three darts from the waist on either side. The outer layer on both front and back has three knife pleats falling from the shoulders creating a gathered effect. These side panels of pleated fabric create a deep V neckline by crossing over 5cm above the waist. The V shape neckline is filled with an insert of cream and dark green lace with a floral pattern. The lace insert extends to the throat to form a high round neckline. The neckline is edged with cream coloured woven cotton braid. The side edges of the outer layers are trimmed with cream lace with a floral pattern and 5cm zig zag peaked edges that extends from centre waist at the front, over the shoulders and to the crossover section at centre back where there is a decorative silk fabric flower stitched at the crossover point just above the waist. The front opening is fastened with fourteen hooks and eyes plus another hook and eye offset 5 cm above the waist at the crossover point. Set in long sleeves are in two sections. An inner layer of silk fabric widens to the elbow where two five cm frills of gathered tulle are attached. Each frill is edged with a row of silk stitching. Attached below the frills are two 7 cm strips of lace stitched together to form the lower part of the sleeve. The edge of the lace forms the hem at the wrist. Each sleeve has a 5 cm hemmed V shaped split from the hem at the wrist. The outer layer of the sleeve is bell shaped falling from the shoulder to the elbow. This section of the sleeve is edged with cream lace with a floral pattern and 5cm zig zag peaked edges that are stitched to the fabric of the sleeve. Ivory coloured full-length wedding skirt with train. The skirt is made in two layers. The under layer is made from cotton from the waist with a wide border of silk fabric - 18 cm wide at centre front, widening to 37 cm at the side seams. The back of this skirt extends to a train and the border widens to 48 cm. The border section is lined with cotton fabric. At the centre back, the border has two godet inserts to create fullness in the train. The outer layer of the skirt is of ivory silk fabric with alternating vertical stripes of a chequerboard pattern, a running stitch pattern and a diagonal woven pattern. The lower edge of the skirt is edged with an 18 cm border of lace patterned with embroidered circles. The edge of the lace forms a zig zag pattern of elongated V shaped peaks (7 cm). The front of the skirt dips to a V shape at centre front with the point of the V reaching the hemline. The back of the skirt dips below the front hemline in a U shape over the train. The waist band is made of cotton tape. The centre front of the waistband has an embroidered pattern in silk thread. The centre back opening is fastened with seven metal hooks with six cotton loops plus one metal eye on the waistband. There are two cotton tape hanging loops on either side of the inner waistband. Hand and machine stitched.costume, female ceremonial, wedding bodice

Ivory coloured silk bodice. Part of wedding ensemble with matching skirt with train. (11400.513B). The silk fabric has an all over pattern of scattered leaves. The bodice has long sleeves and is fully lined with cotton fabric with a front opening. The cotton lining at the front forms a separate bodice with a front opening fastened with fifteen hooks and eyes from throat to waist. The lining is edged at centre front on both sides with a border of the silk fabric. The border narrows from 7 cm at the throat to 3 cm at the waist. In the lining of the bodice are two casings on either side of the front opening containing boned segments. Across the lining of the back are seven casings containing boned segments. The front LHS of the bodice has an outer layer of silk fabric with a squared neckline. The RHS of the bodice overlaps the centre opening of the bordered lining to attach across the left shoulder. From the left shoulder the front tapers diagonally to the waistline 4cm to the left of centre. This cross over section is fastened with ten hooks and eyes – seven of the eyes are attached to the bodice lining and three are on the LHS outer silk fabric layer. This section crosses full width to the edge of the LH sleeve, across the top of the shoulder to the neckline. The LHS outer section crosses back over the edge of the centre section. There is a third layer on the RHS with a squared neckline to form a symmetrical appearance. The two side sections are edged with ruffles of fine silk ribbon. The centre section of the crossover part has vertical pintucks extending from the throat for 9 cm. The fullness created by the pintucks is gathered to centre front where the waist dips to a shallow V shape. The back of the bodice has vertical pintucks extending 12 cm from across the shoulders, narrowing to a single vertical strip of pintucks (4 cm) ending at centre waist. The waist is edged with a border of silk ribbon with a horizontal tuck. Inside the back of the bodice above the waist cotton tape ties are attached. These ties extend to the front of the bodice and the ends are fastened with a metal buckle. On this cotton tape at centre back there are to metal hooks for attaching the skirt. Attached to the neckline of the front section of the bodice is a 7 cm stand up collar. The collar extends from the RH shoulder in front of the neck and across the LH shoulder and continues unattached around the back of the neck to attach to the edge of the collar at the RH shoulder. The edges of the collar are fastened with three hooks and eyes. The collar has three full width horizontal pleats and the top edge is trimmed with a frill of fine gathered silk ribbon. On the waistline at centre front and centre back are decorative buttons (3.5 cm) of pearl coloured beads. The buttons have a centre pearl bead bordered by small glass beads surrounded by 9 smaller pearl beads and nine small pearl beads. Each button is edged with a row of tiny class beads with 18 points. The long sleeves are fully lined and made of two sections. The underneath section of the sleeve is ungathered and shaped at the elbow. The upper section of each sleeve is gathered at the shoulders and attached to the underneath section with a series of small pleats down to the elbow creating fullness. There is a small cap sleeve at each shoulder over the top of the gathered sleeve. The cap sleeves are edged with a frill of gathered silk ribbon with a decorative row of gathered silk ribbon parallel to the edge. At each wrist is a gathered frill of silk fabric edged with silk ribbon. Each sleeve has an 8 cm split at the wrist on the back seam. Full length ivory coloured silk skirt. The silk fabric has an all over pattern of scattered leaves. The skirt is fully lined with cotton fabric. The skirt is made of 5 pieces. The centre front panel has two darts at the waistline. The two side panels are cut on the bias and wrap around to form a centre back seam gathered into the waistband and finishing 44 cm below the waist line. Two triangular pieces of fabric are inserted at the back below the centre seam to complete the full circle of the skirt. There is 30 cm back opening. The waistband is made of cotton tape (3cm) fastened with two hooks and eyes with a 2 cm crossover. There is another hook and eye fastener halfway along the opening split. There is one upward facing hook on either side of the centre back opening to attach the matching bodice. The LHS of the back opening has a cotton fabric pocket inserted along the seam. The hem of the skirt is edged with two 5 cm frills of gathered silk fabric.costume, female daywear, silk bodice

This dress was typical of those worn on special 'after 5 pm' occasions eg. dinner dances, weddings, balls. There were many such functions at Mt Beauty and in the Kiewa Valley eg. the Hospital BallThis dress was worn (and possibly made) by Margaret Mc Kendrick (nee Vyner) who lived in Tawonga when growing up. She married Ian Mc Kendrick and they lived in Mt Beauty. She worked as a nurse at the Tawonga & District hospital. Ian worked at the Mt Beauty Post Office. They had 3 children.Pink satin ladies cocktail 'after 5' dress. Sleeveless fitted bodice. Pleated skirt with straight front and back panels. Zip at back is full length. It's jacket has a matching lace, long sleeved, scalloped edge, with 5 covered buttons at the back and 6 press studs.'after 5' dress; ladies clothing; margaret mckendrick; tawonga

This dress was typical of those worn on 'after 5' special occasions to: dinner dances, weddings, balls. There were many such functions at Mt Beauty and the Kiewa Valley eg. the Hospital BallThis dress was worn (and possibly made) by Margaret McKendrick (nee Vyner) who lived in Tawonga when growing up. She married Ian McKendrick and they lived in Mt Beauty. She worked as a nurse at the Tawonga & District hospital. Ian worked at the Mt Beauty Post Office. They had 3 children.Long sleeved fitted pale apricot guipure lace full length dress fitted at the waist line. Gored skirt. Scooped neckline at the front. High neckline at the back. The back has a 28 cm long opening fastened by hooks and eyes. Unlined.'after 5' dress; margaret mckendrick; tawonga; ladies' clothing

This dress was typical of those worn on 'after 5' special occasions to: dinner dances, weddings, balls. There were many such functions at Mt Beauty and the Kiewa Valley eg. the Hospital Ball.This dress was worn (and possibly made) by Margaret Mc Kendrick (nee Vyner) who lived in Tawonga when growing up. She married Ian Mc Kendrick and they lived in Mt Beauty. She worked as a nurse at the Tawonga & District hospital. Ian worked at the Mt Beauty Post Office. They had 3 children.Aqua silk long (full length) sleeveless dress. Sequined with beads individually hand sewn. Princess line. Zip full length at the back. A couple of pleats at the front and back. 'A' line skirt. Accompanied by a guipure lace short jacket with three quarter sleeves, lined with the same silk as the dress. Scalloped at the bottom of the jacket. Covered button at the top of the back with a loop.'after 5' dress; margaret mckendrick; tawonga; ladies' clothing

This jacket would have been worn with a long black skirt by an elderly woman or by one in mourning, probably in early Edwardian times.This item is retained for display purposes.This is lady's black satin top with long sleeves. There are hooks and eyes for the full length of the front. with a fitted, boned waist. It has panels on each side of the opening on the front with black embroidered " frog" decorations. The sleeves are pleated with three bands of black velvet on the cuffs at the wrist. The garment is lined with black cloth. The cream lace around the neckline appears to have been added at a later time.vintage woman's clothing, edwardian era, warrnambool and district historical society collection

This apron is similar to aprons were made for use during war times, perhaps with Red Cross. It was donated along with other well kept items of women's clothing. The clothing once belonged to members of a family who migrated from Faversham, Kent, England to Sydney, Australia in the late 19th - early 20th century and was passed down through the family. The items have been worn and have also been well cared for.This object is significant as an example of an item in common use in the 19th and early 20th centuries.Apron, ladies size, plain, heavy cotton. Full length apron with bodice, shoulder straps and a button closure at waist. Skirt has five panels. There is a small pocket on wearer's right side, inserted into seams. Ca.1900's.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ladies garments 19th century, cotton garments 19th century, apron late early 1900’s, ladies work apron, domestic service, domestic clothing, ladies’ clothing, hospitality clothing, hospitality service

This beautiful costume was the 'going-away' dress worn by Mrs John Russell at her wedding in c.1884. It has been passed down through the Russell family and was donated by her grand-daughter Mrs David Nixon. John Russell was an early Orbost blacksmith in Orbost, and director of the Orbost Butter Factory for 50 years. He came to Orbost in c. 1890 at the invitation of another early settler, James Nixon, became a blacksmith, and later a farmer and landholder. Many of his descendants still live in the Orbost area. This full length female costume is made of moroon satin with gold velvet inserts. It has a small train at the back, scalloped folds with lace edging down the front of the skirt, and two rows of 14 buttons each down the bodice.going-away-dress 1890s-dress

During the reign of Queen Victoria, whose long and conspicuous grief over the death of her husband, Prince Albert, appropriate dress for men and women for the period of mourning was strictly prescribed and rigidly adhered to. Widows were expected to wear special clothes to indicate that they were in mourning for up to four years after the death, although a widow could choose to wear such attire for the rest of her life. To change the costume earlier was considered disrespectful to the deceased and, if the widow was still young and attractive, suggestive of potential sexual promiscuity. Those subject to the rules were slowly allowed to re-introduce conventional clothing at specific time periods; such stages were known by such terms as "full mourning", "half mourning", and similar descriptions. For half mourning, muted colours such as lilac, grey and lavender could be introduced.. Special caps and bonnets, usually in black or other dark colours, went with these ensembles. There was special mourning jewellery, often made of jet. By the late 20th century, this no longer applied, and black had been widely adopted by women in cities as a fashionable colour. A lady's full length black fine wool dress with pleated bodice and skirt. A beaded detachable collar sits over the dress forming a V shape back and front and is attached by hooks and eyes on right shoulder . Centre front from neck to point is a row of small black circular sequins. clothing, dressmaking, craftwork, cheltenham, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh

Alonzo Box, of Oakleigh ,a nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who resided in 'Box Cottage' 1865 - 1914, married Mary Closter (Kloster), of Oakleigh, on June 12th 1918. Alozo's elder sister, Rebecca, sent a bolt of Chinese hand-embroidered silk from which this wedding dress was made. Rebecca Viloudakia, nee Box, was a missionary in China, and married to a Greek Silk Merchant. Alonzo Box, the 9th child of John and Martha Sheldrake Box , enlisted in the Army and landed at Gallipoli 25/4/1918. He was evacuated to Egypt and then sent to the battlefields of France and Flanders before returning home to Melbourne in February 1918. Rebecca Box, the eldest child of John and Martha Sheldrake Box, was in the first party of Methodist Missionaries to leave Australia for the China Inland Mission in 1890. During the Boxer Uprising 1900-1901 her Mission outpost was attacked but she escaped and was taken to Shanghai. She later married one of the rescue party Nicholas Viloudakia a Greek silk merchant .Australian Dress Register ID 573 12/5/2015 Following Henry Dendy's Special Survey 1841 pioneer settlers bought allotments of land in the area of Moorabbin Parish. Alonzo Box was the nephew of William and Elizabeth Box who bought the cottage on the 30acre allotment from an unknown pioneer settler in 1868 and resided there until Elizabeth's death in 1914. Alonzo Box served in the Army World War 1 1914- 1918 at Gallipoli, France and Flanders. Rebecca Box -Viloudakia was in the first party of Methodist Missionaries to leave Australia for the China Inland Mission in 1890 and was rescued during the Boxer Rebellion 1900-1901 and taken to Shanghai by her future husband.A cream two piece wedding dress made from a bolt of hand embroidered Chinese silk for the marriage of Mary Closter and Alonzo Box on June 12th, 1918. The bolt of Chinese silk was sent by Alonzo’s older sister, Mrs Rebecca Viloudakia, a missionary in China, who was married to a Greek silk merchant. The machine sewn dress was made by a dressmaker in Dandenong, Victoria. The jacket is blouson, with a front opening and is gathered at the waist by a band enclosing a drawstring. The collar is a sailor style that forms a slight / high V-shape front neckline. Four vertical roses are separated by three bands of lacework. The back of the jacket is plain silk. The right front of the jacket has a panel of embroidered roses, band of lacework and a facing fold that encloses 4 fastening presses. There are crocheted bobbles on the front representing buttons. The left jacket front also has the panel of embroidered roses, lacework and matching fold for the 4 fastening studs. The full length inset sleeves are gathered to a cuff that fastens with silk covered buttons. The sleeves have floral embroidery down the outside centre line. The left sleeve has an extra detachable cuff with embroidery on the flounce that matches the bottom panel of the skirt. It is held in position around the wrist by 4 white metal press studs. The skirt sits above the ankle. It consists of 5 panels slightly gathered at the back waistline with a left side placket 21cm with hooks and eyes and press studs. The waistband is lined with petersham and has 6 whalebone inserts. The front of the skirt has small pleats to fit the 3 decorated panels to the waistline. The front has 3 bands of lacework around the lower part. 3 panels form the centre front each embroidered with a different floral pattern. The back of the skirt is plain with 3 bands of lacework rising from the hem, which is sewn with spoke work stitch. The long waist sash/belt is plain silk with embroidered ends and 3 silk balls with crocheted caps suspended on 3 crocheted silk chains. It has a rose knot with 2 metal press stud fasteners. There are a variety of floral designs embroidered on the material including ‘corner motifs’ on the 2nd inner front panel of skirt. brighton, moorabbin, silk, box william, box elizabeth, box alonzo, box mary, kloster mary, closter mary, oakleigh, dandenong, chinese silk merchant, boxer rebellion 1900-1901, box rebecca, methodist china inland mission, viloudakia nichols, anzac landings, world war 1, gallipoli

This ankle length black dress with pleated skirt , buttoned bodice, self belt and long sleeves is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c1910The Blackburn family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these familiesA lady’s ankle length, black dress with a pleated skirt, buttoned bodice, a self belt and long sleevesclothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, craft work, blackburn nance

Navy blue dress of synthetic crepe fabric. Length to just below the knee. Elbow length set in fitted sleeves. Square neckline. Narrow shoulder sections gathered into bodice at each corner of neckline at front. Decorative buttons on seam- three each side (two missing on LHS).Padded shoulders. Three horizontal pleats at waist line that taper and narrow at centre back. Centre back opening fastened with thirty one fabric covered buttons and cotton cord loops Skirt made from two sections. Front section ungathered. Back section has four inverted pleats falling from 15 cms below the waist to create fullness. Hemline faced with 7 cms cotton fabric.costume, female, navy blue synthetic crepe dress

Cream coloured full length cotton and lace dress with elbow length sleeves, Unlined bodice with high round neckline. Two lace panels at front to form crossover with Vshape filled in with lace panel to neckline. Back centre opening extending from neckline to 30cm below waist. Lace panel at back angling diagonally to LHS across opening. Seven press stud fasteners on bodice, hook and eye at waist. Four press stud fasteners on skirt. Sleeves cut as part of bodice - no seams. Sleeves edged with fine gathered lace. Skirt made from three panels. Two sections are of fine emblems, edged with a wide band of lace with scalloped edges. Third panel is of fine cotton on the LHS. This panel has fine vertical pintucks from the waist to below hips. A band of folded satin ribbon circles the waist with two large ribbon flowers - one LHS of back and one LHS of front(10cm diameter). Possibly a wedding dress.costume, female, dress

Small full length portrait of a lady standing beside a cupboard with a large jug on it. She is wearing a long high neck dress with large sleeves and a full skirt with a large bow on the side front. She is also wearing a locket and a long necklace. Behind her is garden scene.London & Provincial Photographic Company 443 West Strand, London. W. C.photograph, portrait, female, portrait of a lady

Small, full length portrait of a lady standing beside a table with her right hand resting on the table with a book on it. Her dress is long with the back of the skirt longer than the front. It has wide gathered sleeves with lace on the cuffs.Bent late Batchelder, Centre of Pall Mall, Sandhurstphotograph, portrait, female, portrait of a lady, bent late batchelder

Small full length portrait of a lady standing next to a fence leaning against it with her arm resting on it. Long sleeves, high neck and buttoned down to the waist. The skirt has a pocket at the side with gloves in it. She is wearing earrings and has a blue ribbon in her hair. The bodice has dark ribbon and a feather trim.Alfred Wren, Mitchell Street, near Railway Station, Sandhurstphotograph, portrait, female, portrait of a lady, alfred wren

Small full length portrait of a lady standing and holding a hat in her hands. She is wearing a long high neck dress with a three quarter length coat over it. The skirt has two rows of pleats at the hem.C. Nettleton, 20 Madeline Street, North Melbournephotograph, portrait, female, portrait of a lady

Small, full length portrait of a lady wearing a long high neck dress. The dress has a voluminous skirt with different material from the hip up.Batchelders. 41 Collins St. East Melbourne. Dunn. Wilson & Botterill Prop.photograph, portrait, female, portrait of a lady

Small, full length portrait of a lady standing beside a pedestal which has a vase and some books on it. The lady has her right hand resting on a book. She is wearing a long dress which has pleats on the skirt and bodice. Her dress has a high neckline. She is also wearing a small hat. Photographer's name and address is printed in purple on the back. The lady has her right hand resting on a book. She is wearing a long dress which has pleats on the skirt and bodice. Her dress has a high neckline. She is also wearing a small hat. Photographer's name and address printed in purple on the back.T. M. Cleaves, View Point, Eaglehawkphotograph, portrait, female, portrait of a lady, t m cleaves

Small, full length portrait of a lady standing beside a chair with her right hand resting on the back of the chair. She is wearing a dress with a voluminous skirt, frills at the top of the sleeves and a large buckle at her waist. Photographer's name and address printed on the back with a Coat of Arms, floral decorative work and two birds. Some dates on the back are 1862 and 1867 for medallions won in London and Melbourne.C. Nettleton, 1 Madeline Street, North Melbournephotograph, portrait, female, portrait of a lady, c nettleton

White embroidered cotton Christening gown. Eleven cm deep bodice with five vertical front neck to bodice and skirt seam, panels of embroidered cotton.Neckline has a casing with drawstring of cotton tape. Cap sleeves gathered at neckline edge, and outer edge trimmed with embroidered cotton. Skirt gathers to the bodice. Bodice also has a casing and drawstring tie, leaving a centre back opening from neck to skirt. Skirt is 84 cm long, and has an elaborately embroidered centre panel - full length. Two bands of embroidered cotton edge the centre panel. Embroidered "bobbles" similar to french knots extend full length beside the embroidered bands, and also form part of the embroidery on the bands. The gown was made by Merle's Grandmother for the christening of Merle's grandmother Geuer's son in 1885.costume, children's, christening gown

Embroidered silk tulle with an embroidered geometric pattern - .75 cm X .05 cm. 20 cm wide deep frill at hemline. Frill is made of the same fabric, but has a border of embroidered flowers edging the frill.A narrow band of satin ribbon, .05cm wide is stitched midway on the frill. The same frill outlines a deep V shaped neckline front and back, starting 8 cms from the shoulder along the puff sleeves. The main sheer fabric extends to a high round neckline, defined with a band of ribbon and a 3 cm wide frill at the throat. Back neckline fastens with metal hook, and handstitched loop, and a zip extends on the main body of fabric. Back of skirt is gathered, and front has three pleats either side of centre to give fullness to the skirt. Fine elastic marks a frill at the elbow length sleeves, finished with a ribbon bow. Bodice and skirt are lined with silk taffeta fabric, including a frilled skirt, bodice extends to a V shaped waistline. The dress mounted on silk taffeta, extended to a train at the back. Kerryn's dress was made by her mother, Merle Houlden, as a labour of love. Marriage of Kerryn Houlden and Bruce Roberts - April 1985.costume, female, wedding dress

Handmade ivory coloured cotton full length night gown. Front has yoke of diagonal pieces of lace with cut work and floral patterns, squares, embroidered flowers with horizontal lace pieces across shoulders. The top edge of the skirt has an edge of lace with square shapes and centre flowers of cut work across the front and back. The back has five 1cm tucks on either side of centre that extend 5cm below the lace edge. The high front neckline is square and the high back neckline is rounded. The neckline is edged with cotton broderie lace and insert lace with cream coloured satin ribbon threaded through. Below the decorative lace strip at the front is a section of fine pintucking 12cm on either side of centre and 9cm below lace strip. The night dress has a front opening extending 31cm from the throat. It has a placket with two button holes 10cm and 20cm from the throat. Two buttons on other side. No fastening at throat. French side seams. Long set-in sleeves with two rows of lace and three rows of pintucks extending from shoulder down top of sleeve to wrist. A piece of insert lace at wrist. A frilled cuff of broderie lace widening from 9cm at inside seam to 12cm at outside edge, machine stitched.costume, female underwear, nightgown

Full length sleeveless dress of dark blue fabric with light blue all over embossed floral pattern. Front of bodice made from one piece with two darts from the waist. Back same as above. Square neckline formed by pleated section of fabric (upward facing knife pleats) across the front. The pleating continues on the shoulder panels at the front. 13cm wide at shoulders. The shoulder pieces continue to attach at the back bodice but widen to form a rounded collar effect on either side. At centre back where collar joins, a folded piece of fabric is attached to form two tails of a bow falling past the waist (39cm). A decorative metal clasp with three rows of diamantes is attached at the top of the bow, 7cm below the neckline. On the front bodice there are two decorative rows of diamantes below the shoulders where the shoulder piece joins the pleated section across the front. Front and back bodice dip slightly at centre. Side opening on LHS with 36cm metal zipper from armhole. Hook and eye at top. Fabric piping around waistline front and back. Skirt made of four pieces. Centre and side seams. Gathered into waist (bodice) with series of small pleats random (uneven) knife and box flat seams. Large stitches visible on front of bodice where pleated section is visible. 2cm wide strips of elastic hand stitched inside each shoulder section, attaching front and backs of bodice. Check collar attached.costume, female evening, dress