This swimsuit belonged to Jessie Aldred (nee Dell, 1903-1995). Jessie was a dressmaker who married Frederick Ashley Aldred (1902-1974) in 1928. They lived at 34 Thomas Street, Sandringham from the late 1920s until at least the late 1970s. BHS also has a photo of Jessie on Hampton Beach in the 1920s. Seagull swimsuits were designed by Peter O'Sullivan (who also designed Black Lance swimwear) and manufactured by Botany Knitting Mills Pty Ltd in Melbourne.One piece black wool lastex swimsuit with mini-shorts and a modesty skirt to cover the tops of the thighs. White straps and white lacing down centre bodice. Seagull logo on left thigh. Low back; straps fasten with buttons at back waist. Hidden drawstring at back waist.Label: "This Seagull Swimsuit is protected by the patent and designs reg. nos. 22340/35, 13277, 16028/34".jessie aldred, jessie dell, swimwear, seagull, 1930s, melbourne designers

This nightgown was made by Vasiliki Raftopoulos around 1900 for her daughter Toula's trousseau. Born in Ithaca, Toula's family migrated to Romania when she was only a baby. In 1914, Toula emigrated to Australia with her husband Constantine Mavrokefalos, where their daughter Olga Black was born in 1930. Olga is a longtime Brighton resident. BHS holds a collection of garments and textiles made by the women of Olga's family, spanning four generations. Constantine first emigrated to Australia in 1902, returning to Greece circa 1912-13 to serve his home country in the Balkan Wars. Toula's family had left Ithaca for Romania when she was only six months old, but she happened to be visiting the island at the very time that Constantine arrived, fresh from the war. Within three weeks they were married, and when Constantine returned to Melbourne in 1914 his new bride came with him. Constantine had trained as an accountant, but his qualifications were not recognised in Australia. Changing his surname to the Anglicised "Black", he started off working in his older brother Dionysios's cafés before going into business on his own. In 1917 he opened the Paris Residential Café at 54-56 Swanston Street, which offered both dining and accommodation. The business saw some years of success, but did not survive the Great Depression. Constantine died in 1944. Olga's mother Toula learned to sew as a child, while growing up in the Romanian village of Brila. She developed her skills making lace and embroidering items for her trousseau. Some of the linen she embroidered had been woven from flax on Ithaca by her own grandmother, Efstathia. During the Depression, when money was scarce, Toula embroidered at home, doing work for a factory in Flinders Lane. Using a cotton reel, a threepence and a sixpence she created and embroidered designs on hundreds of blouses. Olga spent her preschool days sitting at the table where her mother worked. Toula would involve Olga by allowing her to help choose the colour combinations. Toula lived with Olga in Brighton until her death in 1976. Olga inherited her mother's sewing skills. She re-invented some of Toula’s trousseau nightdresses and skilfully altered other clothing, making dresses which she wore around Brighton for many years.Women's white cotton nightgown, long with three quarter sleeves. Cotton lace on front and sleeves. Front fastening buttons. Pintucked with eyelets around neck.nightgown, toula black, toula mavrokefalos, vasiliki raftopoulos, olga black, 1900s, trousseau

About the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games donor Doug Pleasance wrote- During the 1980s the Australian wool industry was at its most prosperous times with record numbers of sheep producing wool receiving ever increasing values due to the success of the Reserve Price Scheme, and the overall guidance of the Australian Wool Corporation (AWC). As a humble technician, my role was a low profile newly created position of Controller, Technical Marketing, where wool was to be marketed on its technical properties, as distinct from the Product Marketing Group which exploited the traditional high profile approach of marketing wool's superior fashion attributes. The Woolmark was the tool central to this approach. The 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games saw an evolutionary change in designer selection. A Declaration of Interest Form was communicated to over forty potential designers. The task and especially tight timelines that were involved deterred many aspirants, however, there remained eight designers with the potential we were seeking. These eight designers were paid $3,000 per submission and the winning designer, Wendy Powitt, was paid $15,000. For the first time the judging panel included two athletes, one male swimmer and one female basketballer, their influence was pivotal. The ensemble consisted of three elements- 1. The Official Uniform which was used for travel and all official functions. This included: a tailored blazer and trouser/skirt (all water repellent) by Fletcher Jones, pure wool olive-green faille fabric by Foster Valley, cotton PE formal shirt by Pelaco, pure wool knitwear by Spangaro, printed wool tie by TD Noone, wool nylon socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 2. Opening Ceremony Uniform a lightweight wool fabric printed with floral designs that had been inspired by the work of Australian artist Margaret Preston. This included: Lightweight W/PE shorts by Fletcher Jones in Foster Valley Fabric, socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 3. Village Clothing was designed to be highly visible garments to make it easy to spot the Aussie and helped to contribute to good team spirit. This included: A pure wool shirt featuring blocks of contrasting colours, and a newly developed stretch 50:50 wool/cotton fabric by Bradmill was made into shorts and jeans by Fletcher Jones.The shirt is sleeveless and in majority cream coloured. Around the hem, buttons and across the front of the shoulders is an appliqued floral design of Australian flowers and leaves inspired by the designs of artist Margaret Preston. The appliqued pattern continues around the bottom hem but not over the shoulders of the shirt.1992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, artwork, drawing, uniform

About the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games donor Doug Pleasance wrote- During the 1980's the Australian wool industry was at its most prosperous times with record numbers of sheep producing wool receiving ever increasing values due to the success of the Reserve Price Scheme, and the overall guidance of the Australian Wool Corporation (AWC). As a humble technician, my role was a low profile newly created position of Controller, Technical Marketing where wool was to be marketed on its technical properties, as distinct from the Product Marketing Group which exploited the traditional high profile approach of marketing wool;s superior fashion attributes. The Woolmark was the tool central to this approach. The 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games saw an evolutionary change in designer selection. A Declaration of Interest Form was communicated to over forty potential designers. The task and especially tight timelines that were involved deterred many aspirants, however, there remained eight designers with the potential we were seeking. These eight designers were paid $3,000 per submission and the winning designer, Wendy Powitt, was paid $15,000. For the first time the judging panel included two athletes, one male swimmer and one female basketballer, their influence was pivotal. The ensemble consisted of three elements- 1. The Official Uniform which was used for travel and all official functions. This included: a tailored blazer and trouser/skirt (all water repellent) by Fletcher Jones, pure wool olive-green faille fabric by Foster Valley, cotton PE formal shirt by Pelaco, pure wool knitwear by Spangaro, printed wool tie by TD Noone, wool nylon socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 2. Opening Ceremony Uniform a lightweight wool fabric printed with floral designs that had been inspired by the work of Australian artist Margaret Preston. This included: Lightweight W/PE shorts by Fletcher Jones in Foster Valley Fabric, socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 3. Village Clothing was designed to be highly visible garments to make it easy to spot the Aussie and helped to contribute to good team spirit. This included: A pure wool shirt featuring blocks of contrasting colours, and a newly developed stretch 50:50 wool/cotton fabric by Bradmill was made into shorts and jeans by Fletcher Jones.8124.1 - The blouse is cream with an Australian floral design inspired by the work of artist Margaret Preston. The blouse has a scoop neck, cream buttons and small triangular cut outs on the sleeves. The shoulder seam runs to the points of the triangle and another across the back of the shoulders to create a rounded design. 8124.2 - Floral print fabric sample, this sample is cut in the shape of the front panel of the blouse but is unsewn. 8124.3 - Floral fabric sample. 8124.4 - Floral fabric sample. 8124.5 - Floral fabric sample.BARCELONA 19921992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, uniform

About the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games donor Doug Pleasance wrote- During the 1980's the Australian wool industry was at its most prosperous times with record numbers of sheep producing wool receiving ever increasing values due to the success of the Reserve Price Scheme, and the overall guidance of the Australian Wool Corporation (AWC). As a humble technician, my role was a low profile newly created position of Controller, Technical Marketing where wool was to be marketed on its technical properties, as distinct from the Product Marketing Group which exploited the traditional high profile approach of marketing wool;s superior fashion attributes. The Woolmark was the tool central to this approach. The 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games saw an evolutionary change in designer selection. A Declaration of Interest Form was communicated to over forty potential designers. The task and especially tight timelines that were involved deterred many aspirants, however, there remained eight designers with the potential we were seeking. These eight designers were paid $3,000 per submission and the winning designer, Wendy Powitt, was paid $15,000. For the first time the judging panel included two athletes, one male swimmer and one female basketballer, their influence was pivotal. The ensemble consisted of three elements- 1. The Official Uniform which was used for travel and all official functions. This included: a tailored blazer and trouser/skirt (all water repellent) by Fletcher Jones, pure wool olive-green faille fabric by Foster Valley, cotton PE formal shirt by Pelaco, pure wool knitwear by Spangaro, printed wool tie by TD Noone, wool nylon socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 2. Opening Ceremony Uniform a lightweight wool fabric printed with floral designs that had been inspired by the work of Australian artist Margaret Preston. This included: Lightweight W/PE shorts by Fletcher Jones in Foster Valley Fabric, socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 3. Village Clothing was designed to be highly visible garments to make it easy to  spot the Aussie and helped to contribute to good team spirit. This included: A pure wool shirt featuring blocks of contrasting colours, and a newly developed stretch 50:50 wool/cotton fabric by Bradmill was made into shorts and jeans by Fletcher Jones.Olive green knit vest with gold buttons. On the left breast is the Australian emblem with the Olympic rings and "Barcelona 1992" underneath it.BARCELONA 19921992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, uniform

About the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games donor Doug Pleasance wrote- During the 1980's the Australian wool industry was at its most prosperous times with record numbers of sheep producing wool receiving ever increasing values due to the success of the Reserve Price Scheme, and the overall guidance of the Australian Wool Corporation (AWC). As a humble technician, my role was a low profile newly created position of Controller, Technical Marketing where wool was to be marketed on its technical properties, as distinct from the Product Marketing Group which exploited the traditional high profile approach of marketing wool;s superior fashion attributes. The Woolmark was the tool central to this approach. The 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games saw an evolutionary change in designer selection. A Declaration of Interest Form was communicated to over forty potential designers. The task and especially tight timelines that were involved deterred many aspirants, however, there remained eight designers with the potential we were seeking. These eight designers were paid $3,000 per submission and the winning designer, Wendy Powitt, was paid $15,000. For the first time the judging panel included two athletes, one male swimmer and one female basketballer, their influence was pivotal. The ensemble consisted of three elements- 1. The Official Uniform which was used for travel and all official functions. This included: a tailored blazer and trouser/skirt (all water repellent) by Fletcher Jones, pure wool olive-green faille fabric by Foster Valley, cotton PE formal shirt by Pelaco, pure wool knitwear by Spangaro, printed wool tie by TD Noone, wool nylon socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 2. Opening Ceremony Uniform a lightweight wool fabric printed with floral designs that had been inspired by the work of Australian artist Margaret Preston. This included: Lightweight W/PE shorts by Fletcher Jones in Foster Valley Fabric, socks by Holeproof and footwear by Hush Puppy. 3. Village Clothing was designed to be highly visible garments to make it easy to  spot the Aussie and helped to contribute to good team spirit. This included: A pure wool shirt featuring blocks of contrasting colours, and a newly developed stretch 50:50 wool/cotton fabric by Bradmill was made into shorts and jeans by Fletcher Jones.Olive green knit vest with gold toned buttons. On the left breast is the Australian emblem with the Olympic rings and "Barcelona 1992" underneath it. The buttons are textured with lines.BARCELONA 19921992 barcelona olympics, sport, athletes, fashion, design, uniform

Franco Liburti was wearing this coat when he farewelled his wife Assunta in Naples, Italy in 1957, the day she departed for Australia. Tina Knitwear was a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010, run by Assunta and Franco Liburti. Daughter Melissa Persi writes: Our parents Assunta (Mum) and Franco (Dad) Liburti ran a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010. Assunta was affectionately known to her family as Assuntina, therefore the business was named "Tina Knitwear" after her. Assunta and Franco were born in the beautiful seaside town of Terracina in Italy in 1933 and 1930 respectively. As was so common in Italy in the 1950s, Assunta who was in her late teens and early twenties learnt the intricate skills of machine knitting, dressmaking and pattern making. Franco on the other hand, learnt the building trade with his 2 brothers and specialised in bricklaying and tiling. As was so common after the war, Assunta and Franco yearned for a better life so they decided that they would get engaged and then migrate to Australia to be married and raise their family in Australia, a land of much opportunity which they no longer felt their beloved Italy held for them. Assunta migrated to Australia first in 1957 and later Franco joined her in 1958 where they were married. For the first few years, Franco (also known as Frank) worked as bricklayer /tiler on buildings such as the Robert Menzies building at Monash University in Clayton and various buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Assunta on the other hand put her machine knitting skills to use working in factories doing piece machine knitting for various knitwear companies. The hours were long, the conditions were difficult, and travel was onerous without a car. After their 2 older children were born, it was decided that dad would leave the building trade and they would start their own made to order knitwear business. That way they could work from home and raise their family together. Mum taught dad everything he needed to know so he could operate the knitwear machinery. They purchased COPPO knitting machines from Italy and a Linking machine from Germany. Initially they had a knitwear shopfront in Bay Street Brighton where a store assistant would take the orders and client’s measurements and Assunta would then make the garments from a small workshop in their home. Unfortunately, the assistants were not skilled dressmakers and often measurements and orders were incorrectly taken. Assunta being the perfectionist and highly skilled machinist that she was, decided that she needed to oversee the entire process from meeting the client, to taking their order, right thru to the fittings and completion of the garment. It therefore made sense that they should close the shop front and run their business from their own home in Brighton and hence “Tina Knitwear” was born. Together, for more than 40 years they ran their very respected and successful business and were well known in the Bayside area. They specialised in made to order knitwear for both men and women using mainly pure wool (from Patons, Wangaratta Mills, Japan and Italy) but also lurex and estacel. Over those years, many of their clients became their close friends. It wasn't unusual for clients to come to order garments and then end up in the kitchen chatting over a cup of Italian espresso coffee and homemade biscuits. Some of their clients were especially memorable and became lifelong friends. Mrs Connell was a dear friend of mum’s, each year she would buy tickets for the “Gown of the Year” fashion show. She would insist on taking Assunta and her 2 daughters so that we could see the latest fashions. Then there was their dear friend Ms Griffiths. She had been a Matron nurse at the Queen Victoria Hospital when she met my parents in the 1970s. She returned to live in New Zealand in the 1980s but came back to Melbourne every year to stay for 2 weeks with the sole purpose of visiting my parents (she adored them) and order garments. For those 2 solid weeks, mum and dad would only knit for Ms Griffiths and she would go back to New Zealand with at least 5 or 6 new outfits. I actually think she enjoyed mum’s homemade pasta almost as much as her new clothes! Over the years, my parents learnt to speak English very well given that majority of their clients were not Italian speaking. Their oldest child John born in 1960 learnt to speak English with the help of those clients who were such a big part of our childhood. Mum and dad always went above and beyond to ensure their clients were satisfied. Mum was an absolute perfectionist and it showed in her attention to detail and the quality of their beautiful work. You only need to look at the garments that have stood the test of time or speak to their clients to know that this is true. Their clients would always comment on how well their clothes would last and much of their clients came via word of mouth and recommendations. Occasionally there would be disagreements because mum had found an error in dad's knitting (either a wrong stitch or a sizing mistake mainly) and would ask him to redo a piece, he would argue back saying that it was fine, but we always knew who would win the argument and that the piece would get remade! Similarly, we recall discussions where mum would ask dad to find a particular colour of wool in the garage where the stock was kept. He would try to convince her that they were out of stock of that colour and that the client should choose a different colour. She would insist they had it and then after hours of searching, he would return into the house sheepishly holding the wool! Our childhood is full of beautiful memories of mum and dad always being present, clients coming and going, mum humming her favourite songs as she worked often late into the night and sometimes, we even fell asleep to the hum of the machinery. They put their heart and soul into "Tina Knitwear" and took pride in providing only the best quality garments for their clients. In Italian there is a saying “lei ha le mani d’oro” which literally translated means “she has hands of gold”. Franco enjoyed his work but for Assunta, it was more than just work and there is no better way to describe her skills, passion and dedication to her machine knitting… she truly did have “hands of gold”. We will forever be grateful that our parents’ life journey gave us the opportunity to live in a home filled with creativity, dedication and passion, amazing work ethic and mutual respect, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of love. Men's coat featuring a charcoal herringbone weave, with three buttons down the front and on each sleeve cuff.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community, naples

Part of a selection of garments knitted by ‘Tina Knitwear’. Tina Knitwear was a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010, run by Assunta and Franco Liburti. Daughter Melissa Persi writes: Our parents Assunta (Mum) and Franco (Dad) Liburti ran a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010. Assunta was affectionately known to her family as Assuntina, therefore the business was named "Tina Knitwear" after her. Assunta and Franco were born in the beautiful seaside town of Terracina in Italy in 1933 and 1930 respectively. As was so common in Italy in the 1950s, Assunta who was in her late teens and early twenties learnt the intricate skills of machine knitting, dressmaking and pattern making. Franco on the other hand, learnt the building trade with his 2 brothers and specialised in bricklaying and tiling. As was so common after the war, Assunta and Franco yearned for a better life so they decided that they would get engaged and then migrate to Australia to be married and raise their family in Australia, a land of much opportunity which they no longer felt their beloved Italy held for them. Assunta migrated to Australia first in 1957 and later Franco joined her in 1958 where they were married. For the first few years, Franco (also known as Frank) worked as bricklayer /tiler on buildings such as the Robert Menzies building at Monash University in Clayton and various buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Assunta on the other hand put her machine knitting skills to use working in factories doing piece machine knitting for various knitwear companies. The hours were long, the conditions were difficult, and travel was onerous without a car. After their 2 older children were born, it was decided that dad would leave the building trade and they would start their own made to order knitwear business. That way they could work from home and raise their family together. Mum taught dad everything he needed to know so he could operate the knitwear machinery. They purchased COPPO knitting machines from Italy and a Linking machine from Germany. Initially they had a knitwear shopfront in Bay Street Brighton where a store assistant would take the orders and client’s measurements and Assunta would then make the garments from a small workshop in their home. Unfortunately, the assistants were not skilled dressmakers and often measurements and orders were incorrectly taken. Assunta being the perfectionist and highly skilled machinist that she was, decided that she needed to oversee the entire process from meeting the client, to taking their order, right thru to the fittings and completion of the garment. It therefore made sense that they should close the shop front and run their business from their own home in Brighton and hence “Tina Knitwear” was born. Together, for more than 40 years they ran their very respected and successful business and were well known in the Bayside area. They specialised in made to order knitwear for both men and women using mainly pure wool (from Patons, Wangaratta Mills, Japan and Italy) but also lurex and estacel. Over those years, many of their clients became their close friends. It wasn't unusual for clients to come to order garments and then end up in the kitchen chatting over a cup of Italian espresso coffee and homemade biscuits. Some of their clients were especially memorable and became lifelong friends. Mrs Connell was a dear friend of mum’s, each year she would buy tickets for the “Gown of the Year” fashion show. She would insist on taking Assunta and her 2 daughters so that we could see the latest fashions. Then there was their dear friend Ms Griffiths. She had been a Matron nurse at the Queen Victoria Hospital when she met my parents in the 1970s. She returned to live in New Zealand in the 1980s but came back to Melbourne every year to stay for 2 weeks with the sole purpose of visiting my parents (she adored them) and order garments. For those 2 solid weeks, mum and dad would only knit for Ms Griffiths and she would go back to New Zealand with at least 5 or 6 new outfits. I actually think she enjoyed mum’s homemade pasta almost as much as her new clothes! Over the years, my parents learnt to speak English very well given that majority of their clients were not Italian speaking. Their oldest child John born in 1960 learnt to speak English with the help of those clients who were such a big part of our childhood. Mum and dad always went above and beyond to ensure their clients were satisfied. Mum was an absolute perfectionist and it showed in her attention to detail and the quality of their beautiful work. You only need to look at the garments that have stood the test of time or speak to their clients to know that this is true. Their clients would always comment on how well their clothes would last and much of their clients came via word of mouth and recommendations. Occasionally there would be disagreements because mum had found an error in dad's knitting (either a wrong stitch or a sizing mistake mainly) and would ask him to redo a piece, he would argue back saying that it was fine, but we always knew who would win the argument and that the piece would get remade! Similarly, we recall discussions where mum would ask dad to find a particular colour of wool in the garage where the stock was kept. He would try to convince her that they were out of stock of that colour and that the client should choose a different colour. She would insist they had it and then after hours of searching, he would return into the house sheepishly holding the wool! Our childhood is full of beautiful memories of mum and dad always being present, clients coming and going, mum humming her favourite songs as she worked often late into the night and sometimes, we even fell asleep to the hum of the machinery. They put their heart and soul into "Tina Knitwear" and took pride in providing only the best quality garments for their clients. In Italian there is a saying “lei ha le mani d’oro” which literally translated means “she has hands of gold”. Franco enjoyed his work but for Assunta, it was more than just work and there is no better way to describe her skills, passion and dedication to her machine knitting… she truly did have “hands of gold”. We will forever be grateful that our parents’ life journey gave us the opportunity to live in a home filled with creativity, dedication and passion, amazing work ethic and mutual respect, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of love. Sleeveless beige vest with four front self covered buttons. knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community

Part of a selection of garments knitted by ‘Tina Knitwear’. Tina Knitwear was a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010, run by Assunta and Franco Liburti. Daughter Melissa Persi writes: Our parents Assunta (Mum) and Franco (Dad) Liburti ran a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010. Assunta was affectionately known to her family as Assuntina, therefore the business was named "Tina Knitwear" after her. Assunta and Franco were born in the beautiful seaside town of Terracina in Italy in 1933 and 1930 respectively. As was so common in Italy in the 1950s, Assunta who was in her late teens and early twenties learnt the intricate skills of machine knitting, dressmaking and pattern making. Franco on the other hand, learnt the building trade with his 2 brothers and specialised in bricklaying and tiling. As was so common after the war, Assunta and Franco yearned for a better life so they decided that they would get engaged and then migrate to Australia to be married and raise their family in Australia, a land of much opportunity which they no longer felt their beloved Italy held for them. Assunta migrated to Australia first in 1957 and later Franco joined her in 1958 where they were married. For the first few years, Franco (also known as Frank) worked as bricklayer /tiler on buildings such as the Robert Menzies building at Monash University in Clayton and various buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Assunta on the other hand put her machine knitting skills to use working in factories doing piece machine knitting for various knitwear companies. The hours were long, the conditions were difficult, and travel was onerous without a car. After their 2 older children were born, it was decided that dad would leave the building trade and they would start their own made to order knitwear business. That way they could work from home and raise their family together. Mum taught dad everything he needed to know so he could operate the knitwear machinery. They purchased COPPO knitting machines from Italy and a Linking machine from Germany. Initially they had a knitwear shopfront in Bay Street Brighton where a store assistant would take the orders and client’s measurements and Assunta would then make the garments from a small workshop in their home. Unfortunately, the assistants were not skilled dressmakers and often measurements and orders were incorrectly taken. Assunta being the perfectionist and highly skilled machinist that she was, decided that she needed to oversee the entire process from meeting the client, to taking their order, right thru to the fittings and completion of the garment. It therefore made sense that they should close the shop front and run their business from their own home in Brighton and hence “Tina Knitwear” was born. Together, for more than 40 years they ran their very respected and successful business and were well known in the Bayside area. They specialised in made to order knitwear for both men and women using mainly pure wool (from Patons, Wangaratta Mills, Japan and Italy) but also lurex and estacel. Over those years, many of their clients became their close friends. It wasn't unusual for clients to come to order garments and then end up in the kitchen chatting over a cup of Italian espresso coffee and homemade biscuits. Some of their clients were especially memorable and became lifelong friends. Mrs Connell was a dear friend of mum’s, each year she would buy tickets for the “Gown of the Year” fashion show. She would insist on taking Assunta and her 2 daughters so that we could see the latest fashions. Then there was their dear friend Ms Griffiths. She had been a Matron nurse at the Queen Victoria Hospital when she met my parents in the 1970s. She returned to live in New Zealand in the 1980s but came back to Melbourne every year to stay for 2 weeks with the sole purpose of visiting my parents (she adored them) and order garments. For those 2 solid weeks, mum and dad would only knit for Ms Griffiths and she would go back to New Zealand with at least 5 or 6 new outfits. I actually think she enjoyed mum’s homemade pasta almost as much as her new clothes! Over the years, my parents learnt to speak English very well given that majority of their clients were not Italian speaking. Their oldest child John born in 1960 learnt to speak English with the help of those clients who were such a big part of our childhood. Mum and dad always went above and beyond to ensure their clients were satisfied. Mum was an absolute perfectionist and it showed in her attention to detail and the quality of their beautiful work. You only need to look at the garments that have stood the test of time or speak to their clients to know that this is true. Their clients would always comment on how well their clothes would last and much of their clients came via word of mouth and recommendations. Occasionally there would be disagreements because mum had found an error in dad's knitting (either a wrong stitch or a sizing mistake mainly) and would ask him to redo a piece, he would argue back saying that it was fine, but we always knew who would win the argument and that the piece would get remade! Similarly, we recall discussions where mum would ask dad to find a particular colour of wool in the garage where the stock was kept. He would try to convince her that they were out of stock of that colour and that the client should choose a different colour. She would insist they had it and then after hours of searching, he would return into the house sheepishly holding the wool! Our childhood is full of beautiful memories of mum and dad always being present, clients coming and going, mum humming her favourite songs as she worked often late into the night and sometimes, we even fell asleep to the hum of the machinery. They put their heart and soul into "Tina Knitwear" and took pride in providing only the best quality garments for their clients. In Italian there is a saying “lei ha le mani d’oro” which literally translated means “she has hands of gold”. Franco enjoyed his work but for Assunta, it was more than just work and there is no better way to describe her skills, passion and dedication to her machine knitting… she truly did have “hands of gold”. We will forever be grateful that our parents’ life journey gave us the opportunity to live in a home filled with creativity, dedication and passion, amazing work ethic and mutual respect, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of love. Red princess seam coat dress with ten self covered buttons down centre front and crew neck. knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community

Red long sleeve knitted dress with buttons at the back. Swirl pattern across front. 8481.2 Detachable red belt. 8481.3 Small sample of red wool knitwear, dress, fashion, 1950s

Hand knitted burnt orange cardigan with long sleeves. Four buttons down the front at the top. Cardigan has pockets and a collar. knitwear, fashion, cardigan, 1970s

The TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO military pip relates to The Most Honourable Order of the Bath. Originally founded as a military order of chivalry, the star (or pip) is worn as army officers' rank insignia. The insignia is that of the Order of the Bath. The Order's motto is Tria juncta in uno (Latin for "Three joined in one"). This is a reference to either the union of England, Scotland and Ireland, or to the Holy Trinity.Green military coat with buttons, collar and two outer pockets. Front buttons have British royal insigna. Buttons on shoulders have TRIA JUNCTA INUNO, left shoulder has 3 and right shoulder has 2 (one is missing).Label: EVERCRAFT CLOTHING PTY. LTD. / N.S.W. / CLASS 8405 / ARMY No. 3800951 / NAME LLOYD L. P.british military, australian military, wool, coat, order of bath, tria juncta in uno, pip, star, army, officer, rank, insigna, uniform

The donor's mother, Joy Newall owned these kilts. She lived on a wheat/sheep farm in the Wimmera where her husband also bred merino sheep. Joy was well known in the district for the way she dressed when out in public.Red and dark green tartan kilt with eye and hook fastening clips and buttons on three different size settings. A metal clasp fastens on the left side. tag: Fletcher Jones / PURE NEW WOOL / DO NOT WASH / DO NOT BLEACH / VERY COOL IRON / DRY CLEAN ONLY / REMEMBER - FLETCHER JONES / OFFERS EXPERT PROFESSIONAL / CLEANING AND REPAIR SERVICEclothing, fashion, tartan, kilt, scottish, wool

The donor's mother, Joy Newall owned these kilts. She lived on a wheat/sheep farm in the Wimmera where her husband also bred merino sheep. Joy was well known in the district for the way she dressed when out in public.Maroon, brown, yellow and blue tartan kilt with eye and hook fastening clips and buttons on three different size settings. A metal clasp and large safety pin fastens on the left side.tag: Fletcher Jones / AUSTRALIA'S FINEST CLOTHING / MADE IN AUSTRALIAclothing, fashion, tartan, kilt, scottish, wool

Nino Corda was a Geelong based textile designer who worked at various textile mills between 1957 & 2003. He travelled the world in search of the latest fashions and techniques and developed timeless designs that were much loved by Australians. These items are on rotational display at the National Wool Museum’s ‘In the Factory’ exhibition. For many years, Nino also worked as part of the Honorary Staff of the National Wool Museum. His passion for the world of textiles provided energy and knowledge to the visitors and staff of the museum. Although Nino has now retired from his honorary position and has hung up his Australian Tartan vest, these items will continue to serve the community in sharing the stories of Australian Textile design. This Suit Jacket was tailored from fabric designed by Nino while he was working at the Foster Valley Mill. Nino developed a Mastercard such as w8043, which was sent to a mill in order to produce bolts of the desired fabrics w8044. These fabrics were then given to tailors where the final product was produced, such as this Suit Jacket.Single breasted suit jack with two buttons and notched lapel. Jacket is predominantly grey with black buttons and a silver silk interior lining. Four darker grey vertical and horizontal lines make up the design of the fabric on the exterior of the suit jacket. suit jacket, weaved, tailored

Possibly belonging to Mrs Jack Crowe of Yambuk. Owner of the Yambuck general store in later years. Lace top of an undergarment or night attireCottom trim irish crochet work for a petticoat. 3 buttons to fasten in frontlocal history, handcrafts, crochet, lace, top

The dress was worn by Gladys May Moutray when she married Alan Tieman at St. John’s Anglican church Port Fairy in 1941.Home made wedding dress with attached train and lining/petticoat. Cream crepe over sewn in rayon lining. Material covered buttons x 7 with fabric loops on each wrist of long sleeves. Hook and eye (hand sewn) at back of neck closure and side closures of lining and dress. Velveteen ruffles around edge of train. Velveteen flower accent at front and back waist with Cornelli embroidery. Shirring at top of shoulders. Press studs at wrist closure. Dress L 134cm, W shoulders (flat) 32 cm, hem (flat) 80 cm. Attached train, L 134cm, W 164 cm. Sleeves, L (inside arm) 46 cm.female costume dress, wedding, gladys may tieman, alan tieman, gladys may moutray

Issued as a uniform item post WWII until the late 1980s. It was also used parade dress until its replacement of a newly designed uniform made of polyester. This particular sample belonged to CPL K. Howe 3144504 whist in the Army Reserves 1982 to 2005The khaki battledress was standard uniform issued post world war two and used until the introduction of the polyester uniform in the late 1980s. This uniform belonged to CPL K. Howe, the donor providing good provenance. In conjunction with other items of militaria donated by the Howe family. Item can be to tell a story of multi generations of military service of the Howe familySingle breasted hip-height jacket in khaki fabric, fastened with five buttons down the centre of the chest. Two pleated breast pockets with triangular flaps fastened with two buttons. All buttons plastic and khaki green in colour. Jacket is fastened around the hips with a belt, attached on left hand side and buckled in a rectangular metal buckle on right hand side. Both left and right sleeves bear two patches, a double chevron and red rectangular patch rounded to follow the seam of the shoulder, with embroidered text. Navy lanyard looped around right shoulder, held in place by epaulet and tucked into right side pocket. Red patch reads "ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERS" Internal left chest label reads "A.G.C.F./VIC. 1981/[broad arrow symbol]/6405.66.025.6408/SIZE OF CHEST/SIZE 99-102R/MACQUARIE 80/BATCH J/DRY CLEAN ONLY/CREASE UPPER/HALF OF/LAPELS ONLY/No. 3144504 [handwritten]/NAME/CPL K. HOWE [handwritten]"jacket, battledress jacket, battledress jacket khaki, royal engineers

The insignia on the collar of this jacket indicates that its wearer was a Marine Technical Propulsion Petty Officer in the Royal Australian Navy.Double breasted jacket in dark navy colour with notched lapels, chest pocket on left side and two hip pockets. Eight gold buttons fasten the jacket in front, each bearing Navy insignia of a crown above an anchor above the word "AUSTRALIA". Sleeves each bear navy blue patch on upper shoulder with the word "AUSTRALIA" embroidered in gold thread. Cuff of sleeves carry three gold buttons as previously described. Lapel collar has an embroidered patch on both sides which includes an ornately embroidered crown, above a propeller, above a six-pointed star above a "P"; all insignia is embroidered with gold thread. Jacket contains two interior chest pockets and is lined with synthetic material. Buttons carry embossed text "STOKES/MELB" Shoulder badges read "AUSTRALIA" Interior chest label reads, "A.G.C.F./VIC. 1981/8405-66-100-2323/SIZE. 104P/MATCHING TRS/SIZE 99P/R.A.N./MADE IN/AUSTRALIA." Handwritten on this label are the annotations "5114247/BAUMGARTEN"chief petty officer stoker, royal australian navy

This style of collar has a long history in the Royal Australian Navy, descending from the uniform style of the 19th century Royal Navy.Rectangular shaped collar with three white parallel lines running the border of the collar. Collar is light navy on top and striped white and blue on interior. Collar is held in place with nine buttons on the jumper, there are nine corresponding machine-stitched button holes on the collar. Handwritten on the interior at the back of the neck and on the edge of the square collar is "D. KRUEGER" On interior label on right side, "A.G.C.F./SIZE. 3/8406.66.078.0013/R.A.N./MADE IN/AUSTRALIA"royal australian navy, uniform, marine, australian defence apparel, ratings, collar

A girl's white cotton dress. The collar has floral embroidery, puffed elasticised sleeves, a pleated front with three plastic buttons and floral embroidery. it has a flared skirt with pleating around the hemline.Label - "Colonial Recollections. 100 % cotton. Made in India".dresses, girls clothing

Worn by Miss Eva Sebire - 1950s.One pair of ladies' gauntlet-style apricot Kayser silk gloves with three covered buttons on feature cuff. There are three rows of diagonal stitching on the cuff, outlining three points, and one row around the cuff. There are also three rows of stitching on the back of the hand.clothing accessories, gauntlet gloves, gloves

Taffeta Silk dress worn by Miss Lydia Gaudion at her Marriage to Mr John Hunter, November 1881. This was the first Wedding in the new Methodist Church building.Taffeta silk, olive green with taupe contrast, wedding dress. Self-covered buttons down front. Layered pleated hemline, lace around the cuffs, and a bustle, and petticoat. Ruby and green stone brooch in shape of a flower, with a clear stone in the centre, worn at the neckline of the dress.wedding dresses, wedding clothing

Sergeant RMR 3rd Brigade Great Coat with 3 gold buttons across back and various buttons on front with insignia on sleeve. Double breasted, full length.1960s, clothing, insignia

Grey wool 3/4 length coat with grey satin lining, double breasted with brass buttons.clothing, wwii, second world war

Underwear & 1 item of nightwear belonging to Mary Monica Fleck Turner (Smith). Turner Collection.Items of clothing belonging to an early Kilmore family making up part of the Turner Collection.Eight camisoles, one underskirt, one bottom half negligee, one nightgown case. Generally in very good condition. TEX-0055.1 Underskirt, cotton & lace with blue satin ribbon. TEX-0055.3 Embroidered nightgown case TEX-0055.4 Camisole, lace & cotton, circular design on front, cap sleeves, prev. repair L front, cap sleeves with rust stains L sleeve. TEX-0055.5 Camisole, lawn & lace, white ribbon threaded through neckline, small holes throughout. TEX-0055.6 Camisole, white broderie anglaise, narrow fabric shoulder straps, drawstring neckline. Small holes throughout. TEX-0055.7 Camisole, cotton & lace, twisted gold ribbon at neckline, small holesthroughout. TEX-0055.8 Camisole, broderie anglaise, wide lace shoulder straps, blue ribbon at neckline, drawstring waist. 2 buttons missing, tear to lace mid upper back. TEX-0055.9 Camisole, white cotton, embroidered, pink ribbon through neckline, pintucks & drawstring at waist, 3 buttons missing. TEX-0055.10 Camisole, muslin, softlace shoulder straps, blue ribbon at neckline, hook & eye at waist, buttons missing. TEX-0055.11 Camisole, cotton & lace, pink ribbon at neckline, some holes/tears, 2 missing buttons, previous repair under R arm.TEX-0055.11 - Label outside R bodice edge 'Melbourne/Robertson & Moffatt Pty Ltd/Bourke Street'.underwear, nightwear, turner collection, smith

Bone fan with hand painted violets. One pair of black leather wrist length gloves. One pair of grey suede gloves (made expressly for Peter's Glove Specialist, Melbourne.) One beige beaded hand held handbag. Original Schonanek. Made in Czechoslovakia. Two lace doileys with dogs on them and pink embroidery around the edges. Two linen embroidered pillowslips with covered buttons.folding fans, fans, evening bags, pillowcases, gloves, baby clothing, doilies, detachable collars

Black dinner suit. Comprising tails coat, and white vest with three pearl buttons. Accompanied by bow tie. Size SM. Trousers missing. bow ties, wedding accessories, wedding clothing, waistcoats, clothing accessories

Assorted buttons and RAAF button and patch