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', were the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Two-piece white silk wedding dress comprised of a short tailored bodice and a bell shaped skirt. The most prominent feature of the bodice is the wide pagoda sleeves, with false undersleeves of muslin. The edge of the sleeves includes small posies of orange blossom. Separate panels of lace, dropping from the waist are the only form of decoration on the skirt. The round high neckline was later converted to v-line in the 19th century.coombs collection, women's clothing, australian fashion, fashion & design collection, costumes, wedding dresses

This wedding gown was worn by Mary Ann Lawrence at 8.00am on 5 January 1842 at St John's Church, Launceston, when she married Francis Henty. The couple were to catch the tide on their way to Portland two hours later. Francis Henty was the youngest son of Thomas Henty, who with his family, their retainers and property moved to the Australian colonies between 1829 and 1832. In 1834, Francis’ older brother, Edward, sailed from Launceston in Van Diemen’s Land to what was to become Portland in the western part of Port Phillip District [Victoria]. Francis, together with the first flock of Merino sheep [in Victoria], followed some months later. The first and second generations of the Henty family established vast pastoral properties in the Western part of the Port Phillip District. Francis Henty managed ‘Merino Downs’ near Casterton, while also living in his retirement at ‘Field Place' in Kew. The Henty Collection of nineteenth and twentieth century clothing, including outerwear and underwear, was collected, stored and exhibited over time by female family members descended from Francis and Mary Ann Henty. During the twentieth century, items from the collection were modelled in two fashion parades by various descendants [1937, 1959]. The items in the collection are historically and aesthetically significant, with provenance provided by oral and written tradition within or held by the family. A number of the items in the collection are very rare survivors, and provide researchers with the evidence needed to reconstruct the lives of notable women in the Port Phillip District [later Victoria] during the nineteenth and early twentieth century.Mary Ann Lawrence's grey silk wedding gown has a v-line waist and a partly smocked bodice. It is lined with muslin throughout. It has hand-tatted cotton lace and handmade piping around the neck and bodice and pleated short sleeves. There was originally trimming on the skirt which was removed at a later date. Orange blossom made of chamois and tiny coiled springs originally decorated the neckline. The outfit was complemented by a bonnet to which a Limerick lace veil was attached. Measurements (mm): Girth - Neck 914, Chest 812.8, Waist 660.4, Cuff 330.2, Hem circumference 3200.4. Vertical - Front neck to hem 1270, Front waist to hem 1016, Back neck to hem 1320.8, Back waist to hem 1041.4, Sleeve length 114.3. Horizontal - Neck to sleeve head 50.8, Chest back 406.4, Underarm to underarm 406.4.mary ann lawrence, francis henty, wedding dresses, fashion -- 1840s, women's clothing

This bridesmaid's dress was owned and first worn by Alice Frances Henty, the daughter of Francis Henty and Mary Ann (Lawrence) Henty. The outfit was worn at the marriage of her friend Miss Hopkins to Mr ST Staughnton in 1874. Alice's father, Francis Henty, was the youngest son of Thomas Henty, who with his family, their retainers and property moved to the Australian colonies between 1829 and 1832. In 1834, Francis’ older brother, Edward, sailed from Launceston in Van Diemen’s Land to what was to become Portland in the western part of Port Phillip District [Victoria]. Francis, together with the first flock of Merino sheep [in Victoria], followed some months later. The first and second generations of the Henty family established vast pastoral properties in the Western part of the Port Phillip District. Francis Henty managed ‘Merino Downs’ near Casterton, while also living in his retirement at ‘Field Place' in Kew. The Henty Collection of nineteenth and twentieth century clothing, including outerwear and underwear, was collected, stored and exhibited over time by female family members descended from Francis and Mary Ann Henty. During the twentieth century, items from the collection were modelled in two fashion parades by various descendants [1937, 1959]. The items in the collection are historically and aesthetically significant, with provenance provided by oral and written tradition within or held by the family. A number of the items in the collection are very rare survivors, and provide researchers with the evidence needed to reconstruct the lives of notable women in the Port Phillip District [later Victoria] during the nineteenth and early twentieth century.An ivory silk skirt and matching jacket worn by Alice Henty, aged 22, at the marriage of her friend Lizzie Hopkins and S.T. Staugnton in 1874. The ivory silk satin peplum jacket is boned, tailored, and fitted with many princess line panels. The front closure has handmade embroidered buttonholes and covered buttons. The collar and sleeves are decorated with gathered silk tulle frills. The peplum back features a silk cord bow decoration. The skirt with bustle and train features a central panel with hand ruching and silk satin piping. It is decorated with five rows of pleated silk tulle frills. Measurements (mm): PEPLUM JACKET Girth - Neck 317.5, Chest 914.4, Waist 698.5, Hip 965.2, Cuff 279.4, Hem circumference 1168.4. Vertical - From neck to hem 558.8, Front waist to hem 254, Back neck to hem 838.2, Back waist to hem 241.3, Sleeve length 279.4. Horizontal - Neck to sleeve head 165.1,Cross back 292.1, Underarm to underarm 393.7. SKIRT Girth - Waist 635, Hip 914.4, Hem circumference 3810. Vertical - Front waist to hem 1092.2, Back waist to hem 1701.8. fashion -- 1870s, alice frances (henty) hindson, women's clothing, bridesmaid's dresses

Alice Henty (1852-1932) was the third daughter of Francis and Mary Ann Henty. her father was the youngest son of Thomas Henty, who with his family, their retainers and property moved to the Australian colonies between 1829 and 1832. In 1834, Francis’ older brother, Edward, sailed from Launceston in Van Diemen’s Land to what was to become Portland in the western part of Port Phillip District [Victoria]. Francis, together with the first flock of Merino sheep [in Victoria], followed some months later. The first and second generations of the Henty family established vast pastoral properties in the Western part of the Port Phillip District. Francis Henty managed ‘Merino Downs’ near Casterton, while also living with his wife following his retirement at ‘Field Place' in Kew. The Henty Collection of nineteenth and twentieth century clothing, including outerwear and underwear, was collected, stored and exhibited over time by female family members descended from Francis and Mary Ann Henty. During the twentieth century, items from the collection were modelled in two fashion parades by various descendants [1937, 1959]. The items in the collection are historically and aesthetically significant, with provenance provided by oral and written tradition within or held by the family. A number of the items in the collection are very rare survivors, and provide researchers with the evidence needed to reconstruct the lives of notable women in the Port Phillip District [later Victoria] during the nineteenth and early twentieth century.Alice Henty’s wedding dress, made in 1876 for her marriage to John Hindson was remodelled in 1943 for the wedding of her granddaughter, Alice Henty Hindson to Norman Lithgow Tait at Holy Trinity, Kew. It was worn again by Margaret Henty Hindson (1918-2000) at her marriage to Dougald Webster Matheson at St Paul's Church, Henty in 1944. The two piece dress has a low décolletage shaped with a collar from which two curved panels drop. The fastenings for the bodice are buttons covered with the same fabric. The bodice is completed with two full length sleeves. The full skirt is slightly flattened at the front with a long train. In contrast, the ivory silk, silk faille and satin bodice with long tails remained unaltered. The front closure of the jacket has handmade embroidered buttonholes and covered buttons. The pleated collar and sleeves are decorated with gathered silk tulle. The jacket features long tails. alice frances (henty) hindson, women's clothing, wedding dresses, margaret henty hindson

Formally Miss Sharlene Barry now Mrs Ron Drager, the great grand daughter of the girl for whom the dress was originally made in England. The wedding was in Ceylon, and later the dress travelled with the happy couple to Australia. In total the dress has been worn four times. It missed one generation and then was sent to Adelaide for the wartime wedding of Sharlene's aunt, Mrs Hubbard. It returned to Melbourne for the wedding of Sharlene's mother Mrs Barry. The elaborately rouched dress with tight bodice and slight bustle effect was altered for the 1941 wedding.Used in 1950's for third wedding. Dress altered from the original dress made in 1886. Lace taken from draped overskirt and remade to square neck and long sleeve. Bodice pointed front and 22 satin covered buttons on back. Satin skirt and train edged with lace. Lace and cotton overskirt stiffened and draped and caught to the left side. Brussels lace mounted on satin. Used for weddings held in 1886, 1941, 1950, 1973.costume, female ceremonial

Ladies short gloves, coffee colour rayon with cream embroidered motifs at wrist. Cream embroidery on back of glove.costume accessories, glove accessories

Pair cream gloves with flower pattern on top.costume accessories, glove accessories

Purchased at Op Shop in Forest HillA pair of c1950s gloves in sheer nylon with red printed hailespot. The cuff has a scalloped hemmed edge of red with three lines of elastic shirring. Plaquet opening fastened with pearl shaped button fastened with fabric loopcostume accessories, glove accessories

From collection of personal items of Betty JonesCream coloured nylon gloves with punched hole design; gathered at wristcostume accessories, glove accessories

Ladies beige wrist length gloves with floral embroidery at wrist.costume accessories, female

Hat was worn to the Spring Carnival races at Flemington Racecourse end 1980s - early 1990sSmall red straw hat or fascinator with large red feather and red veilingMiss Biernercostume, female headwear

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, fine white cotton christening gown. The short bodice includes a v-shaped lace insert bordered by a scalloped collar. Lace is also used on the neckline, short sleeves, and hem. The lace on the sleeves is attached in rows of overlapping fabric. The fabric below the high waistline is gathered to produce a full long skirt.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

Pair of women's leather boots given to the donor by Miss Denbigh of 18 Gordon Avenue, Kew in the 1950s. The Denbigh sisters were the daughters of John Denbigh, a pioneer of Kew, and the first resident of 'Wimba' in Cotham Road. The mid nineteenth century silk patchwork quilt in the collection also comes from the Denbigh family via a different donor.Pair of comparatively rare Edwardian women's bootsPair of women's black leather boots. Leather insoles and soles. Mid-calf length with a 2-3 inch heel. Inside in biro "3286 / G. Smitt"footwear, fashion and design --1900s, fashion and design 1910s

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown, ornamented with a v-shaped panel of lace on the bodice. Lace is also used on the upper part of the short sleeves and on the neckline. The fabric of the skirt is gathered below the waist.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown. The high necked, short sleeved bodice has a number of decorative elements. These include two panels of fabric, the lower of which includes pleating, and inserts of lace that extend beyond the waist. Ties extend from the front to the back of the bodice. Lace is also used on the neckline and on the edge of the folded sleeves. The skirt is pleated at the front extending to the hem.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.A white cotton and lace christening gown. The primary decorative elements of the gown are at the front which includes multiple layers of lace on net that extend from the neck to the hemline, which are then bordered with ruffles of the same lace. The bodice has a high neck, bordered with lace, and two short sleeves.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white muslin christening gown. The gown features lace on the front of the bodice, neck, and on the short, puffed sleeves. The skirt at the front has pleating separated with inserts of lace and horizontal hanging scalloped bands of lace christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Simple fine, white cotton petticoat used underneath an outer christening gown. The petticoat uses the same silhouette as the gown. The sleeveless bodice is held up by shoestring straps at the shoulder. Gathered fabric at the waist creates volume as an undergarment. Six bands of decorative horizontal pleating are used in the lowest section of the skirt as well as a scalloped hem.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

The donor, whose parents owned an antique shop believed that the evening coat was owned by the family of Cr Morris Nathan and his wife Margaret Frances, nee MacKay. Maurice Nathan was born in Kew in 1914 and died in East Melbourne in 1982. He was a student of Trinity Grammar School, Kew. He was Lord Mayor, and his wife Lady Mayoress, of the City of Melbourne for two terms between 1961 and 1963. The age of the coat, created in a design typical of the 1920s would suggest that it is of an earlier vintage, almost certainly dating from the 1920s, but perhaps earlier. The opulence of the sequinned and beaded embroidery have led to the supposition that it may be an opera coat inherited from an earlier generation.Three quarter length, red and cream silk, padded evening coat highlighted on the cuffs and hem with iridescent sequins, beading and pearls of different shapes and sizes. These decorative features are arranged in a formal design, particularly at centre back. Above the beaded sections are sunbursts outlined in gold beads.Trimmed rabbit fur at collar and cuffs. The sleeves are shaped above the embroidered sections while the hem features a zig-zag profile. MEASUREMENTS - Neck to hem front 93cm; Neck to hem back 100cm; Circumference 126cm; Shoulder to cuff 72cm; Shoulder width 36cm.Traditionally, pre acquisition, stored in brown suitcase embossed in gilt with the name R. NATHANevening jackets, opera coats, fashion -- 1920s

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown. Handmade featuring lace on the layered short sleeves, as well as at the neckline. The gown has a tie above the waist. The bodice is designed to form a number of horizontal and vertical panels, most prominently including tapered pleating at the front. The fabric comprising the skirt is gathered at the waist, allowing the full skirt to flare towards the hem. The lower part of the dress features a scalloped double hemline above which are four bands of folded fabric.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown featuring an elaborate hand-worked bodice. The bodice has diagonal bands of lace as well as sections of fabric that imitate the effect of a bolero. These, as well as the sleeves are also hand embroidered and bordered with tatted lace. The fabric is finely gathered below the waist. The lower part of the gown includes inserted bands of different kinds of lace. The longer sleeves might indicate that the gown was made for an older infant. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Very long, white cotton christening gown. The bodice is distinguished by an intricate panel of handmade lace that forms a semi-circle at the neck. On either side of the lace insert are folded lapels, each bordered with lace. The short sleeves are constructed of two overlapping pieces of fabric. Below the waist the fabric is pleated to allow for the large amount of fabric in the skirt to flare outwards. The extraordinary detail within the gown is extended to the lower section of the skirt where the maker has created five pleated bands, each comprising four layers. The hem also features a band of lace. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown. The bodice includes a number of pieces of lace, most notably a panel of broderie anglais at the centre of the bodice. Bands of lace are also used at the neck and on the sleeves. The skirt is gathered below the waist allowing the fabric to form folds.The lower section of the skirt five pleated bands and a hem also created from broderie anglais.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.A long, white cotton christening gown designed and made using a number of decorative elements. These include an embroidered lace v-shaped insert at the front of the bodice that extends below the waist. Bands and layers of lace are also used at the neck and on the double-panelled sleeves. A broad band of lace has been used to form the waist, below which the fabric of the skirt is very finely gathered. The front of the skirt includes thirty-two horizontal pleated bands. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.A handmade, sturdy white cotton christening gown. The bodice is made from a number of separate pieces of fabric. At the front there is a flat, pleated panel that extends well below the waist. The longer half-length sleeves are attached to the neckline rather than from a shoulder. Each sleeve is bordered with crocheted lace. Crocheting is also used as a decorative element on the front of the tie. The skirt is simply hemmed. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.A sturdy white cotton christening gown that confirms to a number of conventional design rules. These include pleating on the bodice and at the front of the skirt. The width of the pleats below the waist would indicate a later rather than earlier manufacture. Lace is used in a vertical band at centre front, on the neck and at the waist. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.The christening gown of Dione McIntyre, local architect and life member of the Kew Historical Society. The colour and fabrics used in the gown were recycled from Ilma Diamond's [her mother's sister] wedding dress, when she was christened in 1931. As the smallest of the christening gowns in the collection, this would indicate that she was baptised at a very early age. The fragile baptismal gown is made from a silk slip, above which is an outer layer of embroidered net separated by bands of chiffon. The lace at the hem is also scalloped.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life, mcintyre collection, dione mcintyre

Silk taffeta and lace wedding dress, 1960, made and worn by Valerie Dawn Smith at her marriage to Barry Douglas Wright in Armadale, Melbourne in 1960. Val was apprenticed at Haskins and Co. in Collins Street, Melbourne from 1951, at the age of 16, learning extensive sewing skills, until 1954. She excelled at pattern making, sewing and beading. After her apprenticeship she was employed at Theo Haskin's Salon Milano in Royal Arcade, making glamorous evening gowns until her marriage. The wedding dress was fitted, tailored and and sewn by Valerie, probably assisted by her co workers at the Salon. Silk taffeta and lace wedding dress. The skirt is decorated by a large piece of hand-beaded floral lace. The bodice also features a small piece of lace. All hand beading was completed by Val. The back has a long pleated train, with a loop to hold for walking and dancing. The tight sleeves and back are fastened by zips, a "modern" feature to replace buttons that were the fashion of earlier wedding dress designs. Val wore a long veil that was attached with a delicate beaded wire head piece. It was worn with white high heeled shoes. Her bouquet was gardenias tied with a white ribbon.fashion and design -- 1960s, wedding dresses

Wedding dress made for Margaret Coleman of 135 Belford Road, Kew, who married Murray Turnbull of 21 Molesworth Street, Kew, at St Andrew’s, Gardiner in October 1952.White silk satin wedding dress made by Buckley & Nunn of Collins Street Melbourne. The dress has long sleeves and a v-neck bordered by wide lapels. The bodice is buttoned to the waist with buttons covered in the same fabric as the gown. The skirt drops from the waist with gentle pleating at the front. The skirt features a very long and wide train."Fabric exclusive to Buckley & Nunn"fashion and design -- 1950s, wedding dresses