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. 1880s women's dress featured tightly fitting bodices with very narrow sleeves and high necklines, often trimmed at the wrists with white frills or lace. This example may have had its sleeves removed post construction.Grey coloured silk taffeta, ‘tailed’ woman’s waistcoat with cream silk panels. It would appear that the sleeves have been removed. women's clothing, fashion - melbourne - 1880s, bodices, vests

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

Netta Fuller and her husband Alec were long-term residents of Kew. As a boy, Alec had attended East Kew Primary School and was later highly involved in the Kew Presbyterian Church during the 1950s and 60s. Netta's passion was for historic clothing and its exhibition. In 1985, Netta Fuller and Elizabeth Pace launched a parade of garments sponsored by Kew Historical Society at Holy Trinity Church, Kew. The parade was called 'Downunder Dressmakers' and included a collection of over fifty items of clothing dating from 1800 to 1984. The collection included dresses, hats, scarfs, capes, sporting costumes etc. The core of the parade consisted of a collection of 19th century costumes worn by the ancestors of a Miss Gertrude Murray, a resident of Blackburn. In sourcing items for her collections, Netta Fuller collected costumes stored in old trunks and wardrobes, or even purchased from opportunity shops. (During the period in which she collected and exhibited costumes, the latter could often be a reliable source for the purchase of historic and aesthetically significant costumes.) Not satisfied with purchasing authentic costumes of the period, Netta also used these as models for artistic recreations. Following her retirement from both collecting and exhibiting, Netta Fuller donated a number of 19th Century garments to the Kew Historical Society's costume collection. A number of garments were parts of costumes such as bodices, while others were complete outfits. Some of the latter exhibit signs of old damage, however very few of the costumes had been modified to enable them to be worn in exhibitions. Provenance, apart from that the costumes were donated by Netta Fuller after 1985 is limited to donor information, although some of her donations may have originally been part of the collection owned by the Murray family. While the costumes are old and therefore historic, provenance is less important than the representativeness and/or rarity of the costumes. Similarly, the costumes need to be evaluated as a group and separately, considering their aesthetic and artistic significance as well a their age.Long black silk sleeveless bodice with a wide band of lace on the edging and at sleeves. Silk bow at rear. It has been provisionally dated to the 1880s-90s.women's clothing, bodices, fashion -- melbourne -- 1880s, netta fuller

Netta Fuller and her husband Alec were long-term residents of Kew. As a boy, Alec had attended East Kew Primary School and was later highly involved in the Kew Presbyterian Church during the 1950s and 60s. Netta's passion was for historic clothing and its exhibition. In 1985, Netta Fuller and Elizabeth Pace launched a parade of garments sponsored by Kew Historical Society at Holy Trinity Church, Kew. The parade was called 'Downunder Dressmakers' and included a collection of over fifty items of clothing dating from 1800 to 1984. The collection included dresses, hats, scarfs, capes, sporting costumes etc. The core of the parade consisted of a collection of 19th century costumes worn by the ancestors of a Miss Gertrude Murray, a resident of Blackburn. In sourcing items for her collections, Netta Fuller collected costumes stored in old trunks and wardrobes, or even purchased from opportunity shops. (During the period in which she collected and exhibited costumes, the latter could often be a reliable source for the purchase of historic and aesthetically significant costumes.) Not satisfied with purchasing authentic costumes of the period, Netta also used these as models for artistic recreations. Following her retirement from both collecting and exhibiting, Netta Fuller donated a number of 19th Century garments to the Kew Historical Society's costume collection. A number of garments were parts of costumes such as bodices, while others were complete outfits. Some of the latter exhibit signs of old damage, however very few of the costumes had been modified to enable them to be worn in exhibitions. Provenance, apart from that the costumes were donated by Netta Fuller after 1985 is limited to donor information, although some of her donations may have originally been part of the collection owned by the Murray family. While the costumes are old and therefore historic, provenance is less important than the representativeness and/or rarity of the costumes. Similarly, the costumes need to be evaluated as a group and separately, considering their aesthetic and artistic significance as well a their age.Late Victorian highly remodelled black silk bodice with pleated silk to neck. The bodice has distinctive sleeves in two sections, the lower part constructed of black lace. The bodice has an original arm pad with makers name in it.fashion -- melbourne -- 1880s, bodices, women's clothing, netta fuller

Netta Fuller and her husband Alec were long-term residents of Kew. As a boy, Alec had attended East Kew Primary School and was later highly involved in the Kew Presbyterian Church during the 1950s and 60s. Netta's passion was for historic clothing and its exhibition. In 1985, Netta Fuller and Elizabeth Pace launched a parade of garments sponsored by Kew Historical Society at Holy Trinity Church, Kew. The parade was called 'Downunder Dressmakers' and included a collection of over fifty items of clothing dating from 1800 to 1984. The collection included dresses, hats, scarfs, capes, sporting costumes etc. The core of the parade consisted of a collection of 19th century costumes worn by the ancestors of a Miss Gertrude Murray, a resident of Blackburn. In sourcing items for her collections, Netta Fuller collected costumes stored in old trunks and wardrobes, or even purchased from opportunity shops. (During the period in which she collected and exhibited costumes, the latter could often be a reliable source for the purchase of historic and aesthetically significant costumes.) Not satisfied with purchasing authentic costumes of the period, Netta also used these as models for artistic recreations. Following her retirement from both collecting and exhibiting, Netta Fuller donated a number of 19th Century garments to the Kew Historical Society's costume collection. A number of garments were parts of costumes such as bodices, while others were complete outfits. Some of the latter exhibit signs of old damage, however very few of the costumes had been modified to enable them to be worn in exhibitions. Provenance, apart from that the costumes were donated by Netta Fuller after 1985 is limited to donor information, although some of her donations may have originally been part of the collection owned by the Murray family. While the costumes are old and therefore historic, provenance is less important than the representativeness and/or rarity of the costumes. Similarly, the costumes need to be evaluated as a group and separately, considering their aesthetic and artistic significance as well a their age.Black-coloured fitted jacket made of silk and lace with added satin ribbons.women's clothing, fashion - melbournesne - 1880s, bodices, jackets, netta fuller

Netta Fuller and her husband Alec were long-term residents of Kew. As a boy, Alec had attended East Kew Primary School and was later highly involved in the Kew Presbyterian Church during the 1950s and 60s. Netta's passion was for historic clothing and its exhibition. In 1985, Netta Fuller and Elizabeth Pace launched a parade of garments sponsored by Kew Historical Society at Holy Trinity Church, Kew. The parade was called 'Downunder Dressmakers' and included a collection of over fifty items of clothing dating from 1800 to 1984. The collection included dresses, hats, scarfs, capes, sporting costumes etc. The core of the parade consisted of a collection of 19th century costumes worn by the ancestors of a Miss Gertrude Murray, a resident of Blackburn. In sourcing items for her collections, Netta Fuller collected costumes stored in old trunks and wardrobes, or even purchased from opportunity shops. (During the period in which she collected and exhibited costumes, the latter could often be a reliable source for the purchase of historic and aesthetically significant costumes.) Not satisfied with purchasing authentic costumes of the period, Netta also used these as models for artistic recreations. Following her retirement from both collecting and exhibiting, Netta Fuller donated a number of 19th Century garments to the Kew Historical Society's costume collection. A number of garments were parts of costumes such as bodices, while others were complete outfits. Some of the latter exhibit signs of old damage, however very few of the costumes had been modified to enable them to be worn in exhibitions. Provenance, apart from that the costumes were donated by Netta Fuller after 1985 is limited to donor information, although some of her donations may have originally been part of the collection owned by the Murray family. While the costumes are old and therefore historic, provenance is less important than the representativeness and/or rarity of the costumes. Similarly, the costumes need to be evaluated as a group and separately, considering their aesthetic and artistic significance as well a their age.Black silk velvet, long-sleeved, waisted padded winter bodice with black lace and beading at cuffs and at basque. women's clothing, bodices, fashion - melbourne - 1880s, netta fuller

Netta Fuller and her husband Alec were long-term residents of Kew. As a boy, Alec had attended East Kew Primary School and was later highly involved in the Kew Presbyterian Church during the 1950s and 60s. Netta's passion was for historic clothing and its exhibition. In 1985, Netta Fuller and Elizabeth Pace launched a parade of garments sponsored by Kew Historical Society at Holy Trinity Church, Kew. The parade was called 'Downunder Dressmakers' and included a collection of over fifty items of clothing dating from 1800 to 1984. The collection included dresses, hats, scarfs, capes, sporting costumes etc. The core of the parade consisted of a collection of 19th century costumes worn by the ancestors of a Miss Gertrude Murray, a resident of Blackburn. In sourcing items for her collections, Netta Fuller collected costumes stored in old trunks and wardrobes, or even purchased from opportunity shops. (During the period in which she collected and exhibited costumes, the latter could often be a reliable source for the purchase of historic and aesthetically significant costumes.) Not satisfied with purchasing authentic costumes of the period, Netta also used these as models for artistic recreations. Following her retirement from both collecting and exhibiting, Netta Fuller donated a number of 19th Century garments to the Kew Historical Society's costume collection. A number of garments were parts of costumes such as bodices, while others were complete outfits. Some of the latter exhibit signs of old damage, however very few of the costumes had been modified to enable them to be worn in exhibitions. Provenance, apart from that the costumes were donated by Netta Fuller after 1985 is limited to donor information, although some of her donations may have originally been part of the collection owned by the Murray family. While the costumes are old and therefore historic, provenance is less important than the representativeness and/or rarity of the costumes. Similarly, the costumes need to be evaluated as a group and separately, considering their aesthetic and artistic significance as well a their age.Black silk and lace bodice.victorian fashion, netta fuller, bodices

Netta Fuller and her husband Alec were long-term residents of Kew. As a boy, Alec had attended East Kew Primary School and was later highly involved in the Kew Presbyterian Church during the 1950s and 60s. Netta's passion was for historic clothing and its exhibition. In 1985, Netta Fuller and Elizabeth Pace launched a parade of garments sponsored by Kew Historical Society at Holy Trinity Church, Kew. The parade was called 'Downunder Dressmakers' and included a collection of over fifty items of clothing dating from 1800 to 1984. The collection included dresses, hats, scarfs, capes, sporting costumes etc. The core of the parade consisted of a collection of 19th century costumes worn by the ancestors of a Miss Gertrude Murray, a resident of Blackburn. In sourcing items for her collections, Netta Fuller collected costumes stored in old trunks and wardrobes, or even purchased from opportunity shops. (During the period in which she collected and exhibited costumes, the latter could often be a reliable source for the purchase of historic and aesthetically significant costumes.) Not satisfied with purchasing authentic costumes of the period, Netta also used these as models for artistic recreations. Following her retirement from both collecting and exhibiting, Netta Fuller donated a number of 19th Century garments to the Kew Historical Society's costume collection. A number of garments were parts of costumes such as bodices, while others were complete outfits. Some of the latter exhibit signs of old damage, however very few of the costumes had been modified to enable them to be worn in exhibitions. Provenance, apart from that the costumes were donated by Netta Fuller after 1985 is limited to donor information, although some of her donations may have originally been part of the collection owned by the Murray family. While the costumes are old and therefore historic, provenance is less important than the representativeness and/or rarity of the costumes. Similarly, the costumes need to be evaluated as a group and separately, considering their aesthetic and artistic significance as well a their age.Long-waisted black fitted silk and lace bodice with black wooden buttons. The lace at the edge of the bodice may have been added at a later period.day dresses, women's clothing, mourning wear, fashion -- 1880s, netta fuller

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.Black silk waisted hip-length over-jacket with commercial lace trim. The silk on one of the sleeves has been ripped. fashion - melbourne - 1860s, jackets, women's clothing, jean woollard

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 of a pair of cream silk parasols, each bordered by overlapping bands of beige lace. The underlying structure and mechanism includes a bent cane handle and black metal expanding spokes. The lace borders are layered to create an overlapping fringe. The high-domed umbrellas may have been created for a bridal party."Coombs Collection"coombs collection, clothing accessories, parasols

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 of a pair of cream silk parasols, each bordered by overlapping bands of beige lace. The underlying structure and mechanism includes a bent cane handle and black metal expanding spokes. The lace borders are layered to create an overlapping fringe. The high-domed umbrellas may have been created for a bridal party. This umbrella cannot be opened due to the silk being shattered."Coombs Collection"coombs collection, clothing accessories, parasols

One of a pair of separate half-length studio portraits of an unidentified man and a woman photographed using the daguerreotype process. Both portraits are contained within pinchbeck frames, bound in brown-tooled leather cases, with red, cut-velvet binding. Each daguerreotype required an individual negative, presented to the sitter as a positive, and was not reproducible. Due to an exposure time that could extend to many minutes, people were often seated for portraits. Sitters were almost exclusively drawn from the middle to upper classes because of the cost of production of the photograph. It is assumed that the subjects of the two daguerreotypes were unidentified members of Gwen Steele's family. They are the earliest photographs in the pictures collection.Half-length studio portraits of an unidentified woman photographed using the daguerreotype process. The portrait is contained within a pinchbeck frame, bound in a brown-tooled leather cases, with red, cut-velvet binding. The portrait of the woman is notable for her centre-parted hairstyle with the fullness of the hair drawn into a single chignon at the base of the neck. This style set off the tilted-back angle of bonnets and hats. The seated woman wears a dark silk day dress with a voluminous skirt. The bodice is set-off by a large lace collar on its high neckline and at the cuffs. daguerreotype, portraits

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of textiles dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the textiles, were used as items of clothing, others as items of household decoration, or simply as travel souvenirs. These textiles were created both domestically and internationally. Predictably with the growth of an ethnically and culturally more diverse community in Kew after the Second World War, textiles, clothing and objects in the collection inevitably reflected this diversity. This form of bobbin lace is made in Malta. It is a guipure style of lace. Maltese lace is worked as a continuous width tape lace on a tall, thin, upright lace pillow called a "Trajbu" and the Bobbins are called "Combini" . Bigger pieces are made of two or more parts sewn together. Lace made in Malta was originally needle lace, from the 16th to the 19th century, when the economic depression in the islands nearly led to the extinction of lacemaking there. But in the mid 1800s, Lady Hamilton Chichester sent lacemakers from Genoa to Malta. They used the old needle lace patterns and turned them into bobbin lace, which was quicker. It was not long after its introduction that the Maltese lace developed its own style from Genoese lace. Maltese lace was shown at The Great Exhibition of 1851 and it became popular in Britain. The style was copied by lacemakers in the English Midlands, and it was one of the sources for Bedfordshire lace. Characteristics of Maltese lace. Maltese lace usually has the following characteristics which are useful for identification. It is usually made from cream silk. There is often the 8 pointed Maltese cross as part of the pattern, worked in whole or cloth stitch.The pattern may also have closely worked leaves known as “wheat ears” or “oats”. These are plump and rounded in shape, rather than the long narrow leaves of other types of bobbin lace. Camisole, made of silk thread Maltese bobbin lace that is constructed of lengths of lace forming two rectangles with a hole for the neck. Shows the characteristic Maltese cross and wheat ears. Fabric is made of tape lace joined togethercamisoles, maltese lace, bodices

The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.White coloured hat using pieces of the same fabric as bands and as an abstract bow. The padded interior includes ribbon and lace on the internal rim. Label: Neal Evans neale evans, women's clothing -- hats, headwear

The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. Most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women. There are however a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Simple conical straw hat decorated with lace at the rim and crested with a [later] posy of flowers.Nilheadwear, straw hats

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.Sleeveless three quarter length, short-sleeved turquoise coloured lace evening dress. Above the high waistline a fold crosses the bodice and is held by three crystal buttonswomen's clothing, cocktail dresses, fashion and textiles collection - kew historical society, australian fashion -1950s, evening dresses

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.Pale pink lace ballerina length dress gathered at the waist to form a full skirt. The dress includes a belt of the same colour and fabricwomen's clothing, cocktail dresses, fashion and textiles collection, australian fashion - 1950s

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.Three quarter length black silk dress with a pleated bodice above which is inset a panel of contrasting fabric covered with black rosettes. Given the length of the dress it may have been shortened in the years following its creation due to changing tastes.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1910s, mourning wear

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 cocktail dress is one of a number of items donated to the Fashion Collection by Marion Blatchley.Plum coloured silk taffeta underdress with a black sequinned overdress and belt.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1970s, 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. 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

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

Born in Bendigo and trained as a nurse in the 1950s, Sonia Jill O’Brien devoted a lifetime to social and environmental issues at both the state and local level. From her work in the 1960s with the Family Planning Association of Victoria, of which she was a founding member, through to the 1990s as a member of the Ethics Committee of the Department of Health, she supported efforts to improve women’s health and reproductive rights. At the local level she was most active on committees that worked to save the natural and built environment. The Power-line Action Group, the Studley Park Conservation Society, and the Yarra Bend Park Trust all benefitted from her indefatigable endeavours as well her vision. In 1980, Jill O’Brien successfully stood for the Kew City Council and served as Mayor in 1983 and 1984. With an eye to preserving the past as well as guarding the future, she had the Mayoral robes restored and in 1980 and 1981 was president of the Kew Historical Society. The preservation and restoration of Villa Alba in Walmer Street owes much to her determined efforts throughout the 1980s. On Council, she chaired a number of committees involved in the saving of the Kew River Parklands from the proposed transmission line of the SEC. To this end, she was the Council representative on the Merri Yarra Municipal Protection Committee.Rare colour photograph, used as the official mayoral portrait of Cr Jill O'Brien.Formal civic portrait of Cr Jill O'Brien in red mayoral robes wearing lace jabot and cuffs. The portrait is part of the larger Jill O'Brien Collection donated by her daughters.cr jill o'brien, city of kew -- mayors, mayoral portraits -- city of kew

From its beginnings in 1958, the Society has mounted exhibitions and/or displays, in early days in shop window and in community spaces located in the Kew City Hall (later Kew Library), and since 2010 at the Kew Court House. Exhibitions typically coincided with the annual Kew Community Festival in March, but after 2013 evolved into three new exhibitions yearly at the Kew Court House. Smaller displays continue to be mounted in the Kew Library.Very faded photographic colour positive of a christening gown and four Victorian-era dresses displayed at the 1976 Festival of Kew exhibition mounted by the Kew Historical Society. This picture is one of the earliest showing items from the Coombs Collection on display. The collection had been donated to the Society in 1961. Dresses displayed: L-R blue silk 2-piece fitted day day dress with long train; cream satin parasol; gold taffeta wedding dress with long train; blue silk 2-piece day dress with applied later lace at neck and waist; duck egg blue quilted afternoon dress with buttons at front. Inscribed verso: Kew Historical exhibition 1976festival of kew 1976, kew historical society -- exhibitions, coombs collection

Since this photo was taken, the house has had a second storey added.A colour photo of a Victorian style house constructed from weatherboard painted in a light cream / pink colour with block detail to the front. It has a grey corrugated iron roof with 2 chimneys, a bull-nosed veranda painted in white and Indian red stripes and the veranda has wrought iron 'lace' panels and fretwork in white. There is a white Ford Falcon in the driveway.suffolk road, houses, victorian style

Mabel Pye was a printmaker and painter. She was born in Box Hill in 1894, probably at the family’s Loch Street property. She was the daughter of Alice Eleanor Noar and her husband William Edward Pye, who married in 1893. William was known as Ted and is recorded in electoral rolls as a legal clerk and later as a public servant. Mabel had a sister Hazel who was also an artist, but less well known. 12 Loch Street, Surrey Hills was known as ‘Mulberry Hill’ and the Pyes appear to be the first occupants – Alan Holt’s register of Surrey Hills properties has them there from c1900. The property was originally about an acre in size and was later divided into 4 house blocks. In 1923 they built a house for themselves on one of the blocks facing Benwerrin Street and called it ‘Tanglewood’. The Loch Street house abutted the Surrey Hills Reservoir and was diagonally linked to the land in Benwerrin Street. In 2019 both the houses still stand. The family were involved in amateur theatre and at times the studio doubled as a rehearsal space for the Benwerrin Players, a group which operated through the late 1920s and early 1930s being comprised of friends and neighbours from Benwerrin Street and Windsor Crescent. Some of their performances were at the Surrey Hall in Union Road. Most of Mabel’s known work dates from the 1930s. She had studied under Bernard Hall at the National Gallery School. Mabel was a member of both the Victorian Artists Society from 1918-1941 and also the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors from 1920-1950. Her work is represented in the Australian National Collection and in state galleries. The NGV has one of her works, the Gallery of NSW has 9 works, a large body of works and personal material is held by the Ian Potter Collection and there is one piece in the City of Whitehorse Collection. This ink sketch of the White Horse Hotel is signed MP and dated 1933, the year the building was demolished. A black and white studio photograph of a young lady standing beside a pedestal and wearing a light coloured dress with 3/4 length sleeves, dark stockings and lace up shoes. A corsage of dark flowers adorns the bodice. loch street, surrey hills, artists, whitehorse hotel, box hill, miss mabel pye, city of whitehorse collection, william edward pye, miss alice elanor noar, mrs alice eleanor pye, frank stamford

This item is from the "Barone" Collection. "Barone" (also known as "Seaview") was a stately Brighton home built at 9 Moule Avenue prior to 1855 and demolished in 1986. The house's residents included Edward Elgin Browne (during 1859-72), a Melbourne tea merchant, and the family and descendants of retired Scottish Army captain Archibald Black (during the period 1880-1970). Its neighbors included “St Ninians” owned by the Ward- Cole family, “Seacombe” owned by the Moule family, and the home of James Grahame and his family. The items in the "Barone" collection were largely donated by two of the house's later owners, Mrs Doris Halkyard and Mrs Brian Brandt.A pair of black wool twill women's jodhpurs from late 1800s to early 1900s. The jodhpurs feature a flat flap-front that buttons on either hip with four buttons on either side. The cut of the leg is full tapering through shaped panels to a slim fit over the calf. At the centre front of the leg at the shin, the pant leg is laced closed and finished with brown binding. From the back, the pant hangs loose and full over the bottom, tapering to a slim fit over the calf. Note: These jodhpurs are not a matching piece of the riding habit T0002.1. However, it appears that the same person wore them together as an outfit.barone, riding habit, seaview, jodhpurs, brighton

This item is from the "Barone" Collection. "Barone" (also known as "Seaview") was a stately Brighton home built at 9 Moule Avenue prior to 1855 and demolished in 1986. The house's residents included Edward Elgin Browne (during 1859-72), a Melbourne tea merchant, and the family and descendants of retired Scottish Army captain Archibald Black (during the period 1880-1970). Its neighbors included “St Ninians” owned by the Ward- Cole family, “Seacombe” owned by the Moule family, and the home of James Grahame and his family. The items in the "Barone" collection were largely donated by two of the house's later owners, Mrs Doris Halkyard and Mrs Brian Brandt.Black silk satin, lace and beaded pelerine from c.1890. The pelerine features a silk high stand collar covered in black lace. It secures around the neck and down the centre front to the waist by seven hook and eye closures. A black lace frill extends down the centre front from the throat to the centre front tip of the garment. The shoulders feature a heavy, intricately beaded floral design open sleeve through which the arm would be visible. The sleeve finishes around the elbow in a point, however the beading hangs down to below the hip in a loose fringe. At the back from below the shoulder, the garment shapes in to finish in a tapered 'V' shape over the wearer's coccyx. There is a hand stitched "M" in white thread on the inside lining of the pelerine near the neck.pelerine, brighton, barone, seaview

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. This jacket originally belonged to Australian singer, actress and philanthropist Olivia Newton-John, who autographed it and donated it to be auctioned at a Leather and Lace Ball for the Austin Health Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre Appeal on 15 May 2004. Newton-John has long been an advocate for cancer research and awareness, having undergone multiple treatments for cancer, a disease Di also battled for many years. Di's husband David purchased the jacket at the auction for around $1,000, and it has since been much worn by Di and her daughter Kathryn. The nature of the jacket - which is faux-leather, with glued-on diamantés, suggests that it was likely part of a stage costume rather than an item from Olivia Newton-John's personal wardrobe.Black polyester leather look jacket with black polyester lining. The jacket features a centre front opening secured by six black press studs, two bust height flap pockets with press studs, and collar. Full length sleeves with band and black press stud closure. The jacket features diamanté decorative finish along the collar and shoulder placket. "IMMAGINE, Made in Italy" "40" "Made in Italy, Fabrique en Italie, 100% Polyiestere, Polyestere, Polyester, Polyester" Personal signature of Olivia Newton John in fine silver pen, "Love Olivia Newton John, 04".olivia newton john, stage costume, olivia newton john cancer centre, austin health, di reidie, immagine, 1990s