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. Two-piece royal blue heavy silk dress comprised of a tightly waisted top that extends below the waist at the front and the back, and a floor-length skirt. The full skirt and the sculpted fabric that is part of the top are designed to cover a bustle. The elaborately styled bodice is joined with fabric-covered buttons at centre front. The bodice is distinctively styled with the use silk velvet banding and tassles that extend the woven silk webbing. The outfit is in excellent condition apart from some wear on the velvet and the buttons.women's clothing, australian fashion, dresses, costumes, fashion & design, outerware

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

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. Blue silk, floor length day dress comprised of a tightly fitted, long, waisted jacket joined by hooks and eyes at centre front. The bodice features large ornamental buttons from neck to waist, covered in a figured silk fabric of the same colour as the dress. The gown has extensive pin tucking on the sleeves, on the flounce of the skirt, and on the long train. The line of the outfit is emphasised by the flattened front, which is typical of the period. Its cut and lack of adornment emphasises the tailored effect.australian fashion, fashion & design, costumes, dresses, women's clothing, fashion - 1860s, fashion - 1870s

This photograph was printed from a glass negative held in the Society's picture collection. The original glass negative is part of a set donated to the Society by Ian McKenzie, a professional photographer in Kew. Three generations, ca. 1910-ca. 1920. A portrait of four women, four young girls and an infant are posed for what may be a family portrait on the verandah of a house. The matriarch of the family sits at the centre of the group. The photo was printed from a glass negative in the collection. The original glass negative is part of a set donated to the Society by Ian McKenzie.family portraits, glass negatives

The dress was in the cupboard of Muriel Kerr, the donor's recently deceased mother. The donor remembers being shown it and trying it on in the late '70s or early '80s and being told that it belonged to her great-grandmother, Lilian Armstrong Ballantine (nee Power) [1887-1967]. Lilian Ballantine lived at 31 Harp Road (now the site of the Leo Baeck Centre) from the early 1920s to 1967. Lilian's married Archibald Dill Ballantine [1883-1947], in 1910. He was a member of the Monumental firm of A&G Ballantine, responsible for the Kew War Memorial (and possibly the Springthorpe Memorial). Lilian was highly involved with the Finlay McQueen Memorial Church [ie the East Kew Presbyterian Church]. Lilian's daughter, Mary (the donor's grandmother) married Alan McQueen, the son of Finlay McQueen, the first Minister of the East Kew Church. Mary Macqueen lived at 1 Oswin Street; she was a well-known artist. The dress is significant due to its associations with a family with strong connections, through a number of generations, to Kew East and its spiritual institutions. The garment's integrity and design also contribute to its aesthetic significance as a representative item of women's outerwear during the first decades of the twentieth century.Pale blue striped muslin single-piece dress with lace, tulle and embroidery at the neck and on the cuffs. The lace at the neck and cuffs is embroidered with coloured flowers, and edged with tulle. Bordering the v-neckline is a deeper blue guipure lace (possibly added later). There is a satin flower on the right side of the skirt which gathers the hem, exposing the deeper blue cotton underskirt. The dress has a narrow band of blue satin at the high waist. The cotton underskirt is attached by thread in places to the outer layer. Both the outer and under layers are attached with metal hooks and eyes. Edging the cuffs and hem of the dress is blue commercial fringing. The exterior of the dress has a slight brown tinge which is not apparent on the inside hem, suggesting that it has been discoloured through exposure. There are minor stains.women's clothing, edwardian dresses, lilian ballantine, australian fashion - 1910s, mary macqueen, finlay mcqueen memorial church, east kew presbyterian church, alan mcqueen, kew war memorial, archibald dill ballantine, leo baeck centre, 31 harp road -- kew (vic.), a&g ballantine, women's clothing -- 1900s, fashion - 1900s, fashion design

book. 22 pages. Coloured images and text. One double page loose from centre.annual report, financial documents

book. 23 pages. coloured text and images throughout.pink used as a feature colour.annual report, financial documents

pamphlet as a summary for annual report. 12 pages. colour images and text throughoutpamphlets

Colour photograph. Courtyard on ground floor eastern side facing south into the cafe area and Lonsdale street. Outdoor seating area of the Cafe. Taken for the QMag Newsletterphotograph, outdoor furniture, cafe

Colour photograph. Indoor seating area of the cafe. Taken facing south west towards Lonsdale street. For Qmag newsletter. photograph, cafe, interior design

Colour photograph. Christmas 1997 Networking and Shilling Fund Breakfast. Three women are standing in the ground floor north foyer of the QVWC building. They stand around a Christmas tree adorned with multiple and various dollar notes. Left to right: Glenys Sharma (first General Manager), Kerri Ward (Marketing from Francis Tobin & Associates) and Janet England (first Chair of the Trust). Was a standard size but has been cut. christmas decorations, christmas, fundraising events

Colour Photograph. Volunteers Christmas Party. Taken in ground floor entrance foyer at the southern end of the QVWC building. Five women stand between two doors on the eastern side which lead to the cafe. These were volunteers for the Trust. Left to right: Cecelia Silverman, Maria Kremidas, Leonie Christopherson, Helen Armitage, and Sylvia Chesterman. voluntary workers, christmas

Colour photograph. Taken from the bottom of the entrance steps at the QVWC building facing north to four unidentified people (Three women, one man) all holding Labrador puppies (Three blond, one black) . Guide Dog Australia dog plastic money collection ornaments are either side of the group. charitable organisations, dogs, disabled people

Colour photograph. Unofficial launch of the Shilling Fund, hosted at Chair of the Trust's house, Janet England. Janet England stands behind the cake wearing a black top, red jacket and a long necklace. charitable organisations, official events

Colour photograph. Unofficial launch of shilling fund. Patrons cutting the cake. Eight Women stand behind a table with a cake on a swerving platter. At host's, Chair Janet England's house. Front row left to right: Maron Lau (Trustee), Fleur Spitzer (Patron), Prof. Trong Thomas (Patron), Noel Waite (Patron), Glenys Sharma (General Manager). Back row left to right: Jean Tom (Patron Country Women's Association), Janet England, Prof. Nancy Mils (Patron). charitable organisations, official events

Colour photograph. Newly created architectural model of the QVWC. Annexe or Rooftop atrium not included. Only a southern end image. architectural models, historic buildings, models

Colour photograph. Ground floor before demolition works and restoration. Green archway door leading into a green room. historic buildings, cultural structures and establishments

Colour photograph. Ground floor before demolition works and restoration. Counter top and pealing blue wall paint. cultural structures and establishments, historic buildings

Colour photo. Taken in first floor gallery space. Example of the first art exhibition the QVWC hosted. Busts of influential women 'Return of the goddess' by Ruth Lyon. cultural structures and establishments, historic buildings, art exhibitions

Colour photograph. Ground floor corridor, facing south towards the QVWC entrance and Lonsdale street. Taken during restoration inspection.historic buildings, building construction

Colour photograph. Ground floor entrance foyer facing north west. Taken during Restoration inspection. Two unidentified women are standing facing east wearing hardhats. historic buildings, building construction, cultural structures and establishments

Colour photograph. Ground floor entrance foyer facing north east to where the honour board would have been, the outline clearly visible. Taken during restoration inspectionhistoric buildings, building construction, cultural structures and establishments

Colour photograph. Ground floor kitchen facing towards north west into what was the trust office. Taken during restoration inspection. historic buildings, building construction

Colour photograph. Ground floor facing south towards Lonsdale street. Entrances show where access corridors were to connect demolished buildings. What was the cafe and in 2015 is the Breacan office. Taken during restoration inspectionhistoric buildings, building construction, cultural structures and establishments

Colour photograph. Ground floor facing north towards what was to be the courtyard and cafe. Facing towards the wing which is in 2015 is the QVWC head office. Taken during restoration inspectionbuilding construction, historic buildings, cultural structures and establishments

Colour photograph. Second floor southern balcony. Taken facing south west towards Lonsdale street and Swanston street. Taken during restoration.historic buildings, building construction

Colour photograph. First floor corridor. Looking south to the women's lounge and what is the Fitted or Work office in 2015. The left door entrance was into the former matron's office of the hospital. Man in blue shirt sanding the floor faces away from the camera. Taken during restoration inspection.building construction, historic buildings

Colour photograph. Second floor at the Lonsdale street end facing east in what in 2015 is the Emily's List office towards the second floor kitchen. Woman in blue clothes and a white hardhat in frame. Taken during restoration inspection.building construction, historic buildings, cultural structures and establishments

Colour photograph. North exterior wall of building facing south west. in 2015 is the QV square towards the QVWC office and the QVWC building's north entrance. Taken during restoration inspection. building construction, historic buildings, cultural structures and establishments

Black and white photograph. Taken on the rooftop facing south towards Lonsdale street in what is the atrium. Glass panels are erected, scaffolding present in frame. Taken during restoration inspection. building construction, historic buildings, cultural structures and establishments