This stencil was used as an organisation identification stamp for the transportation of wool bales. Mount Gow is a homestead in Victoria. Mount Gow is situated south of Warrambine Creek.Wool bale export stencil - MOUNT GOWMOUNT GOW L. Broswool - transportation, wool sales, wool class, wool classers

Needles are over 100 years old. The donor obtained them from Mrs Patricia Wrench, a granddaughter of Lord Brassey, Governor of Victoria between 1985 – 1900. The needles were manufactured by W.H. Head & Son, a Trimming Manufacture and Wholesale Haberdashers company established in London.A purple leather case containing 39 steel knitting needles of varying widths.Above clip of case, gold lettering - W.H. Head & Son, Sloane st, London, S.W. Inside case, gold lettering - 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20england, needles, patricia wrench, lord brassey, knitting

The world’s most ecologically distinct bird lives in the native grasslands of Victoria - but only just. The plains-wanderer is a small bird that was once widespread across the grasslands of south-eastern Australia. Today there are fewer than 1000 mature birds in the wild. The plains-wanderer is under threat due to habitat loss caused by overgrazing, cropping and suburban sprawl. Unlike most other birds, female wanderers are larger and more colourful and the males take care of the chicks. They are only about 15cm tall and weigh between 40-80g for the male and 55-90g for the female. Their intricate plumage mirrors the colours of their grassland home so they blend in perfectly with their surroundings. The plains-wanderer’s origins date back to when Australia was part of the Gondwana supercontinent over 60 million years ago. They are so biologically distinct that their extinction would result in the loss of a branch of the tree of life. A fussy grass dweller, they like neither too much nor too little grass. That is where sheep grazing can help. After years of low numbers in Victoria, plains-wanderer populations have been increasing in Terrick Terrick National Park in north west Victoria, as sheep grazing maintains the grass in the park at a suitable level. With the right management, this ecologically important bird species is continuing to survive in the native grasslands of Victoria. Managing these habitats for the plains-wanderer can also support the conservation of many other threatened plant and animal species. Object: Nest of plains-wanderers by Mary-Jane Walker, 2020. Outer made from upcycled paper, internal structure steel. Nest of plains-wanderers by Mary-Jane Walker, 2020. Outer made from up cycled paper, internal structure steel. native grasslands, plains-wanderer, terrick terrick national park

John Griffin’s wool classing exercise books from 1941-1943 when he was a student at the Gordon Institute in Geelong. John and his father John Henry Griffin owned a farm in Dunkeld and bred fine merino wool. One year they topped the wool sales figures for the area, in the late 1940s. There are four books in total. One book is on the topic of Veterinary Science and is from 1941. It contains information on topics such as birth and early lamb life, bone structure and other internal organisms of a sheep, such as the heart. Another book is on Wool Classing with topics such as wool scouring, dipping, shearing and micron counts. The third book is on general shearing shed knowledge. This includes a diagram for rolling a fleece, correct method for stamping a wool bale and branding abbreviations. The final book is on the History the Merino Sheep. It is a long form essay answer booklet. The Gordon institute and wool are synonymous with one another, the first class in wool sorting was offered at the Gordon in 1891. With much of the wool clip sent directly to England at this time, The Gordon's focus soon shifted to wool classing and marketing. By the 1930s, The Gordon's wool school was renowned as the state's wool industry training centre. Early specialist short courses were offered around Victoria to assist wool growers in preparing their clip for market, with modules on sheep breeding and pasture development included in the programs. Anne Griffin’s, John’s daughter, donated the exercise books to the National Wool Museum in 2021. Book 1 is predominately blue circular cover with cream background. Middle of book has pink highlighter mark. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. It also has four black ink markings Book 2 is predominately blue circular cover with cream background. Book has red tape across the spine. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. Book 3 is predominately blue plaid cover with cream background. Middle of book has pink highlighter handwriting which has been crossed with the same colour, leaving the text unreadable. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. Book 4 is predominately blue diagonal striped book with cream background. Middle of book has small picture of Australia. Reverse of book has an Arithmetical Table and a Multiplication Table in a blue ink on cream paper. Book 1. Front cover: “All Schools” / EXERCISE BOOK / NAME Jack Griffin Grade Gordon Institute School of Technology(?) / Approved by the / Education Department Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) Book 2. Front cover: 2nd & 3rd / “All Schools” / EXERCISE BOOK / Name Jack Griffin / Grade 2 / School the Gordon / Approved by the / Education Department Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) Book 3. Front cover: Embassy / EXERCUSE BOOK / Name John Griffin / Grade 1 / School (?) / APPROVED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) Book 4. Front cover: EXERCISE / APPROVED BY EDUCATION DEPT. / BOOK / NAME Jack Griffin / GRADE 3 / SCHOOL Gordon Back cover. Reverse. ARTHMETICAL TABLES / (Numerous, see media) gordon institute geelong, wool classing, 1940s sheep farming, note book, study, student

The wool for this jacket began on the back of two sheep many kilometres apart. The first fleece for the warp was shorn from a single Merino at Currotha in Moree, NSW. The wool was 21-22 micron and the bloodline is a cross between Bundemar, Rossmore and Eural. The second sheep that provided wool for the weft was shorn in Beaufort, Victoria. It was a single Corriedale fleece shorn at Niawanda. The distance between these two towns is approximately 1250kms; a 15-hour car ride between paddocks. The two fleeces were spun and weaved together by the donor’s mother, Marjorie Allnutt. A level of talent is required to spin Merino fleeces. It is easier to spin cross bred wool, such as Corriedale, because it is less dense and much easier to comb, card and then tease out for a spinning wheel. The donor Philip Allnutt had a suit tailored out of the completed fabric at Ravensdale J & Son, 37 Swanson Street, Melbourne. The tailor was then a member of the Master Tailors Federation of Victoria. The business closed around 1986. Adding to the jacket’s story is its relationship to the household board game “Squatter”. Marjorie Allnutt was the sister-in-law of Robert Crofton Lloyd, the inventor of the wool themed boardgame. With more than 500,000 games sold in Australia as of 2007, it is the most successful board game ever produced in the country. The original “Squatter” board game is located within the National Wool Museum’s Collection. Philip Allnutt donated the Jacket to the National Wool Museum Collection in 2021. Cream singled breasted jacket with a narrow overlap and one column of buttons for fastening. The jacket features notched lapels of a medium width and two buttons of a cream & brown marble. The jacket has three visible pockets. A jetted pocket with no flap is on the right breast. A further two jetted no flap pockets finish an inch above the hem, on either side of the opening. Internally, the jacket features a further two pockets and a white silk lining for comfort. At the cuffs, the jacket utilises another 2 buttons of the same cream & brown marble.merino, currotha, moree, nsw, niawanda, corriedale, beaufort, victoria, hand spun, hand weaved

Jackie Kerin's (donor's) story. In 1973, I was in my late teens and while I’d moved to Sydney from Melbourne, to begin my first year of drama studies at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. My parents had moved to Lake Bunga, a few kilometers north of Lakes Entrance (Victoria). On my first holiday visit to Bunga, I called into the Jolly Jumbuck Country Craft Centre in Bairnsdale http://jumbukwool.com.au/history. I was entranced by the place and spent the following weeks learning to spin lumpy wool on an Ashford Wheel. By the end of the holidays, I had my own Ashford and it travelled with me back to Sydney. After graduation, I returned to Melbourne and the hippy “back to nature” movement was in full swing; there were many shops and galleries selling handmade woollen items and pottery etc. So I found an outlet for my pieces. Sometime in 1976-77, I met a spinner and weaver of Swiss origin (I think) – her name was Ingeborg Guber (not sure of the spelling). She had a small gallery/shop at Brighton Beach where she worked, with her pet duck for company. Ingeborg had an upright Philip Elford wheel; an Australian wheel crafted from Acacia melanoxylon (blackwood). I was smitten and ordered one. I have a memory of Philip driving to Hampton from Ballarat to make the delivery. I used this wheel for years but as time and enthusiasm for spinning waned, the wheel became a decorative item in the house. Then in the 90s, and with my drama training, I set myself up travelling to schools and festivals, museums and galleries as a storyteller. The spinning wheel had a new life accompanying me on my adventures. For many children, familiar with references to spinning in fairy tales, seeing the little Philip Elford upright was magical. The wheel was donated to the National Wool Museum in 2021.Vertical tripod leg spinning wheel. 6 spoke wheel with three bobbins. Inscription “Philip Elford Ballart” can be read in gold text stamped to the base of the wheel. Wording, stamped, gold. Philip / Elford / Ballartspinning wheel, textile production, hobby textiles, aciacia melanoxylon (blackwood)

The Excelsior Woollen and Worsted Mills were controlled by Godfrey Hirst & Co. Pty. Ltd. The Excelsior name originated from the union in the one enterprise of two of the earliest mills established in Victoria, the Old Victorian Mill, and the Old Barwon Mill. Godfrey Hirst combined his expertise with the capital of Charles Shannon to purchase the Barwon Mill in 1890 and the Victorian Mill in 1899. They commenced production of high-quality flannels in readiness for an anticipated lifting of tariff barriers in 1901, the year of federation. These were the first flannels to be produced in Australia rather than imported from England. In April 1912 the No.2 Excelsior Mill burnt down during the installation of electricity and was rebuilt. The No.1 Excelsior Mill was closed in 1930, with most hands moving to the No.2 Mill. In 1966 the firm changed ownership and became a subsidiary of the McKendrick family and commenced manufacturing of tufted carpets. Godfrey Hirst has since emerged as Australia’s leading manufacturer of tufted carpets. It has also expanded into hard flooring, including timber, laminate, and other surfaces. In 2018, the Godfrey Hirst business was acquired by Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring company. Brown blanket featuring a design of four lines of cream, and a single line of orange, spanning the blanket vertically and horizontally, to form a plaid pattern. At the vertical ends, the blanket ends in a fringe.Label. Stitched. "The Atlantic Rug / Excelsior/ Guaranteed Product / Australian Manufacture"godfrey hirst & co. pty. ltd., excelsior mill, the atlantic rug

'Back to Birchip' badge, presumably for a reunion held in 1960."Back to Birchip 1960" badge, made by K.G. Luke, Melbourne.BACK TO / 1960 / BIRCHIP K.G. LUKE / MELB.sheep - australian, birchip, victoria

"Western Wool Warehouse, Geelong, 12 July 1881." This advertising circular was produced by George Hague and Co., stock and station agents. It promotes their services and gives an account of the state of the wool and agriculture industry. The 'Western Wool Warehouse' is pictured on the front cover; it stood formerly on Western Beach but is now demolished.Front page (page 1) of George Hague and Co.s pamphlet depicting the Western Wool Warehouse and outlining their operations and services, 12-7-1881. Page 2 of George Hague and Co.s pamphlet depicting the Western Wool Warehouse and outlining their operations and services, 12-7-1881. Page 3 of George Hague and Co.s pamphlet depicting the Western Wool Warehouse and outlining their operations and services, 12-7-1881.WESTERN WOOL WAREHOUSE, / GEELONG, 12th July, 1881. / To Wool Growers and Others interested. / GENTLEMEN, / [multiple inscriptions follow]wool brokering wool sales sheep stations wool stores, george hague and co. pty ltd, western wool warehouse, geelong, victoria, wool brokering, wool sales, sheep stations, wool stores

This book was produced by the Lincoln Mills in Coburg, Victoria. It was owned by Billie Rech, the aunt of the donor, who was a great knitter.LINCOLN / Hand Knit / STYLE LEADERS / for / Milady / BOOK No. 145 / 6D. / LINCOLN / Model No. L1008handicrafts - history knitting, lincoln mills (australia) limited, handicrafts - history, knitting

Part of collection of books concerning the textile industry from the 1930s to the 1950s.Hardie Trading Pty. Ltd. Melbourne Sole Agents in Australial.b. holliday and co. ltd, dyeing, melbourne, victoria

This book and a number of others like it were owned by the mother and aunts of the donor, Mrs Dorothy Boyle. They were prolific producers of hand knitted and hand made items of clothing and also knitted and sewed for the armed forces during the Second World War. This book was produced by the magazine "Womans World" and contains patterns for baby clothes.BABY'S wardrobe / EVERYTHING THE NEW BABY NEEDS / 6D. / LAYETTE / Approved by / Infant Welfare Dept. / (see page 4) / 33 / KNITTEDS / LAYETTES / SHAWLS / PRAM COVERS / FROCKS, Etc. / PUBLISHED / BY / WOMAN'S WORLDknitting handicrafts - history, victoria; department of public health (infant welfare department) woman's world, knitting, handicrafts - history

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was written by Evelyn Bellamy and is number 2 in the series. It contains knitting patterns for mens, womens and childrens garments. (NB: the National Library of Australia holds two similar books and gives the place of publication as Elwood, Victoria and the date for a later number in the series as c.1940s.)Knitwear Classics / No. 2 / OF THE / SERIES / By / Evelyn Bellamyhandicrafts - history knitting, bellamy, evelyn, handicrafts - history, knitting

"Grip" bale fasteners,The Hurst & Hughes Pty Ltd, 35 Skene Street, Geelong, Victoria. Donated from the estate of the donors' father who had an involvement through the scouting movement with the Hurst family who invented bale clips."Grip" bale fasteners,The Hurst & Hughes Pty Ltd, 35 Skene Street, Geelong, Victoria."Grip" Bale Fasteners/ The Hurst & Hughes Pty Ltd, 35 Skene Street, Geelong, Victoria....shearing wool bales, hurst and hughes pty ltd, wool bale clips, hurst, mr harold e., shearing, wool bales

Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales. Senator James Francis Guthrie (1872-1958) was the founder and first president of the Australian Corriedale Sheepbreeders' Association in 1914 and was involved in the wool industry all his life. He worked for Dalgety's and was managing director of the Guthrie Corriedale Stud. He was a Senator for Victoria between 1920-38 and wrote a number of books about the Australian wool industry.Sepia photograph of Isobel Guthrie in an ornate, sterling silver frame.Maryguthrie, senator james francis c.b.e. gilligan, mrs marguerite

Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales. Senator James Francis Guthrie (1872-1958) was the founder and first president of the Australian Corriedale Sheepbreeders' Association in 1914 and was involved in the wool industry all his life. He worked for Dalgety's and was managing director of the Guthrie Corriedale Stud. He was a Senator for Victoria between 1920-38 and wrote a number of books about the Australian wool industry.Wallet owned by Mr JF Guthrie.J.F.G. from J.R.G. 31.9.08guthrie, senator james francis c.b.e. gilligan, mrs marguerite

Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales. Senator James Francis Guthrie (1872-1958) was the founder and first president of the Australian Corriedale Sheepbreeders' Association in 1914 and was involved in the wool industry all his life. He worked for Dalgety's and was managing director of the Guthrie Corriedale Stud. He was a Senator for Victoria between 1920-38 and wrote a number of books about the Australian wool industry.Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales.Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales. Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales.J.F Guthrie. 3 Months in Britain 1937 1anzac day, guthrie, senator james francis c.b.e. gilligan, mrs marguerite, london, england

Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales. Senator James Francis Guthrie (1872-1958) was the founder and first president of the Australian Corriedale Sheepbreeders' Association in 1914 and was involved in the wool industry all his life. He worked for Dalgety's and was managing director of the Guthrie Corriedale Stud. He was a Senator for Victoria between 1920-38 and wrote a number of books about the Australian wool industry.Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales.Magazine cutting of wedding photograph of Mary Guthrie and Dr Oswald Gough.guthrie, senator james francis c.b.e. gilligan, mrs marguerite, melbourne, victoria

Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales. Senator James Francis Guthrie (1872-1958) was the founder and first president of the Australian Corriedale Sheepbreeders' Association in 1914 and was involved in the wool industry all his life. He worked for Dalgety's and was managing director of the Guthrie Corriedale Stud. He was a Senator for Victoria between 1920-38 and wrote a number of books about the Australian wool industry.Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales.Two sepia photographs of Mary Guthrie and Dr Oswald Gough on their wedding day.guthrie, senator james francis c.b.e. gilligan, mrs marguerite, melbourne, victoria

Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales. Senator James Francis Guthrie (1872-1958) was the founder and first president of the Australian Corriedale Sheepbreeders' Association in 1914 and was involved in the wool industry all his life. He worked for Dalgety's and was managing director of the Guthrie Corriedale Stud. He was a Senator for Victoria between 1920-38 and wrote a number of books about the Australian wool industry.Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales.Sepia photograph of horse and buggy and two gentlemen, framed in thin wooden frame.guthrie, senator james francis c.b.e. gilligan, mrs marguerite

Part of collection of items related to the late Senator J.F. Guthrie, breeder of Corriedales. Senator James Francis Guthrie (1872-1958) was the founder and first president of the Australian Corriedale Sheepbreeders' Association in 1914 and was involved in the wool industry all his life. He worked for Dalgety's and was managing director of the Guthrie Corriedale Stud. He was a Senator for Victoria between 1920-38 and wrote a number of books about the Australian wool industry.Formerly owned by JF Guthrie. Formerly owned by JF Guthrie.guthrie, senator james francis c.b.e. gilligan, mrs marguerite, melbourne, victoria

Ledger from the Mount Fyans station, property of William Cumming, Mount Fyans, and Thomas F Cumming, Stony Point, Victoria.LEDGERshearing sheep stations - management, cumming, mr w. b., mount fyans stud, victoria, shearing, sheep stations - management