Black & white photo of a weatherboard house viewed from the front and right side. Brick chimney on right side. Medium sized bush in front of house. Three steps leading to front door with a wrought iron handrail.surrey hills, dwelling, weatherboard, windsor crescent, mr robert reaburn

Thomas Carlyle Lothian (1880-1974) was born on 7 May 1880 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, eldest child of John Inglis Lothian, bookkeeper, and his wife Lillias Charlotte, née Smith. The family arrived in Melbourne in July 1888, John having come to represent the publishing firm of Walter Scott. His father started his own company in c1890. Thomas joined the business in c1897. In 1911 he established the Standard Publishing Co. Pty Ltd to sell the publications of the Caxton Press direct to the public. In 1912 he married Effie Marian Vines, who had worked for several years in his father's office. His father retired the same year and Thomas formed the company of Thomas C. Lothian Pty Ltd to carry on representing numerous well-known British and American publishers. However, he also published in his own right as the Lothian Book Publishing Co. Pty Ltd. In time he handed over his businesses to his two younger sons. His wife Effie pre-deceased him; he died at ‘St Abs’ on 19 April 1974. People in the photo are identified as: Left: daughter Lilian and centre front daughter Jean Back: Son Noel who studied horticulture and became Director of the Adelaide Botanical Gardens for 30 years; son John who managed the Standard Publishing Co. and sons John and Louis who became directors of the publishing firm. Grandson Peter, son of John became a later director.A black and white photograph of a group of 7 people in the garden of a house with veranda with fretwork and balustrade. It appears to be of timber construction. The two older people in front are seated; 4 younger people, a young woman and 3 boys, stand behind them and a young girl stands between them.(mr) thomas lothian, (mr) john lothian, (miss) lilian lothian, (miss) jean lothian, (mr) louis lothian, (mr) peter lothian, st abbs, house names, york street, surrey hills, lothian book publishing

This was the home of John Inglis Lothian, father of Thomas Lothian of St Abbs 33 York Street, Mont Albert. John Inglis Lothian was a bookkeeper, who with his wife Lillias Charlotte, née Smith, arrived in Melbourne in July 1888, John having come to represent the publishing firm of Walter Scott. The children had been invited to a garden party where they entertained themselves making daisy chains. Left to right: Emily Broadfoot, David Dory, Betty Hopkinson; at back John Hopkinson; front right Jean Lothian.A black and white photograph of some children holding daisy chains they have made.tantallon, house names, york street, mont albert, (mr) john lothian, (mr) thomas lothian, (miss) emily broadfoot, (mr) david doery, (miss) betty hopkinson, (miss) joan hopkinson, (miss) jean lothian, john inglis lothian, thomas carlyle lothian

“The Willows” home of John Butler Maling on south side of Whitehorse Road in Shepreth Street, near Banool Road. He built 2-roomed mud brick cottage in about 1861 extending it in stages into a weatherboard Victorian villa as his family grew. John Butler Maling's uncle (also John Butler Maling lived nearby at 'Ancyra' at 26 Weybridge Street). 'The Willows' was situated on a small farm of c13 acres with a creek running through it, lined with willows. The house was demolished after J B Maling's death in 1931 when the land was subdivided, some of it having been previously bought by the Education Department for the site of Chatham Primary School. J B Maling trained his six sons as builders. Charles Henry and his family are pictured in this photo. Charles Henry Maling (1875-1953) married Katherine Mitchell (1875-1958) in 1901. They lived at 9 Benson Street, Surrey Hills but came to live at 'The Willows' for 5 years prior to 1931 to care for Charles' father. Charles and Katherine are the older man and woman centre back with daughter Ellen Grace, known as Nell (1882-1960) in the front of them. Right front seated on the pillar is daughter Jane Emma (1872-1980) with her baby. Her husband Robert Wilhelm (Bob) Sutherland is the younger man at the back. The occasion is thought to be the christening of their first child. The other people are Rev O Cordell, his wife Mary and their children who are friends visiting from Africa where the donor, Rev Charles Maling, son of Charles Henry Maling was working with the Church Mission Society. A black and white photograph of a group of people standing (one lady sitting) on the front steps of a house.the willows, house names, (mr) john butler maling, whitehorse road, banool road, balwyn, surrey hills, (mr) charles henry maling, (mrs) katherine maling, (miss) nell maling, (mrs) jane sutherland, (mr) bob sutherland, (rev) o cordell, (mrs) mary cordell

Christopher Joseph Sarovich married Susannah Botley. There are a number of spellings of his surname. He was involved in trade along the Murray River and they met at this time. They moved to Melbourne and the Sarovich family had a furrier family business in Port Melbourne, but resided in Surrey Hills. They owned a number of houses along Whitehorse Road, including the site of the Balwyn Community Centre. The last remaining property in family hands was sold to the Camberwell Council by Mrs Margaret (Peg) Grossman, nee Sarovich. Peg was a member of the Surrey Hills Historical Society.Vertical file of information related to members and descendants of the Sarovich (Sharowich) family: 1. Certificate of marriage of C.J. Sharowitch and Susannah Botley 11.2.1882 (1 page). NB/ Spelling as per marriage certificate. 2. Notes on Louisa Smith by June Peka 21.11.2016 (2 pages); photos of family and staff in Australia and N.Z., no dates (7 pages) and emails between June Peka and Sue Barnett 11/2016 (2 pages). 3. Margaret Grossman funeral service 28.4.2014 at St. Barnabas Anglican church, Balwyn. NB/ Margaret nee Sarovich (miss) susannah botley, (mr) christopher joseph sharowich, (mr) christopher joseph sarovich, (mrs) susannah sarovich, (miss) alice botley, (mr) john nicholls, (miss) louisa botley, (mrs) louisa smith, (mr) james smith, (miss) margaret sarovich, (mrs) margaret grossman

This is one of a series of photos donated by Arthur Lyons. From 1907 a cab service operated from near the railway gates in Union Road. It was established and maintained by Mr C Fraser until c1916. George Rea either took over then or set up in opposition. Fred Lyons initially worked for George until he set up his own business. In time he changed over to a motor vehicle and continued his service until 1960. Frederick Adolphus Lyons (1891-1980) was born in Surrey Hills, son of Thomas and Catherine Lyons. He married Elizabeth Ruby Hall in 1918. They lived just around the corner at 55 Sunbury Crescent. The Lyons’ home in Sunbury Crescent was called ‘Knopshambury’ - this was probably a misspelling of Knockshanbally in Co Kilkenny, the birth place of Fred’s father, Thomas Edmund Josias Lyons (1846-1915). Arthur Lyons was born in Surrey Hills on 12 Jun 1920. He became a motor mechanic / welder and lived at 55 Sunbury Crescent. The donation was made while he was in hospital. He died shortly afterwards (23 Sep 1990). Donation was finalised by a neighbour, Mrs Florence Ann Armitstead, wife of Glen Victor Armitstead. Glen was a local hairdresser. They moved to 11 Sunbury Crescent after their marriage in 1939. Arthur had no relatives to distribute the material to.Black and white photo of Fred Lyons with his hansom cab, taken between 1916-1920. It shows a horse harnessed to the cab, the door of which is open so that the buttoned seat is visible. The cab has large lamps on each side. Mr Lyons, in hat, is standing on the back of the cab. There is a large brick wall of a building to the right of the cab with a mature tree beside it and houses can be seen behind the cab. horse-drawn vehicles, carriages and coaches, fred lyons, george rea, frederick adolphus lyons

This is one of a series of photos donated by Arthur Lyons. From 1907 a cab service operated from near the railway gates in Union Road. It was established and maintained by Mr C Fraser until c1916. George Rea either took over then or set up in opposition. Fred Lyons initially worked for George until he set up his own business. In time he changed over to a motor vehicle and continued his service until 1960. Frederick Adolphus Lyons (1891-1980) was born in Surrey Hills, son of Thomas and Catherine Lyons. He married Elizabeth Ruby Hall in 1918. They lived just around the corner at 55 Sunbury Crescent. The Lyons’ home in Sunbury Crescent was called ‘Knopshambury’ - this was probably a misspelling of Knockshanbally in Co Kilkenny, the birth place of Fred’s father, Thomas Edmund Josias Lyons (1846-1915). Arthur Lyons was born in Surrey Hills on 12 Jun 1920. He became a motor mechanic / welder and lived at 55 Sunbury Crescent. The donation was made while he was in hospital. He died shortly afterwards (23 Sep 1990). Donation was finalised by a neighbour, Mrs Florence Ann Armitstead, wife of Glen Victor Armitstead. Glen was a local hairdresser. They moved to 11 Sunbury Crescent after their marriage in 1939. Arthur had no relatives to distribute the material to. Empire Day celebrations were held in Surrey Hills from 1906-1911; they were revived between 1933-1938 by the Surrey Hills Progress Association. They featured street parades with highly decorated vehicles provided by local businesses and bonfires, including the one in Beckett Park.Black and white photo of Mr Fred Lyons with his taxi decorated for Empire Day. The tourer car is parked in the street and is festooned with flowers and ribbons on the hood, bonnet radiator, running board and in the tyre spokes. Mr Lyons stands by the driver's side door. He is wearing a suit with a winged collar and tie. A small child is watching from the footpath on the left just behind a mature tree. There are houses in the background. empire day, motor vehicles, festivals and celebrations, taxis, fred lyons, frederick adolphus lyons

Children in photo identified as John Colin Reaburn, also known as Jack, and his young brother, Wallace James Reaburn. The Reaburn family came to Surrey Hills in the 1890's and first lived in Russell Street. John Colin Reaburn (B 1899 in Russell St, Surrey Hills; D 1987, Box Hill) and Wallace James Reaburn (B 1910; D 1996) were the children of John Reaburn (1873-1963) and his wife Jane (Jeannie) Nelson Harkins (1875-1959). They has a sister Winifred Jean Reaburn (1904-1983). The family later lived in Union Road on the SW corner of Guildford Road. The house was called 'Fairbank'. John completed his education to eighth grade of Surrey Hills State School, going on to University High School and became an accountant. He later moved away from the area but when the collection of local history commenced in the 1970's, John was living near Belmore Road and became involved. He had a clear recall of early days and played a valuable part in recording details of early Surrey Hills.B/W photo (photo dark) of two young children. The boy standing is dressed in long pants and a jacket with a wide collar like a sailor suit. He is carrying a wide brimmed hat. The other child is seated and wearing a lacy coverall over a dress. 5 tabs / residual glueclothing and dress, surrey hills, children, mr john reaburn, mr john colin reaburn, mr wallace james reaburn

The Jackson family were manufacturing jewellers who lived at 7 Russell Street and had their business factory next door at 9 Russell Street. George James Jackson born 1868 in Handsworth, Staffordshire married Alice Eleanor Taylor, born 1868, in 1890. The house in Russell STreet was named 'Handsworth'. They had a large family - this list may not be complete: William George (1894-1895), George Hall (1896-1984), Gertrude Annie (1898-1989), Edward James (1900-1937), Allan Alfred (1902-1969), Joseph (1904-1954), Henry Hadley (1905-1958), Eleanor Isobel (1911-1984), Sylvia May (1914-2008) and Alice Louise (dates not known). George died in 1950; Alice died in 1924. They are buried in Box Hill Cemetery.A black and white photograph of a family seated around a table.There are seven children.jackson family, 1905, clothing and dress, mrs alice jackson, mr george jackson, jewellers, russell street

Albert and Hazel Crump at their home ‘Hazeldene’, 1 Leopold Crescent in 1916. ‘Hazeldene’ was opposite the end of Albert Crescent. Albert and Hazel lived here from the time of their marriage in 1913 until 1918 when they moved back to Dandenong. This Federation house is of rather unusual design with verandas on the front corners and the centre room projecting. It was demolished in the 1960s and replaced by units. From 1913-1918 Albert was proprietor of the grocery store in Canterbury Road (next to the present Surrey Lodge). This was owned by Alfred Geer and had opened in 1885 by George Sim. Pictured with their daughters Thelma and Joyce Joyce Kathleen Crump - BIRTH 1916, Surrey Hills; DEATH 16 MAY 1990, Pakenham [Married Thelma Osborne Crump - BIRTH 5 June, 'Hazeldene', Surrey Hills; DEATH 25 JULY 1943, Richmond [Married Reginald Thomas Elvish] Not pictured: Betty Nevill Crump.A sepia coloured photograph of a family group seated outside a house. The baby is seated on the ladies lap.(mrs) hazel crump, (mr) albert crump, (miss) thelma crump, (miss) joyce crump, house names, hazeldene, leopold crescent, surrey hills, federation style, grocer, clothing and dress, 1916, albert henry crump, hazel may crump, hazel may ordish

All houses were designed to provide protection from the elements and a home base for family activities - sleeping, eating, washing, recreation and earning a living. What changes is not the purpose, but the way this purpose is achieved. This book is about all these things. It is not just about architecture. Foreword by Hon Frank Wilkes, Minister for HousingAn 80 page soft-cover book with index and numerous photos and sketches.On the front cover in top RH corner and on foreword page in Jocelyn Hall's writing: "Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre"architectural styles, housing - victoria, ministry of housing, architecture - domestic - victoria, (mr) nicholas hudson, (mr) peter mcewan

This book was produced as part of a raft of community projects under the umbrella of COWCH (City of Whitehorse Community Houses) with funding from the federal government. Projects aimed to celebrate the Centenary of Federation by recording a broad base of aspects of life and experience in Whitehorse drawn from a cross-section of ordinary members of the community. The steering committee for the book worked with the management of the Vermont South Community House - Marjorie Morgan, Carol Pawsey, Val Eldridge, Sue Barnett, Anne Jones, Margaret Banks and Murray Lewis (editor).A collection of stories contributed either as written memoirs or drawn from oral histories that reflect the ways in which the contributors have been associated with the City of Whitehorse. A Federation Project of the Collective of Whitehorse Neighbourhood and Community Houses.whitehorse, (ms) susan barnett, (ms) susan johns, (mr) arthur tonkin, (mrs) kathleen beanland, (mrs) nancye gration, (mr) norman kerr, (mr) murray lewis, tara cameron, andy hannam, christine howarth, danielle burgess, yeek hoon tjia, ian grandy, frances warren, jessie williams, joan nethercote, joyce kotze, john pawsy, greg bawden, hope hughes, thelma osborn, margaret sharp, merle forrest, caterhine jenkins, ted o'rourke, judy gordon, george ellis, rene & albert stevens, jessie barnes, mary roberts, howard & valda broadstock, nellie sutherland, jean johnson, evan walker, joan roberts, pat nitz, joan & patrick crummy, ray stanfield, plaatjien braaf, kath farrugia, noelene whitaker, margaret wood, phyllis johnson, marie stubbs, eileen pearson, jennifer o'sullivan, joy edwards, virginia burns, walter thompson, mae buckingham

The book belonged to Dr Robert Bennett, father of Sue Barnett. Its relevance to him was that he was involved with collecting radiology equipment and related material on behalf of the Royal Australian College of Radiology (RACR). Part of this collection is now housed at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. This book explains some of the legal aspects of establising a museum or gallery collection.R. Bennett|Sue Barnett(mr) shane simpson, museums association of australia inc. nsw branch, law and legislation, art museums, public liability, insurance

A pictorial history of Surrey Hills based on information collected and based at the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. It includes early rural properties and diaries, the coming of the railway, land sub-division and early homes, schools, parks and recreation.A pictorial history of Surrey Hills based on information collected and based at the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. It includes early rural properties and diaries, the coming of the railway, land sub-division and early homes, schools, parks and recreation.surrey hills, railways, land use, migrants, spanish communities, transport, houses, wattle park, festivals and celebrations, churches, education, water supply, fire stations, hospitals, (mr) george klepper, ainger family, (mr) john woodhead, (mr) h. breedon, medical services, real estate agents, businesses, musical events and activities, entertainment, parks and reserves, scouts, guides

In this novel, Katie begins having a dream soon after her fathers death. The dream is always the same yet when she awakes up she can never remember what it is about. During the next few months fragments of it start coming back to her. At Medlow, a dilapidated Victorian Villa she encounters a ghostly figure of ten year old Rachel. So begins a strange adventure which takes her back to 1898.In this novel, Katie begins having a dream soon after her father's death. The dream is always the same yet when she awakes up she can never remember what it is about. During the next few months fragments of it start coming back to her. At Medlow, a dilapidated Victorian Villa she encounters a ghostly figure of ten year old Rachel. So begins a strange adventure which takes her back to 1898.On Title Page: With my best wishes /Adrian Peniston-Birdmedlow, house names, warrigal road, (miss) norma bull, surrey hills, (mr) rob adams, (dr) (mr) richard bull, 1889, cairncross family, 1898, willcyrus

This booklet gives a brief description of the local settlement in Canterbury giving the landholders names and name of the house (before street numbering was introduced) and street it was located in.This booklet gives a brief description of the local settlement in Canterbury giving the landholders names and name of the house (before street numbering was introduced) and street it was located in.canterbury, (ms) jane f portingale, postmistress, (mr) arundel wrighte, wood brothers, koonung creek, (mr) thomas power, (mr) oliver russell, (mr) frederick griffin, (mr) thomas payne, shrublands, w creek, (mr) john gardiner, (mr) james shanley, (mr)robert hoddle, (mr) michael logan, (mr) patrick moloney, (mr) hugh glass, r. larkins, t. hassett, e. sturt, d.s. campbell, (mr) joseph camm, riversdale road, w. logan, rochester road, 1843, trees, mont albert road, a. sikes, (mr) william smith, 1853, (mr) ernest carter, dentist, elgar's surrey, hindson family, (mr) george granville mercy, (mr) alfred golding, (mr)alexander patterson, (mr) thomas boanas, (mr) thomas hyde, builders, (mr) richard terrill, architects, (mr) thomas miles, drapers

A pictorial history of Surrey Hills and Mont Albert based on information collected by the history group at the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. It includes information about early rural properties and dairies, the coming of the railway, land sub-division and early homes, doctors, schools, churches, parks and recreation facilities.A pictorial history of Surrey Hills based on information collected and based at the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. It includes early rural properties and diaries, the coming of the railway, land sub-division and early homes, schools, parks and recreation.1992surrey hills, railways, land use, migrants, spanish communities, transport, houses, wattle park, festivals and celebrations, churches, education, water supply, fire stations, hospitals, (mr) george klepper, ainger family, (mr) john woodhead, (mr) h. breedon, medical services, real estate agents, businesses, musical events and activities, entertainment, parks and reserves, scouts, guides

A few pages from the Crow family history that relate to life in Mont Albert.A few pages from the Crow family history that relate to life in Mont Albert.victoria crescent, mont albert, strathmore, house names, telephone exchange, 1930, (miss) winnie thompson, union road, surrey hills, mont albert central school, christian endeavour group, 1899, telephone services, (mr) edward lloyd, (mr) tom morris, grocer, tom morris's grocery, schools, teachers, (mr) - wenborn, ormiston girls' school, (miss) hazel schlesinger, 1916, trams, (miss) gwen littleton, (mr) alan wills, (miss) jean crow, (mr) ray crow, (miss) nancy barber, (mr) - harley, trafalgar street, wildlife sanctuary, greythorn road, balwyn, (mr) percy grainger

The Mont Albert Reading Circle was founded in 1919 to provide mental stimulus. Its adaptability to changing circumstances over the years were recognised and met. This book unfolds its story. It includes a list of presidents.ibhai, house names, wolseley street, mont albert, (miss) - sinnott, (miss) - hollow, (mrs) c m grout, (mrs) e drake, (mrs i steane, (mrs) a webster, (mrs) s g routley, (mrs) e dunn, (mrs) boyce gibson, (mr) noel counihan, (mrs) - normand, (mr) john mcdouall stuart, social clubs, clubs and associations, mont albert reading circle, reading circle, groups (people)

"Dennys, Lascelles Limited 1857-1957 Annual Wool Report and Centenary Review". Apart from the annual report, this booklet also contains a brief history of Dennys, Lascelles Limited from its founding in 1857 up to 1957. A copy of both the ‘Dennys Lascelles Limited 1857-1957: Annual Wool Report & Centenary Review’ & ‘Staff Reunion Souvenir Programme, 1988’ was donated to the museum in 2021. These were duplicate items so only their story was retained in addition to the image of Rita located in Multimedia. “Enclose two items which may be of interest to add to your collection. They belonged to my mother, Rita Sedgwick (nee Glenn), who died earlier this year in April. She worked for Dennys Lascelles in two separate periods. First as a young girl, who had finished her schooling, at Morongo Presbyterian ladies College, having been sent as boarder there by her parents from their farm at Mathoura (just north of Echuca). This period was from 1942 — 1947. It was her second job out of school having worked first at the then Geelong Telephone Exchange. She would commute daily to work on a bicycle from where she was then living in Drumcondra. She had the front office role of receptionist and telephonist driving an old manual switchboard. The old front desk was her domain. She departed in 1947, shortly after she was married in late 1946. She spoke fondly of her times at the company as a young girl in her late teens and early twenties. Her second stint was much later, but again as the front-desk telephonist and receptionist commencing in 1972, ending 11 years later in 1983. This was a period when Sir Henry Bolte was on the Board, Don Urqhuart was MD, Ray Hobson was General Manger, Cliff Bone the company Secretary, Peter Keys the CFO and Jim Hay was also on the Executive team. While there were some 25 years between her periods of service, she welcomed the chance to re-join the company. Again, it was a time of hard work, and good friends. The busy times were the wool auctions, when the Firm would be visited by representatives of the big Japanese trading houses such as Mitsui, and Kanematsu. The Chief Auctioneer, Mr. Reeves (I can't recall his first name), would hold court at the now demolished Geelong Wool Exchange — I saw him in action once — what a sight. The huge show floors in the Denny's building would be full of open bales and samples for the buyers to inspect, and for mum days would start at 0800, and finish at 1800 or later. In quieter times over summer, it was reported that the empty show floor would provide an excellent arena for the more enthusiastic cricketers to get in a bit of practise with a tennis ball at lunch and after closing time! Dennys was a full-service firm for wool growers, with branches all over the Western Districts as far afield as Mt Gambier, but through Timboon, Warrnambool, and the like, as I am sure you are aware. She also saw the merger of Dennys and Strachan to create DSM, and later the amalgamation with AML&F to create Dennys AML (I think). She saw the change from the old manual switch board to the then latest of PABX technologies and was part of the team the relocated from the original offices to the new address on the south side of Brougham Street. Along with the shift from the large show floor-based sales of the past. She retired from fulltime work in mid-1983, again with fond memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime. I found these two items among her things recently, and felt that given her connection to the industry, and the place in which the Museum now resides you may like to add them to the collection. I hope you can find a home for them, and that they might add a little to the story that the wool museum now houses and curates.” "Dennys, Lascelles Limited Annual Wool Report and Centenary Review, August 1957". Apart from the annual report, this booklet also contains a brief history of Dennys, Lascelles Limited from its founding in 1857 up to 1957.Dennys, Lascelles Limited Annual Wool Report and Centenary Review, August 1957wool brokering, wool growing, dennys, lascelles limited

The donor and family of this gown were long-term Brighton residents, and the gowns were held by them as family heirlooms prior to donation to Brighton Historical Society. Originally owned by Elizabeth Emma Adams and Cecilia Elizabeth Adams, it is believed that the dress was brought to Australia by either a half brother, James Smith Adams, or a younger sister, Sophia Charlotte Louisa Adams (later known as Mother Rose Columba Adams). Elizabeth and Cecilia were the daughters of James Smith Adams (a squire, 1780-1860) and Elizabeth Emma McTaggart (1793-1843) of Tower House, Woodchester in Gloucester, a property which Elizabeth later inherited. Originally a monastery, Tower House had been converted into a stately home after the Reformation. According to information originally provided by the donor, both this dress and the dress T0004.3 were made for Elizabeth and Cecilia, to be worn at the young Queen Victoria’s first 'drawing room ball' following the end of court mourning in 1838 for her uncle William IV who died in 1837. In 1838 Cecilia would have been twelve years old and Elizabeth would have been ten years old. It is possible that the dress T0004.3 was worn by one of the girls to this event as it is of appropriate dimensions for a child of that age, although its design is very formal and adult. However, it is unlikely that either of the girls wore this dress at the ball due to the size and styling of the dress. It is likely that the dress belonged to one of the girls, but was worn at a later date. Elizabeth was born on 30 June 1828 at Tower House and died on 1 May 1909. She created a scandal when she eloped with her first husband, Thomas Charles Gardiner at the age of 18. The validity of the marriage was later formally investigate and, while it was confirmed as valid, a second church wedding was subsequently held. Thomas died in 1878. Elizabeth subsequently remarried Reverend R. E. Blackwell, but was widowed again by 1889. Cecilia was born on 17 December 1826 and died in 1902 a spinster recluse in England. At the inquest into Cecelia's death in 1904 it was revealed that she had clearly come from a family of means as her home was filled to the brim with highly valuable goods, many in boxes. She was buried in the family vault at Woodchester. Elizabeth and Cecilia's sister Sophia converted to Roman Catholicism in 1851 and became a nun, taking the religious name 'Rose Columba'. In 1883 Mother Rose Columba led a group of eight to Australia, answering a call for Dominican sisters to nurse the sick in Adelaide. Upon arrival, she founded St. Dominic's Priory and the Church of Perpetual Adoration in North Adelaide, using her inheritance to build the chapel. Elizabeth's second son, George Henry Somerset, who inherited the Adams family estate dropped the 'i' in Gardiner and added the maiden name of his grandmother. Therefore, the family name has now become Gardner McTaggart. These Adams family entries have been updated with information provided by Dr Herbert Gardner McTaggart, great-grandson of George Henry Somerset in April 2016. Mr McTaggart contacted the society after finding our entries online.A hand sewn white purple, pink, green, blue and yellow floral silk chiffon dress from circa 1870. The dress consists of two pieces worn together as a dress. This dress has received a great deal of mending and alteration and so it is difficult to be sure of what constitutes its original state. The following description is of its current state. The bodice has a high neck with a simple shallow band collar, an olive braid and a press stud closure. The bodice fastens down the centre front with ten hook and eyes closures and two sets of ribbon ties . The bodice has three darts providing shaping into the waistline. The bodice finishes at the waist and gently tapers towards the front creating a 'V' line. Down the centre front from the neck to the waist concealing the bodice opening is a pressed pleated ruffle of the dress fabric and a line of olive braid. The dress features pagoda sleeves finished at the hem with pressed pleated ruffle of the dress fabric, a line of olive braid and a silk fringe of 4 cm pale pink and white. The skirt part of the bodice section attaches to the front of the dress with two hooks and eyes on the left hand side of the waist. The fabric drops down to approximately the knees at the front, curving up and splitting on either side over the hip. The edge of this piece is also trimmed with a pressed pleated ruffle of the dress fabric and a line of olive braid. Just below the hip on either side is a large bow of pink, cream, purple and green taffeta. The bodice at the back is shaped with four panels into the waistline. Where it joins the bodice skirt the skirt is pleated, creating fullness. The skirt of the dress ensemble secures at the waist on the left hand side. At the front it has two pleats (that may have been repositioned during repair), and is fully gathered at the back. At the front the dress falls to the floor whilst at the back it is longer to accommodate the bustle and possibly a small train.cecilia elizabeth adams, elizabeth emma adams, 1870s fashion, tower house, woodchester, james smith adams, elizabeth emma mctaggart, mary rose columba adams, sophia charlotte louisa adams

The donor and family of this gown were long-term Brighton residents, and the gowns were held by them as family heirlooms prior to donation to Brighton Historical Society. Originally owned by Elizabeth Emma Adams and Cecilia Elizabeth Adams, it is believed that the dress was brought to Australia by either a half brother, James Smith Adams, or a younger sister, Sophia Charlotte Louisa Adams (later known as Mother Rose Columba Adams). Elizabeth and Cecilia were the daughters of James Smith Adams (a squire, 1780-1860) and Elizabeth Emma McTaggart (1793-1843) of Tower House, Woodchester in Gloucester, a property which Elizabeth later inherited. Originally a monastery, Tower House had been converted into a stately home after the Reformation. According to information originally provided by the donor, the skirt portion of this dress (along with the bodice T0004.3) was made for either Elizabeth or Cecilia to be worn at the young Queen Victoria’s first 'drawing room ball' following the end of court mourning in 1838 for her uncle William IV who died in 1837. In 1838 Cecilia would have been twelve years old and Elizabeth would have been ten years old. It is possible that this dress was worn by one of the girls to this event as it is of appropriate dimensions for a child of that age, although its design is very formal and adult. Elizabeth was born on 30 June 1828 at Tower House and died on 1 May 1909. She created a scandal when she eloped with her first husband, Thomas Charles Gardiner at the age of 18. The validity of the marriage was later formally investigate and, while it was confirmed as valid, a second church wedding was subsequently held. Thomas died in 1878. Elizabeth subsequently remarried Reverend R. E. Blackwell, but was widowed again by 1889. Cecilia was born on 17 December 1826 and died in 1902 a spinster recluse in England. At the inquest into Cecelia's death in 1904 it was revealed that she had clearly come from a family of means as her home was filled to the brim with highly valuable goods, many in boxes. She was buried in the family vault at Woodchester. Elizabeth and Cecilia's sister Sophia converted to Roman Catholicism in 1851 and became a nun, taking the religious name 'Rose Columba'. In 1883 Mother Rose Columba led a group of eight to Australia, answering a call for Dominican sisters to nurse the sick in Adelaide. Upon arrival, she founded St. Dominic's Priory and the Church of Perpetual Adoration in North Adelaide, using her inheritance to build the chapel. Elizabeth's second son, George Henry Somerset, who inherited the Adams family estate dropped the 'i' in Gardiner and added the maiden name of his grandmother. Therefore, the family name has now become Gardner McTaggart. These Adams family entries have been updated with information provided by Dr Herbert Gardner McTaggart, great-grandson of George Henry Somerset in April 2016. Mr McTaggart contacted the society after finding our entries online.A hand and machine sewn cream, pale blue, orange and gold embroidered satin formal dress, the bodice dates from circa 1890. This dress shares a skirt with T0004.3, which dates from circa 1840. The bodice features a high scoop neckline with gathers at the base of the scoop and directly below where the bodice finishes creating fullness over the bust. The bodice front encloses the bust with a right panel over the top of a left panel and securing with two hook and eye closures over the left shoulder. The panels are secured together with 15 hook and eye closures. The sleeves are set neatly on the true shoulder and are elongated full puffs to just above the elbow. The fullness is created by nine pleats from the top of the shoulder over the back of the shoulder. At the base of the sleeve the fullness is gathered just above the elbow. At the centre back of the bodice are four inward facing pleats running from the centre neck to the waist. The bodice is secured around the waist with a tape and four hook and eye closures. The bodice is boned around the sides and back of the torso with eight bones. This bodice is finished at the waist with a pleated cummerbund of the dress fabric that is designed to appear to be a sash with two decorative bows. One front left of centre and one back right of centre. The skirt secures at the waist with an opening to the left of centre at the back. The skirt gathers tightly at the centre back with a dart on either side. The skirt has a front central panel and the skirt falls to floor length. At the back, the skirt is also floor length. The back of the skirt may have been modified at some time and may have originally finished in a train. It would be more appropriate to the period of the bodice, and the believed use of the dress with a train.cecilia elizabeth adams, elizabeth emma adams, queen victoria, tower house, woodchester, james smith adams, elizabeth emma mctaggart, sophia charlotte louisa adams, 1890s fashion

The donor and family of this gown were long-term Brighton residents, and the gowns were held by them as family heirlooms prior to donation to Brighton Historical Society. Originally owned by Elizabeth Emma Adams and Cecilia Elizabeth Adams, it is believed that the dress was brought to Australia by either a half brother, James Smith Adams, or a younger sister, Sophia Charlotte Louisa Adams (later known as Mother Rose Columba Adams). Elizabeth and Cecilia were the daughters of James Smith Adams (a squire, 1780-1860) and Elizabeth Emma McTaggart (1793-1843) of Tower House, Woodchester in Gloucester, a property which Elizabeth later inherited. Originally a monastery, Tower House had been converted into a stately home after the Reformation. According to information originally provided by the donor, both this dress and the dress T0004.1 were made for Elizabeth and Cecilia, to be worn at the young Queen Victoria’s first 'drawing room ball' following the end of court mourning in 1838 for her uncle William IV who died in 1837. In 1838 Cecilia would have been twelve years old and Elizabeth would have been ten years old. It is possible that this dress was worn by one of the girls to this event as it is of appropriate dimensions for a child of that age, although its design is very formal and adult. Elizabeth was born on 30 June 1828 at Tower House and died on 1 May 1909. She created a scandal when she eloped with her first husband, Thomas Charles Gardiner at the age of 18. The validity of the marriage was later formally investigate and, while it was confirmed as valid, a second church wedding was subsequently held. Thomas died in 1878. Elizabeth subsequently remarried Reverend R. E. Blackwell, but was widowed again by 1889. Cecilia was born on 17 December 1826 and died in 1902 a spinster recluse in England. At the inquest into Cecelia's death in 1904 it was revealed that she had clearly come from a family of means as her home was filled to the brim with highly valuable goods, many in boxes. She was buried in the family vault at Woodchester. Elizabeth and Cecilia's sister Sophia converted to Roman Catholicism in 1851 and became a nun, taking the religious name 'Rose Columba'. In 1883 Mother Rose Columba led a group of eight to Australia, answering a call for Dominican sisters to nurse the sick in Adelaide. Upon arrival, she founded St. Dominic's Priory and the Church of Perpetual Adoration in North Adelaide, using her inheritance to build the chapel. Elizabeth's second son, George Henry Somerset, who inherited the Adams family estate dropped the 'i' in Gardiner and added the maiden name of his grandmother. Therefore, the family name has now become Gardner McTaggart. These Adams family entries have been updated with information provided by Dr Herbert Gardner McTaggart, great-grandson of George Henry Somerset in April 2016. Mr McTaggart contacted the society after finding our entries online.A hand sewn cream, pale blue, orange and gold embroidered satin formal dress, the bodice dates from circa 1840. This dress shares a skirt with T0004.2, which dates from a different period (circa 1890). The bodice features a wide shallow neckline finished with a beige coloured cord in two decorative lines. The sleeve is set on the true shoulder and is a short fitted sleeve with decorative gathering and two lines of corded detail. The bodice is shaped to the body with 2 sets of six fine knife pleats diagonally positioned narrower over the waist and spreading out over the bust. These pleats are secured with six double lines of stitching. The bodice finishes high on the waistline at either side and points down to a point over the centre front. The base of the bodice is finished with a piped edge and beige decorative cording. The bodice encloses the body at the centre back where it has holes that presumably would have held lacing. The back features four diagonal knife pleats finishing at the centre back and splaying out over the shoulders. The waistline at the back features only a very gentle point.cecilia elizabeth adams, elizabeth emma adams, james smith adams, elizabeth emma mctaggart, sophia charlotte louisa adams, queen victoria, drawing room ball, 1840s fashion, tower house, woodchester

This evening dress belonged to Clara Johnstone Miller (nee Bell, 1866-1910). Clara was the only daughter of Mr James Bell, a councillor of the Shire of Leigh (today a part of Golden Plains Shire) and owner of Woolbrook Homestead in Teesdale, near Geelong. In 1888, Clara married prominent businessman, racehorse owner, racing identity and pastoralist Septimus Miller (1854-1925). Septimus was the sixth of seven children born to Henry 'Money' Miller and Eliza Miller (nee Mattinson). 'Money' Miller was a well known financier and politician and reputedly one of Australia's wealthiest people in his time. In 1889, Clara and Septimus moved into the house 'Cantala' in Dandenong Road, Caulfield. They had one child, Gwendoline Stewart Miller, who died in 1902 at the age of thirteen of diabetes - a largely untreatable condition at the time (insulin would not be discovered until 1921). Clara died in 1910, aged only 44. Septimus subsequently married Helen (nee Henderson), with whom he had a son, Ronald (1915-1990). The Millers were buried in the Brighton General Cemetery in a large Gothic-style vault. Upon Clara's death, Septimus sent much of her clothing and Gwendoline's to her mother Mary Bell. Some of these items were passed down to two of Clara's nieces, Miss Mary Bell and Mrs Lois Lillies, who donated them to BHS around 1973.A yellow and lime green silk and net evening dress from c.1909. The bodice is constructed of a golden silk satin with an over bodice of a very soft gold net with soft gold and lime green embroidery decorated with flower and bow motif's. The neckline is bateau like in shape with the edge following the flowers of the lace design. The bodice is sleeveless with a loose detached cap that hangs down over the top of the arm with a lace covering. The under fabric of the bodice is shaped and lightly boned but the over lace is looser, nipping in at the waist where it joins the skirt. At the back, the bodice neckline scoops lower than the front with the lace overlay creating a v shape at the centre back. The bodice is secured with hooks and eyes and waist tapes. The skirt is flat fronted and floor length consisting of the same golden yellow silk with soft gold and lime green embroidered net over skirt. The lace net over skirt features larger motifs and greater embellishment towards the bottom of the skirt. The lace over lay also has an edge that follows the design of the lace rather than a straight edge. At the back the underskirt is flat and shaped but the over skirt is lightly gathered and loose hanging. The skirt finishes in a full skirt and a rounded, small train.woolbrook, septimus miller, cantala, henry 'money' miller, gwendoline miller, clara miller, 1900s fashion, caulfield, brighton general cemetery

This afternoon dress belonged to Clara Johnstone Miller (nee Bell, 1866-1910). Clara was the only daughter of Mr James Bell, a councillor of the Shire of Leigh (today a part of Golden Plains Shire) and owner of Woolbrook Homestead in Teesdale, near Geelong. In 1888, Clara married prominent businessman, racehorse owner, racing identity and pastoralist Septimus Miller (1854-1925). Septimus was the sixth of seven children born to Henry 'Money' Miller and Eliza Miller (nee Mattinson). 'Money' Miller was a well known financier and politician and reputedly one of Australia's wealthiest people in his time. In 1889, Clara and Septimus moved into the house 'Cantala' in Dandenong Road, Caulfield. They had one child, Gwendoline Stewart Miller, who died in 1902 at the age of thirteen of diabetes - a largely untreatable condition at the time (insulin would not be discovered until 1921). Clara died in 1910, aged only 44. Septimus subsequently married Helen (nee Henderson), with whom he had a son, Ronald (1915-1990). The Millers were buried in the Brighton General Cemetery in a large Gothic-style vault. Upon Clara's death, Septimus sent much of her clothing and Gwendoline's to her mother Mary Bell. Some of these items were passed down to two of Clara's nieces, Miss Mary Bell and Mrs Lois Lillies, who donated them to BHS around 1973.A salmon (pale orange pink) corded silk afternoon dress with orange beaded embellishments, consisting of a bodice (.1) and skirt (.2) from c.1890. The bodice features a high standing collar with triple pleated bone silk chiffon trim along the top line, under the chin. This same chiffon is also secured in two pieces gathered and secured under the collar and and at the waist adding volume over the bust line and partially obscuring the jacket closing. The chiffon is secured at the side into the main fabric of the bodice by the beaded embellishment. The pink seed beads are sewn in lines of five beads one after the other creating a diagonal design that tapers from the shoulder to the waist. The bodice is boned around the front and back and secured down the centre font by nineteen hook and eyes and additional cotton tapes. Further beading details the bottom centre front and base line of the bodice. The shoulders have been repaired with replacement fabric to match, from our records it appears that the repair work was performed in circa 1974 but no record exists of the original shoulder design and if the repair was an exact copy of the original. The repaired shoulders feature a small frill around the shoulder yoke and top of the arm. The sleeve is fitted and three quarter finishing just below the elbow. The base of the sleeve is also trimmed with the pink bead design and bone three pleat chiffon trim. The back of the bodice features shaped panels contouring the jacket neatly in at the waist and then splitting and splaying out over the fullness of the skirt. The skirt appears to have been floor or ankle length held at the waist by a wide waistband. The skirt openings have been altered from the original currently featuring two openings secured by press studs. The skirt is gathered to the waistband at front and back creating fullness. The lower part of the skirt features the same pink bead embellishment and additional beaded flowers and diagonal point edge detail.clara miller, woolbrook, septimus miller, henry 'money' miller, gwendoline miller, cantala, 1890s fashion, caulfield, brighton general cemetery

This parasol belonged to Clara Johnstone Miller (nee Bell, 1866-1910). Clara was the only daughter of Mr James Bell, a councillor of the Shire of Leigh (today a part of Golden Plains Shire) and owner of Woolbrook Homestead in Teesdale, near Geelong. In 1888, Clara married prominent businessman, racehorse owner, racing identity and pastoralist Septimus Miller (1854-1925). Septimus was the sixth of seven children born to Henry 'Money' Miller and Eliza Miller (nee Mattinson). 'Money' Miller was a well known financier and politician and reputedly one of Australia's wealthiest people in his time. In 1889, Clara and Septimus moved into the house 'Cantala' in Dandenong Road, Caulfield. They had one child, Gwendoline Stewart Miller, who died in 1902 at the age of thirteen of diabetes - a largely untreatable condition at the time (insulin would not be discovered until 1921). Clara died in 1910, aged only 44. Septimus subsequently married Helen (nee Henderson), with whom he had a son, Ronald (1915-1990). The Millers were buried in the Brighton General Cemetery in a large Gothic-style vault. Upon Clara's death, Septimus sent much of her clothing and Gwendoline's to her mother Mary Bell. Some of these items were passed down to two of Clara's nieces, Miss Mary Bell and Mrs Lois Lillies, who donated them to BHS around 1973.A grey silk parasol with mauve stripe decoration, wooden handle and brass fittings from the late 19th century. The handle appears to be missing a decorative finish from the end.Mrs. S. Miller, Cantala, Caulfield.clara miller, woolbrook, septimus miller, henry 'money' miller, gwendoline miller, cantala, caulfield, brighton general cemetery

This parasol belonged to Clara Johnstone Miller (nee Bell, 1866-1910). Clara was the only daughter of Mr James Bell, a councillor of the Shire of Leigh (today a part of Golden Plains Shire) and owner of Woolbrook Homestead in Teesdale, near Geelong. In 1888, Clara married prominent businessman, racehorse owner, racing identity and pastoralist Septimus Miller (1854-1925). Septimus was the sixth of seven children born to Henry 'Money' Miller and Eliza Miller (nee Mattinson). 'Money' Miller was a well known financier and politician and reputedly one of Australia's wealthiest people in his time. In 1889, Clara and Septimus moved into the house 'Cantala' in Dandenong Road, Caulfield. They had one child, Gwendoline Stewart Miller, who died in 1902 at the age of thirteen of diabetes - a largely untreatable condition at the time (insulin would not be discovered until 1921). Clara died in 1910, aged only 44. Septimus subsequently married Helen (nee Henderson), with whom he had a son, Ronald (1915-1990). The Millers were buried in the Brighton General Cemetery in a large Gothic-style vault. Upon Clara's death, Septimus sent much of her clothing and Gwendoline's to her mother Mary Bell. Some of these items were passed down to two of Clara's nieces, Miss Mary Bell and Mrs Lois Lillies, who donated them to BHS around 1973.A black silk, wood and ivory handled parasol from circa 1900. The black silk of the parasol body has been treated with a decorative hemstitch towards the lower edge. The handle and frame are made of wood, metal and either ivory or an early plastic designed to mimic ivory. The ivory section is carved with a design reminiscent of a palm tree trunk and finished with a ball. The handle also features a leather looped strap that the hand would pass through to aid holding the parasol.The handle bears an engraved inscription that appears to be 'VML' in a highly florid script. The frame bears the name 'Hartnells'.clara miller, woolbrook, septimus miller, henry 'money' miller, gwendoline miller, cantala, parasols, caulfield, brighton general cemetery

These gloves belonged to Clara Johnstone Miller (nee Bell, 1866-1910). Clara was the only daughter of Mr James Bell, a councillor of the Shire of Leigh (today a part of Golden Plains Shire) and owner of Woolbrook Homestead in Teesdale, near Geelong. In 1888, Clara married prominent businessman, racehorse owner, racing identity and pastoralist Septimus Miller (1854-1925). Septimus was the sixth of seven children born to Henry 'Money' Miller and Eliza Miller (nee Mattinson). 'Money' Miller was a well known financier and politician and reputedly one of Australia's wealthiest people in his time. In 1889, Clara and Septimus moved into the house 'Cantala' in Dandenong Road, Caulfield. They had one child, Gwendoline Stewart Miller, who died in 1902 at the age of thirteen of diabetes - a largely untreatable condition at the time (insulin would not be discovered until 1921). Clara died in 1910, aged only 44. Septimus subsequently married Helen (nee Henderson), with whom he had a son, Ronald (1915-1990). The Millers were buried in the Brighton General Cemetery in a large Gothic-style vault. Upon Clara's death, Septimus sent much of her clothing and Gwendoline's to her mother Mary Bell. Some of these items were passed down to two of Clara's nieces, Miss Mary Bell and Mrs Lois Lillies, who donated them to BHS around 1973.A pair of very fine ivory doeskin evening gloves. The gloves feature full pique insert seams around the fingers and thumb with a slit on the inside arm from mid thumb to mid fore arm and three white shell buttons. The gloves extend high to high on the upper arms and feature a ribbon covered elastic to aid hold on the upper arm. A black ink stamp on the inside of the right glove over the wrist: 5 3/4, Made in France, Buckley and Nunn Limited, Melbourne. A black ink stamp on the inside of the left glove over the wrist: Grand Prix Exposition, 1900, Medallere D'or, Merlier, Depose (? Very faint), Made in France. A blue ink stamp on the inside of the left glove over the top side of the wrist: 797, 221'65, C51Cwoolbrook, septimus miller, henry 'money' miller, gwendoline miller, cantala, clara miller, gloves, caulfield, brighton general cemetery, 1900s fashion, buckley and nunn

This dressing gown belonged to Clara Johnstone Miller (nee Bell, 1866-1910). Clara was the only daughter of Mr James Bell, a councillor of the Shire of Leigh (today a part of Golden Plains Shire) and owner of Woolbrook Homestead in Teesdale, near Geelong. In 1888, Clara married prominent businessman, racehorse owner, racing identity and pastoralist Septimus Miller (1854-1925). Septimus was the sixth of seven children born to Henry 'Money' Miller and Eliza Miller (nee Mattinson). 'Money' Miller was a well known financier and politician and reputedly one of Australia's wealthiest people in his time. In 1889, Clara and Septimus moved into the house 'Cantala' in Dandenong Road, Caulfield, where they hosted lavish receptions for Melbourne's elite. Clara was known as a stylish hostess who wore elegant imported fashions. This dressing gown is believed to have been manufactured by Japanese silk merchant Shiino Shōbei. Following the opening of the port of Yokohama to foreign trade in 1859, Shōbei began producing western-style silk garments, initially selling them to foreigners living in Japan and later exporting them around the world, even exhibiting at the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880. His popular exports included quilted 'at-home' gowns or dressing gowns similar to this one. They had one child, Gwendoline Stewart Miller, who died in 1902 at the age of thirteen of diabetes - a largely untreatable condition at the time (insulin would not be discovered until 1921). Clara died in 1910, aged only 44. Septimus subsequently married Helen (nee Henderson), with whom he had a son, Ronald (1915-1990). The Millers were buried in the Brighton General Cemetery in a large Gothic-style vault. Upon Clara's death, Septimus sent much of her clothing and Gwendoline's to her mother Mary Bell. Some of these items were passed down to two of Clara's nieces, Miss Mary Bell and Mrs Lois Lillies, who donated them to BHS around 1973.A hand stitched purple pink silk quilted dressing gown with pale pink embroidery from circa 1894. The dressing gown is embroidered from the collar and shoulders though the centre front body to just above the hemline, on the cuffs and remaining pocket in a pale pink Perle thread embroidery featuring leaves and flowers. The entire gown is hand quilted with vertical parallel lines. The gown's neckline features a flat collar and the sleeve head fits on the neat shoulder line. The sleeve head is gathered and full tapering to a loose flat cuff at the wrist. The front of the garment is currently secured by fourteen decorative frogs of two different styles, none of which appear to be original. There is also evidence of a fifteenth toggle that has been removed from the base. The gown's original left hand pocket has been removed and attached to an area around the right breast presumably to patch a hole or obscure some damage. It is unknown when these modifications have been made. The back of the gown features a gathered pink and black concertina pleated silk insert panel from the neck through to the base of the garment. The garment is lined with a very fine pale pink silk over the woollen batting.clara miller, woolbrook, septimus miller, cantala, gwendoline miller, caulfield, brighton general cemetery, shiino shobei, s. shobey

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 two piece ensemble from the influential fashion boutique "The House of Merivale and Mr John" to wear to a performance of "The Sleeping Beauty" by London Festival Ballet, featuring Rudolph Nureyev at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda in May 1975.A two piece ensemble consisting of long evening dress (.1) and matching jacket (.2), cropped jacket of black acetate. The jacket features a tie front and long buttoned sleeve. The full length dress is slim fitting with centre back zip, shoestring straps and shaped bust with ruched centre front."Mandamatilda", "Dry Clean Only, SSWdi reidie, 1970s, house of merivale, manda matilda