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Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - Wedding Dress, 1966
Dress made by Ludmilla Jenkins at her shop in North Road, Ormond. The dress was made for Rosalie Schwerkolt for her marriage to Marvin Bruce Whalen at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Gardiner, Victoria on Wednesday 1st June, 1966 and afterwards at Butleigh Wootton, 867 Glenferrie Road, Kew. Rosalie was married from 33 Straughton Road, Glen Iris.Rosalie is the great granddaughter of Johann August Schwerkolt, pioneer of Mitcham.1966 wedding dress of silk, velvet in Winter White colour lined in silk voile. The dress is a princess line with round crew neck. Sleeves are narrow and taper to a point using a dart and with a zipper fastening on seam. The arm seam also features three pleats at the inside of the elbow crease. The back has a zipper closing and princess line seams. The gown is full length at the front and at the back extends to a point for a 40cm train using an insert gore in the princess seam. Approximate measurement bust 31 inches or 79 cm waist 24.5 inches or 62 cm Hip 36 inches or 94 cm See also items NA5076 - Garter NA5077 - Good luck Charm NA5078 - Bible NA5090 - Stocking NA5091 - Veil Nonecostume, female ceremonial -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, City of Ringwood celebrations, 1960
Catalogue card reads, 'City celebrations, 1960. Men in fancy dress taking part procession'. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, City of Ringwood celebrations, 1960
Catalogue card reads, 'City celebrations, 1960. Men in fancy dress taking part in procession'. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, City of Ringwood celebrations, 1960
Catalogue card reads, 'City celebrations, 1960. Men in fancy dress taking part in procession'. -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Donald Hartley Rowe at 'Rowes Bakery' at 118 Union Road, Surrey Hills
A black and white photograph of a man dressed in white pants. white shirt and a white hat. He is standing in front of a weatherboard building. The photo is almost certainly taken at the property's rear which exited on to Stirling Crescent. Donald Hartley Rowe was born in 1876; married Mary Gibson in 1901 and died in Surrey Hills in 1958. In 1935 his daughter Winifred (1903-1985) married Phillip Sebastien Slavin (1907-1980), known as Paddy, who took over the business. He is first listed at 118 Union Road (no occupation noted) in the electoral roll of 1937 through until 1963.A black and white photograph of a man dressed in white pants. white shirt and a white hat. He is standing in front of a weatherboard building.bakers, food production workers, union road, surrey hills, (mr) donald hartley rowe, (miss) winifred rowe, (mrs) winifred slavin, (mr) phillip sebastien slavin -
Running Rabbits Military Museum operated by the Upwey Belgrave RSL Sub Branch
Trousers - Dress
Dressuniform, 1978, army -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Postcard - Postcard, Sepia, Valentines Real Photo Series, The Missions to Seamen Institute, Melbourne Victoria, c. 1922
This postcard depicts the urban setting of the Mission to Seafarers a few years after its construction. (the Dome, the last part erected, was opened on 21 October 1921). It demonstrates a lack of urban surrounds or buildings as well as a paved road and a horse-drawn wagon. The figure in the photo is also a record of the dress style of the era. The lady is most likely a member of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild.This postcard demonstrates that the building was deemed important enough to be photographed for a postcard. It is a record of what the Mission to Seafarers looked like two years after its construction, and its urban surrounding.Sepia postcard of the Mission to Seafarers building complex and surrounding streets. The postcard depicts a wagon and a woman walking by the complex wearing a black dress and coat and black hat and holding an umbrella. Front: THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN INSTITUTE, MELBOURNE VICTORIA REAL PHOTO SERIES.M.1696 Reverse: PUBLISHED BY THE VALENTINE & SONS PUBLISHING CO.LTD / MELBOURNE SYDNEY & BRISBANE. Contains logo of VALENTINES REAL PHOTO SERIES POSTCARD. Stamp logo lists: BRANCHES / SYDNEY / LONDON / DUNDEE / DUBLIN / CAPETOWN / MONTREAL / TORONTO Handwritten in blue: 1919mission to seafarers, melbourne, mission to seamen, seamen's mission, norla dome, flag, flying angel, lady, horse cart, umbrella, flinders street extension, ships, australian wharf, valentine's postcards, real photo series postcards, st peter chapel, lhlg, architecture, walter richmond butler -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - Dress, 1991
Frances Warren made the dress in 1991.She taught herself faggoting from directions in a bookDate made 1991. Floral cotton short sleeved women's dress. Background cream with apricot, yellow and grey flowers and green leaves. Peter Pan collar, buttoned to waist with faggoting work on collar, around cuffs on sleeves and down each side of front opening. Panel of pleats down centre of back and front of skirt. Dropped waistline and buttons are apricot.costume, female -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Three men in Fancy dress -- behind W Carters Boot Shop in Main Street 1922
Three men in Fancy dress 1922 taken behind W Carters Boot Shop Main Street. Probably `William Henry Carter on the left.Black and white photograph on a grey mount card with a lined border. The photo is a candid shot of 3 men. Two are in costume and looking jovial while the man standing on the step is more serious and pointing at one of the men. The timber stairs are leading to a timber building and behind the two in fancy dress is a picket fence 1922 W. Carter shop?stawell -
National Wool Museum
Clothing - Dress, 1979
This dress was created by Jean Inglis for a competition of garments hosted by the Geelong Handweavers and Spinners Guild at a ski weekend in 1979. It was entered in the ‘evening wear’ category of hand spun and knitted garments. The Warp was commercially brought 2/24 wool. The Weft was hand spun black Corriedale wool. This wool was brought at a sale in Geelong and was hand dyed and spun by Jean. The patter is a ‘Ripple’ variation of a ‘Crackle’ weave completed on Jean’s own Dobby Loom (pictured). Long black dress stretching from the feet, reaching up to a hood at the neckline and down to the hands in the sleeve. The dress is black with a glossy silver pattern in the form of a band around the hood, hands and feet of the garment. In these bands is a wavy pattern of silver and black lines. There are multiple thick and thin lines of both the silver and black colours mirroring each other as the pattern stretches around the garment. wool, weaving, hand spun, corriedale -
Kilmore Historical Society
Dress, Est. 1868
Turner Collection. Wedding dress of Margaret Jane Morrissey who married James Cahill 31 May 1868 at St. Patricks Church, Kilmore KHS holds original Marriage Certificate. Both early Kilmore families.Brown silk damask dress with cotton lining. Front button fastening. Jacquard striped, bustle back. Tearing at armhole, breakage at hem, frayed binding, frayed black braid trim detached in places, staining on collar, accretion on back, pest webbing. Very fragile.wedding, morrissey, cahill -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - Bridesmaid Dress, 1950
Dress first worn at wedding of Miss Margery Rudd and then in 1973 for the wedding of Miss Sharlene Barry (now Draeger)1950's claret crushed velvet floor length dress with cream lace around the high square neckline and around cuffs on long sleeves. 25 velvet covered buttons down back. Waist comes to a point at back with inverted pleat falling from point at back waist line. Sash is separated with press stud fastening and a bow effect.costume, female ceremonial -
Hume City Civic Collection
Photograph
As the man at the back is holding onto a sheaf of wheat, it seems to suggest that this photograph was taken at a Harvest Festival celebration. The diverse group of men, women and children dressed in formal clothing indicate that the event was a church function.A mounted sepia photograph of a group of men, women and children standing behind a hedge near a bluestone building. There are girls in the front row wearing white pinafores over their dresses. A man at the back is holding a sheaf of wheat. Grey and cream mounting 4.5cm x 5.5cm.clothing and dress, churches, schools, festivals and celebrations, children, george evans collection -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Miss Anzac 1971 - Warrant Officer Marty Grogan
Two coloured Photograph of Sailors dressed up in fancy dress costume.Voyages to Vietnam Collection. Courtesy Marty Groganphotograph, voyages to vietnam collection, cerberus collection, ran -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Dress Child
The dress was probably worn at a christening in one of the Kiewa Valley churches (denomination unknown). The importance of the event to family and friends is shown by the quality of the garment. These style Christening dresses were often worn buy several children of the one family , both boys and girls. Other items such as hand made bonnet may have been part of this out fit. "KVHS 0123" The quality of the garment and the fashion style it represents is both historical, not only the time of its manufacture but also of the fashion in that era. It has christian religious implications and values of the time frame of regional life in the early1900s. Girl's white dress (christening event), fine cotton with lace border "broderie anglaise" with a row of lace flowers mid skirt "battenberg".This lace is also inserted in centre front panel and sleeves. Scolloped cotton is also on sleeves, neck and front. Pin tucked skirt. Opening back with drawstring fastening at neck and waist. Short sleeves and machine stitched children clothing, lace-battenberg and broderie anglaise, female clothing, dress, cotton, christening, dressmaking -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, 1920
"Waiting to meet the Boat". Cowes Post Office, corner Main Street and The Esplanade. A brick building with corrugated iron roof, two brick chimneys, a porch extending across front verandah, wooden posts, awning roof striped. Fencing across with free access above four steps. Ten figures on verandah and in front with hats, bags and jackets. Women with long skirts and dresses. In foreground a small fenced area.9 women and 1 man, elegantly dressed, standing outside a brick building with 2 verandahs. This is the first Cowes Post Office, on the corner of the Esplanade and Thompson Ave, Cowes.local history, photographs, buildings - historic, post office, black & white photograph, mary robb -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Two-Piece Black Acetate Evening Dress, Tussi, 1980-1985
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 dress is one of a number of items donated to the Fashion Collection by Annie 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.Black acetate top and skirt. The short top includes a pleated border and shoulder straps, The full dress of the same fabric and colour is comprised of layers to emphasise its natural flaring quality.Label: Tussicocktail dresses, australian fashion - 1980s, women's clothing, evening wear, mcintyre collection, annie mcintyre, tussi -
Brighton Historical Society
Clothing - Dress, Wedding dress, 1868
This dress was worn by Julia Benjamin (1850-1927) for her marriage to Abraham Smith (of Polish descent) at the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in Bourke Street, Melbourne on 5 September 1868. Julia was the daughter of Joseph Benjamin and Hannah Soloman. Records suggest it may have been converted into her 'calling' gown for the three month 'bridal' period following her marriage. The gown would have been worn with accompanying accessories of a cape and gloves.An early example of a wedding dress of the Melbourne Jewish community.One piece floor length dress of (originally) lavender, watered (moiré) silk taffeta with short sleeves and train that is controlled by interior tapes to create bustle effect. The bodice fastens down the centre front to the waist where the opening below the waist is concealed by side pleats. The bodice appears to have originally featured a piece of lace at the neckline and a textile ruched belt. The dress is backed with a cream cotton.julia benjamin, abraham smith, joseph benjamin, hannah soloman, melbourne hebrew congregation, wedding dress -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Black Crepe Evening Dress with Red Grosgrain Braid, Louis Feraud, c.1975
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 evening dress was donated by Kathleen Gervasoni, a long term resident of Kew, and mayoress of the former City of Kew (1978-9). The gown was manufactured under licence in Australia and purchased from Paulette Modes, High Street, Kew.Long black crepe evening dress, highlighted with geometrically arranged red grosgrain braid trim on bodice and sleeves, designed in the 1970s by Louis Féraud, Paris.Label: "Louis Féraud, Paris"women's clothing, evening dresses, kathleen gervasoni, louis féraud, paulette modes, international fashion - 1970s -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, First Nation child at Carrs Plains
First Nation child at Carrs Plains with slate on her lap. Dressed in simple frock and laced boots. (May be linked to no. 5563-1 series in records). This photograph is a copy of the original held by Museum of Victoria. Carrs Plains was one of the early runs. Once described as a desirable spot, with the Richardson river running through it into the first level part of the country. In later years it was described as having a fascinating view of the Grampians thirty-fourth miles to the South West. To the South the Pyrenees, East the Bolangum Ranges, North limitless Plains. Black and white photograph of a young child seated holding a slate on her lap. The child is dressed in a simple frock with laced boots and seated in front of a plant. Copyright Museum of Victoriastawell aboriginal portrait -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Protective Wear, Apron, 1950s
One of a collection of fourteen items of protective wear and household textiles donated by Lisa Sylvan, a long-term resident of Kew, Five of the items are homemade aprons made and worn by her mother. Of the seven pinafores, three identical but differently sized pinafores were made in her parents' factory, while the other three are handmade. The handmade aprons and pinafores are representative samples of women's work, possibly from published patterns, using fabrics originally deigned for dresses. Typically, contrasting fabrics and colours were selected to provide visual interest. The donation also includes a hand embroidered linen supper cloth and a commercially produced 'birds of Australia' printed table cloth. Most of the collection derives from the 1950s.Although not uncommon, hand-made protective clothing in the form of aprons and pinafores often represents samples and styles of 'women's work' using remnant fabrics often designed for other purposes. While generally utilitarian, women found means of gracing these items by the use brightly coloured fabric or patterns, the positioning of pockets and the use of contrasting fabrics to provide visual interest.Handmade apron created out of a blue and white dress fabric that has a pattern of leaves. The apron is highlighted with red braid.aprons, protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan, fashion design, women's clothing -- 1950s, fashion 1950s -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Postcard - People on beach Lakes Entrance Victoria c1910, H D Bulmer, 1910 c
a crowd of excursionists on beach near Eastern Pier all dressed in Sunday Best clothes a few small boys paddling on waters edge. Glimpse of Red Bluff in background Lakes Entrance Victoria c1910. Also postcard of same image in Spares box donated by Carpenter familySepia toned postcard showing a crowd of excursionists on beach near Eastern Pier all dressed in Sunday Best clothes a few small boys paddling on waters edge. Glimpse of Red Bluff in background Lakes Entrance VictoriaThe Beach Lakes Entrancecivil engineering, beaches, social history, people -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - FAMILY PORTRAIT, 1890's ?
sepia photo: family portrait, two women and two male children. Woman on left is dressed in dark long sleeved dress, holding white hat. Woman on right dressed in checked dress, with lace collar.person, group, family portrait -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, black and white, Barry Sutton, 25.07.1972
RDNS Liaison Officer, Sr. Barbara Watson is attending a meeting with members of Dr Kay's Coronary Care staff at the Alfred Hospital. Sr. Watson is wearing her RDNS winter uniform of a blue/grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style herringbone winter material dress.Liaison had occurred between doctors and the Trained nurses (Nurses) of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), from its inception in 1885. This increased when Midwifery was introduced in August 1893 with close liaising with the Women’s Hospital. As District nursing grew it was recognized that closer liaising between many Public Hospitals would be beneficial, for not only the MDNS, later called Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Trained nurses (Sisters), but also for the patients and the hospitals. In August 1964 a Liaison Officer commenced at the Alfred Hospital. This soon increased to Liaison Officers working full time at several Public Hospitals.They facilitated the smooth transition from hospital to home for many patients who required ongoing nursing care. Liaison Sisters regularly attended discharge planning meetings, interviewed prospective patients, coordinated discharge and booked the first visit by the visiting RDNS Sister. At the time of a patient’s discharge, the Liaison Sister forwarded information on their diagnosis and instructions regarding the care required at home to the appropriate RDNS Centre, and in turn the attending District Sister wrote a report of progress and any queries to the hospital Doctor, via the Liaison Sister, at the time the patient attended outpatients. Any new instructions were then sent back to the District Sister. Liaising also occurred between District Sisters and Doctors when patients were referred by General Practitioners and did not attend a Hospital.On the left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Liaison Sister Barbara Watson who has shoulder length blonde hair which is curled at the ends; she has her hands clasped in her lap. She is wearing her uniform light grey skivvie under a V neck tunic style dress and is seated on a chair, the first in a semi circle alongside five lady hospital staff members and Doctor Kay. To the right of Sr. Watson sits a lady who has shoulder length curled hair and is wearing a white hospital coat over her clothes, with part of her dark skirt seen.. Next is a lady with long dark curled hair who is wearing a white uniform dress under a dark cardigan. To her right is a lady with long dark straight hair who is wearing a white uniform dress and a dark cardigan; she has a pen in her right hand which is poised on a piece of white paper resting of her right knee. To her right is a Sister, wearing light rimmed glasses, and wearing a white uniform dress and a white cap over her short dark straight hair. A hospital badge is attached at the top neck of her dress. She has her hands clasped on her lap and is looking to her right at the Doctor. Next is a lady with short straight dark hair who is wearing a white hospital coat over a grey dress. On the far right is Dr. Kay, who has short dark hair and is wearing a white hospital coat over a grey shirt, dark tie and dark trousers.He is looking to his right. In the left background is a long table and to the right some papers can be seen attached to boards on a wall.Barry Sutton's photographer's stamprdns, royal district nursing service, rdns uniform, rdns liaison, dr. kay,, sister barbara watson -
Brighton Historical Society
Clothing - Dress, Day dress, circa 1875-1876
This dress belonged to Ethel Nina Blundell (1876-1949), having been first made for her mother Jane Blundell (nee Burkitt, 1845-1878). Born in Dublin, Jane married James John Blundell Jr at the Black Street Congregational Church in Brighton on 16 March 1874. The Blundells were a socially prominent Brighton family who played an important role in the development of the area. James' father, publisher and bookseller James John Blundell Sr, served as a Brighton Borough Councillor between 1862 and 1867 when the local government was still in its formative years, including holding the position of Mayor in 1864. He was involved in the foundation of the Brighton Volunteer Rifle Corps and was also a strong supporter of the Brighton Ladies Benevolent Society. The Blundell family were active members of the Brighton Congregational Church and supported the construction of the Black Street church, where James Jr served as a deacon for sixty years, in addition to his work in the Crown Land and Survey Department. The dress is believed to have been made for Jane in 1875 or 1876 during her early pregnancy, likely by a local dressmaker. Jane died in 1878 when Ethel was very young, and Ethel was then raised by her father and paternal grandmother. As she never married, Ethel remained living in the family home of 'Eumana', 164 Church Street, and as an adult she assumed the role of hostess whenever she or her father had guests. On these occasions, she reportedly wore her mother's dress. The family home was sold on James Jr’s death in 1924 and Ethel was living at 52 Black Street Brighton when she died in 1949. In the 1930s, Ethel gifted the dress to a close family friend, Dr Jean Kelly. She told Jean that the garment held precious memories, perhaps due to the connection it provided to the mother she had never known. Jean donated the dress to the Merimbula Old School Museum in NSW in 1987, where it was on display for many years. The Museum donated the dress to Brighton Historical Society in 2023.This is a good example of a late nineteenth century day dress, made from two different patterns of russet brown silk brocade and featuring a lobster tail style bustle. The lack of boning combined with waist and hip measurements indicates it may have been made as a maternity dress. It is lined with beige leaf pattern cotton fabric. The princess line fitted bodice of herringbone pattern brocade has a high round neck with small 'mandarin' style collar and buttons down the front to below the waist where it forms an overskirt which is bordered with a band of coffee bean patterned brocade. The overskirt drops down to hem length at the back but from the centre front it is draped up to the back to a point below the waist level. Here it is sewn to the edge of the lobster tail style bustle which is also bordered by the coffee bean fabric. There is a concealed pocket with the opening under the right edge of the bustle. The buttons on the front of the dress have a decorative circlet of small blue flowers around a russet silk covered dome. The long sleeves are set in and slightly full with a contrasting three pleat band of coffee bean fabric with an ornamental turn back from the pleats sewn just above the wrist. The skirt section of the dress is in four 20 cm bands of alternate fabric patterns with the top and third band of coffee bean pattern slightly gathered and the second and fourth bands of herringbone forming pleated ruffles.1870s, ethel nina blundell, jane blundell, jane burkitt, eumana -
Clunes Museum
Clothing - TODDLER'S DRESS & PANTIES
A PALE GREEN CHILD'S SMOCKED DRESS AND MATCHING PANTS. THE DRESS IS HAND EMBROIDERED.local history, costume, children, costumes, child -
Northern District School of Nursing. Managed by Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Education kit - Sisters of Charity Miniature Doll, Nursing Through the Ages
Sisters of Charity St Vincent de Paul. In 1638 St Vincents de Paul and Mademoiselle de Gras taught simple nursing procedure to young peasant women. They worked in the home hospital and battlefield. Their duties were arduous no pain relief was known and they were exposed to infection. In the 20 century the sisters of St Vincents De Paul are working worldwide nursing teaching caring for orphans the aged lepers. They shared in advances in medical science.30cm Miniature Doll dressed in bright blue shimmering dress with matching capeName tag Sisters of Charitynursing history, nursing uniforms, northern district school of nursing, miniature dolls -
Northern District School of Nursing. Managed by Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Education kit - Present Day Nurse Miniature Doll, Nursing through the Ages
In 1951 the Modern Day/Present Day Nurse uniform was selected complete with apron and red cape. This uniform continued through to 1972. 30cm Miniature doll dressed in blue dress white apron and red cape.Name Tagnursing history, nursing uniforms, northern district school of nursing, miniature dolls -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photo - Running Creek Cricket Club
Running Creek belonged to the Upper Kiewa Valley Cricket Association and were premiers in 1913 - 1914. They dressed in whites with long sleeved shirts and trousers. The umpire was dressed very formally. The names of the players are local families and included brothers or relations with the same surname.Historical: Running Creek were premiers of the Upper Kiewa Valley Cricket Association in 1913 - 1914. Their team consisted of local men some of whom were related. The occasion was important enough to have a photo and to remember it possibly hanging the photo up in a public place eg. club rooms.Black & white photo of Running Creek Cricket Team, Premiers 1913 - 1914. Upper Kiewa Valley Cricket Association Far left - The umpire fully dressed in suit & hat and far right man with white shirt & black trousers. In between 13 cricketers in 2 rows and a child beside the cup at the front. Names of players are typed below the photo. Photo is glued on grey cardboard, framed in brown decorative wooden frame. Back: String attached 1 side only.Title, names of players. Grey cardboard - Vine's Studios / Wangaratta. On back handwritten "Donated by Mrs J. Woodside / Guluguba / Queensland / on 19 July 1972cricket. running creek. upper kiewa valley cricket association. sport. vine's studio. -
Brighton Historical Society
Clothing - Dress, Day dress, circa 1849
This dress was made for and belonged to Mrs Elizabeth McLachlan (nee Duncan, 1820-1904), wife of Reverend John Hamilton McLachlan (1813-1908), who was the first Minister of St Cuthbert's Presbyterian Church in Brighton. Elizabeth and John were married at the Free Church of Ayr at Lindsaystonn in the Parish of Kirkmickach, Ayrshire, Scotland on 15 October 1849. At this time his occupation was listed as "Minister of Presbyterian Church" and hers as "Governess". They left for Australia on the 1 November 1849 and arrived in Australia 6 months later. Apparently John's hair turned snow white during the journey due to his seasickness! The McLachlans first went to Geelong upon their arrival in 1850, then to the Western District, then Brighton, then Talbot at the height of the gold mining era. The couple had seven children: John Campbell Duncan McLachlan (b. Geelong, October 1850), Mary McLachlan (b. Geelong, November 1851), Agnes McLachlan (b. Hopkins River near Wickliff, May 1853), twins Elizabeth and Walter McLachlan (b. June 1854), Elizabeth McLachlan (b. Hesham, June 1855), Margaret McLachlan (b. Brighton, 1857). Elizabeth died in 1904. She and John are both buried in Amherst Cemetery. The dress was donated by one of her granddaughters. This circa 1849 silk blue grey window pane check dress features a high round neck and pleats on either shoulder extending over the natural shoulder line. The dress shows evidence of nine ornamental buttons down the centre front with only four blue silk buttons currently still attached. The dress fastens with thirteen concealed hook and eye closures to the waist. The Pagoda sleeves inset into the bodice in a small high armhole flaring out and finishing just below the elbow. A pale blue silk ribbon with a diagonal drawn stitch design decorates the front of the sleeve in a simple geometric design. The Pagoda sleeve is lined in a matching pale blue silk. The full skirt is pleated into the waistband and finishes just above the floor at the front. At the back the bodice features a squared off design to the princess panels shaping the dress into the body. The skirt is heavily pleated at the centre back into the waistline and finishes slightly longer at the back than the front. The skirt features two very small pockets on either side of the dress, just inside the hips. reverend john hamilton mclachlan, st cuthberts presbyterian church brighton, elizabeth mclachlan, amherst cemetery, 1840s fashion, brighton