Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Wool has been renowned for its excellent properties for thousands of years, by people from all over the world. Not only good for thick winter woollens, it can help keep you cool in summer, as well as being durable and resistant to water, fire, ultraviolet light, stains and odour. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Orange jumper with multicoloured heathered tweed effect, white stripe accent on neck, upper arm and sleeve cuffs, two patch pockets mounted on diagonal outlined in thread matching accent colour .2 Sample tags with manufacturing information, including sizes and colours available, as well as knit swatch samples in colourways Blue Tweed/Sky/Magnolia and Cream Tweed/Magnolia/Pine.1) [tag stitched into back neck] KATHRYN REGD PURE NEW WOOL/ SIZE 6 HEIGHT 120cm MADE IN AUSTRALIA .2) [blue sample label] STYLE 589/Pullover S.47. Wool Tweed. SIZES: 2 4 6 8 PRICE: $9.80 [amended to $10.75 in blue pen] $0.35 [handwritten in blue pen] $11.40 COLORS: Pink Tw/Ochre/Mag, Blue Tweed/Sky/Magnolia Cream Tweed/Mag/Pine. [Crossed out in black ink] March on Del.children's knitwear, children's clothing, clothing, knitwear, jumper, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, heathered yarn, tweed yarn, flecked yarn, colourwork

Travelling salesmen (hawkers) regularly journeyed from farm to farm selling useful household items like needles, thread, clothing, even cooking pots. Mr T Saker was a salesman selling drapery. He was based in Warrnambool and had a regular route to Lake Bolac and through the Western district.lake bolac, hawkers, drapery, warrnambool, western district

Beeswax has been used for millennia. From the 19th century on the main uses included, the making of candles (mainly for the wealthy), cosmetics ( eg. natural protection and gloss for the lips), wax for seals on mail and documents, and for polishing furniture (scrapings of wax dissolved in spirits such as turpentine). Also used for lubricating thread.Two lumps of beeswax used for a functional purpose. beeswax, wax

Established in London in 1760 as flax dressers and producers of thread for shoemakers, the business was founded by Francis Ullathorne and continued by four of his sons. Eventually they had agencies in Paris, London and Melbourne. They imported all manner of leather goods and tannery supplies by 1866. By 1901 the Melbourne company was named Ullathorne and Hartridge.48 Paper pages with cover missing. Revised List of Prices of goods in Ullathorne & Co's Illustrated Catalogue of Shoemakers' Curriers', Tanners' and Sadlers' Tools and Materials. London 1888 Printed by McCorquodale and Co. 'Armoury' Southwark.

The Forests Commission took safety very seriously, long before it became standard practice in the bush. The Chairman of the Commission, Alan Threader, personally chaired the safety committee. Sandy Dobbin was appointed as the first "safety officer" in the early 1970s. There were many innovations including safety boots and safety hardhats.Various hardhats. Later version had reflective safety tapeforests commission victoria (fcv), protective clothing, bushfire

The Forests Commission took safety very seriously, long before it became standard practice in the bush. The Chairman of the Commission, Alan Threader, personally chaired the safety committee. Sandy Dobbin was appointed as the first "safety officer" in the early 1970s. There were many innovations including safety boots and safety hardhats.Various types of safety smoke gogglesforests commission victoria (fcv), protective clothing, bushfire

The Forests Commission took safety very seriously, long before it became standard practice in the bush. The Chairman of the Commission, Alan Threader, personally chaired the safety committee. Sandy Dobbin was appointed as the first "safety officer" in the early 1970s. There were many innovations including safety boots and safety hardhats.Hardhats designed for use by bulldozer operators. Has inbuilt small battery operated fan to push a screen of air in front of drivers face to keep dust away. Made redundant with the advent of closed, air-conditioned cabins. Made in UK c 1981RACAL Benalla T120forests commission victoria (fcv), protective clothing, bushfire

The Forests Commission took safety very seriously, long before it became standard practice in the bush. The Chairman of the Commission, Alan Threader, personally chaired the safety committee Sandy Dobbin was appointed as the first "safety officer" in the early 1970s There were many innovations including safety boots and safety hardhats. Safety hardhats. One new hat with "two trees" FCV logo. One with hat with older style FCV sticker belonging to District Forester Col Almond (decorated with logos from the amalgamated CFL agencies).forests commission victoria (fcv), protective clothing

Navy cotton material with hanging straps at top and three pockets and extra material swatches to hold pins and needles.W 227689 Houguet D on white square tape and Stitch in Time 1968 A F L22L/290 on a square of pale grey mitred material Pockets contain Darning thread , press studs, darning needles, reels of cotton, hooks and eyes and sewing needles clothing, repair kit

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.White short-sleeved jumper with all-over pattern of aqua blue diamonds. Blue floated threads slightly show through white on main body, leading to an overall pale blue effect on body, with white collar and cuffs. Closes with three pearlescent plastic buttons at back neck. .2 is a retail tag marked with the style code, and includes generic information on care for garments of different material composition..1) [label stitched into back neck of garment] KATHRYN REGD CREATED BY ROBERT BLAKE .2) [retail tag, intended to be folded in three, printed on both sides] [OBVERSE] KATHRYN Children’s Knitwear STYLE: [blue pen] S/35B SIZE: PRICE: / KATHRYN Garments are… • PRE-SHRUNK • STANDARD MEASUREMENTS • FIT EXACTLY • LAUNDER PERFECTLY / NOW .. KATHRYN GOES TO . . SCHOOL Ask your retailer for SCHOOL PULLOVERS by KATHRYN [REVERSE] WASHING INSTRUCTIONS WOOL Wash frequently to AVOID HEAVY SOILING Wash garment BY HAND, in lukewarm Velvet Soap suds. ON NO ACCOUNT RUB SOAP ON GARMENT. Squeeze suds gently through garment but DO NOT RUB. Rubbing will cause garment to thicken. RINSE AT LEAST TWICE IN CLEAN WATER TO REMOVE ALL SOAP. TO dry, roll garment in a towel to remove excess moisture, turn garment inside out and pull it lengthwise, DRY IN SHADE… AVOID SUNLIGHT. When dry, place brown paper or pressing cloth over garment and press with iron at correct heat. ORLON Wash as wool Lay flat to dry but DO NOT IRON. To keep brushed suits like new, brush frequently with nylon brush supplied. COTTON Wash by hand for preference in Velvet Soap suds. Rinse thoroughly in cold water and remove all excess water before drying on line. Please do not use any harsh detergent or bleach. Designed and manufactured by ROBERT BLAKE Pty. Ltd., MELB. (handwritten in pencil) S35 (untintelligible)/5 / NOW KATHRYN GOES TO SCHOOL Ask your retailer for SCHOOL PULLOVERS by KATHRYNknitwear, children's knitwear, clothing, children's clothing, jumper, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, colourwork

Personal account of Gordon Smith's life when living in Mt Beauty and Bogong townships while working for the SECV on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Gordon gives an account of both working and living during the 1950s and early 1960s in a remote part of Victoria - the Kiewa Valley and in 2 small construction towns. He gives a lot of detail eg. the weather, his work, the people, the activities, his family and leisure time.Plastic threaded spine holding 282 pages with black and white photos. Front Cover includes 2 small black and white photos either side of the title at the top and below the title a larger colored photo of Rocky Valley Dam. Author's name is underneath. "Dick Puttyfoot" on cover page.kiewa hydro electric scheme, state electricity commission of victoria., gordon smith

Textiles. Semicircular beaded purse. Blue beads and tassel at bottom of purse. Top section has mauve beads with coloured beaded flowers. Letters in brown beads ''TREU ,,,, TMER''. The top opening is edged with pearl beads with gold cord threaded around the opening.textiles, domestic, semicircular beaded purse.

The donor was a collector of evening bags. Her collection has been acquired by the Society. She was a friend of Barbara Rogalski, who donated them to the Society after Jenny's death.Evening Bag with front of bag covered with needlework in gold & silver thread. Coloured embroidery on the tail of a Peacock. Three butterflies on sides and two flowers in corners. The bag is made of black velvet with cotton lining. An embroidered hand strap on the back. Closed by press stud.Made in India.costume accessories, female

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 example of evening wear from 1980 is one of two pieces in the collection owned and worn by Kaye Cole.This dress was bought for and worn by Cr Kaye Cole, Mayor of Kew 1979/80, to a Mayoral Dinner on Friday 25 July 1980. An accompanying seating plan lists the attendees including the Governor of Victoria, the Victorian Premier, State and Federal parliamentary representatives and distinguished guests from neighbouring municipalities. The evening dress was donated to the Society by Kaye Cole on the occasion of an interview on 6 August 2018 relating to the period on which she served on Kew Council as a representative of North Ward (1973-6) and Prospect Ward (1978-85) and her achievements as mayor.Brown acetate evening gown, and floor-length evening coat retailed by Bianca, Sydney, and manufactured under licence to Henry Chavan, Lyon & Paris. The sheer fabric of the coat is decorated by the use of pile weave, forming a floral pattern of velvet outlined in gold thread.mayors of kew (vic), cr. kaye cole, international fashion - france - henry chavin, women's clothing, evening wear, fashion retailers - bianca - sydney, evening dresses, evening ensembles

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne.Black hostess apron embroidered with sprays of leaves using orange and yellow silk thread. The apron is bordered by commercial guipure lace. The apron is backed by the same black fabric. While the leaves are embroidered on the upper layer only, the pocket is embroidered on/through both layers.clothing - women's, aprons, protective wear, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s

A guidon is the regimental banner or flag carried by a regiment of light cavalry or light horse. The 8th light Horse (Indi) Regiment was presented with the guidon circa 1927. The actual date is not certain. The guidon carries the battle honours accorded to the regiment for service in the South African War (1899-1902), World War One (!914-1918) and World War Two (1939-1945). The guidon passed into the custody of the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiment when it was raised on 1 May 1948. At Federation, the Victorian Mounted Rifles companies in North East Victoria were reorganised into the 8th Light Horse Regiment. In 1912 the regiment was renumbered 16th Light Horse. The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded. In 1948, the 8th Light Horse was linked with 13th and 20th Regiments to form the 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles in the Citizen Military Forces. Guidon of the 8th Light Horse Regiment. Maroon corded cotton double thickness fabric with gold metal thread fringe, gold embroidered regimental number in Roman numerals, regimental badge and battle honours; colour patch below badge. Braided corded with tassels.Battle honours: "South Africa 1899-1902, Sari Bair, Maghdaba-Rafah, Jerusalem, Megiddo, Damascus, Defence of ANZAC, Rumani, Gaza-Beersheba, Jordan (Es Salt), Sharon, South West Pacific 1943-1944"guidon, 8th light horse, battle honours

Cream silk princess line wedding dress with scalloped neck edge, ruched front bodice panel and ruched and gathered panels on skirt. Three-quarter length sleeves with slashed sleeve details. Centre back opening fastened with silk thread covered buttons.wedding dress, 1870s

White, nylon tablecloth with lace star in the centre, surrounded by lace lines, with embroidered crystal shapes within lace in each corner. White, linen pillow slip with an embroidered flower and leaves in each corner. It has a pulled thread and embroidered, scalloped border, (Torn)table ware., bed linen., household textiles.

Part of the Laby Collection of material donated by the family of TH Laby and daughters Jean and Betty in August 2014. This particular book is one of two copies acquired together as part of the Laby Collection, the other being inscribed with Betty’s name, suggesting that this volume belonged to Jean Laby. At some point the ornament has been stuck in the book on the first page.This volume is a softcover book with green coated fabric cover and black lettering. The front cover is horizontally bordered top and bottom with a double black line. A flat, decorative ornament of a person playing a piano, threaded with a pink ribbon, is stuck with tape to the inside front page.Written inside front page with blue ink: ‘Jean / from D. K. [P.]’ Front cover in black: ‘A FIRST / TRIGONOMETRY / BY / WINIFRED WADDELL / AND / D. K. PICKEN’laby, picken, books, trigonometry, jean laby

These bags were used for transference of cash and cheques from country railway stations to Melbourne in self-locking steel cash safes on passenger trains. Duplicate keys to the bags were held in the cashiers office Melbourne.Used at local railway station Portland for transference of cash and cheques back to the Melbourne office.Dark brown Leather oblong shaped cash bag. Reinforced leather panel on the front with a brass name plant that has been stamped with the word 'PORTLAND'. Leather buckle at the top with eye holes for threading. Brass lock shaped like teddy bear attached. Front plaque stamped with 'PORTLAND' Lock - 'J HUBBALL MELBOURNE' 'P37portland railway, melbourne railway

This bat was awarded to Thomas William Southcombe in 1876 for the best batting average during the 1875-6 season at Warrnambool Cricket Club. Thomas William Southcombe was the son of Thomas and Mary Southcombe of Port Fairy. With his parents, Thomas and Mary, he arrived in Port Fairy in 1854. Thomas Senior was a carpenter who established several businesses in Port Fairy and served on the local Council for many years as a Councillor and Mayor. Thomas Junior appears to have migrated to U.S.A. and died there in 1904. The cricket bat was manufactured by the British firm of James Lillywhite, Frowd & Co. James Lillywhite was an English cricketer whose uncle had originally established the sports store and manufacturing business which lasted under various names until the 21st century. A cricketer named Lillywhite played in Warrnambool in 1874 with an All England Team under the captaincy of W.G.Grace. It is not known whether this was James Lillywhite or another member of the Liilywhite family as several of them played first class cricket.. The impression of the signature of W.H.Ponsford on the bat is an intriguing one. W.H. (Bill) Ponsford was a famous Australian cricketer who retired in the late 1930s. The Southcombe cricket bat was given by Mary Southcombe (Thomas’ sister) to the old Warrnambool Museum in 1923 and it is surmised that Bill Ponsford visited Warrnambool in 1957 (tthis appears to be the date under the signature imprint) and was shown the bat. It is then surmised that he rested a piece of paper or an album page on the bat while he signed his name and the impression of the signature has come through onto the bat. The old Museum closed in the 1960s and the bat was then passed on to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society from the Warrnambool City Council collection of items from the Museum. This bat is of considerable importance because of its provenance and its connection with the Warrnambool Cricket Club, the Southcombe family of Port Fairy, the Lillywhite manufacturers, the old Warrnambool Museum and Bill Ponsford. It is also a good example of the type of cricket bat used in Australia in the 1870s. This is a wooden cricket bat (light colour wood, presumably willow) with a handle covered in oiled thread. It has an etched inscription on one side of the bat and the names of the manufacturer and distributor on the other side. There is also a faint impression of another signature. The blade of the bat is slightly curved. ‘W.C.C. Season 1875-6 Presented to T.W. Southcombe, for Best Batting Average’ ‘James Lillywhite Frowd & Co., Manufacturers, Borough, England’ ‘Made for George Marsh, Melbourne’ ‘W.H.Ponsford, -/1/1957’ warrnambool cricket club, thomas william southcombe, w.h.ponsford, warrnambool’s old museum

1941 Christmas Greeting card produced for the 2/24 Infantry Battalion AIF whilst abroad to send to family and loved ones.Folded cream cardboard with irregular edging and wording in black print on front cover and inside back cover. Red and white rolled thread/ribbon tied through two punched holes on left margin. Inside contains a black and white panorama of a seaside bay. 1941 Greetings from 2/24 Aust Inf Bn/AIF ABROAD Inside card - Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and Joy in the New Year/Xmas 1941/New Year 19422/24 bn, ww2

1. Blue enameled water bottle with cork sealed top enclosed in an outer woollen cover, the bottle sits in an enclosed bottle harness. 2. There is an adjustable cotton shoulder strap attached to the harness, the shoulder strap is threaded through brass rings attached to the harness.1. On the cork top, “D^D QP”passchendaele barracks trust, water bottle, harness, enamel

Item souvenired by VX76842 George Lunn 2/9 Fld Coy, refer Cat No 5581 for his service history.Trench art ashtray made from artillery shell base approx 85mm dia, a buddha type figure is attached via screw thread, the base has 6 Japanese figures, there are 2 numbers "7" & "F", item has been chrome plated.trench art, japanese, souvenirs, lunn

Clothing. .5 cm ribbon, looped into flowers, which have 2 cm long stems (2of) with tiny pearls on the ends. There are two stems of these flowers wrapped together with cotton thread - these stems are 12.5 cm long and possibly curved over the bridal veil.costume accessories, female, wedding head piece.