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 emerald green, satin evening dress, owned by Gwen Steele, was worn by her to a reception for Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 at Government House, Melbourne. [The personalised printed invitations are kept in the Subject File 'Gwen Steele'.]Emerald green, satin cocktail dress with shoe-string straps.royal visit (victoria) 1954,, gwen steele, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1950s, cocktail 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. Two-piece royal blue heavy silk dress comprised of a tightly waisted top that extends below the waist at the front and the back, and a floor-length skirt. The full skirt and the sculpted fabric that is part of the top are designed to cover a bustle. The elaborately styled bodice is joined with fabric-covered buttons at centre front. The bodice is distinctively styled with the use silk velvet banding and tassles that extend the woven silk webbing. The outfit is in excellent condition apart from some wear on the velvet and the buttons.women's clothing, australian fashion, dresses, costumes, fashion & design, outerware

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

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. Blue silk, floor length day dress comprised of a tightly fitted, long, waisted jacket joined by hooks and eyes at centre front. The bodice features large ornamental buttons from neck to waist, covered in a figured silk fabric of the same colour as the dress. The gown has extensive pin tucking on the sleeves, on the flounce of the skirt, and on the long train. The line of the outfit is emphasised by the flattened front, which is typical of the period. Its cut and lack of adornment emphasises the tailored effect.australian fashion, fashion & design, costumes, dresses, women's clothing, fashion - 1860s, fashion - 1870s

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

Elizabeth Morrison, was born in 1874 and died in 1963, aged 89 years. She was the schoolteacher at Warrigal until she married the donor's grandfather and moved to Melbourne to take up residence with him. Her husband Edward was a porter on the train from Melbourne to Adelaide. Together they had three children: two boys and a girl. The donor's father was the youngest who was born in 1911.  The eldest son, Kenneth Morrison, was a Monsignor in the Catholic Church, and an Air Force Chaplain during the Second World War, while the daughter was a spinster who owned a few haberdashery and children’s clothing stores. The donor's father had a newsagency in Bridge Road, Richmond. He and his wife lived in Carson Street, Kew for about 50 years and had four children, two of whom were to become lawyers, another a surgeon and the final child social worker/family therapist. The donor's father lived until he was 100 years of age.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 costume, which may have been used as a mourning dress is comprised of a matching heavy black silk skirt and top. The styling of the short bodice is accentuated by pleating and by the use of spirals of Parisian jet (black glass beads) on the bodice and cuffs. Chiffon lace is attached to the cuffs and is of the period. The dress is made of silk damask with a woven design of joined lines and circles. The rigidity of the fitted bodice is achieved by the use of baleen and by a heavy striped cotton fabric. The wide skirt, in contrast, has a stiffened brown cotton lining. There is a small insertion on the inside of the bodice that may have been used for a watch. The dress is in excellent condition. elizabeth morrison, australian fashion - 1890s, women's clothing

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.Very fine, lightweight silk two-piece pink and white striped dress comprising a long skirt and a short fitted jacket. The jacket is edged with cream lace at the collar and front. On examination, the lace, while appearing to be in a later style has been judged to be of the period.There is a small faded label on the rear collar of the dress, on which is hand printed the name of the dressmaker. The name has been variously interpreted as reading Miss Gibbens, Miss Gibbons, or Miss Gibbuis. women's clothing, day dresses, australian fashion - 1900s

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 handmade evening dress, worn by Kaye Cole, former mayor of Kew in 1979-80, has strong local provenance to the district.Purple caftan with embroidery and beading at the neck and on the sleeves, given to the donor by Kaye Cole, former councillor and Mayor of Kew 1979-80. The costume is believed to have been worn at various civic functions.kaye cole, mayor of kew 1979-1980, evening dresses, fashion - melbourne - 1970s

This parasol is believed to have been used on the Goldfields of Victoria. The discovery of gold in Victoria ranged between 1851-1879. May have been worn with T0011.1.1-2, afternoon dress. This parasol is believed to have been used on the Goldfields of Victoria. There are few remaining examples of similar items used on the Victorian goldfields.A c1878 eau de nil (green) silk parasol. The parasol canopy features a decorative gathered frill, a pale green silk lining and a scalloped edge. The wooden handle is painted pale beige, with a bone ferrule.victorian goldfields, parasol, 1870s fashion

This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Di purchased this bag from Tyabb Packing House Antiques in Tyabb, Victoria.Oval shaped bag made from armadillo leather with head and feet attached. Leather straps may be a recent addition. Metal clasp. Mirror on inside of lid. Interior lined with blue silk.handbag, armadillo, 1960s fashion, 1970s fashion, di reidie, vintage clothing

This belt buckle accessory is part of collection donated by Mrs. Jean RaperThis item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A rectangular gold metallic belt buckle with an embossed leaf design. It also features entwined loops.fashion accessory, metallic jewellery

A hat pin is a decorative pin for holding a hat to the head. During the 1880s, bonnets gave way to hats, and the popularity of hatpins soared. They remained a standard women's accessory through the 1910s and were produced in a vast range of materials and types. They were typically around 20 cm in length, with the pinhead being the most decorated part. In some countries they were viewed as a potentially dangerous weapon which could be used by women in self-defence, so regulations were introduced to limit the length allowed. These hat pins were used c1900.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A pair of simple hat pins with faux silver ball shaped head.jewellery, hat pins, fashion accessory

This brooch was typical of those produced at the beginning of the 20th century. It belonged to a member of the family of Mrs Jean Raper who donated a collection of assorted jewellery to the Wodonga & District Historical Society Collection.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A round silver brooch with natural coloured mother of pearl centre. The surrounding silver edging of 0.4 width is in a leaf design. The mother of pearl centre is 3 centimetres in diameter.fashion accessory, women's jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery

These ivory sticks were used as decorative items to secure hair buns. They were owned by Alice Dinsmore nee Reardon who was born in 1860 in Castlemaine, Victoria and died 18 May 1936 in Albury, New South Wales. She married George Wesley Wadeson Dinsmore. Alice and George Dinsmore were grandparents of Mrs Jean Raper who donated these sticks and many assorted items of jewellery to the Wodonga & District Historical Society.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.2 small ivory sticks used for hair decorations. One has a brass cap on one end. The other stick has a notched shape on one end.fashion accessory, hair decorations, women's fashion

This brooch was typical of those produced at the beginning of the 20th century. It belonged to Mrs Alice Flora May Yardy, mother of Mrs. Jean Raper. Mrs Yardy died on 2 Dec 1974 in Albury, New South Wales aged 84 years old.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A large oval brooch featuring a central image of a Grecian woman. This centrepiece is surrounded by a design of flowers and swirls with a silver edge. The brooch has a gold look metal bar across the back.fashion accessory, vintage fashion jewellery, women's jewellery

This brooch was typical of those produced at the beginning of the 20th century. It belonged to Mrs Alice Flora May Yardy, mother of Mrs. Jean Raper. Mrs Yardy died on 2 Dec 1974 in Albury, New South Wales aged 84 years old.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A small gold butterfly brooch. The brooch includes the body of the butterfly with lines marking different segment and the 4 wings which have a hatched line pattern. The wings also featured a glitter decoration, although most of it has worn off over time. The metal pin at the back is also missing.fashion accessory, women's jewellery

This unusual jewellery set belonged to the family of Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It is part of an extensive collection of jewellery items which belonged to her mother and grandmother.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A long strand of black beads with embedded opal chips of varied sizes. The front central bead is teardrop shaped and surrounded by 4 large round beads. Beads are strung on a strong dark thread with a plastic screw clasp. The set includes a matching brooch consisting of 3 medium sized and 4 smaller beads attached to a faun gold bar.fashion accessory, women's jewellery

This item belonged to the family of Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It is part of an extensive collection of jewellery items which belonged to her mother and grandmother.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A silver plate manicure tool from a manicure set. Hallmark of G & C LD of Birmingham is imprinted on one side. The anchor symbol in the hallmark represents Birmingham in antique silvermarks.Hallmark " G & C LD" Image of an anchor and a lionmanicure implements, womens social history, fashion accessory

This unusual jewellery set belonged to the family of Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It is part of an extensive collection of jewellery items which belonged primarily to her mother and grandmother.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A set of 40 closed loops forming a chain and featuring a locket like pendant. This item is made from a light material similar to tortoise shell. The central pendant has been carved with a cross and a criss-cross pattern as well as initials and a date. It is held together with a metal pin which is probably not part of the original piece.On central pendant front: "AMM" on reverse side: "14 Jan 1883"fashion accessory, women's jewellery

This hair accessory is part of collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper. It belonged to her great grandmother Mrs. Eliza Reardon. It was used to keep a bun or other hairstyle in place.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A hair pin/comb or decoration used to secure a woman's hair bun in place. hair decorations, fashion accessory, women's jewellery

This brooch was typical of those produced at the beginning of the 20th century. They often featured miniature plants and animals. This insignia may have also been used to signify Scottish ancestry.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A small metal brooch or insignia in the shape of a scotch thistle. It is based on gold coloured metal but features green leaves and a magenta flower. The veins on the leaves are gold. fashion accessory, women's jewellery, insignia

A cabochon is a gemstone that has been cut, shaped and polished. The resulting gem has a convex (rounded) obverse with a flat reverse. This method is usually applied to opaque gems such as this pair of agates. Cabochons are most commonly used in the design of pendants or rings. These cabochons are part of the jewellery collection of Mrs. Jean Raper.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.2 cabochons or polished stones. One is in shades of brown and the other a lighter beige in colour.jewellery, cabochon, fashion accessory

This kind of beads was commonly worn by women in the early to mid 20th century. This string of beads belonged to Mrs Alice Yardy, mother of Mrs. Jean Raper. Mrs Yardy died on 2 Dec 1974 in Albury, New South Wales aged 84 years old.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A long string of black jet beads of even size stung on dark coloured twine.fashion accessory, women's jewellery, decorative items

This kind of beads was commonly worn by women in the early to mid 20th century. This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A long string of mauve faceted beads. Faceted beads have many flattened edges done in such a way as to make them look like a cut gemstone.decorative items, women's jewellery, fashion accessory

This kind of beads was commonly worn by women in the early to mid 20th century. This string of beads belonged to Mrs Alice Yardy, mother of Mrs. Jean Raper. Mrs Yardy died on 2 Dec 1974 in Albury, New South Wales aged 84 years old.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A short string of black beads of varied sizes. The beads are joined by metal hooks and has a hooked clasp.fashion accessory, decorative items, women's jewellery

This kind of beads was commonly worn by women in the early to mid 20th century. These strings of beads belonged to Mrs Alice Yardy, mother of Mrs. Jean Raper. Mrs Yardy died on 2 Dec 1974 in Albury, New South Wales aged 84 years old.2 strings of glass beads. Both necklaces have a metal clasp and are strung on a cord of thick cotton.decorative items, women's jewellery, fashion accessory

Home manicure sets became increasingly popular during the 1920s. The manicure tools are made of steel and the handles and case are fashioned from xylonite, a form of celluloid. Xylonite (derived from the Greek word ‘xylon’ meaning ‘wood’) is best known for use in products made by the British Xylonite Co. Ltd. Among the earliest items made from the material were knife handles, tubes and insulating materials for electric cables. Because of its light-weight and durability, xylonite became widely used in domestic items such as coral jewellery and manicure sets throughout the early twentieth century. This item does not bear a brand name but was manufactured in England c1932 This item is significant because it is representative of accessories used by women in the early part of the Twentieth century and was donated by a member of the Wodonga Community.A shell shaped manicure case made from xylonite or celluloid. The case is lined with blue velvet. The set includes nail scissors, a nail file and buffer as well as other implements. Also in the set are 2 small round containers.On back of case: Made in Englandvintage manicure set, women's accessories

Tongs were used by women and girls to wave or curl their hair. They were heated either on a wood stove or later over the flame from a burner and the applied to the hair. Curl papers were applied to the hair to stop it scorching. The use of tongs or iron rods to curl hair including men's beards dates back for centuries. French hair stylist is credited the invention of the curling iron in 1890. It was at this time that using tongs became particularly fashionable, when women started wearing their hair waved on top of the head. Very few changes were made to this method of hair curling until the introduction of the electric hair curler in 1959.This item is significant because it is representative of long-lasting trend in women's fashion, including in Wodonga and was donated by a local resident.Metal tongs with a double handle grip. One side of the tongs has a roller and the other has is hollow to fit over the strand of hair to be curled. women's accessories, household items

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

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.Brigtly coloured pinfaore using a representative 1950s fabric with a design of kitchen items in different coloursprotective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan, pinafores, fashion design, women's clothing -- 1950s, fashion 1950s