Linda Britten is a fashion designer who graduated from RMIT in 1968. Following her graduation she worked in the design house of Noleen King and freelanced for Kenneth Pirrie. She opened a shop in Hampton, Melbourne in the mid 1970s, and then another in Chapel Street. She first used the ‘Linda Britten’ label in 1978, designing and selling ‘up-market couture and eveningwear. Later, from 1980 she was to specialise in bridal wear. In 1980, she was awarded the Australian Fashion Designer of the Year. Three quarter length peacock-blue polyester taffeta dress with black collar. The fabric is gathered at the sleeves and at the waist to provide fullness to the design.Label: Linda Brittenlinda britten, women's clothing, australian fashion

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 dress was made by Mrs Dorothea Fush, the mother of the donor, and won an award for dress making at the Royal Melbourne Show. The award certificate is kept with the dress.Ballerina length black sheer evening dress with shoe string straps. women's clothing, australian fashion - 1960s, cocktail dresses, thea sartori

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 theatre costume was made Thea Sartori for her daughter to wear in a Ruyton Girls' School theatre production. It is one of a number of items donated to the Fashion Collection by Thea Sartori, which were made by, or for four generations of her family: her grandmother Frances Ethel Winifred Jones; her mother Dorothea Fush (nee Winstanley); by Thea Sartori (nee Morris), and her daughter. Burgundy coloured long theatre costume in the Medieval style. The high waisted dress has a square neck and gilding to the long sleeves. The dress was worn in a Ruyton school play. character “Anne of Cleeves”women's clothing, theatre costumes, ruyton girls school, thea sartori

THE HOUSE OF YOUTH label was founded c.1935) by Mr. Samuel Stein. By 1955 Mrs. Stein, his son, Philip, and his daughter, Elizabeth, all played an active part in the business. The connection with Dior came to them without seeking. Dior, that man of fashion genius, had come to the conclusion that the Australian market offered a scope he could not afford to ignore. He questioned many visitors to Paris and decided that the House of Youth was the obvious channel through which his designs should flow to the Australian woman. Completely versatile, this firm is capable of covering every phase of fashion production, from impeccably tailored suits and coats to softly draped, intricately cut dresses and evening gowns. Mr. Philip Stein was modest when asked what Dior thought of their copies, but confessed that Dior, had been "very flattering". Dior had-been greatly impressed with the standard of Australian craftsmanship, and, as a result of the success of this joint Parisian-Australian fashion venture, it is whispered that the great man himself is seriously contemplating a visit to Australia. (Source: The Argus 22 Feb 1955)Unlined pale grey linen two-piece suit with a fabric belt attached. The suit has the label "House of Youth Model" which may indicate that it is a licensed copy of a French original.Label: "House of Youth Model"women's clothing, australian fashion - 1950s, dresses, house of youth

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 collection by Rosemary-Vaughan Smith.Pale pink satin embroidered evening dress with ruched hem and heavy gold braid.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1970s, evening wear, cocktail dresses, rosemary vaughan-smith

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 dress is one of a number donated to the collection by Rosemary Vaughan-Smith. Full-length cream and purple paisley pattern evening dress.Nilwomen's clothing, caftans, evening dresses, australian fashion - 1960-1969, rosemary vaughan-smith, australian fashion - 1960s

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.Hot pink chiffon tiered evening dress.Label: Hartnell of Melbournehartnell of melbourne, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1960s, 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. This item was owned and worn by Dione McIntyre.The McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1980s. 1920s style red coloured dress of Indian cotton, tucked, and embroidered with beading.mcintyre collection, australian fashion - 1980s, women's clothing, day wear, dione mcintyre

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 dress was worn by Kew resident Lilian Cohen.The McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1980s. Cream-coloured drop waisted handmade dress, using machine made lace and added lace trim. The dress is missing its underdress.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1930s, lace dressses, mcintyre collection

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 dress is one of a number donated to the collection by Rosemary Vaughan-Smith.Full length multi-coloured striped satin dress cut on the bias. This style became popular in the 1930s.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1930s, evening dresses, rosemary vaughan-smith

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 dress is one of a number donated to the collection by Dione McIntyre.The McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1990s. Long white raw silk dress with beading and sequins applied to a high neck and short sleeves.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1960s, evening wear, mcintyre collection, dione mcintyre

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 emerald green, satin evening dress, owned by Gwen Steele, was worn by her to a reception for Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 at Government House, Melbourne. [The personalised printed invitations are kept in the Subject File 'Gwen Steele'.]Emerald green, satin cocktail dress with shoe-string straps.royal visit (victoria) 1954,, gwen steele, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1950s, 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. 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

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. Single-piece, floor length, gold silk taffeta evening dress featuring the use of a very long fishtail train to which is attached a silk cord to allow the wearer to hold it above the floor. The dress includes a number of decorative features including the extensive use of box pleats on the sleeves and on the hem of the skirt; contrasting gold and cream braiding and tassles; and the extensive use of ruching on the bodice at the front. Due to the age and fine quality of the silk taffeta used, there is evidence of the degradation of the fabric on one shoulder and a tear in the rear of the skirt. Otherwise the dress is in excellent condition.fashion - 1870s, australian fashion, wedding dresses, costumes, women's clothing, coombs collection

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

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 handmade evening dress, worn by Kaye Cole, former mayor of Kew in 1979-80, has strong local provenance to the district.Purple caftan with embroidery and beading at the neck and on the sleeves, given to the donor by Kaye Cole, former councillor and Mayor of Kew 1979-80. The costume is believed to have been worn at various civic functions.kaye cole, mayor of kew 1979-1980, evening dresses, fashion - melbourne - 1970s

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

The donor's aunt, Margaret E. Hollis nee Piesse (18/2/1919-2008) wore this gown to the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. She was one of a total of 8,251 guests who attended the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London. Margaret Piesse was born in Hobart and grew up in the Piesse family home, 'Merridale', Sackville Street, Kew. She was residing at 4a Little Cloister, Westminster Abbey at the time of the Coronation and was married (on 14/2/1942) to Rev Howard Hollis, a minor Canon at the Abbey and a deputy Priest in – Ordinary to the Queen (1954-1959). Howard chanted the litany and carried the sceptre. Margaret’s daughter-in-law, Sue Hollis, Margaret’s sons, Julian who attended the Coronation with his mother, and Richard, gave the photograph to Felicity Renowden, the donor. Margaret Hollis died in Kew on 16/4/2008.Single piece, formal silk brocade gown worn to the Coronation of Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953. The bodice is informally draped with horizontal folds of fabric above an antebellum waistline below which is a full skirt. An accompanying photograph of the wearer in the dress can be viewed in the final image above. coronation elizabeth ii, piesse family, merridale -- sackville street -- kew (vic.), margaret e hollis, margaret ellen piesse, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s, women's clothing -- 1950s

While many recruits could already drive when they joined 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles it took many hours of instruction and training before they were licenced to drive heavier, more complex army vehicles both on and off road and under combat conditions. Members of the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) were posted to Army Reserve units in the 1980s and 1990s. They were rarely posted to Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) but were invaluable in the A1 Echelon driving fuel, ammunition, ration and water supply vehicles. Two colour photographs of group of soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles at a meal break during a driving exercise, 1986. Considerable variation in dress and headgear. Green beret at left, Sergeant D. Reynolds; hat Private T. Roche; Black beret Sergeant H. Wilson; no hat Corporal M. Roberts ; peak Cap with badge Warrant Officer 2 Burnie; Peak cap Corporal Potts.

Identification has been given as follows: Young women: (?) Elizabeth Cooper, Ilma Bodley, "Queen" Avis Andrews, Marion Fair, Lynette Elliott. Names of girl and boy attendants not known by donor. The Queen Carnival was a fundraiser for the Holy Trinity Tennis Club. The Queen Carnival Coronation was held in the Canterbury Memorial Hall on 11 June 1940. Mrs F Eastwood was the trainer and the Honorary Secretary of the tennis club. The donor Mary Holborn married Geoffrey Stroud Clucas in 1946 in Surrey Hills. The photo documents a social fundraising practice common in the early 20th century. Queen carnivals were also popular in New Zealand. In both countries they were particularly common during World War I and in the years after, when they were used to raise funds for returned soldiers. The first such carnival is believed to have been held in Napier, New Zealand, in 1913. The carnivals were not always annual events, and were held in various locations throughout a year.Black and white group photo of 5 women, 2 girls and 2 boys in formal costume mounted on cardboard which has been roughly trimmed. The 'Queen' is seated in the centre and the 2 young girls and 4 young women are standing beside her. The 2 'pages' seated in front of her on the edge of her train. The photo appears to have been taken in a hall. REAR: "Holy Trinity Tennis Club Queen Carnival / June 11 / 1940 / M Clucas / 33 Jurang St / Balwyn"sport, tennis, holy trinity anglican church, 1940, clothing and dress, queen carnival, mrs mary clucas, miss mary holborn, mrs f eastwood, elizabeth cooper, ilma bodley, avis andrews, marion fair, lynette elliott, canterbury memorial hall

Picnic Group (unknown) c1910Large group of men, women and children in an outdoor setting. Black and white photograph on a grey mount card. Ladies are dressed in light coloured, long frocks and hats. Men are wearing suits and hats.stawell

David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Electoral roll details: 1919 68 Park Street, Hawthorn 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert So, Shirley would have been born while they were at Barton Street. On the basis of these dates, this may have been taken in Hawthorn. Identification of 'Grannie': If this is Lily's mother her name is Janet Deakin (nee Longmore - 1851-1939). If it is Dave's mother her name is Isabel Brown (1855-1944). The other woman is identified as May Little, who helped in the house. Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. A sepia photo of a well-dressed family in and beside a buggy. The group is comprised of a man, 3 women and 3 children. The chimneys of Victorian or perhaps Edwardian houses are in the background.On rear: "Grannie Dad Mum / Beryl Geoff Isabel" (in hand 1 and blue biro) "on left Isabel on knee" (in a different hand in black biro) "May Little (Helped in / House" (in hand 1 in blue biro). On the basis of inscriptions in family autograph books, the first and third inscriptions look to have been written by Beryl Mair.david miller mair, dave mair, lily vipond mair, lily vipond deakin, geoffrey david mair, beryl mair, gwynneth mair, isabel lillian mair, janet deakin, janet longmore, isabel brown, isabel mair, horse-drawn vehicles, children, may little

David Miller (Dave) Mair's (1879-1938) extended family - Grannie would be his mother Isabel / Isabella Brown (1856-1944); Grandpa would be William Mair (1850-1924); Uncle Will Mair would be his brother William (1877-1948); Minnie Mair would be William Mair's wife Agnes Minnie Morice (1875-1910); Rita Mair is their daughter Rita Florence Mair (1908 - ?); Don Mair is their son Donald Douglas Mair (1910-1984); Auntie Elsie is Dave Mair's sister Elsie Brown Mair (1886-1954); Uncle Lloyd is Elsie's husband Lloyd Mortimer (1893-1950 TBC). Elsie married Lloyd Mortimer on 7 December 1917 at Rippon Lea. At the time her parents were living at 'Roslyn', 283 Hotham Street, Rippon Lea. This is also the address for Elsie and Lloyd in the electoral rolls 2 years later. The writing is identified as being that of Beryl Mair on the basis of her inscriptions in her and her daughter Laurie Young's autograph books. A sepia photo mounted on grey paper of a well-dressed family in and beside a car. The group is comprised of 3 men, 3 women and 3 children. The road is not sealed; in the background are 2 single storey terrace houses with bull-nose verandas which are set behind a picket fence. The paper mount is well-worn and discoloured around the edges.On rear: "Grannie Grandpa / Uncle Will Mair / Minnie Mair / Rita " / Don " / Auntie Elsie / Dave Mair's sister / Uncle Lloyd / Mortimer" On the basis of inscriptions in family autograph books, the first and third inscriptions look to have been written by Beryl Mair.isabel brown, isabella brown, isabel mair, isabella mair, william mair, minnie mair, agnes minnie morice, rita mair, rita florence mair, don mair, donald douglas mair, elsie brown mair, lloyd mortimer, elsie mortimer

David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Their children Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Dave was an extremely keen sportsman (particularly bowls and cricket). He started the Kangaroo Cricket Club and worked for the Melbourne Cricket Club.This is part of a large donation related to the Deakin, Mair and Young families with connections to the Surrey Hills / Mont Albert area.A sepia photo of a group of men and women grouped as in team or class photos against a leafy background. There are 23 men and 4 women. The women are all wearing large brimmed hats. The men are dressed in a variety of outfits. Most are wearing hats. Five are wearing stripey blazers but the rest are either in shirt sleeves with ties or light-coloured jumpers. On jumper has an emblem of a kangaroo facing forward over the left breast. There are 8 bowls lying randomly on the grass in front of the group.FRONT: Two crosses marking a man and woman. REAR: In black ink - "Kangaroos v M.C.C. 3 "B" / City Green / 12th March 1910 / Kutsy's last (single) / (in lead pencil) XX (In blue biro) David Millar Mair / Lily Vipond Dad & Mum Mair" The later handwriting is thought to that of Beryl Young (nee Mair). bowls, kangaroo club, david miller mair, dave mair, lily vipond deakin, lily vipond mair

Dr Unice (Una) Beatrice Porter, OBE, CBE (1900 - 1996) Una Porter was the youngest daughter of Frederick John Cato and his wife Fanny (née Bethune). She had 3 sisters and 4 brothers. Her father was of course the prominent businessman and co-founder of the Moran & Cato grocery company who was known for his generosity and commitment to the Methodist Church. Given this background it is not surprising that Una inherited a deep and lasting Christian faith that would become the driving force behind her own career and philanthropic activities. Una was educated at Methodist Ladies College and the English boarding school "Farringtons" however her formal education ended at the age of 14 due to ill health. By the outbreak of the First World War her sisters were married and her brothers enlisted. Una became very close to her father and assisted him in establishing hospitals and missions in Arnhem Land, Fiji and India. Una returned to formal study and matriculated at the age of 30. A niece with diabetes was the catalyst which led Una to study medicine. She enrolled at the University of Melbourne in 1933 and subsequently specialised in psychiatry with training at Prince Henry's Hospital, the Royal Park Mental Hospital and the Children's Hospital. In 1946 she took a post at the Ballarat Mental Hospital. Here she was the first female member of staff, overseeing 512 female patients. She later worked in private practice and was instrumental in the establishment of a psychiatric clinic at the Queen Victoria Hospital. Throughout her life, Una maintained a strong link with the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and in 1963 was elected as the World President of this organisation and in 1964 she was elected Woman of the Year. Una's philanthropic work was extensive. In addition to administering the F.J. Cato Charitable and Benevolent Trust and later the James and Una Porter Trust Fund, she made substantial personal donations to hospitals, universities and community organisations including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Epworth Hospital, Methodist Ladies College, Cato College, Queen Victoria Hospital and the YWCA. It is estimated that she gave over $1 million to various hospitals and institutions. Some of her projects included establishing a scholarship for rural female students to attend university, a Chair in Psychiatry, and extensive research into early childhood development. Una B. Porter was appointed O.B.E. (1961) and C.B.E. (1968) in recognition of her services to the community. At the age of 46 Una married James Roland Porter, an ex-RAAF squadron leader and a lifelong friend. Until this time, Dr Porter had lived at the Cato family home, ‘Kawarau’ at 192-198 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn (later Stephanie’s restaurant). In spite of having qualified as a doctor and with all her philanthropic activities, at age 43 the electoral rolls give her status as ‘home duties’! Dr Porter’s connection with Surrey Hills came after her marriage. In 1948 she and her husband bought 8 Kent Road. A black and white photograph of a screened image of a lady sitting in a winged-back chair. She is wearing a knee length dress with three-quarter length sleeves, and beads around her neck and wrist.psychiatrist, philanthropist, queen victoria hospital, mont albert, surrey hills, 8 kent road, dr una porter, mr james porter, dr unice beatrice porter, mr frederick cato, miss unice beatrice cato, mrs fanny cato, miss fanny bethune, young women's christian association, fj cato charitable and benevolent trust, james and una porter trust fund, methodist ladies college

Doris Lilian Wright of 214 Union Road was a milliner but joined the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) in the early war years. The Women’s Australian National Service (WANS) was inaugurated in 1940. Training for members of the WANS included air raid drills, first aid, basic military drills, and even shooting, signalling, and mechanics. AWAS on formed on 13 August 1941 with the objective of releasing more men into forward areas. The Army was particular with its recruiting and four references were required; another stipulation was that teeth were in good condition. Doris was located at Elwood. Their training area was along the foreshore and one day to their great surprise there were crowds of American Marines – "the cream of the American Army". These were the first Americans to arrive in Australia to strengthen the defence of the country. The Americans soon went north and the AWAS went off to Balcombe on the Mornington Peninsula. At this time there were no uniforms for the girls only ‘giggle’ dresses – of a non-descript colour. They were not expected to appear in public in these and wore civilian dress. Japan had just entered the war and there were more urgent demands on restricted supplies. The formal uniforms eventually arrived.A black and white photograph of a lady in an army uniform and wearing a hat.union road, surrey hills, uniforms, clothing and dress, (miss) doris wright, australian women's army service

Marjorie Joyce Haeffner informed that she was born at Mosgiel Hospital in Mont Albert Road, Surrey Hills in 1924, soon after it opened. According to electoral rolls, her parents Henry Norman Neil and Mabel Haeffner were living at 22 Wharton Street, Surrey Hills at this time. Henry's parents Henry Thomas Haeffner (1858-1935) and Eliza Jane (ms Chesney - 1868-1940) were farmers in the Tallangatta area. Their farm was called 'Ferndale'. Another farm in the area - 'Spring Creek' - was the address of Marj's parents in 1922 before they moved to Melbourne. Some time after 1926 and by 1931 Marj's parents had moved back to Tallangatta to help out on his parents' farm. This was lost during the Depression. Marj's family moved back to Melbourne; her grandparents stayed in the North Albury area until they died. Electoral roll entries show that there was considerable movement of extended family members between town and country. Marj's parents moved back to Surrey Hills; the electoral roll lists them at 33 Clyde Street in 1936 but Chatham Primary School's list of students records that Marj was there from 1932-1937. She had siblings Jack (enrolled in 1933) and Donald (enrolled in 1934). In 2019 this Edwardian timber home still stands. Marj was an enthusiastic member of a women's cricket club in the 1940s and 1950s. According to Jocelyn Hall's photo register, this photo was taken at the Haeffner home in Clyde Street. After she married Marj did not moved far from her childhood home in Clyde Street. She and her husband Brian Lindsay (known as Lindsay) Higgins bought 31 Langford Street, Surrey Hills, a Californian bungalow on a wide block, and between 1961 and 1970 Marj's children Margaret, Wendy, Deborah, Robyn, Adam and Christopher Higgins were also enrolled at Chatham. Marj's home in Langford Street was sold in April 2019 for $2.08M.A black and white photograph of a lady dressed in white cricket gear standing in front of a house.cricket, women's cricket, (miss) marjorie haeffner, (mrs) marjorie higgins, clyde street