Showing 308 items
matching household objects
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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Commode Chair, 1930's
Early Australian homes were built with outdoor bathrooms and toilets. A commode chair was a convenient and discreet design to save trips outside in the dark, creating an early form of indoor toilet. The commode chair was designed to look like any other household chair and fitted in with other bedroom furniture. The toilet bucket or chamber pot was hiding beneath a false seat and a lid was provided to cover the pot to help prevent odour and spillage. The bucket would be emptied each morning and washed out. This commode chair belonged to the great great grandmother of the donor and has been kept in very good condition. It was originally one of a pair of two chairs. The Robert Fowler Ltd Pottery was established in 1837 by Irish immigrant Enoch Fowler (1807-1879) in Marrickville, Sydney; his son Robert managed the business from 1873. Initially, the company mainly supplied the building and industrial trades but after the First World War, demand for domestic clayware grew. The company opened a second factory in Thomastown, VIC, in 1927. They are still operating today as one of Australia's leading bathroom products companies. This commode chair is an example of early 20th century bedroom furniture made by the first company to make pottery in Australia.Commode chair, cane chair, padded seat lifts up to reveal toilet seat with enamel bucket and metal lid beneath. Bucket is made by R. Fowler Ltd. of Victoria, Australia. Early 20th century.Bucket Maker's Mark "R. FOWLER LTD. THOMASTOWN VIC"flagstaff hill,, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, commode chair, cane commode chair, robert fowler porcelain ware, bedroom furniture, potty chair, wicker toilet chair, ceramic chamber pot -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Bowl Carnival Glass, circa early 1900s
This particular glass bowl was a favoured ornamental type room "brightener" in the early 1900's. Although referred to as a "nappy bowl" this bowl has not the capacity for nappies but for nappy pins. This was a period in time before the nappy ties and instant nappy covers.This has relevance as an object that was both practical for the early 1900's nappy changes and provided some visual relief for any "drab" household ambience, especial in rural homes. The early to mid 1900's, rural households, on the whole, were more practical and not designed for entertainment. This reflected the more serious nature which were governed by aspects of providing a living from the land and unreliable weather. By placing visually attractive ornaments within various rooms (lounge/living rooms) the transformation from a stark external environment to a more warm and friendly area was achieved. This dark amber (Marigold) carnival glass 5 inch nappy bowl has a Kookaburra press molded base and wattle blossom with waratah and flannel flower sides. The bowl has a twelve scolloped rippled rim. Initially this type of bowl was reintroduced(from Roman times) into the 19th and 20th Century (modern age) by a United States glass manufacturer..Manufacturer's mark at the base illegible nappy bowls, nappy pin holders, visual mood changing ornaments -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Household, Button Cleaning Shield, C 1960
This object was used a shield to slide brass button through to enable them to be polished.They were a common object for those who wore military type uniforms with metal buttons The item belonged to John T Sizeland who was a member of the Warrnambool Urban Fire Brigade from 1940 through to 1977.This is an object which was commonly used by those in the military and those who wore uniforms with brass buttons. This item has strong provenance having belonged to John Sizeland who was a member of the Warrnambool Fire Brigade for over 30 years and was donated along with a number of associated fire brigade items. Long horse shoeshaped piece of copper with narrow slice three quarters through with rounded notch at the end.J Sizeland hammered into one end.warrnambool, button cleaner/protector, button cleaning shield, brass button, john t sizeland, brass button cleaning -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Wool Spindle, Fletcher Jones Winding spool, Circa early/ mid 20th century
This object is used to wind yarn ,typically wool from a skein or hank into a ball from which it can be worked into the required garment. The skein is placed around the four pegs on the ends of each arm and wound from this into a ball. The movable arm facilitate easier winding of the yarn. It is thought that this may have come from Fletcher Jones factory where it was probably used more to rewind cotton onto reels. Either use is possible.This item or those similar would have been a well used tool in many households before the time of woollen yarn being purchased in balls. As such it has social and historical significance as well as being useful as an item to create discussion.Square wooden base with bevelled edge and central post from which is screwed two wooden strips of wood. A shorter piece of wood is riveted to each end of these two pieces and these have dowel running upright from each end. The top section is movable and can be extended or contracted as required. Light brown in colour.165 on sticker on bottom.warrnambool, wool winder, skein winder, fletcher jones -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Household, Swagger Stick, Early 20th century
Swagger sticks were carried by army officers as a mark of authority. They were usually carried under the arm. The use of a swagger stick is now largely obsolete.Thus item is retained as an example of an object previously used by Army officers. It will be useful for display. This is a rounded cane stick with a spherical-shaped top that is slightly curved. The top is of a slightly darker colour. The stick is a little marked and stained. australian army, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Knife and fork cleaner, Levin & Co Pty Ltd, Early 20th century
This is a simple household labour-saving device. The box was fitted to the end of the table and knife polish was sprinkled on the cloth inside. The knife was then placed in the centre of the box and clamped in tightly. The knife was then pulled backwards and forwards several times (three seconds was the suggested time) and the object was then deemed to be polished. All households had cutlery of some sort and many had good silver pieces that were meant to be kept in a sparkling polished condition. This cleaner would have assisted those in a household assigned to the care of the cutlery. These would have included the women of the household, the children or domestic employees. This item is retained as an interesting example of a household labour-saving device from 100 years ago. This is a circular wooden box with an extra piece at one end of the base and a sliding top lid with a wooden knob. The lid lifts up and the inside of the box and the lid is covered with rough cloth. Some of this cloth has rotted away. The top of the lid has a printed label pasted on. This is torn and soiled. ‘Patent The Magic Knife and Fork Cleaner’ ‘I am handy and useful where’r I am used, To clean knives and forks brightly I never refuse, In mansion or cottage to both I do go, So buy me, and try me, my worth you will know.’ household devices, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Watering Can, C1900
This watering can would have been used some decades ago to water pot plants and small plants in the garden requiring individual watering. Today watering cans are still used but mostly they are made of plastic although some cans are made in other materials for decorative reasons. Enamel is a hardy material but it chips when the object is knocked or dropped. This watering can has no known local provenance but is retained as an example of a common household item from early in the 20th century. This is an oval-shaped enamel watering can. It has two handles, a spout and a hinged lid. The can is very rusted. ‘Made in England’vintage household items, vintage watering can, enamel watering can, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Bees wax
This is a lump of beeswax that has been used to polish and clean old flat irons. Beeswax is a natural product made by bees to form the honeycomb in their beehives. It was used historically in many areas, including candle making, bow making, cosmetics production, bullet-making and modelling. It still has many commercial uses today. Flat irons were metal objects that had a flat polished surface and were heated to iron material and garments. The beeswax assisted in keeping the polished surface clean and shiny. This piece of beeswax comes from a local source but the full provenance is not known. It is important to keep it in the collection as an adjunct to the Historical Society’s collection of sad and flat irons from the past. This is a lump of beeswax in a round shape with one end broken across to reveal the inner part of the beeswax. The outer part is somewhat stained. flat and sad irons, household items from the past, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Water temperature reader, Early 20th century
This temperature gauge would have been used in the past to take the temperature of water in a pot or bath. Water temperature gauges are still in use today. Although this item has no known local provenance it is retained as an example of a household item of the past – a water temperature gauge. This is a glass temperature gauge set into a metal holder with markings on each side of the thermometer. The holder has a metal clip at the top for hanging the object on a wall or cupboard. The holder is much rusted.‘Cold, Cool, Temp, Tepid, Warm, Hot’ ‘351’ bath thermometers, warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Container - Match Holder, Early 20th century
A match holder was a common item 100 years ago and more, as it was used by those who smoked and was often kept on the person for this purpose or as a handy object for lighting lamps etc. It has no known provenance. This container is of minor interest as an example of a household item of the past and is kept for display purposes.This is a small silver-coloured metal container with a lift-up lid. The metal is pressed into an ornamental pattern. Inside the container is part of an old matchstick.Rd. 168192warrnambool history, household items -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Hurricane lamp, c. 1920
This is a hurricane lamp, so called because the tall glass dome was designed to protect the flame from excessive draft. These lamps were common in households in the first half of the 20th century ( used for house lighting) and later used for camping and out door activities.This item is retained as an example of type of lighting used in pre electricity times.This is a metal lamp with a glass bowl contained within a metal frame with a handle. There is a mantle inside the bowl. On the metal frame and base are various mechanisms for controlling the flame and a place for filling the container at the bottom with kerosene. The metal is heavily rusted with splotches of paint.vintage lighting, hurricane lamps -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Laundry Tub, early to mid 20th century
This tub probably dates from the early to mid 20th century and would have been a common item in households in those times. It could have been used for laundry items or for other washing processes in the kitchen. Wash houses in the early to mid 20th century were usually separate buildings or sheds outside of the house.This item is retained for display and discussion purposesThis is an oval- shaped metal tub wider at the top than at the base. It has a ridged top, a strengthening metal band around the base and two metal handles. It is somewhat rusty.vintage household items, warrnambool & district historical society collection -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Hip Bath, Late 19th century
Hip baths, such as this one, were used in past times in households for individuals to bathe. Generally the bath was placed in front of the fire in the kitchen and filled with hot water from the kitchen stove.This item is retained as an interesting memento of past household customs.This tin hip bath for an adult is in the shape of a cradle. The exterior is painted light brown. It has curved edges around the rim with two protruding curved pieces for the bather's hands to grip when getting out of it. The base is concave. It appears to be have been constructed in pieces. The bath is rusted and stained.hip bath, vintage domestic item, bathing practices in the past -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medal - Thermometer, c.1960
This item has been issued by the licensed grocery business of K.M.Lynch Pty. Ltd., once situated in Fairy Street Warrnambool. It dates from the late 1950s or 60s. The wine and spirits store in Fairy Street was established by Giffen Russell in 1878 and Harry Lynch took over the business in the 1930s. Harry Lynch died in 1953 and Kelvin Matthew Lynch became the proprietor, with the store known as K.M. Lynch Pty Ltd during the second half of the 20th century and the early 21st century. The business closed in the second decade of the 21st century. The item would have been used as a promotional tool, a useful household item given to the Lynch store regular customers and business associates. This item is retained as an example of a promotional object issued by a Warrnambool business in the second half of the 20th century..1 A thermometer mounted on a piece of wood by metal clips. The wood is painted yellow on the front and sides and has black lines and markings. .2 A cardboard box to hold the thermometer. K.M. Lynch Pty Ltd Licensed Grocer Warrnambool Phone 3939k.m. lynch, licensed grocer, warrnambool, household goods -
Yarrawonga and Mulwala Pioneer Museum
Domestic object - Mangle, Clothes Mangle
Clothes mangle [wringer] Wooden metal Turning Handle & rachet 2 tap screws for pressure B/N RollerHardwood rolls No 124 Household clothes Steel Ball Bearings The American Wringer Co New York USA -
Friends of Westgarthtown
Trunk/ Koffer, c. 1840s
The chest was constructed to allowable dimensions for storage in the ship's hold. The sturdy watertight construction afforded protection for the chests contents. It can be imagined that these would be household utensils, items of clothing and the most treasured ornaments as space permitted. It is likely that the contents included some building tools and as well, implements which Christian Ziebell used in his trade as a butcher in Bruel, thereby enabling him to undertake profitable work on his arrival in Australia.This object is of primary significance. The Koffer was constructed to allowable dimensions for storage in the ship’s hold. The sturdy watertight construction afforded protection for the Koffer’s contents on the voyage aboard the Privislaw from Hamburg, Germany to Hobsons Bay, Australia in 1850. The Koffer held the precious necessities for life for Christian Ziebell's family at their new destination. It is likely that the contents included some building tools as well, implements that Christian used in his trade as a butcher in Bruel, thereby enabling him to undertake profitable work on arrival in Australia. The wooden Koffer was airtight, so if lost overboard it would be retrievable. Some were fixed to the ship’s deck. After they settled at Westgarthtown the Koffer continued to contain the precious documents through each generation. Only the current owners saw the contents in each generation, and the children always regarded it as a “treasure chest”, which was always locked and out of bounds for them. Large wooden trunk/koffer. Base is rectangular, and lid is rectancular to fit the base but curves between the front and back. Morticed corners; protruding base with beveled edge. Supported by profiled runners with four built-in feet. Handle for carrying on each end, and locking mechanism on front.'C. Ziebell' written in large font on back of chestpersonal effects, travel goods, pribislaw, johann christian ziebell, german migration, luggage -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Domestic object, Laundry Bag
White cotton laundry bag with tie. Embroidered with the word Linen and leaves. Red embroidered marker at endEmbroidered word: LINENlaundry bags, household textiles -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - White cotton tray cloth
In the early 20th century it was common for ladies to work doilies in lace or embroidered cloth. They were used to decorate sideboards or dressing tables and also on trays underneath crockery and on plates under food. These could be made from purchased kits or pattern books. They may form part of a trousseauWhite cotton tray cloth, embroidered with a spray of flowers. Montmellick work? Commercial Broderie Anglais lace applied.tray cloths, household textiles -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Set of three doilies with crocheted borders, 1940 - 1955
In the early 20th century it was common for ladies to work doilies in lace or embroidered cloth. They were used to decorate sideboards or dressing tables and also on trays underneath crockery and on plates under food. These could be made from purchased kits or pattern books. They may form part of a trousseauSet of three white cotton doilies with crocheted lace borders. household textiles, doilies, crochet -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Table runner with crocheted borders
White linen runner. Crotcheted edge. table runners, household textiles -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Tea cosy cover
White linen embroidered tea cosy cover. Broderie Anglais. Crotcheted edge.tea cosy covers, household textiles -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Circular doily with crocheted border, 1940-1955
The Fashion & Textiles collections of Kew Historical Society include a number of art or household textiles manufactured or created in the United Kingdom as well as in Australia. As other cultures opened to Australian travellers in the 20th century, members began collecting and donating textiles produced in a number of other countries. Round white cotton doily with crocheted border.doilys, household textiles -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Pair of Embroidered Cotton Table Runners
Off white cotton cross stitched table runner. Crotcheted edge in brown and pink. Rectangular with triangular ends. Cross stitch design in pink and brown with a few blue stitches. table runners, household textiles -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - Embroidered tray cloth
Embroidered tray cloth. Pink and yellow flowers in each corner. tray cloths, household textiles -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Decorative object - White cotton tray cloth
In the early 20th century it was common for ladies to work doilies in lace or embroidered cloth. They were used to decorate sideboards or dressing tables and also on trays underneath crockery and on plates under food. These could be made from purchased kits or pattern books. They may form part of a trousseauRectangular white cotton tray cloth with worked lace border and cut lace inset tray cloths, household textiles -
National Wool Museum
Archive - Advertisement, Laconia Woollen Mills, 1964
Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." 'Treat yourself to the luxury of Australia's best blankets (blanket range): three examplesTreat yourself to the luxury of Australia's best blankets/Laconia 100% Pure Lamb's Wool/Make Goodnight a Certainty blanket, blanket fever, wool, laconia, advertisement, australian women's weekly -
National Wool Museum
Functional object - lamp, Laconia Woollen Mills, 1960s
Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." 'Laconia Blankets' electrical sign with signature lambsLaconia Blanketsblankets, blanket fever, laconia, advertising -
National Wool Museum
Archive - Advertisement, Onkaparinga Woollen Mill Company, 1953
Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Can't you see them on your beds (blanket range)Can't you see them on your beds/Onkaparinga, the ALL WOOL Blankets with the 12 year guarantee/ Onkaparinga Woollen Company Ltd blanket, blanket fever, wool, onkaparinga, advertisement, the australian women's weekly -
National Wool Museum
Archive - Advertisement, Onkaparinga Woollen Mill Company, 1953
Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Guaranteed to give 12 years of cosiness and comfort (range of blankets in a pile) Guaranteed to give 12 years of cosiness and comfort/Wedding bells soon?/4 Lovely pastels, white and checks/Onkaparinga, the ALL WOOL Blankets with the 12 year guarantee wool, blanket, blanket fever, onkaparinga, advertisement, the australian women's weekly -
National Wool Museum
Archive - Advertisement, Onkaparinga Woollen Mill Company, 1954
Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." 'Truly Fine Blankets of Surpassing Beauty' (range of blankets both fanned out and folded) Onkaparinga/100% Pure Wool Blankets/Truly Fine Blankets of Surpassing Beauty/Buy Well-Buy Wool/Guaranteed for Twelve Years blanket, blanket fever, wool, onkaparinga, advertisement, australian women's weekly