The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories. This item was owned, worn and donated by Dione McIntyre.The McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1990s. Turquoise coloured raw silk coat dress. The dress includes a belt of the same fabric and colour. Renny Pty Ltd was a major fashion house in Melbourne in the 1960s winning awards for innovation in design, particularly those awarded by the wool industry.Label: Rennyrenny, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1960s, mcintyre collection

Beautiful soft cream silk dress, with a random silk embroidered three petal flower over the fabric. Round neckline with overlaid square yoke of embroidered lace on a net background. Two 7cm wide bands of the lace are gathered over the shoulder armhole edge. These frills, and the scalloped edges of the front and back lace yoke are trimmed with 4 cm long decorative silk tassels.(one missing). Long sleeves, tapered in at the wrist are trimmed at the wrist with a 4.5cm wide band of lace, part of which is threadedwith two rows ofsoft pink silk ribbon insertion. Soft pink silk, folded into three 2.5cm tucks-overall width 6cm trim the high waistline, with a 7cm diameter rosette at the left front, and a bow(?), and tails, trimming the back waistline. This is severely damaged. Four metal hook and loops fasten the back lace collar, and nine metal hooks and eyes fasten the bodice. Bodice and sleeves are fully lined. Bodice is boned with thirteen 12-4 cm long ''bones''. Skirt is in two tiers; Top is 38cm deep, and made from the plain embroidered silk. A 5cm deep band of lace, with scalloped edges then joins the 36 cm deep ;lower panel of beautifully embroidery and pulled threadwork. Hem is faced, and finished or hemmed with french knots. Dress , which is hand stitched is fully lined with cotton. The lower 36 cm deep tier of the underskirt is trimmed with three .5cm tucks, and two 8cm bands of cutwork lace in a floral and geometric pattern. An oval shaped pocket is sewn into the front of the ''petticoat'' lining. This pocket contained some plant material, included in attached bag.costume, children's, cream embroidered silk and lace dress

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', were the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Two-piece white silk wedding dress comprised of a short tailored bodice and a bell shaped skirt. The most prominent feature of the bodice is the wide pagoda sleeves, with false undersleeves of muslin. The edge of the sleeves includes small posies of orange blossom. Separate panels of lace, dropping from the waist are the only form of decoration on the skirt. The round high neckline was later converted to v-line in the 19th century.coombs collection, women's clothing, australian fashion, fashion & design collection, costumes, wedding dresses

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Single-piece, floor length, gold silk taffeta evening dress featuring the use of a very long fishtail train to which is attached a silk cord to allow the wearer to hold it above the floor. The dress includes a number of decorative features including the extensive use of box pleats on the sleeves and on the hem of the skirt; contrasting gold and cream braiding and tassles; and the extensive use of ruching on the bodice at the front. Due to the age and fine quality of the silk taffeta used, there is evidence of the degradation of the fabric on one shoulder and a tear in the rear of the skirt. Otherwise the dress is in excellent condition.fashion - 1870s, australian fashion, wedding dresses, costumes, women's clothing, coombs collection

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories. This wedding dress was worn by the grandmother of Val Warren.Raw silk wedding dress. The full length dress has lace on the bodice and long sleeves. Other decorative elements include finely pleated silk panels on the bodice, an insert on the skirt and on the cuffs of the sleeves The dress features extensive use of both utilitarian and decorative buttons that are covered in the same silk fabric as the dress. The final photograph shows two early repairs to the dress. Lydia Edwards in 'How to Read A Dress (Bloomsbury Academic, 2017), when describing a 1912 dress in the McCord Museum notes that: 'In 1911-12 the use of buttons for both fastening and decoration was extremely popular, the American women's magazine The Delineator declaring at the end of 1911 that "one cannot use buttons to liberally in the present mode".' (p.132)costumes, wedding dresses, women's fashion - 1910s, fashion design, fashion -- 1910s

See Marriage Cert in Marriages File 1840-1885 Also Details in Simpson File Belonged to Johanna Simpson married Thomas Draffin on 17th Feb 1880 Presbyterian Church Stawell Silk Taffeta lined wedding dress. Ruffled collar. 18-inch waste. Full length sleeve. Ruched band on upper sleeve. Lower sleeve band attached with matching silk piping which extends into the band as decoration. Garment shaped with two long darts on either side of opening. Opening from neck to below hip uses metal hook and hand sewn eye closing. Lower dress in three sections. Top section is plain matching material attached to the upper garment with piping. Second panel is Ruched material the same material as upper garment. Third lower panel is same material as upper garment consisting of three bands of finely pleated material. Back has pocket on right hip with two pointed flaps and central pleated panel. Back has a Central Bustle extending from back hip to hem. Light Brown with pleated frills at bottom Miss Annie Draffin Mothers Wedding Frock 1880

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One-piece, floor length blue silk day dress with a bell skirt that is slightly longer at the back. The dress is joined, centre-front with hooks and eyes. It is probable that the 19th century cream-coloured lace on the bodice and cuffs is a later addition. The lace extends in a long loop at the font of the skirt. The bodice has a high round neck, later modified to a V-shape. The dress must at one stage have been reconfigured or strengthened at the join of the bodice and skirt, as there is evidence of the use of new machine stitching. The dress is fully lined with a stiffened cotton lining fabric. Apart from minor staining, the dress is in excellent condition. The dress is the earliest complete costume in the collection. Measurements - 145.0 cm (centre back) 25.0 cm (waist, flat)Nilcoombs collection, fashion - 1860s, women's clothing, costumes, daywear

Clothing. Infant's ivory coloured waisted silk dress. High round neckline with one cm lace trim. Bodice extends to short sleeves with 2.5 cm eyelet lace at hem. Embroidered ribbon bow and flowers at centre front of bodice. Eyelet lace around waistline (1.5 cm) with gathered skirt. Centre back opening (22 cm) fastened at neck with one press-stud and ribbon tie at waist (Ribbon missing).costume, children's, infant's ivory coloured silk dress

This dress is believed to have belonged to Mary Ann Henty [nee Lawrence] (1821-81), the wife of Francis Henty (1815-89). Her husband, Francis Henty, 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 in 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.A one-piece, lustrous silk taffeta evening dress, lined with polished cotton, probably owned by Mary Ann Henty, and later by her daughter, Alice. The V-waist line of the dress and the dimensions of the skirt are comparable to Mary Ann’s wedding dress. The bodice in contrast is less structured. At a later stage, the sleeves were removed. Measurements (mm): BODICE: Girth - Neck 914.4, Chest 863.6, Waist 685.8, Hip 863.6, Hem circumference 3302. Vertical - Front neck to hem 1371.6, Front waist to hem 1092.2, Back neck to hem 1384.3, Back waist to hem 1079.5 Horizontal - Neck to sleeve head 44.45, Chest back 431.8, Underarm to underarm 431.8.mary ann lawrence, francis henty, evening dresses, henty collection, fashion -- 1840s

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.This garment was created by Margeaux (Melbourne) which specialised in the production of "high-class cocktail and evening wear" (The Age, 17 March 1956).Knee length short sleeved grey silk and grey tulle cocktail dress with an attached outer covering of patterned lace of a lighter grey colour. The garment has the label of ‘Margeaux Regd. Imported fabric’. There is a zip at the back. There is some discoloration (due to sun damage?) to the lace at the shoulders. australian fashion - 1950s, margaux of melbourne, cocktail dresses, women's clothing

Clothing. Infant's cream silk dress with bodice front and back. Casing at waist with .5 cm cotton ribbon insert. High round neckline with 1.5 cm lace trim and casing with cotton ribbon insert. Bodice at front has embroidered circle and leaf pattern. Centre back opening (28 cm) fastned ribbon ties at neck and waist and 1 X one cm button and button hole between. Straight long sleeves edged with 1.5 cm lace at wrist. Skirt is edged with 3 cm scalloped lace at hemline with two horizontal rows cutwork stitching.costume, children's, infant's cream silk dress

An item forming part of a collection of costumes, photographs and documents relating to the Weir family who lived in the mansion originally named Illapa, 84 Princess Street, Kew, from c.1917 to 1950. This historically significant collection includes items relating to both George Weir (1866-1937) and his wife Edith Mary Weir (1867-1948). George Weir attained national prominence in the mining industry, becoming General Manager of the North Broken Hill Silver Mining Company in 1903 (later renamed North Broken Hill Mining Company 1905-12, and North Broken Hill Ltd 1912-1988), and subsequently President of the Mine Owners Association. He was to remain General Manager of North Broken Hill Ltd until his retirement in 1926.This garment is part of a collection of women’s clothing, owned and worn by Edith Mary Weir (nee Betteridge) - born in Clare, South Australia 1867, died Kew 1948 - and also by her daughter. The garments date from the 1880s to the 1930s. The collection includes day dresses, evening dresses, evening coats, capes, and undergarments. As the wife and daughter of a mine manager, the collection includes representative examples of clothing worn by upper middle class Australian women in domestic circumstances, and at social and civic events. A number of the costumes from the 1920s to the 1930s are of a particularly fine quality, being both rare, representative and intact examples of Australian fashion of the period. The garments in the Weir Collection were donated to the Kew Historical Society by a granddaughter of Edith Weir in 2017.Cream silk lingerie dress featuring wide inset panels of lace of the same colour. The bands of lace are of varying widths and appear on the bodice, the skirt and the sleeves. The dress is loose fitting but held at the waist by a silk cord. The lace yoke has a high neck. An initial assessment suggested that the buttons might be a later addition.edith mary weir (nee betteridge), 84 princess street - kew (vic), women's clothing, costumes, dresses - lingerie dresses, fashion - broken hill - 1900s

This dress was donated to BHS in 1973 by local teacher Miss Jean Mole (1910-1984). Information provided on donation suggests that it was worn by Jean's mother, Lottie Richmond Bryan (1873-1959), on her marriage to Ernest Mole (1863-1929) in Daylesford on 27 May 1908. However, the style of the dress indicates an earlier date, circa 1878. It is possible that the dress was in fact worn by Jean's grandmother, Jane Crowe McNeil (1850-1933), who married James Bryan (1838-1886) in Daylesford on 9 February 1870.Beige taffeta silk dress with fine black woven stripe. Olive coloured bias satin trim and vandyked horizontal panels down front of the dress. The dress has a train.wedding dress, silk, 1870s, jean gertrude mole, lottie richmond bryan, jane crowe mcneil

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Long black fine silk velvet evening dress featuring a high rounded collar fastened at the rear of the neck with a number of black fabric covered buttons. The ends of the wide sleeves and the hem are raw and unsewnwomen's clothing, evening dresses, australian fashion

Netta Fuller and her husband Alec were long-term residents of Kew. Netta's passion was for historic clothing and its exhibition. In 1985, Netta Fuller and Elizabeth Pace launched a parade of garments sponsored by Kew Historical Society at Holy Trinity Church, Kew. The parade was called 'Downunder Dressmakers' and included a collection of over fifty items of clothing dating from 1800 to 1984. The collection included dresses, hats, scarfs, capes, sporting costumes etc. In sourcing items for her collections, Netta Fuller collected costumes stored in old trunks and wardrobes, or even purchased from opportunity shops. Not satisfied with purchasing authentic costumes of the period, Netta also used these as models for artistic recreations.Two piece black silk evening dress, comprising sleeveless bodice and full-length skirt with inset panels on both pieces of guipure lace on tulle.australian fashion - 1950s, evening dresses, evening wear, netta fuller

Clothing. Infant's cream silk dress. High round neckline edged with one cm lace, and casing. Yoke front and back extending to kimono style long sleeves. Front yoke has four vertical strips of lace and centre embroidered panel with pale pink flowers and pale green leaves. Two strips of inserted lace extend along the top of each sleeve from neckline to wrist. Sleeves edged with three cm lace at hem. Centre back opening (22 cm) fastened at neckline with.6 cm pink silk ribbon and two one cm buttons and button holes in centre and lower edge of yoke. Skirt has five cm lace border at hem.costume, children's, infant's cream silk dress

Various garments associated with wedding January 1965.- Cream coloured - "A" line - 3/4 sleeves - slightly 'belled" - Organza lined - square neckline - Reputedly Georges manufacture (unlabeled) - C 1968Nilsilk, otterman, wedding, handmade, georges ltd

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Late Victorian black silk damask outfit comprising a flared skirt and a short bodice. The high necked bodice reflects changing fashions at the turn of the 20th Century in that the silk fabric on the bosom is lightly gathered. The sleeves are pleated at the elbow. The skirt is lined with a black cotton lining. The neckline of the bodice includes a narrow band of pale cream lace. The outfit was owned by one of the donor's maternal ancestors.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1890s, mourning wear, micky ashton

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Turquoise chiffon and taffeta evening dress, with empire waistline and beading to the neck and waist. The gown was purchased in 1967 from Oggi of Collins Street and worn by the donor’s mother, Mrs Ada Wallis, to the Miss Teenage of Victoria award ceremony at the Melbourne Town Hall, as the mother of a participant.evening dresses, women's clothing, oggi - 103-105 collins street - melbourne (vic), miss teenage of victoria quest, australian fashion - 1960s, evening wear, oggi, desley reid

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Tan/Rust-coloured silk bodice and skirt. The silk used in the garment is self-patterned with a leaf design. The bodice has extensive gold and silver coloured glass beading. The silk used in the sleeves of the bodice and the skirt is badly degraded/‘shattered’.australian fashion - 1860s, women's clothing - 1860s, dresses - 1860s, shattered silk

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories. The outfit was owned, worn and donated to the collection by Dione McIntyre.The McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1990s. Cream coloured taffeta wedding dress with long leg of mutton sleeves and bustle women's clothing, fashion and textiles collection - kew historical society, wedding dresses, mcintyre collection, dione mcinytre, fashion design, fashion -- 1960s

This wedding gown was worn by Mary Ann Lawrence at 8.00am on 5 January 1842 at St John's Church, Launceston, when she married Francis Henty. The couple were to catch the tide on their way to Portland two hours later. Francis Henty 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 in 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.Mary Ann Lawrence's grey silk wedding gown has a v-line waist and a partly smocked bodice. It is lined with muslin throughout. It has hand-tatted cotton lace and handmade piping around the neck and bodice and pleated short sleeves. There was originally trimming on the skirt which was removed at a later date. Orange blossom made of chamois and tiny coiled springs originally decorated the neckline. The outfit was complemented by a bonnet to which a Limerick lace veil was attached. Measurements (mm): Girth - Neck 914, Chest 812.8, Waist 660.4, Cuff 330.2, Hem circumference 3200.4. Vertical - Front neck to hem 1270, Front waist to hem 1016, Back neck to hem 1320.8, Back waist to hem 1041.4, Sleeve length 114.3. Horizontal - Neck to sleeve head 50.8, Chest back 406.4, Underarm to underarm 406.4.mary ann lawrence, francis henty, wedding dresses, fashion -- 1840s, women's clothing

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1969, Coombs had already purchased 10 acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original 10 acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Periwinkle blue afternoon dress made of finely woven wool with silk quilting to the yoke and cuffs. The one-piece outfit is fastened at front with large mother of pearl buttons. The dress includes a very long train. At one stage, the buttoning at the waist has been modified, presumably due to changes in the owner's waistline. women's clothing, australian fashion, costumes, dresses

The dress was in the cupboard of Muriel Kerr, the donor's recently deceased mother. The donor remembers being shown it and trying it on in the late '70s or early '80s and being told that it belonged to her great-grandmother, Lilian Armstrong Ballantine (nee Power) [1887-1967]. Lilian Ballantine lived at 31 Harp Road (now the site of the Leo Baeck Centre) from the early 1920s to 1967. Lilian's married Archibald Dill Ballantine [1883-1947], in 1910. He was a member of the Monumental firm of A&G Ballantine, responsible for the Kew War Memorial (and possibly the Springthorpe Memorial). Lilian was highly involved with the Finlay McQueen Memorial Church [ie the East Kew Presbyterian Church]. Lilian's daughter, Mary (the donor's grandmother) married Alan McQueen, the son of Finlay McQueen, the first Minister of the East Kew Church. Mary Macqueen lived at 1 Oswin Street; she was a well-known artist. The dress is significant due to its associations with a family with strong connections, through a number of generations, to Kew East and its spiritual institutions. The garment's integrity and design also contribute to its aesthetic significance as a representative item of women's outerwear during the first decades of the twentieth century.Pale blue striped muslin single-piece dress with lace, tulle and embroidery at the neck and on the cuffs. The lace at the neck and cuffs is embroidered with coloured flowers, and edged with tulle. Bordering the v-neckline is a deeper blue guipure lace (possibly added later). There is a satin flower on the right side of the skirt which gathers the hem, exposing the deeper blue cotton underskirt. The dress has a narrow band of blue satin at the high waist. The cotton underskirt is attached by thread in places to the outer layer. Both the outer and under layers are attached with metal hooks and eyes. Edging the cuffs and hem of the dress is blue commercial fringing. The exterior of the dress has a slight brown tinge which is not apparent on the inside hem, suggesting that it has been discoloured through exposure. There are minor stains.women's clothing, edwardian dresses, lilian ballantine, australian fashion - 1910s, mary macqueen, finlay mcqueen memorial church, east kew presbyterian church, alan mcqueen, kew war memorial, archibald dill ballantine, leo baeck centre, 31 harp road -- kew (vic.), a&g ballantine, women's clothing -- 1900s, fashion - 1900s, fashion design

Grace James, the creator of the items in the Grace James collection, designed and created costumes over a 19 year period (1969-1988) for her daughter Ceri. The collection of clothing ranges from evening wear to knitted garments. All the items display exemplary dressmaking skills. The designs are of the period and reflect evolving fashions of the time. Some items are copies of published designs whereas others are original creations. The collection was donated in 2006.While most of the items in the Fashion & Design Collection of the Kew Historical Society are commercially designed items of clothing, there are also items made by home dressmakers. Many of these exhibit outstanding design knowledge and technical skills. A large and important group of these items of women's clothing is contained in the Grace James collection of outfits created for the dressmaker's daughter. The items have additional significance due to information about the purpose of the creation and the date when it was constructed.Full-length cream silk taffeta bridesmaid’s dress. Same colour lace on the upper bodice and sleeves. australian fashion, grace james collection, bridesmaid's dresses, grace james, fashion design, fashion -- 1970s

An item forming part of a collection of costumes, photographs and documents relating to the Weir family who lived in a mansion, originally named Illapa, at 84 Princess Street, Kew, from c.1917 to 1950. This historically significant collection includes items relating to both George Weir (1866-1937), his wife Edith Mary Weir (1867-1948) and their children. George Weir attained national prominence in the mining industry, becoming General Manager of the North Broken Hill Silver Mining Company in 1903 (later renamed North Broken Hill Mining Company 1905-12, and North Broken Hill Ltd 1912-1988), and subsequently President of the Mine Owners Association. He was to remain General Manager of North Broken Hill Ltd until his retirement in 1926.This garment is part of a collection of women’s clothing, owned and worn by Edith Mary Weir (nee Betteridge) - born in Clare, South Australia 1867, died Kew 1948 - and also by her daughter. The garments date from the 1880s to the 1930s. The collection includes day dresses, evening dresses, evening coats, capes, and undergarments. As the wife and daughter of a mine manager, the collection includes representative examples of clothing worn by upper middle class Australian women in domestic circumstances, and at social and civic events. A number of the costumes from the 1920s to the 1930s are of a particularly fine quality, being both rare, representative and intact examples of Australian fashion of the period. The garments in the Weir Collection were donated to the Kew Historical Society by a granddaughter of Edith Weir in 2017.Long black silk waisted dress, gathered at the waist with and featuring a full skirt. The short-sleeved bodice has a high round neck with a small amount of embroidery at the front in the form of abstract flowers. The skirt features an additional Chantilly lace overskirt that is scalloped at the hem. edith mary weir (nee betteridge), 84 princess street - kew, australian fashion, women's clothing, costumes, coats

A wedding dress, forming part of a collection of costumes, photographs and documents relating to the Weir family who lived in a mansion, originally named Illapa, at 84 Princess Street, Kew, from c.1917 to 1950. This historically significant collection includes items relating to both George Weir (1866-1937), his wife Edith Mary Weir (1867-1948) and their children. George Weir attained national prominence in the mining industry, becoming General Manager of the North Broken Hill Silver Mining Company in 1903 (later renamed North Broken Hill Mining Company 1905-12, and North Broken Hill Ltd 1912-1988), and subsequently President of the Mine Owners Association. He was to remain General Manager of North Broken Hill Ltd until his retirement in 1926.This garment is part of a collection of women’s clothing, owned and worn by Edith Mary Weir (nee Betteridge) - born in Clare, South Australia 1867, died Kew 1948 - and also by her daughter. The garments date from the 1880s to the 1930s. The collection includes day dresses, evening dresses, evening coats, capes, and undergarments. As the wife and daughter of a mine manager, the collection includes representative examples of clothing worn by upper middle class Australian women in domestic circumstances, and at social and civic events. A number of the costumes from the 1920s to the 1930s are of a particularly fine quality, being both rare, representative and intact examples of Australian fashion of the period. The garments in the Weir Collection were donated to the Kew Historical Society by a granddaughter of Edith Weir in 2017.Cream silk wedding dress consisting of a long sleeved pleated bodice and a very full skirt. The skirt has a deep exterior pocket. The interior of the bodice exhibits extensive use of baleen to provide structure. The outfit includes a marching pair of cream silk shoes.edith mary weir (nee betteridge), illapa -- 84 princess street -- kew (vic.), women's clothing, weir collection, dresses, fashion -- 1890s

Sleeveless evening gown of delicate lace with a drop waist, scalloped detailing and slightly flared skirt. Fastens through a side opening of press studs. Photographed with a petticoat underneath due to the sheerness of the fabric.None

This dress belonged to Mary Ann Henty [nee Lawrence] (1821-81), the wife of Francis Henty (1815-89). Her husband, Francis Henty, 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 in 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.A two-piece, moiré silk faille day dress, owned and worn by Mary Ann Henty, aged 59, while resident at Field Place, Kew. The fitted and panelled bodice on the day dress features wide velvet ribbon, hand sewn to form ‘V’ detailing at front and back. The front bodice hook and eye closure is decorated with handmade velvet covered buttons. The high round neckline is trimmed with pleated ivory fine tulle lace. The wide long sleeves of the bodice are also trimmed with velvet ribbon and buttons forming exquisite cuff detailing. The full length skirt and train are tucked into a fitted waistline band. The hemline is hand finished with wide velvet ribbon. A separate attached peplum is worn over the full bustle of the skirt. Measurements (mm): DRESS: Girth - Neck 355.6, Chest 889, Waist 673.1, Cuff 279.4, Hem circumference 4292.6. Vertical - Front neck to hem 1447.8, Front waist to hem 1117.6, Back neck to hem 1765.3, Back waist to hem 1346.2 , Sleeve length 590.55. Horizontal - Neck to sleeve head 196.85, Chest back 469.9, Underarm to underarm 457.2. PEPLUM Girth - Waist 711.2, Hem circumference 1066.8. Vertical - Back waist to hem 406.4.mary ann lawrence, francis henty, fashion -- 1880s, day dresses, women's 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