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

Historical information Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s. The "Aristocrat" line was first released in Canada in 1969 for several years. It was distributed from the outlet at Sarah Coventry Park, Wodonga.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the tie pin has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.A small square tie pin of silvertone plated metal with an ice blue rhinestone in the centre. A short chain and clip are attached. A small diamond shape has the "SarCov" brand on the back. The pin is in its original packaging of a cardboard box with clear central oval on the front. The back of the box bears the Sarah Coventry branding as does the internal card.On internal mounting card: "Made in Canada/ Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd / WODONGA (SC) VICTORIA" On back of box: "Sarah Coventry® PTY. LTD / SARAH COVENTRY PARK/ WODONGA, VICTORIA / PTD IN AUST"sarah coventry wodonga, men's fashion accessories, costume jewellery

Braun was originally founded in Germany in 1921, making components for radio sets. After World War 2 they extended their range to include audio and camera equipment. By the 1950s and 1960s the company branched out into electric shavers, kitchen appliances and hair care products. Home hair styling sets and hot rollers became popular in the 1960s and continued to be an important woman's styling appliance throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In 1975 this product was advertised at a price of $37.95. From 1984 until 2007, Braun was a wholly owned subsidiary of Gillette, which had purchased a controlling interest in the company in 1967. Braun is now a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, which acquired Gillette in 2005.Personal grooming items such as this became important personal accessories and grooming tools for women throughout the mid 20th century across Australia.This hair styler set contains 20 hair rollers which were heated by placing them on the 20 heating posts fitted inside the unit in the case. An electric cord supplied was attached to an electric socket. A red dot on top of each posts darkened when the rollers were sufficiently heated. A detailed instruction booklet is included. A mirror is attached to the inside of the lid.On 2 metal plates on back of unit: Plate 1: MANUFACTURED FOR BRAUN ELECTRICS (AUST) PTY. LTD. / 24 JOHNSTON ST., FITZROY, VIC. 650-WATT 240 V. A. C. ONLY 50 CYCLE CAT. NO. B102 Plate 2: VOLT 240 AC ONLY FREQUENCY 50 H Z. 0.66 AMP / RETURN TO SUPPLIER FOR REPAIR Across bottom: PATENTS PENDING / MADE IN HONG KONGbraun electrics, personal appliances, hair styling

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

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

Belonged to Audrey McLaren16 page booklet of designs and instructions for dress-up costumes for childrenThe Women's weekly Fancy Dress Book: Its fun to dress up.documents, pamphlets, costume accessories, children's

Donated by Yvonne Fitzmaurice as examples of women's handkerchiefs.10 female handkerchiefs made from handkerchief cotton/linen embroidered (hand and machine), some machine lace and some coloured embroidery, 1 gold and 9 cream/whitecostume accessories, female

Singer was first established as I. M. Singer & Co. in 1851 by Isaac Merritt Singer with New York lawyer Edward C. Clark. Best known for its sewing machines, it was renamed Singer Manufacturing Company in 1865, then the Singer Company in 1963. The Singer company began to market its machines internationally in 1855 and won first prize at the Paris world's fair that year. They had offices established in both Sydney and Melbourne by the mid-1960s. The company demonstrated the first workable electric sewing machine in 1910. Singer was also a marketing innovator and a pioneer in promoting the use of instalment payment plans, making their machines more affordable for many people. According to its serial number, this machine was manufactured in 1950 and was one of the new models designed to be more portable as it only weighed about 10 KG.This sewing machine is of local, national and international significance as it represents developments in technology and the impact this had upon the work of women.The Singer 99 was a sturdy and reliable machine that was easy to use. Lighter than other machines of its time, this machine weighed only 10 Kgs. It is mounted on a wooden base with a small compartment under the balance wheel to store accessories and bobbins. It has a 'Bentwood' (polished plywood) cover which also provided some room for storage. The machine is driven by a small electric motor and a light to illuminate the work area. It is decorated with gold decals and a filigree pattern. It includes a knee control which is inserted in a hole at the front of the machine. The serial number EG045782 indicates it was manufactured in 1950.Across the top in gold script: "The Singer Manufacturing Co. / Made in Great Britain" On light cover: "SINGER" Plate with specifications also attached. On front of machine in oval badge: A CENTURY OF SEWING SERVICE/ THE SINGER MANFG. CO. 1851 - 1951singer sewing macnine, domestic appliances, women's work, technology

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

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.Pink and white cotton apron highted with blue 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.Olive green and white pinafore decorated on the bodice with yellow braid. protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan, pinafores, 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.Multicoloured cotton apron using a fabric design employing floral emblems and figurative detail. The apron is hemmed with a pleated fabric of a different colouraprons, protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan

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.Simple blue and white apron embroidered with a border in cross stitch, the same stitch used to create a repeated pattern of dogs and balls in profile.aprons, protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan

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.Pleated pink and white striped cotton apron interspersed with bands of a separate blue and white fabric.aprons, protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan

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.One of three single piece commercialy produced pinafores, each in a different size.protective clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan, pinafores, fashion design, women's clothing -- 1960s, fashion -- 1960s

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.Navy blue and white pinafore picked out with sections of plain blue fabric on the pocket, waist and bodice.Label: "Taniwha / Quality Will Tell"protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan, pinafores, fashion design, women's clothing -- 1960s, fashion -- 1960s

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.Pinafore using a fabric coverd with an abstract design in bue, pink and yellow. A plain pink cotton fabric is used to decorate the pocket and the shoulders.Label: "Admiration / All Cotton"protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan, pinafores, fashion design, women's clothing -- 1950s, fashion -- 1950s

This brooch is small and tasteful and the ‘forget-me -not’ wording in the centre probably indicates that it was given by someone to a loved one as a token of love or friendship. It was most likely pinned to the collar of a blouse at the neckline or to a jacket lapel. This brooch has no known local provenance but is retained as a fine example of an early 20th century piece of jewellery and for display purposesThis is a rectangular-shaped gold brooch with a blue plate with gold lettering in the inner section and ornamental gold scrolls around the outer section. The back of the brooch has a metal clasp.For Get-Me Notwomen’s, vintage jewellery, warrnambool