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. This style of “brushed wool leginette suit” was produced by Kathryn from at least 1953-1964, though this example likely dates from before 1962. In the winter of 1961, the brand sold 4376 suits of this style. It came with an included nylon brush in order to keep the brushed finish of the garments, which can be found under NWM-09016 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. This style of “brushed wool leginette suit” was produced by Kathryn from at least 1953-1964, though this example likely dates from before 1962. In the winter of 1961, the brand sold 4376 suits of this style.Four-piece legging suit consisting of cardigan, leggings, hat and mittens in fuzzy yellow brushed wool. Cardigan is double breasted and closes with two rows of yellow plastic buttons, with a fifth button under the collar. Fold-over collar and cuffs are not brushed wool and provide contrasting texture. Leggings have elastic at waist and ankle to go under foot. Bottom of leg has foot flap. Hat is in a bonnet style and has turnback around face and ties under neck. Mittens are each construced in one piece with no additional thumb pocket, and tie at wrists..1) [label at back neck of cardigan] KATHRYN REGD. CREATED BY PURE WOOL / 20 / ROBERT BLAKE .5) [sample label] [OBVERSE] STYLE: LS/W. LEGGING SUIT – BRUSHED WOOL SIZE: 18” 20” PRICE: 39/9 42/6 3 PCE: 42/9 45/6 4 PCE: COLOR: BLUE. LEMON. PINK. WHITE.knitwear, clothing, children's knitwear, children's clothing, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, clothing set, brushed wool, wool, fluffy

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.Three-piece brown and yellow outfit consisting of jumper, pants and hat. Jumper is long sleeved with a high crew neck and five yellow stripes above ribbing along bottom. Pants are brown with wide legs that dramatically taper into the ribbed cuff at bottom. Body of hat is brown and tapers into a long point and has a brown and yellow pompom at the tip. The hat is shaped with a tuck at the back neck near cuff..1 [Label at back neck of jumper with blue lettering woven into label] KATHRYN REGD / 24 ALL WOOL CREATED BY ROBERT BLAKEknitwear, clothing, children's knitwear, children's clothing, manufacturing, fashion textile production, machine knitting, clothing set, pom poms, wool

This bridesmaid's dress was owned and first worn by Alice Frances Henty, the daughter of Francis Henty and Mary Ann (Lawrence) Henty. The outfit was worn at the marriage of her friend Miss Hopkins to Mr ST Staughnton in 1874. Alice's father, Francis Henty, was the youngest son of Thomas Henty, who with his family, their retainers and property moved to the Australian colonies between 1829 and 1832. In 1834, Francis’ older brother, Edward, sailed from Launceston in Van Diemen’s Land to what was to become Portland in the western part of Port Phillip District [Victoria]. Francis, together with the first flock of Merino sheep [in Victoria], followed some months later. The first and second generations of the Henty family established vast pastoral properties in the Western part of the Port Phillip District. Francis Henty managed ‘Merino Downs’ near Casterton, while also living in his retirement at ‘Field Place' in Kew. The Henty Collection of nineteenth and twentieth century clothing, including outerwear and underwear, was collected, stored and exhibited over time by female family members descended from Francis and Mary Ann Henty. During the twentieth century, items from the collection were modelled in two fashion parades by various descendants [1937, 1959]. The items in the collection are historically and aesthetically significant, with provenance provided by oral and written tradition within or held by the family. A number of the items in the collection are very rare survivors, and provide researchers with the evidence needed to reconstruct the lives of notable women in the Port Phillip District [later Victoria] during the nineteenth and early twentieth century.An ivory silk skirt and matching jacket worn by Alice Henty, aged 22, at the marriage of her friend Lizzie Hopkins and S.T. Staugnton in 1874. The ivory silk satin peplum jacket is boned, tailored, and fitted with many princess line panels. The front closure has handmade embroidered buttonholes and covered buttons. The collar and sleeves are decorated with gathered silk tulle frills. The peplum back features a silk cord bow decoration. The skirt with bustle and train features a central panel with hand ruching and silk satin piping. It is decorated with five rows of pleated silk tulle frills. Measurements (mm): PEPLUM JACKET Girth - Neck 317.5, Chest 914.4, Waist 698.5, Hip 965.2, Cuff 279.4, Hem circumference 1168.4. Vertical - From neck to hem 558.8, Front waist to hem 254, Back neck to hem 838.2, Back waist to hem 241.3, Sleeve length 279.4. Horizontal - Neck to sleeve head 165.1,Cross back 292.1, Underarm to underarm 393.7. SKIRT Girth - Waist 635, Hip 914.4, Hem circumference 3810. Vertical - Front waist to hem 1092.2, Back waist to hem 1701.8. fashion -- 1870s, alice frances (henty) hindson, women's clothing, bridesmaid's dresses

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', were the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Two-piece white silk wedding dress comprised of a short tailored bodice and a bell shaped skirt. The most prominent feature of the bodice is the wide pagoda sleeves, with false undersleeves of muslin. The edge of the sleeves includes small posies of orange blossom. Separate panels of lace, dropping from the waist are the only form of decoration on the skirt. The round high neckline was later converted to v-line in the 19th century. MEASUREMENTS (CM): BODICE: Shoulders 37 x waist 56 x front 33 x back 40 SKIRT: Waist 56 x Front 114 x Back 131coombs collection, women's clothing, australian fashion, fashion & design collection, costumes, wedding dresses

This wedding gown was worn by Mary Ann Lawrence at 8.00am on 5 January 1842 at St John's Church, Launceston, when she married Francis Henty. The couple were to catch the tide on their way to Portland two hours later. Francis Henty was the youngest son of Thomas Henty, who with his family, their retainers and property moved to the Australian colonies between 1829 and 1832. In 1834, Francis’ older brother, Edward, sailed from Launceston in Van Diemen’s Land to what was to become Portland in the western part of Port Phillip District [Victoria]. Francis, together with the first flock of Merino sheep [in Victoria], followed some months later. The first and second generations of the Henty family established vast pastoral properties in the Western part of the Port Phillip District. Francis Henty managed ‘Merino Downs’ near Casterton, while also living in his retirement at ‘Field Place' in Kew. The Henty Collection of nineteenth and twentieth century clothing, including outerwear and underwear, was collected, stored and exhibited over time by female family members descended from Francis and Mary Ann Henty. During the twentieth century, items from the collection were modelled in two fashion parades by various descendants [1937, 1959]. The items in the collection are historically and aesthetically significant, with provenance provided by oral and written tradition within or held by the family. A number of the items in the collection are very rare survivors, and provide researchers with the evidence needed to reconstruct the lives of notable women in the Port Phillip District [later Victoria] during the nineteenth and early twentieth century.Mary Ann Lawrence's grey silk wedding gown has a v-line waist and a partly smocked bodice. It is lined with muslin throughout. It has hand-tatted cotton lace and handmade piping around the neck and bodice and pleated short sleeves. There was originally trimming on the skirt which was removed at a later date. Orange blossom made of chamois and tiny coiled springs originally decorated the neckline. The outfit was complemented by a bonnet to which a Limerick lace veil was attached. MEASUREMENTS (MM): GIRTH - Neck 914, Chest 812.8, Waist 660.4, Cuff 330.2, Hem circumference 3200.4. VERTICAL - Front neck to hem 1270, Front waist to hem 1016, Back neck to hem 1320.8, Back waist to hem 1041.4, Sleeve length 114.3. HORIZONTAL - Neck to sleeve head 50.8, Chest back 406.4, Underarm to underarm 406.4.mary ann lawrence, francis henty, wedding dresses, fashion -- 1840s, women's clothing

The donor, whose parents owned an antique shop believed that the evening coat was owned by the family of Cr Morris Nathan and his wife Margaret Frances, nee MacKay. Maurice Nathan was born in Kew in 1914 and died in East Melbourne in 1982. He was a student of Trinity Grammar School, Kew. He was Lord Mayor, and his wife Lady Mayoress, of the City of Melbourne for two terms between 1961 and 1963. The age of the coat, created in a design typical of the 1920s would suggest that it is of an earlier vintage, almost certainly dating from the 1920s, but perhaps earlier. The opulence of the sequinned and beaded embroidery have led to the supposition that it may be an opera coat inherited from an earlier generation.Three quarter length, red and cream silk, padded evening coat highlighted on the cuffs and hem with iridescent sequins, beading and pearls of different shapes and sizes. These decorative features are arranged in a formal design, particularly at centre back. Above the beaded sections are sunbursts outlined in gold beads.Trimmed rabbit fur at collar and cuffs. The sleeves are shaped above the embroidered sections while the hem features a zig-zag profile. MEASUREMENTS - Neck to hem front 93cm; Neck to hem back 100cm; Circumference 126cm; Shoulder to cuff 72cm; Shoulder width 36cm.Traditionally, pre acquisition, stored in brown suitcase embossed in gilt with the name R. NATHANevening jackets, opera coats, fashion -- 1920s

In the early 19th century, infant gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over twenty-five gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. This christening gown was worn by one or more of the Weir children.This is one of ten items of clothing, worn by infants in the Weir family of Broken Hill between 1899 and 1910. They are part of the larger Weir Family collection of clothing, documents and photographs gifted to the Kew Historical Society by their descendants. Due to their known provenence, the gowns are historically and aesthetically significant in that they can be accurately dated to an 11-year-period, allowing other comparable items of infant's and children's clothing to be dated to an earlier, silmilar or later period. They also exemplify the styles and decorative techniques used for christening gowns, infant's and children's clothing of the period.Long, white cotton christening gown. The high-necked, short-sleeved bodice has a number of decorative elements. These include an extesive use of lace in horizontal and triangular panels of various styles at the front. Two long bands of lace frame this central panel.Nilchristening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over twenty-five gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. This christening gown was worn by one or more of the Weir children.This is one of ten items of clothing, worn by infants in the Weir family of Broken Hill between 1891 and 1910. They are part of the larger Weir Family collection of clothing, documents and photographs gifted to the Kew Historical Society by their descendants. Due to their known provenence, the gowns are historically and aesthetically significant in that they can be accurately dated to an 19-year-period, allowing other comparable items of infant's and children's clothing to be dated to an earlier, silmilar or later period. They also exemplify the styles and decorative techniques used for christening gowns, infant's and children's clothing of the period.Long, fine white cotton christening gown. The high-necked, short-sleeved bodice has a number of decorative elements. These include an extesive use of white work on the sleeves, bodice and gown. Tight ruching at the waist allows a central panel of white work to be framed by the larger panel which acts as a polonnaise. This contains the finest workmanship of the christening gowns and infants clothing in the Weir Collection and may date to 1891.Nilceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life, christening gown

In the early 19th century, infant gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over twenty-five gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. This christening gown was worn by one or more of the Weir children.This is one of ten items of clothing, worn by infants in the Weir family of Broken Hill between 1899 and 1910. They are part of the larger Weir Family collection of clothing, documents and photographs gifted to the Kew Historical Society by their descendants. Due to their known provenence, the gowns are historically and aesthetically significant in that they can be accurately dated to an 11-year-period, allowing other comparable items of infant's and children's clothing to be dated to an earlier, silmilar or later period. They also exemplify the styles and decorative techniques used for christening gowns, infant's and children's clothing of the period.Long, white cotton christening gown. The high-necked, short-sleeved bodice has a number of decorative elements. This includes an extesive use of lace in diagonal panels at the front above four horizontal layers of the same lace. There are two layers of lace forming the sleeves. Nilchristening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over twenty-five gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. This gown was worn by one or more of the Weir children.This is one of ten items of clothing, worn by infants in the Weir family of Broken Hill between 1899 and 1910. They are part of the larger Weir Family collection of clothing, documents and photographs gifted to the Kew Historical Society by their descendants. Due to their known provenence, the gowns are historically and aesthetically significant in that they can be accurately dated to an 11-year-period, allowing other comparable items of infant's and children's clothing to be dated to an earlier, silmilar or later period. They also exemplify the styles and decorative techniques used for christening gowns, infant's and children's clothing of the period.Long, white cotton infant's gown. This high-necked gown with elbow length sleeves is less ornate than the three christening gowns in the Weir Family Collection, indicating that it was used for daily wear by one of the Weir children in the first six months of their life. The looser ruching at the waist would indicate a later date in the period 1899-1910. The gown includes a triangular panel of lace at the front of the bodice and a band of ruffled fabric at the hem..Nilchildren's wear

In the early 19th century, infant gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over twenty-five gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. This gown was worn by one or more of the Weir children.This is one of ten items of clothing, worn by infants in the Weir family of Broken Hill between 1899 and 1910. They are part of the larger Weir Family collection of clothing, documents and photographs gifted to the Kew Historical Society by their descendants. Due to their known provenence, the gowns are historically and aesthetically significant in that they can be accurately dated to an 11-year-period, allowing other comparable items of infant's and children's clothing to be dated to an earlier, silmilar or later period. They also exemplify the styles and decorative techniques used for christening gowns, infant's and children's clothing of the period.Long, white cotton infant's gown. This high-necked gown with elbow length sleeves is less ornate than the three christening gowns in the Weir Family Collection, indicating that it was used for daily wear by one of the Weir children in the first six months of their life. The looser ruching at the waist would indicate a later date in the period 1899-1910. The gown includes a triangular panel of lace at the front of the bodice and a band of ruffled fabric at the hem.Nilchildren's wear

In the early 19th century, infant gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over twenty-five gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. This gown was worn by one or more of the Weir children.This is one of ten items of clothing, worn by infants in the Weir family of Broken Hill between 1899 and 1910. They are part of the larger Weir Family collection of clothing, documents and photographs gifted to the Kew Historical Society by their descendants. Due to their known provenence, the gowns are historically and aesthetically significant in that they can be accurately dated to an 11-year-period, allowing other comparable items of infant's and children's clothing to be dated to an earlier, silmilar or later period. They also exemplify the styles and decorative techniques used for christening gowns, infant's and children's clothing of the period.Long, white cotton infant's gown. This high-necked gown with elbow length sleeves is less ornate than the three christening gowns in the Weir Family Collection, indicating that it was used for daily wear by one of the Weir children in the first six months of their life. The looser ruching at the waist would indicate a later date in the period 1899-1910. The gown includes a triangular panel of lace at the front of the bodice and a band of ruffled fabric at the hem.Nilchildren's wear

In the early 19th century, infant gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over twenty-five gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. This gown was worn by one or more of the Weir children.This is one of ten items of clothing, worn by infants in the Weir family of Broken Hill between 1899 and 1910. They are part of the larger Weir Family collection of clothing, documents and photographs gifted to the Kew Historical Society by their descendants. Due to their known provenence, the gowns are historically and aesthetically significant in that they can be accurately dated to an 11-year-period, allowing other comparable items of infant's and children's clothing to be dated to an earlier, silmilar or later period. They also exemplify the styles and decorative techniques used for christening gowns, infant's and children's clothing of the period.Long, white cotton infant's gown. This high-necked gown with elbow length sleeves is less ornate than the three christening gowns in the Weir Family Collection, indicating that it was used for daily wear by one of the Weir children in the first six months of their life. The looser ruching at the waist would indicate a later date in the period 1899-1910. The gown includes a tie at the waist and a ruffled band forming the hem.Nilchildren's wear

In the early 19th century, infant gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over twenty-five gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. This gown was worn by one or more of the Weir children.This is one of ten items of clothing, worn by infants in the Weir family of Broken Hill between 1899 and 1910. They are part of the larger Weir Family collection of clothing, documents and photographs gifted to the Kew Historical Society by their descendants. Due to their known provenence, the gowns are historically and aesthetically significant in that they can be accurately dated to an 11-year-period, allowing other comparable items of infant's and children's clothing to be dated to an earlier, silmilar or later period. They also exemplify the styles and decorative techniques used for christening gowns, infant's and children's clothing of the period.Long, white cotton infant's gown. This high-necked gown with elbow length sleeves is less ornate than the three christening gowns in the Weir Family Collection, indicating that it was used for daily wear by one of the Weir children in the first six months of their life. The looser ruching at the waist would indicate a later date in the period 1899-1910. The gown is identical to 2025.26.Nilchildren's wear

In the early 19th century, infant gowns were modelled on dresses worn by adult women. Gowns were typically made of fine white linen or cotton, and often trimmed with tucks, lace, whitework embroidery, and other handwork. The Kew Historical Society's collection includes over twenty-five gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. This gown was worn by one or more of the Weir children.This is one of nine items of clothing, worn by infants in the Weir family of Broken Hill between 1899 and 1910. They are part of the larger Weir Family collection of clothing, documents and photographs gifted to the Kew Historical Society by their descendants. Due to their known provenence, the gowns are historically and aesthetically significant in that they can be accurately dated to an 11-year-period, allowing other comparable items of infant's and children's clothing to be dated to an earlier, silmilar or later period. They also exemplify the styles and decorative techniques used for christening gowns, infant's and children's clothing of the period.Long, white cotton infant's gown. This high-necked gown with elbow length sleeves is less ornate than the three christening gowns in the Weir Family Collection, indicating that it was used for daily wear by one of the Weir children in the first six months of their life. The looser ruching at the waist would indicate a later date in the period 1899-1910. Nilchildren's wear

Debra Jarred only daughter of Rex and Joan Jarred, of Broughton, married John Barber second son of Basil and Val Barber of Nhill, on 8 March 1980, at the Uniting Church, Broughton.Nhill family wedding; representing style of wedding dresses in 1980Wedding dress made by Cassandra Gowns; shoe string strap daisy lace bodice, with stand up collar of daisy lace and pleated skirt, elegantly covered with a cuffed long sleeve blouse, over skirt & belt of chiffon, flowing graceful soft train, finishing with a head-dress decorated in daisies attached to a long fine silk net veil.(2007.01.1) - Bouquet of white silk roses & ribbon(2007.01.2); white high heal lattice toe shoes with delicate ankle strap (2007.01.3), Blue lace garter & assorted crocheted bells, horse-shoe, and slippers, of satin ribbon (2007.01.4)daisy lace trim on cuffs and necklinewedding dress, 1980, broughton, debra jarred, debbie jarred, john barber, uniting church, rex & joan jarred, basil & val barber], nhill

Lila Elizabeth Thompson & Lloyd Frederick Henseleit were married at Church of Christ, Kaniva on Saturday, November 17th 1956The Thompson and the Henseleit families are from the district.1956 Wedding gown of white figured nylon organza over satin featuring a V shaped neckline front and back. The skirt was styled in a bouffant H-line with a satin band tying in a big bow at the back and falling into two satin panels each side of the train.wedding dress, lila thompson, church of christ, kaniva, november 17 1956, vintage - dresses, textiles - bridal - fashion, lloyd henseleit

1948 child's clothing ration card, No. A211224 issued by Commonwealth of Australia to Valma Preston of Linton. 56 clothing coupons printed in blue on a cream background.Text: " If this Card is found it must be returned at once to / the Deputy Director of Rationing, Melbourne / Commonwealth of Australia / 1948 / CLOTHING / RATION CARD / CHILD under 6 years / at 1st January, 1948 / Issued to / Name Valma Preston / Address Linton. "preston family, ration cards, world war 1939-1945

1948 Clothing ration card issued by Commonwealth of Australia to R G Preston, Linton. 56 Clothing coupons printed in red on a cream background. Card No. A477201.Text: " If this Card is found it must be returned at once to / the Deputy Director of Rationing, Melbourne / Commonwealth of Australia / 1948 / CLOTHING / RATION CARD / Issued to / Name R.G. Preston / Address Linton. "preston family, ration cards, world war 1939-1945

Clothing ration card 1948 No. A477431 issued by Commonwealth of Australia to Lola V Preston, Linton. 56 Clothing coupons printed in red on cream background.Text: " If this Card is found it must be returned at once to / the Deputy Director of Rationing, Melbourne / Commonwealth of Australia / 1948 / CLOTHING / RATION CARD / Issued to / Name Lola V. Preston / Address Linton. "preston family, ration cards, world war 1939-1945

At 5pm on 2 May 1975 at Christ Church, Hawthorn, the wedding took place between Kathryn Gwynn Marx of Mason Street, Hawthorn, and William Peter Reeve of Mountain Grove, Kew. The bride's dress was purchased from the 'House of Franke, Stuart', 612 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, a very popular place in the 1970s for brides. Kathryn was educated at Ruyton Girls' School with Margaret Franke so it was a nice connection. Margaret's family business had been in operation since 1926. I loved my wedding dress. It was soft and comfortable to wear and kept me warm on the May evening. It was elegant and I knew I would never get the chance to wear something with a long train again. Walking down the staircase at the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne felt very grand; a memory I still hold today. (Kate Reeve, 2022) [Note: Two photos and a newspaper article which are viewable in the image carousel are held in the donation file]Strong local provenance to Hawthorn, Kew and Boroondara due to owner and retailer. It is a representative example of wedding dresses sold in the 1970s. The wedding dress is made of fine soft white jersey with guipure lace around the neckline, wrists and bodice. The long train has three small discreet loops along the hemline which can be slipped onto a finger for a draped effect giving ease of movement for dancing etc. A satin trimmed veil covered the length of the train and was secured on the head with a satin coronet. White leather shoes were worn. The bouquet Phalaenopsis orchids. (Note: the veil and shoes were not part of the donation)Label: Franke Stuart / Hawthornfashion & design - 1970s, wedding dresses, kate reeve, peter reeve, franke stuart, retailers - glenferrie road - hawthorn (vic.)

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories. This dress is one of a number donated to the collection by Dione McIntyre.The McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1990s. Long white raw silk dress with beading and sequins applied to a high neck and short sleeves.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1960s, evening wear, mcintyre collection, dione mcintyre

A wedding dress, forming part of a collection of costumes, photographs and documents relating to the Weir family who lived in a mansion, originally named Illapa, at 84 Princess Street, Kew, from c.1917 to 1950. This historically significant collection includes items relating to both George Weir (1866-1937), his wife Edith Mary Weir (1867-1948) and their children. George Weir attained national prominence in the mining industry, becoming General Manager of the North Broken Hill Silver Mining Company in 1903 (later renamed North Broken Hill Mining Company 1905-12, and North Broken Hill Ltd 1912-1988), and subsequently President of the Mine Owners Association. He was to remain General Manager of North Broken Hill Ltd until his retirement in 1926.This garment is part of a collection of women’s clothing, owned and worn by Edith Mary Weir (nee Betteridge) - born in Clare, South Australia 1867, died Kew 1948 - and also by her daughter. The garments date from the 1880s to the 1930s. The collection includes day dresses, evening dresses, evening coats, capes, and undergarments. As the wife and daughter of a mine manager, the collection includes representative examples of clothing worn by upper middle class Australian women in domestic circumstances, and at social and civic events. A number of the costumes from the 1920s to the 1930s are of a particularly fine quality, being both rare, representative and intact examples of Australian fashion of the period. The garments in the Weir Collection were donated to the Kew Historical Society by a granddaughter of Edith Weir in 2017.Cream silk wedding dress consisting of a long sleeved pleated bodice and a very full skirt. The skirt has a deep exterior pocket. The interior of the bodice exhibits extensive use of baleen to provide structure. The outfit includes a marching pair of cream silk shoes.edith mary weir (nee betteridge), illapa -- 84 princess street -- kew (vic.), women's clothing, weir collection, dresses, fashion -- 1890s

Photograph is said to include Charles Heather.Original photograph taken c 1910. on reverse "Shearers c 1910 Charles Heather was a shearer" group of shearers., the heather family. clothing and tools.

Catherine Holmes married William Coghill Junior. William died in 1884. This is possibly a photo of Catherine in her mourning clothes. They had no children. His estate passed to Catherine. In 1886 Catherine accompanied by her brother, Edward Carter Holmes, Mr. Holmes a farmer at Ascot and her companion Mrs. Mark Gardiner [Gardner], wife of the contractor for laying down the wood pavement in Elizabeth- street, sailed for Queensland aboard the elegant steamship, ‘Ly-ee-Moon’ to visit her sister Adelaide Reid and purchase a property in the Darling Downs, Qld. Tragically all three, and the gold sovereigns they were carrying to purchase same, were lost when the steamship struck rocks and was wrecked off the rugged Green Cape Coast, just south of Bega, New South Wales [Jane Dyer, 15 June 2024]Black and white photograph of a seated woman wearing black clothing, a cap with centrally parted hair. The woman is Catherine Coghill (formerly Holmes), who married William Coghill Jnr. catherine coghill, catherine holmes, william coghill, william coghill junior, holmes family collection, chatham-holmes family collection, ly-ee-moon, mourning, shipwreck, women, pioneer women, family history

This photograph shows Charles Winnet Daniel Allen and Gladys Eileen Harris on their wedding day, 18th December 1937. This photographs relates to the fox fur coat which is now part of the National Wool Museum Collection, NWM-9090. "The foxes were shot in the 1950's by my Father, Charles Winnet Daniel Allen at two properties around Bacchus Marsh. One was Greystones at Glenmore, owned by the O'Keith family and the other was at Parwan, owned by the Miles Family. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the Government put a bounty on the fox head. A pair of ears were sent to the Council and you were paid 2 pennies and the skins were sold to a skin buyer. My Father would go out on moon lit nights and shoot the foxes then skin them, which he would peg on a board to dry. He took 21 fox skins to Nettlebergs Pty. Ltd., Furriers at 173 Elizabeth Street Melbourne, Victoria, to have this coat made for my Mother, Gladys Eileen Allen. It cost Twenty Pound and Nine Shillings to have the skins made into this coat. My Father died on the 1st July 1982 and my Mother on the 15th October 1993, aged 76. This coat was inherited by me Theresa Joy Hodge (nee Allen) on the passing of my Mother. I have worn it on cold days, but seeing that I am 84 and the coat is 74 years old, I would like to donate it to you, as I have no-one to leave it to and hope that you and the visitors to your Museum will enjoy looking at it." Theresa Hodge, 2025 Theresa was a dairy farmer, who grew up in Bacchus Marsh with her parents, before moving to South Australia in 1980 to a 167 acre farm in Burrungale.Black and white photograph a man and a woman standing together. The woman is wearing a wedding gown and headpiece, and the man is wearing a suit.back: [handwritten] Wedding Photo of Gladys Harris / and Charles Allen 1937 / 17-3-1994 / 18-12-37 / Church of England / 18-12-1937 / ORIGINAL: / a. Surmon back: [printed] ALLEYNE HOCKLEY / 12 WILKIE STREET / CASTLEMAINE 3450 / Phone 721425 back: [printed] Kodak / PAPERfox fur coat, fashion, hunting, pest eradication, farming, rural life, bacchus marsh, greystones, glenmore, parwan, fox, nettlebergs pty ltd, furriers, clothing, theresa hodge, charles allen, gladys allen, wedding

"The foxes were shot in the 1950's by my Father, Charles Winnet Daniel Allen at two properties around Bacchus Marsh. One was Greystones at Glenmore, owned by the O'Keith family and the other was at Parwan, owned by the Miles Family. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the Government put a bounty on the fox head. A pair of ears were sent to the Council and you were paid 2 pennies and the skins were sold to a skin buyer. My Father would go out on moon lit nights and shoot the foxes then skin them, which he would peg on a board to dry. He took 21 fox skins to Nettlebergs Pty. Ltd., Furriers at 173 Elizabeth Street Melbourne, Victoria, to have this coat made for my Mother, Gladys Eileen Allen. It cost Twenty Pound and Nine Shillings to have the skins made into this coat. My Father died on the 1st July 1982 and my Mother on the 15th October 1993, aged 76. This coat was inherited by me Theresa Joy Hodge (nee Allen) on the passing of my Mother. I have worn it on cold days, but seeing that I am 84 and the coat is 74 years old, I would like to donate it to you, as I have no-one to leave it to and hope that you and the visitors to your Museum will enjoy looking at it." Theresa Hodge, 2025 Theresa was a dairy farmer, who grew up in Bacchus Marsh with her parents, before moving to South Australia in 1980 to a 167 acre farm in Burrungale.Dark brown fox fur coat with silk lining. Three eye and hook clasps at front edges of coat.fox fur coat, fashion, hunting, pest eradication, farming, rural life, bacchus marsh, greystones, glenmore, parwan, fox, nettlebergs pty ltd, furriers, clothing, theresa hodge, charles allen, gladys allen

This receipt is for a fox fur coat made in Melbourne in 1950 by Nettlebergs. It is associated with the fox fur coat in the National Wool Museum Collection, NWM-9090. "The foxes were shot in the 1950's by my Father, Charles Winnet Daniel Allen at two properties around Bacchus Marsh. One was Greystones at Glenmore, owned by the O'Keith family and the other was at Parwan, owned by the Miles Family. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the Government put a bounty on the fox head. A pair of ears were sent to the Council and you were paid 2 pennies and the skins were sold to a skin buyer. My Father would go out on moon lit nights and shoot the foxes then skin them, which he would peg on a board to dry. He took 21 fox skins to Nettlebergs Pty. Ltd., Furriers at 173 Elizabeth Street Melbourne, Victoria, to have this coat made for my Mother, Gladys Eileen Allen. It cost Twenty Pound and Nine Shillings to have the skins made into this coat. My Father died on the 1st July 1982 and my Mother on the 15th October 1993, aged 76. This coat was inherited by me Theresa Joy Hodge (nee Allen) on the passing of my Mother. I have worn it on cold days, but seeing that I am 84 and the coat is 74 years old, I would like to donate it to you, as I have no-one to leave it to and hope that you and the visitors to your Museum will enjoy looking at it." Theresa Hodge, 2025 Theresa was a dairy farmer, who grew up in Bacchus Marsh with her parents, before moving to South Australia in 1980 to a 167 acre farm in Burrungale.Single sided paper receipt with black printed text and handwritten text in pencil.front: [printed] No. A / 2 / Telephone: MU 2913 / NETTLEBERGS Pty. Ltd. / The Premier Furriers of Australasia / 173 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne / Not Responsible for Goods left over Six Months / We do not hold ourselves responsible for loss by Fire or Burglary, / but every precaution is taken. / 19 / M / Every care is taken, but we cannot accept any responsibility in tanning and dying skins, / as they are done at Customer's own risk. front: [handwritten] 29 ? / Deposit £10 / Bal £20/9 / C. W. A. 20/7/50 / Mrs Allen / 21 fox skins dress pelts / dark brown + make / coatfox fur coat, fashion, hunting, pest eradication, farming, rural life, bacchus marsh, greystones, glenmore, parwan, fox, nettlebergs pty ltd, furriers, clothing, theresa hodge, charles allen, gladys allen