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Brighton Historical Society
Shoes, c1890s
This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Di purchased these 1890s shoes around 1990 and recalled wearing them to approximately three events before she donated them to BHS in 2019. Di enjoyed the novelty and conversation they would inspire due to their unusual appearance by modern standards. The shoes are indicative of Di's playful approach to clothing and life. The decorative preserved mink pelt with head featured on the vamps of these shoes is typical of Victorian era interest in and prevalent use of preserved animals for decorative purposes in clothing, millinery and household adornment. This fashion reflected social positioning of oneself as being affluent, educated and worldly. Following the death of Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert in 1861, the Queen's approach to mourning his death influenced social conventions for the public, with the wearing of black becoming a significant aspect of Victorian fashions. The shoes were made by Kendal Milne & Co, a large department store on Deansgate, Manchester. It has traded under various names and owners since it opened in 1832; it traded as Kendal Milne & Co from 1862-1919, and continued to be known by this name for many years after. The store is currently owned by the House of Fraser department store chain and is known as House of Fraser Manchester.Black silk linear quilted uppers of single piece construction with feature centre front vamp seam. Horsehair wadding can be seen along the side of the forefoot where the upper is coming away from the leather soles. Approx 4.5 cm plain black silk covered heel with leather top piece missing from right shoe. Both shoes feature the head of a small preserved mink with glass eyes. The toppling of the vamp features a decorative strip of mink fur. Inside of both shoes is a gold printed manufacturers label on the black silk insole.Manufacturers label - Made expressly for Kendall Milne and Co, Manchester.victoriana, mink pelt, taxidermy, 1890s, fur, di reidie, vintage clothing -
Brighton Historical Society
Trousers, Howard Showers, "Howard Showers" trousers, c1990s
This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Di wore these novelty car print "Howard Showers" pants to many car rally events in Victoria, Australia and USA between 1990 and 2010, where she would perform the role of navigator and co-driver in a team with her husband David. Di's choice of clothing at the rallies is indicative of her sense of humour and attitude towards clothing. Cream coloured cotton French terry cloth pants with metal zip fly front, branded button closure, feature red stitching and printed cars in black ink. There are several car designs featured with each design appearing c1960s - 1970s. One car design features the name "Howard" on its number plate. Manufacturers label "Howard Showers, Holiday, size 12" Metal button inscription "Howard Showers, Syd (Sydney), Aust (Australia). "Made in Australia". Care label. howard showers, novelty print clothing, 1990s, di reidie -
Brighton Historical Society
Evening outfit, Four piece outfit of blouse, camisole, skirt and wrap, c.1997
This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Of all the items Di donated to the Society, this four-piece Easton Pearson outfit was her favourite. When she bought it around 1997-98, it was the first time she had spent a large amount of money on clothing, and she thought it only fitting to throw a suitably elegant party at which to wear it. James Cameron's hit movie 'Titanic' had just been released, and upon discovering the recipe book 'Last Dinner On the Titanic: Menus and Recipes from the Great Liner', Di was inspired to host a Titanic-themed party for her friends. Held at her home in Brighton in 1998, the event included a string quartet, an eleven-course meal prepared entirely by Di, and a life boat in the backyard swimming pool.A four piece outfit consisting of a blouse/cardigan, camisole, skirt and wrap. Double-layered silk wrap with an outer layer of silk chiffon. Both ends feature and embroidered band of brown and black cotton, copper wire, and copper glass beads. Camisole of black and copper shot polyester rayon with wide shoulder straps and small shoulder pads. Blouse of brown silk chiffon, with a v-neck and eleven silk-covered buttons and loops at centre front. Patch pockets over front hip and full length sleeves. The neckline and sleeve edges are trimmed with copper-coloured glass beads. Full-length double-layered straight skirt with black and copper shot polyester rayon lining and silk chiffon overskirt. The skirt secures centre back with a nylon zip and botton closure. The skirt features a centre front embroidered panel of brown and black cotton leaf and flower motifs, with copper wire and copper glass beads. manufacturer's label: "Oh! Easton Pearson", "Pure Silk", "Polyester Rayon", Care label, "M"costume party, titanic, easton pearson, pamela easton, lydia pearson, australian fashion, di reidie, 1990s -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, Cocktail dress, c1980s
This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Di purchased this 1980s cocktail dress second hand around 2000 to wear as part of a Dame Edna Everage costume to a hen's party. A blue mid calf length polyester dress with prominent gathered and padded shoulders, horizontally ruched bodice, high scoop neckline, full length sleeves and dropped waist. The skirt is of plain blue polyester mock wrap style with ruched blue spiral detail on left leg seam of bodice to skirt. The dress secures at the centre back with a nylon zip and self covered button. The sleeve is lined with mauve / pink polyesterManufacturers label "Teena Varigos" "Size 14, To Fit Bust 90cm, Waist 70cm, Hip 95cm" "Do not iron pleating" "100% Polyester, Warm Iron, Dry Clean Only"teena varigos, costume party, cocktail dress, 1980s, dame edna everage, di reidie -
Brighton Historical Society
Jacket, c1990s
This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. This jacket originally belonged to Australian singer, actress and philanthropist Olivia Newton-John, who autographed it and donated it to be auctioned at a Leather and Lace Ball for the Austin Health Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre Appeal on 15 May 2004. Newton-John has long been an advocate for cancer research and awareness, having undergone multiple treatments for cancer, a disease Di also battled for many years. Di's husband David purchased the jacket at the auction for around $1,000, and it has since been much worn by Di and her daughter Kathryn. The nature of the jacket - which is faux-leather, with glued-on diamantés, suggests that it was likely part of a stage costume rather than an item from Olivia Newton-John's personal wardrobe.Black polyester leather look jacket with black polyester lining. The jacket features a centre front opening secured by six black press studs, two bust height flap pockets with press studs, and collar. Full length sleeves with band and black press stud closure. The jacket features diamanté decorative finish along the collar and shoulder placket. "IMMAGINE, Made in Italy" "40" "Made in Italy, Fabrique en Italie, 100% Polyiestere, Polyestere, Polyester, Polyester" Personal signature of Olivia Newton John in fine silver pen, "Love Olivia Newton John, 04".olivia newton john, stage costume, olivia newton john cancer centre, austin health, di reidie, immagine, 1990s -
Brighton Historical Society
Jacket, Kimono, c.1960s
This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. In 2006, as Di prepared for a trip to New York City, fellow BHS volunteer Liz Gay gifted her a copy of the book “Alligators, Old Mink and New Money” by vintage clothing dealer and former fashion model Alison Houtte. Between 1995 and 2015, ran the vintage and second hand clothing store Hooti Couture at 321 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, and after reading the book Di was inspired to seek out the shop. During her visit she met Alison, who autographed her book, and purchased this kimono jacket from the store.Pure silk black kimono with red silk lining. The kimono features floral and leaf motif machine embroidery in pale pink and green."Made in Japan"hooti couture, alligators, old mink and new money, kimono, alison houtte, vintage clothing, di reidie, 1960s -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, Child's dress, circa 1900
This dress was worn by Nancy Kirsner (nee Rosenhain, b. 1906) and her older sister Mona (b. 1903) as children in England. Nancy Bertha Rosenhain was born in Worchestershire to German-Australian metallurgist Walter Rosenhain and Australian Louisa Rosenhain (nee Monash). Louisa was the sister of Sir John Monash; the couple met through a synagogue in Melbourne before settling in England. Nancy travelled to Melbourne in 1929 and was married to Marcus Kirsner on 24 July 1932. Nancy and Marcus lived together at 3 Baroona Court in Brighton.White cotton piqué dress. Square neck. Skirt gathered at waist. Broderie anglais trim around neck and sleeves. Hand-embroidered cornelli work on sleeves, bodice, and skirt. Small frill on skirt. Three self-covered buttons at back.children's clothing, 1900s, nancy bertha rosenhain, mona henrietta rosenhain, jewish diaspora -
Brighton Historical Society
Swimsuit, circa 1950s
This swimsuit belonged to Brighton local Joyce Fuller, nee Harries (1920-2018), who wore it at Dendy Beach in the 1950s. Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. Visiting Brighton Historical Society in 2019, Ada recalled this particular swimsuit style to be a popular one, particularly with older women, as the cinched waist and pleated modesty skirt suited many body types. This was important to her, as she wanted women of all ages and sizes to look and feel good in her swimwear, and she devoted much time and attention to the fit and finish of the garments. When the company began introducing padded bras, such as the one in this swimsuit, Ada insisted on using lacy floral lining and a small ribbon rosette in the centre gore, to give women a sense of quality, femininity and care in construction.Blue one-piece swimsuit with waist tie and short finely pleated overskirt. Sleeveless with thin elasticised straps. Inbuilt padded underwire bra with label and pale pink ribbon rosette on centre gore. Fastens with back zip.Label: "Ada / OF CALIFORNIA / 38"swimwear, brighton, dendy street beach, ada of california, ada murkies, toni murkies, joyce fuller, joyce harries -
Brighton Historical Society
Coat, circa mid-1950s to early 1960s
Raoul Couture was a high-end fashion house based in Flinders Lane from around 1955 until 1964. Established by designer Ralph Samuel, who also owned Hartnell of Melbourne (circa late 1940s-1971), Raoul was the business's premium label. The head designer was Leonard Legge, who later worked for Prue Acton. Brighton Historical Society holds a small collection of Hartnell and Raoul Couture garments, including a Gown of the Year Award-winning dress donated by Ralph Samuel.Red felted wool coat with red silk lining, fastening centre front with four large square-shaped buttons. Single vent/slit up centre back to waist. Loosely belted back with single button fastening.Label, inner collar: "raoul couture / MELB"raoul couture, melbourne designers, flinders lane, ralph samuel, leonard legge, hartnell of melbourne -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, Wedding dress, 1966
This dress was worn by Brighton model Coral Triplett when she married John Knowles at St John's Church, Toorak, on 18 June 1966. Made from beaded wool lace, it was commissioned by the Australian Wool Board for the Gown of the Year competition and made by Jinoel, a high-end Melbourne fashion house run by husband and wife team Jill and Noel Kemmelfield.White French wool lace wedding gown with low neckline and high empire waist. Bodice embroidered with beads.wedding dress, 1960s, coral triplett, coral knowles, john knowles, jinoel, australian wool board, gown of the year, wool lace -
Brighton Historical Society
Uniform, NSW Mounted Rifles waistcoat, circa 1899
NSW Mounted Rifles officer's mess dress waistcoat worn by Lieutenant William Augustine Newman (1873-1955) during the Second Boer War. Born in Campbelltown, NSW, William began working in the colonial public service at the age of eighteen. In 1899 he travelled to South Africa to fight in the Second Boer War as an officer of the 1st NSW Mounted Rifles. Returning to Australia in time for Federation on 1 January 1901, William rejoined the public service and was appointed to the original staff of Prime Minister Sir Edmund Barton, attending the first opening of Federal Parliament in Melbourne as Barton's private secretary. He went on to serve as the chief clerk of the Home Affairs Department, Commonwealth Electoral Officer for Victoria and official secretary to the Governor-General. In 1927 he was appointed Administrator of Nauru, a position he occupied until his retirement at the end of 1932. He retired to Brighton, where he lived with his family at 43 Martin Street until his death in 1955.Black NSW Mounted Rifles officer's mess dress waistcoat. Black superfine wool front, with black cotton back and cream cotton lining. The neck, front and bottom front edge are edged with gold metal lace and gold cording in an Austrian knot style. Two front pockets are edged in the same looped cording. The left front opening is edged with a row of decorative gold metal studs, with hook and eye fastenings underneath.Handwritten in pen on lining: "MESS WAISTCOAT / BOER WAR / LIEUT. NEWMAN / Gift of Mrs. D. Kelly, daughter".military uniform, nsw mounted rifles, boer war, william augustine newman -
Brighton Historical Society
Uniform, Army jacket, circa 1914-19
First World War Army jacket belonging to Lieutenant Sydney Matthew Callaghan (1892-1976), who served in the Australian Engineers, AIF Canteens Section and the Australian Flying Corps during WWI. Sydney and his family lived at 34 Normanby Street from 1932. His parents lived in Bay Road, Sandringham.First World War Army jacket, khaki with four front pockets. Winged Australian Flying Corps patch above left breast pocket. Lieutenant's insignia on epaulets: two diamond-shaped metal 'pips' and a curving band with the word "AUSTRALIA". Flying Corps colour patch on each shoulder: a pale blue triangle with two small red stripes and a large central darker blue stripe. Metal belt hooks on either side of the waist. The garment has been widened, with a strip of khaki fabric inserted in the centre back.sydney matthew callaghan, australian flying corps, military uniform, first world war -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress and jacket, begun 1920s, finished 1970s
Brighton councillor Sally Allmand's grandmother Minnie Toms (1878-1983) began making this dress and matching jacket in the 1920s, but never finished it. Sally's mother (also named Minnie, 1914-2001) finished it in the 1970s and Sally wore it when, as Mayor of Brighton in 1981, she was introduced to the Queen during a Royal visit.Sleeveless black floral lace dress (.1) with v-neck and matching collarless jacket (.2) with scalloped bottom hem.sally allmand, minnie toms, brighton council, politics -
Brighton Historical Society
Uniform, Girl Guide uniform, circa 1952-1953
This uniform was worn by Sandra "Sally" Allmand circa 1953-57 as a member of the 3rd St Andrews Girl Guides company in Brighton. Sally Allmand went on to serve on the Brighton Council from 1977 to 1983 and was mayor in 1981.1950s Girl Guides uniform consisting of a dress, belt and beret. Blue cotton dress with long sleeves and high collared neck. Various patches sewn onto sleeves and front breast. Three front pockets fastening with black plastic buttons featuring Girl Guides trefoil logo. Breast pocket has two vertical white stripes. Brown leather belt with silver metal buckle with embossed Girl Guides logo and the text "Girl Guides Association / Be Prepared". Navy blue felt beret with two sewn-on patches. Included with the dress are a Girl Guides 'test card' dated 1953 and a rectangular De Reszke cigarette tin containing a collection of Girl Guide ribbons, patches and buttons. .1 - Dress .2 - Belt .3 - Beret .4 - Test card .5 - Box of patches and ribbonsDress label: "The Guide Shop / STATE HEADQUARTERS / RUN BY GUIDES / FOR GUIDES".girl guides, sally allmand, 1950s -
Brighton Historical Society
Shoes, circa 1867
These shoes were worn by Emily Cock (nee Smith), the daughter of wealthy early settler John Matthew Smith. From 1856 until 1931 the Smiths lived at 'Castlefield', a mansion on a vast estate that at one time stretched along South Road from Bluff Road to Hampton Street. The land was gradually subdivided, and the house is now a part of Haileybury College. Julien Mayer was a French ladies shoemaker and prolific exporter who advertised his successes on the shoes themselves by stamping the soles with details of the prizes he had won.Pair of black kid leather shoes with low block heel, decorated with pink silk, cut-away applique and embroidery. Pink bow with metal clasp on one shoe; missing from the other. Edged with pink silk ribbon binding, largely deteriorated.Sole embossed with "MAYER / Julien / à Paris", in addition to tamped with three small medallions proclaiming the awards the shoemaker won in London in 1862, Porto in 1865 and Paris in 1867. Handwritten in interior sole of T0124.2 in pencil: "Emily Smith / Castlefield"emily smith, castlefield, shoes, 1860s, applique, embroidery, julien mayer -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, Wedding dress, 1941
This is the wedding dress of Ella Janetzki, nee Sutcliffe, who married Eric Janetzki in Adelaide on 25 January 1941. The dress was made to measure in a shop in Rundle Street, Adelaide, and cost four guineas. Eric had enlisted in the army in 1940 and was called to duty in 1941, which determined the date of the wedding - though Eric very nearly didn't make it! He caught the train from his home town of Nhill, Victoria on the eve of the wedding only to be held up by flooding on the tracks, ultimately arriving three hours late amid much fuss. Ella later said that there were so many setbacks it was amazing they married at all. They remained together for 58 years until Eric's death in 1999. The dress was also worn by Ella's sister Eileen in October 1943 when she married Jack Edwards at the Church of Christ, LaTrobe Terrace, Geelong. As this was during the war, the sisters did not have enough clothing coupons to purchase another dress. BHS also holds Ella's daughter Rayleen Haig's wedding dress (T0131).Cream lace wedding dress with high square collar, short puffed sleeves and long train.wedding dress, wartime bride, 1940s, ella sutcliffe, ella janetzki, eric janetzki, eileen sutcliffe, jack edwards -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, Wedding dress, 1964
This wedding dress belonged to Rayleen Haig OAM, nee Janetzki, who married Donald Haig in Geelong on 15 August 1964. The dress was designed for Rayleen and made by Deon's of Melbourne, which specialised in wedding gowns (she believes it was above Sportsgirl in Collins Street). It cost about one hundred pounds. The reception was held in the Carlton Hotel, Geelong. A longtime local resident, Rayleen was a Brighton councillor (1983-92) and mayor (1989-90). She was awarded the OAM in 2007 for "service to local government and to the community through health, historical and aged care organisations, particularly within the City of Bayside, and to the National Council of Women of Australia".Cream silk dress with boat neck, short sleeves and back zip. Guipure lace flowers on sleeves and skirt.wedding dress, rayleen haig, rayleen janetzki, donald haig, deon's of melbourne, brighton council, mayor -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress and shoes, circa late 1960s
Heather Leonard wore this outfit to a Brighton Primary School fundraiser in the late 1960s. She hand painted the white platform heels to match her yellow and orange dress, and her husband Paul wore similarly bright colours with a mustard yellow and purple shirt. Heather was born in the Bayside area, initially working as a nurse and later as a yoga teacher. She and Paul lived together in Male Street for forty years until his death in 2002. Paul worked in advertising and later became a painter, mainly of Australian icons.Floor length dress (.1) of printed cotton with yellow and orange pattern, with scoop neck, short flared sleeves and zip at the back. Platform shoes (.2) with block heel. White leather, hand painted yellow and orange.heather leonard, paul leonard, brighton primary school, 1960s -
Brighton Historical Society
Shirt and vest, circa late 1960s
Paul Leonard wore this shirt and vest to a Brighton Primary School fundraiser in the late 1960s. His wife Heather wore a matching yellow and orange dress, with hand painted yellow and orange shoes. Paul and Heather lived together in Male Street for forty years until his death in 2002. Paul worked in advertising and later became a painter, mainly of Australian icons.Cotton men's shirt (.1), mustard yellow with purple collar, cuffs and buttons. Men's knit vest (.2) featuring yellow and navy blue horizontal stripes and trimmed with narrow red stripe.paul leonard, heather leonard, brighton primary school, 1960s -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, Stage costume, circa 1950s-70s
Purchased from an opportunity shop, this dress is a stage costume bearing the label of Bonn & Mackenzie, a prominent UK costume designer from the 1950s to the 1970s. The dress appears to have been worn by June Bronhill (1929-2005), a prominent Australian opera singer and actress, whose name is handwritten on the label. Born June Mary Gough, she began using the stage name of Bronhill in 1952 in honour of her NSW home town of Broken Hill as a form of thanks to the local community who had helped raise money to send her overseas for professional training as a singer. Bronhill trained in London and gained early exposure with the English National Opera. She went on to star in many theatrical productions in Australia and the UK. She moved back to Australia permanently in 1976, and in 1980 was cast in her first television role as Mrs Crawford in the Australian version of 'Are You Being Served?'.Full-length short-sleeved dress of white cotton, lace and nylon, featuring elaborately ruffled sleeves and vertical stripes of lace on the skirt and bodice. The dress is open at the back, fastening with hooks and cotton ties to facilitate quick costume changes.Label, white cotton with red text: "BONN & MACKENZIE LTD. / TEMPLE BAR 1393". Handwritten underneath in black pen: "JUNE BRONHILL".june bronhill, bonn & mackenzie, theatre costume -
Brighton Historical Society
Bed jacket, circa 1955
This bed jacket was crocheted for Carmela Materia (1931-2018) by her mother, Giuseppa Auditore, around the time they emigrated from Italy to Melbourne. Both women were longtime Brighton locals, residing in the area from the 1950s until their deaths. Carmela Auditore was the first woman from her home village of Scaletta, Italy to emigrate to Australia. Setting sail alone in 1950 at the age of 19, she joined her brother John and uncle Frank in McCallum St, Brighton. Frank had arrived some years earlier and had spent the duration of the First World War in an internment camp. John worked at the Brighton Case Company, a box manufacturer on Nepean Highway, and paid for her passage. Carmela found a job sewing children's clothing at Drummonds, a small factory in Church St. Working eight hours a day, five days per week, netted her a weekly wage of three pounds. To earn a little extra, she washed dishes at a St Kilda Road restaurant for ten shillings a shift. Her parents, Salvatore and Giuseppa Auditore, joined her in Brighton in 1952. They rented a house behind an antique shop in Bay Street. Salvatore had been a fisherman in Scaletta, but quickly adapted to the job he found helping around the Garage at Brighton Motors in Male Street. On 14 February 1953, Carmela married her sweetheart, Salvatore Materia, at St James Catholic Church in Gardenvale. Salvatore had been living with his aunt in Well Street and worked on the wharves. Both Carmela and Salvatore were hard workers. They owned a fruit shop in Church Street where Woolworths now stands, and years later Carmela recalled the familiar 6am tap on her window each morning when her husband returned from the market. On dark winter mornings, she felt as if her hands would freeze as she helped Salvatore unload cold cabbages and cauliflowers from his truck. They later owned a shop in Ludstone Street in Hampton. After Salvatore died suddenly at the age of 48, Carmela returned to sewing, working at the Willow Fashions knitting mill in Gardenvale. She later went into partnership with her sister and brother-in-law, this time in the delicatessen business. Her parents, Giuseppa and Salvatore, spent the rest of their days with Brighton. Carmela recalled her father cheerfully walking the streets, greeting people by name. He knew everybody. He loved being in Australia and enjoyed life to the last, insisting on having bread and wine on the table at every meal.Cream crocheted wool bed jacket. Loose around bust with wide sleeves and open sides. Fastens at collar with thin braided ties, and at waist with two pearlescent plastic buttons.bed jacket, migration, 1950s, carmela auditore, carmela materia, giuseppa auditore -
Brighton Historical Society
Bodice, circa 1900
This bodice, which originally had a matching skirt, belonged to Phoebe Richardson (nee Brinsmead, 1885-1956), who married Charles William Richardson in 1911. The family lived in Geelong. Brinsmead Lane, off the Bellarine Highway in Leopold, is named after Phoebe's family, being the original location of the family home. The bodice was likely made by a seamstress as the family were quite fashion-conscious. Phoebe's daughter Edna Baker (nee Richardson, b. 1914) wore this bodice as a dress-up as a child. She donated it BHS in the 1980s and provided additional information on it when visiting the Society in 2004.Khaki green silk bodice, boned around waist. Ecru cotton lace overlay on sleeves and high neck. More lace over shoulders, gathered and tapered down front of bodice. Stripes of velvet ribbon around yoke. Four more stripes of velvet ribbon around upper sleeve, and three around each cuff. Velvet bows and metal buckle at waist. Tape at waist with hooks to attach to skirt. Lined with brown fabric. 20 mother-of-pearl buttons down front.phoebe richardson, phoebe brinsmead, edna baker, 1900s -
Brighton Historical Society
Bodice, circa 1900
This bodice belonged to Mary Crombie, an early Victorian dentist, who lived in Brighton while she was studying at the Australian College of Dentistry in the mid-1900s, and later returned to the area in her retirement from 1949-1971. Mary Margaret Crombie (1884-1971) was born at Coan Downs Station near Walgett, northern New South Wales, where her father Henry was station manager. After Henry’s untimely death in 1895, Mary and her mother loved for a few years with family members in St Kilda, before moving into a cottage of their own, ‘Rosewood’, at 42 Asling Street, Brighton around 1899. From here, Mary attended Oberwyl Ladies College in St Kilda and later the Australian College of Dentistry, one of only a few women to study dental surgery at the time. She was apprenticed to Ada Tovell (1865-1932), one of Victoria’s first female dentists, who had her own practice in Collins Street. Mary graduated in 1907 and the following year moved with he mother to Yarram in South Gippsland, where she took over the running of a practice owned by Sale dentist Charles Trood, eventually purchasing it from him in 1915. Speaking to a Brighton newspaper in 1961, Mary said she believed that she was the first woman to start a dental practice in Gippsland. For some locals, this took a little getting used to: “Many were amazed, and had some misgivings, when they found that the local dentist was a woman,” she said. “I always remember a huge farmer (he was about 6 ft. 4 in.), who had fortified himself at the local hotel to face the ordeal of visiting the dentist. He almost turned and ran when he saw me. … He was still more amazed when I pulled out his tooth without undue trouble.” The farmer was the best advertisement she could have asked for, telling everybody about the diminutive lady dentist who had calmly extracted his tooth. Mary practiced in Yarram until her retirement in 1949. After selling her practice she returned to Brighton, where she spent the last two decades of her life residing at 25 Oak Grove. Following her death in 1971, her relatives in Brighton donated a number of items from her home to BHS.Black satin bodice, boned, with black faceted glass buttons down the front. High collar. Both collar and cuffs are edged with a black net ruffle. Two rows of seven black crochet-covered buttons at each cuff, fastening with loops. Stray brown threads poking through fabric around the collar, shoulders and back indicate that these areas may originally have featured lace embellishments.mary crombie, 1900s -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, circa 1960s
This dress belonged to Nola Jennings, a long-time Brighton resident. Nola purchased and wore this in the 1960s; she recalls that navy and fluorescent yellow were a popular colour combination at the time.Sleeveless navy blue crepe dress. Scoop neck and high waist. Bodice features three self-covered fluorescent yellow buttons and fluorescent yellow bow. Two fluoresecent yellow stripes around hem. Zip at back. Label, cream with green text: "STYLED BY / Zal Miller / OF MELBOURNE" Two smaller labels attached underneath: "crepe / Finesse / an Alcorso fabric / 100% TRIACETATE / washable" and "XSSW".nola jennings, zal miller, 1960s, melbourne designers, flinders lane -
Brighton Historical Society
Nightgown, circa 1920s
This home-made nightgown was part of Mary Ethel McIntyre (nee Lindsay)'s wedding trousseau. Mary married Robert McIntyre on 29 August 1929 at St Andrews Church, Korumburra. The couple moved to Lang-Lang, then Mentone. The nightgown was donated by Mary's daughter-in-law, Elaine McIntyre (nee Wyatt), who was born and raised in Brighton. She was born in Padua House and attended Brighton Primary School and Hampton High School.Cream short-sleeved nightgown with lace collar and cuffs. Attached fabric sash at waist. Fine hand stitched pintucks on either side of waist and small embroidered floral garlands on bodice.mary ethel mcintyre, mary ethel lindsay, trousseau, 1920s -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, Wedding dress, 1968
This wedding dress belonged to Barbara Stewart, nee Bellamy, who married Alexander Stewart at St Andrews Church in Brighton on 15 June 1968. The dress was made by 'Madam', a dress shop in Church Street. At the time of donation, Barbara had been a Brighton resident for 80 years.Cream mini-dress of net and wool lace with textured floral pattern. High round neck and long sleeves, with small frill at collar, cuffs and hem. Satin lined, with a zip at the back.barbara bellamy, barbara stewart, alexander stewart, st andrew's church brighton, 1960s, wedding dress -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, Day dress, circa early 1900s
This dress belonged to Mary Grace Medbury (nee Matthews, 1885-1967). Mary was born in Kansas, USA, and as a teenager travelled to Devon, England, before she came to Australia with her family and married Walter Ambrose Medbury (1887-1947). They lived together in Cheel Street, East Oakleigh. Walter, a building contractor, worked on numerous construction projects in the Melbourne area, including the Oakleigh Methodist Church, the HMAS Cerberus naval base and - closer to home - the former Brighton Courthouse, which was built in 1936 and still stands at 15 Boxshall Street. Mary gave the dress to her granddaughter, Fiona Nissen, when Fiona was a teenager. A Brighton local, Fiona donated it to the Society in 2013.White cotton muslin day dress with three-quarter length sleeves and square neckline, both edged with lace. The dress features white floral embroidery on the sleeves, skirt and front of bodice. Hook and eye fastenings at back.mary grace medbury, mary grace matthews, fiona nissen, migration, 1900s -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress
This dress belonged to Brighton woman Mariam Issa, an author, public speaker and co-founder with Katharina Kons of the nonprofit organisation Resilient Aspiring Women (RAW). Born in Somalia, Mariam and her family arrived in Australia as refugees in 1998. Seeking to bring women together and foster connections, in 2012 Mariam opened her Brighton backyard to the community. The RAW community garden unites women from all cultures through gardening, food and storytelling.Long loose kaftan-style dress, turquoise cotton with black, brown and cream embroidery around neck and shoulders, depicting large brown flowers surrounded by swirling cream border. Round neck and short, loose sleeves.mariam issa, migration, somalia, resilient aspiring women -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, circa 1920
This dress belonged to Ellen Davis, nee McLaughlin (1870-1956), great-grandmother of Margaret Lake. Ellen was born in County Donegal, Ireland. She married George Washington Davis in 1890 and the couple moved to South Africa, where George owned a bicycle store. During this time, Margaret says, Ellen "had a life of luxury, having servants at her beck and call and even sleeping at the foot of her bed to protect her from any harm". She was a "tiny lady of 5 foot tall" and George "could put his hands around her waist of 18 inches". On coming to Australia they opened a garage and taxi service in Graham Street, Port Melbourne. They lived here until Ellen's death in a road accident in 1956. Ellen gave the dress to her great-granddaughter when Margaret was ten years old. Aged 62, Margaret told BHS, "I have worn it on several occasions, mostly to costume parties and fancy-dress balls when I was younger. I have loved it all this time and displayed it on a dress model in my last home". As she had no granddaughter of her own to leave it to, she decided to donate the dress so that it would continue to be cared for.Sleeveless black silk crepe dress with V-neck and scalloped hem. Covered with black beaded designs, with white bead and iridescent pink sequin accents.margaret lake, ellen davis, ellen mclaughlin, beading, 1920s -
Brighton Historical Society
Cape, Capelet, circa 1920
This capelet belonged to Ellen Grace Snowball, nee Anketell, (1866-1945), who lived with husband Oswald Robinson Snowball (1859-1928) at 'Wolsingham', 11 Boxshall Street, Brighton. Oswald Snowball was a solicitor and politician who was active in the Freemasons and the Orange Order. Active in Protestant moral crusades during the 1990s, he was a vocal opponent of liquor and gambling and advocated Bible reading in public schools. In 1909 he succeeded Sir Thomas Bent as Brighton's representative in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, a seat he held for close to twenty years until his death in 1928. During his last year of life, despite serious illness, he served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly under the Hogan government.White ostrich feather capelet. Feathers sewn onto crescent-shaped cream cotton fabric, with an elaborate silk tassel at either end.ellen grace snowball, ellen grace anketell, oswald snowball, capelet, ostrich feather, 1920s