This child's dress is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. A photograph of their youngest child, Alice, taken in circa 1903 depicts her wearing the dress. The dress would have been only worn on special occasions (such as a formal family photographic portrait) as most young girls in that era would have smocks or pinafores for everyday wear. The age of the dress is in question as it may have been made by Eliza for her eldest daughter, Dorcus, who was born in 1884. This dress has some machine sewing at the neck, waistband and pintucks but much of the dress is handsewn and richly embroidered with Broderie anglaise. Broderie anglaise (also known as eyelet lace) is a form of cutwork embroidery. The foundation fabric is cut to make decorative holes which are sewn with overcast or buttonhole stitches to create a lace like effect. Designs often involve floral motives that are enhanced with simple embroidery stitches such as stem stitch and satin stitch and scalloped edges finished with buttonhole stitches. It was commonly used to trim baby clothes, dresses, nightclothes, underclothes and household linens - particularly in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the late 19th century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery to personalise and embellish a child's special dress.Child's white dress made of cotton and lawn, with a skirt of hand embroidered circular cutwork (broderie anglaise), a scalloped hem edged in buttonhole stitch and a gathered waist. The lined bodice has three panels of hand embroidered broderie anglaise (eyelet lace) inserted in a V shape with pintucks and bordered with a broderie anglaise lace frill. The short sleeves also have an inserted broderie anglaise lace strip, three pintucks and a broderie anglaise lace frill. The skirt is semi lined with fine lawn. The dress has a back opening with one button and two ties. The neckline is decorated with two rows of hand embroidered broderie anglaise lace.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, nhill, wimmera, eliza towns, dorcus towns, child's dress, machine sewing, hand sewing, broderie anglaise, cutwork, embroidery, eyelet lace, clothing, handmade, charles towns, alice towns

The picture postcard is illustrated in a simple, child-like manner. It has a personal message on the back, perhaps sent by an adult called Lily to a young relative or friend. Its rough edges indicate that it may have been torn out of a book or from a sheet of cards. It is one of the hundreds of illustrations by artist Louis Wain, quoted as being "one of the most popular commercial illustrators in the history of England" (IllustrationChronicles.com). English artist Louis Wain (1860-1939) was famous for his illustrations of cats, many of which he gave human characteristics and personalities. Wain married Emily. They owned a cat called Peter who was a great comfort to Emily through her cancer illness and consequent death after only a few years of marriage. At 22 years old Wain gave up his job as a teacher to work full time as an illustrator. He was able to produce hundreds of drawing a year for journals, books, postcards and advertisements. Later he wrote and illustrated children's books. However he didn't benefit much from copyrighting his work as he sold his work to publishers together with the copyright, so reproductions of his works didn't earn him money. Wain said that he owned his career as a cat artist to Peter. Wain spent over a decade in mental asylums before his death in 1939.This picture postcard is an example of the work of Louis Wain, English artist of the 19th and early 20th century. He is famous for his drawings of cats, which he continued producing throughout his life. He is also known for producing the world's first screen cartoon cat, called "Pussyfoot". In 1972 Wain's work was presented at an exhibition in the Victorian and Albert Museum.Rectangular picture postcard printed on think cream card. Picture on postcard is outlined in black and coloured in roughly painted watercolours. The drawing has two cats dressed in armour standing and fighting in front of a turreted castle. The picture is a black framed outline. The artist's printed signature is in the bottom left corner. The artist is Louis Wain. The reverse has a vertical dividing line and a square outline for a postage stamp's location. It also has printed headings. There is a handwritten Pencil inscription. The postcard's left side and lower edge have rough uneven edges.Signature: "Louis Wain." Printed headings: "POST CARD" "THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR COMMUNICATION" "THE ADDRESS TO BE WRITTEN HERE" Handwritten on back: "To Dr R - - - - - - / with love / from Lilly"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, postcard, picture postcard, louis wain, fighting cats, child's postcard, cat artist, animal portraits, national cat club, fencing, illustrator, children's books, children's author, children's illustrator, watercolour, cats dressed as humans, cats dressed as knights, popular art, victorian art

Photographic portraitwilliam north, w.j.c. north, ballarat school of mines, ballarat school of mines council

This photo taken in 1917 was 5 years before Edith Sarah Pickford (1909 - 1967) of ''Yeoville" Clunes married Henry Smerdon [Harry] Holmes of "Sauchieburn" Ascot in 1922. At the time it was fun, fashionable and symbolic to have photo portraits taken in a clown outfit: Pierrot (Boy) with black skull caps and Columbine (Girl) with pointed hats. Pierrot, the famous character from the Italian commedia dell'arte, was portrayed by the composer A. Schoenberg as the moonstruck and fantastical clown, who is a symbol for putting on a mask to hide one's true feelings or opinions. Edith was the second youngest child, and only daughter, of John and Bessie (Robbins) Pickford, Clunes farmers. Edith’s brother, Arthur Pickford rode in the Charge of the Battle of Beersheba, a precursor to capturing Gaza in WW1. The matter of who rode in the charge at Beersheba on 31 October 1917 continues to exercise the minds of many. The charge is embedded in the Australian ethos along with Gallipoli and the Kokoda Track. [ Source: Edith's granddaughter, Jane Dyer 2024]Black and white photograph in rectangular frame with stand. Back of frame padded velvet"Sincerely yours - Edith"edith pickford, edith holmes, chatham-holmes collection, pickford collection, pierrot and columbine, portrait photograph, ww1

Sepia photograph: 22 men standing and sitting. Men are wearing three piece suits, ties or bow ties, holding hats in hands. Men are pictured in front of a building, small paned window on either side of building. All men are wearing a ribbon on their lapel. Man on back LH side is holding a small male child, wearing a striped outfit, large white collar, and wide brimmed hat.person, group, male group, bendigo, male portrait

Photographic Album - 19th Century Portraits. This album is in a handsome leather tooled cover with brass ring clasp - pages have gold edging to match the gold tooling on front cover.This album comes from ''Old Box 94'' which generally contains ephemera from Merle Bush. However, this album has no identifying inscriptions (but see the following notes). There are approx 44 portraits of children, males, females, mixed groups taken by a range of studio photographers (Sandhurst, Melbourne, Stuttgart and possibly from other cities?) There appear to be no inscriptions on the reverse of these photos - but not all have been removed for checking. One photograph (R Dermer Smith, Sandhurst has a photograph Number #753 on reverse and show a man/boy?, woman and child on the front verandah of a house. There are 6 loose cards within the book which may give some indication as to the family connection; 1. Mr W Tainsh - Echuca; 2. Frau Pastor Leypoldt - Lutheran Parsonage, Bendigo; 3. Miss H Janie Schleiger; 4. Citizens' Life Assurance Co Ltd - Represented by A A Brooker(?); 5. Card with inscription in German below print of ? Luther) and handwritten text in German on reverse (difficult to read), date 11/11/83; 6. black bordered card ''In Memoriam'' (no name).cottage, miners

Black and white image of young child - approx. 6 months, seated on rustic style chair. Baby is dressed in dark dress, white frill on bottom, crocheted apron ( strings of apron tied to chair to secure child in position ). On back of image ' Bendigo Portrait Rooms, F. De Kock & Co, Photographic artists, corner of Mitchell and King Streets. N.B. copies may be had and enlarged to size'F. De Kock & Coperson, individual, baby portrait, bendigo, sandhurst, f. de kock & co.

Two small portrait photographs by N.White Photographer Mitchell Street Sandhurst opposite St Pauls Tower, one of a small child with arm resting on a book on chair with initials MB written on back, the other of a woman seated at a Davenport with book.N.White.photograph, portrait, lady & child

Small portrait of a family consisting of father, mother and child. The father is standing beside the mother who is seated and holding a small girl on her knee. The man is wearing a suit. The jacket only has one button at the neck. The lady's dress is long with a full skirt and the little girl's dress has a full skirt and short sleevesBent late Batchelder, Centre of Pall Mall, Sandhurstphotograph, portrait, family, family portrait, bent late batchelder

Small portrait of a lady seated on a chair with a boy standing beside her with his left elbow resting on a cupboard? The lady is wearing a dress with a voluminous skirt and a high buttoning neck with a brooch at the neckline. She is also wearing a cap with two broad long pieces down her shoulders. The boy is wearing a three piece suit. Photographer's name and address printed on the front and back of the photograph. Photo has gold border around it and gold printing on the front.Johnstone, O'Shannessy & Co., 3 Bourke St. East. Next to the Post Office, Melbournephotograph, portrait, lady & child, portrait of a lady and a boy, johnstone o'shannessy & co.

Small portrait of a lady and a baby. The lady is seated on a chair and holding the baby on her knee. She is wearing a long dress with a pleated hemline and a frill at the shoulder. The dress has a high neckline with a short lace collar. The baby is wearing a longish dress and shoes. Photographer's name and address printed on the back and front (in gold with a gold border around the photo).Johnstone, O'Shannessy & Co., 3 Bourke St. East, Melbournephotograph, portrait, lady & child, portrait of a lady and baby, johnstone o'shannessy & co.

Sepia portrait of a lady and a girl. The lady is seated with a hat on her lap and the girl is standing on a chair with her left hand on the lady's shoulder/.rear shows 'words 'Photographed by Mr R Griffiths , Truro , Artist Under Government / Picture of Royal crestMr. R. Griffiths, Trurophotograph, portrait, lady & child, portrait of a lady and a girl, mr r griffiths truro

Sepia photograph of two children. Photo on green mount board. The older girl is standing and the smaller child is standing on a chair. Both have wide collars on their dresses.Fraser, 30 Bridge St. Ballaratphotograph, portrait, female group, portrait of two children, fraser ballarat

Sepia photograph. Studio portrait on hardboard of Ava Jane Hall (granddaughter) of Wootton Lansell. Ava is wearing an 1860's dress. Inscriptions: on back- 'Ava Jane Hall, eldest child of Phoebe Jane Lansell and Thomas Hall. Granddaughter of Wootton Lansell who was brother of George and William' Wearing Grandma (wife of Wootton) Ellen Lansell's frock. Would have been made in the 1860's) worn by both at Bendigo Town Hall Balls (1860-1920 or near). Round stamp 'Royal Historical Society of Victoria, Bendigo Branch.Bartlett Bros., Bendigoperson, individual, ava jane hall

sepia photograph on cream board. Young child in light coloured frock. Large collar with lace edge. Pintucking around hem and deep lace flounce, seated on brocaded cushion, placed on pedestal. 'Eden Society Studioes' embossed on bottom edge.Eden Society Studiosperson, individual, baby portrait

sepia portrait of woman and young girl mounted on off-white cream boardMassingham, Geelongperson, family

studio portrait of young girl, seated. Approx. 5 years of age, dressed in lacey dress. G.I. Massingham, View St. Bendigo, printed on bottom of photo.G.I Massingham, View St., Bendigo.person, individual, child portrait

This photograph was loosely inserted in the Prescription Book of Miss Lillian Prout. Photograph of a girl (approx. 10 years old) holding bag and standing in front of high picket fence (Prout family or friend???) Kodak Print. No inscription.person, individual, child portrait

Black & white photo of 3 children. 1 child boy, sitting on wicker chair, wearing shirt with white lace collar, shorts, black socks & black shoes. I child girl standing, wearing white dress with white lace collar, long hair tied back, black tights, black shoes. 1 child girl sitting on wicker couch, wearing black shirt, white dress, black socks & black shoes. Carpet on floor. Embossing on frameperson, group, children

1 sepia photograph (Photo 1), 1 black and white photograph (Photo 2). Photo 1: parents and child, clothing appears to be Victorian. Photo 2: of female standing beside a table with flowers. Photo appears to be of a later period, Edwardian dress style. Markings/Inscriptions; Photo 2: Female standing beside a table with flowers. Photo appears to be of a later period, Edwardian dress style. Markings/Inscriptions: Photo 2 sticker on rear.person, family, family

Photograph - black and white. Portrait of a woman. She has tight curls. Wearing a high collar, lacy neck tie, satin ribbon on shoulders and around neck. Wearing sleeper earring. Written on back 'Phoebe Jane Lansell, youngest child of Wootton Lansell, (brother of George and William).'Eden Society Studiosperson, individual, female portrait, photograph. portrait of phoebe jane lansell. daughter of wootton lansell.

Photograph - black and white. Portrait of a family, looks like father, mother and two (young) children, looks like a older boy and younger child, a girl.Mendelssohn, View St., Bendigo.person, family, portrait of family, photograph. portrait of a young family, husband, wife, young boy and young girl. unknown family portrait.

Photograph 1 - Sepia photo of 3 adults, 1 child, picket fence behind them, and trees. All well dressed. Written on back 'Sunday 28th Sept.1924 Burrowes St. Golden Square'.Coopers, Bendigophotograph, portrait, family, photograph, portrait, group, september, 1924. burrowes st., golden square.

Black & White 'Yeoman & Co 47 Chapel St Prahan Instantaneous Photograph' printed on portrait photograph. Pencilled caption Mrs Stephen Dalton with question mark on reverse. Young mother holding baby. Voluminous period dress with baby dress also noteworthy. Child wearing sandals with slotted button straps. Child holding whip. Excellent photo resolution.Yeoman & Co 47 Chapel St Prahran.photograph, person, female and baby

Sepia toned photograph of a group of people posed in front of a weatherboard dwelling. The group consists of two young women and a smaller child dressed in dark coloured clothing with pinafores over the top., there are also two older males and two younger. Two of the males are in uniform, an one is carrying a trumpet. The house is situated between two brick buildings and is touching them on either side.R. Dermer Smith, Bull Street Sandhurst (No.3540)person, group, family portrait, family group, band members

Photograph. Childhood photograph of Gertrude Perry. Black & white photograph of Gertrude Perry as a child. Laminated on metal backing. White frock & holding a flag. On the back - Me. Gertrude Perry at about 3 years.person, individual, personal portrait, gertrude perry collection, gertrude perry

A card with oval cutouts containing three small tin type photographs, 2 young females and 1 boy child. Card shows crest at bottom with a lion and unicorn. Photographer unknown. Card has provision for 5 photos but only 3 used.photograph, portrait, boy & girl