The French Collection was donated to the Society in 2022. This collection includes documents, artworks, books, costumes and artefacts belonging to two families. A number belonged to, or were made by the grandparents of the donor: Vida May Wing and her husband Hubert Charles McDonald. [Other items belonging to Vida and Hubert are in the collections of the Australian Performing Arts Museum and Museum Victoria.] A second significant group of objects were gifts made to the donor's family by Lucy (Jean) Hornby of Queen Street, Kew whose family had been early settlers in the district. Vida May Wing was born in Richmond in 1882. A noted teacher of plain, fancy and step dancing, during the first two decades of the twentieth century she held annual fancy dancing and floral balls, where her pupils were the performers. In 1916, she married Hubert Charles McDonald. She died in 1959.Upright, embossed celluloid, silk iined vanity dresser box which belonged to Vida May McDonald (nee Wing). The sides of the box are covered with purple figured velvet while the lids are covered with embossed celluloid. The case has a number of panels which open to reveal its pink silk lined interior which was once fitted out with mirrors, combs, brushes, and makeup jars. Nilvida may wing, vida may mcdonald, beauty cases, makeup boxes

The original owner of the evening bag was Elizabeth (Betty) McGregor. The bag was a gift from her husband, Ian McGregor (Managing Director of Ingersoll Rand), during a trip to Europe. The bag was purchased in Burlington Arcade, London in 1955. An accompanying photograph shows Betty, in attendance at a Captain's cocktail party with the evening bag on her arm. Betty was the best friend of the my mother, and not having children of their own, Betty and Ian were very good to my sister and I. Betty gifted the bag to me in 1983. As a Kew resident, it gives me much pleasure to pass on this evening bag to the Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society. (Kate Reeve, 2022)Small brass evening bag, covered with black silk and rhinestones. The box is of a flattened cylindrical shape with a looped handle. The lid of the bag is hinged on one side and contains a mirror on its interior. Inside the evening bag is a small black silk purse attached to the bag with a brass chainNilfashion & design - 1950s, accessories, evening bags

James Lang opened a shop and bakery in Gallowgate in 1817. His nephew, John Macfarlane, joined the business and took over when James died. A new bread factory was built at Wesleyan Street in Calton in 1880. The firm decided to move into machine-made biscuit manufacturing and opened the Victoria Biscuit Works on an adjoining site in 1886. Expansion to London followed, with the opening of the Imperial Biscuit Works in Fulham in 1903. In 1925 a new Victoria Biscuit Works with modern equipment was opened in Tollcross. Macfarlane Lang joined with other biscuit manufacturers to form United Biscuits in 1948. United Biscuits has since expanded to become one of Britain's leading food suppliers, and the Tollcross factory remains a major employer in Glasgow's East End at the beginning of the 21st century.Lidded biscuit tine decorated with an image of a doll's house on the lid. The manufacturer Macfarlane lang is inscribed on one Sid eof the box.biscuit tins, biscuit companies, containers

Small cardboard box, once used to hold Pastilles Valda, a cure for a range of ailments. The mentholated pastilles were contained in a box with an image of a man in a top hat on the lid. The profile of the man was created by an attached chain.pastilles valda, throat lozenges, mentholated medication

1920 Alvey Fishing Reels (Brisbane) Australia was founded by Charles Alvey in 1920. In 1925 he formed a partnership with his father. In 1936, the company began to use bakelite, a thermosetting plastic to mould 3″ and 4″ diameter spools.Fishing Tackle Box. Multilayered, compartmentalised, round brown bakelite container.Fishing Tackle Box in moulded script on lidcontainers, fishing, tackle boxes, alvey, alvey fishing reels

Kilpatrick & Co., Melbourne were active 1853-1925.A brass protractor, used in developing plans in the Engineer's Department of the City of KewCircular brass protractor in a square mahogany lidded case, retailed by Kilpatrick & Co., Melbourne. The protractor was used by staff in the Engineering Department of the former City of Kew. Handwritten inscription on label on lid:" J.R. Gray. G.P Russell,1951, Kew City Engineers used this".protractor, mathematical instrument, city of kew (engineering department)

Bertie Greenwood was born c. 1880/81 and died aged 82 in Hawthorn in 1963. His father and possibly his grandfather were also carpenters. Bertie’s work as a cabinetmaker required precise planing to give lovely edges and other elaborate decorations. The major item in the tool collection is Bertie’s wooden box, which houses 45 different moulding planes. Later in his life, he used these skills extensively when he worked as a patternmaker for a plastering company. Bertie worked through his seventies, retiring when he lost a finger. The tool collection was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Bertie’s granddaughter, Pamela Webster Bloom, a former resident of Kew.The blackened wood toolbox contains 45 wooden moulding planes, many made in England. In woodworking, a moulding plane is a specialised plane used for making the complex shapes found in wooden mouldings. Traditionally, moulding planes were blocks of wear resistant hardwood, often beech or maple, which were worked to the shape of the intended moulding. The blade, or iron was likewise formed to the intended moulding profile and secured in the body of the plane with a wooden wedge. A traditional cabinetmakers shop might have many, perhaps hundreds, of moulding planes for the full range of work to be performed.Toolbox engraved with the initials ‘BG’ on the lidmoulding plane, bertie greenwood, woodworking tools

Tarax was an independent Melbourne soft drink manufacturer from 1959 to 1972 (when it was taken over by Cadbury Schweppes). It was most popular as a product in the 1960s when it sponsored by the Tarax Show; a very popular children's television program. In the 1960s Polly Farmer was a star Geelong footballer. He played in a premiership team and was captain for 3 years. The game originally cost 75 cents plus 6 Tarax bottle tops. Boxed board game with yellow, blue and red lid. board games, tarax, polly farmer, f.w. niven, aboriginal footballer, victorian football league, australian football league, aboriginal and torres straight islander

8th Hussars formed part of the Light Brigade which took part in the famous charge.Busby which belonged to C R Burn Esq 8th Hussars with metal box for hat and metal tube for plume. Busby was worn at Balaclava during the Crimean War 1854. Leather inner with brown fur outer covering; red cloth flap on right side; gold braid, white horsehair plume and red feathers at base or plume, gilt link chinstrap. The busby was presented as a gift to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles by its affiliated British regiment, 8th Queen's Royal Irish Hussars in 1954.On lid of hat box: " C R Burn Esq 8th Hussars" and "Hawkes and Co Piccadilly London"busby, hat, military, cavalry, hussars

At the beginning of the 20th century the toy industry was based predominantly in Germany. During the First World War, imports from Germany were banned and the British government instead encouraged toy-making in Britain, as it helped the economy and provided jobs for ex-servicemen. Around this time, English manufacturer E. A. Lott devised a new system of bricks suitable for assembling small buildings. Together with a cardboard roof and instructions, Lott started selling these bricks as Lott’s Bricks in 1918. Lott’s Bricks eventually became even more popular then Anchor blocks, which were produced on the same principles by Richter, the well-known German manufacturer of construction toys. Lott’s success was assured when Queen Mary bought a set from him at the British Industries Fair in 1918. A number of sets were later produced, each with its own series, including Modern, Lodomo and Tudor. The bricks were the last of the old-fashioned composition blocks, which were later superseded by the very different styles exemplified by Minibrix, Bayko and Lego. Lotts Brick’s Ltd ceased to exist in the 1960s. (Source: V&A Museum)Toy with model building materials in wooden box with manufacturers label on lid. Th label pictures a white brick house with two equidistant chimneys. Included in the box are blocks to be used in building the house. These are in different shapes and sizes. The roofing panels are preformed.Manufacturer information and description lott's bricks, toy blocks, construction toys

The Kew Historical Society’s collection includes a wide range of leisure objects. Many of the items are European-made, generally of British origin, however there are a number that were made for the Australian market by Australian manufacturers. In the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, there were large numbers of games produced for children and adults. These included: arcade games, board games, playing cards and puzzles. A representative sample, many now rare survivors, can be found in the collection.Lotto. Box title "THE POPULAR GAME OF LOTTO". Inside the lid are a set of instructions for playing the game of "Lotto or House". The game was manufactured "solely at Chad Valley Works, Harborne, England. Beside the rules, in pencil is the name "P. Knight", presumably the owner of the game. chad valley works, lotto

Jewelry box ornate casting with holly motif, handle formed by holly. Silver plated gun metal (?). Hinged lid, on four splayed feet, pink satin lining (top and bottom) with cord rim on bottom.J.B' on underside in one corner, '334' diagonally opposite corner.personal effects, containers, jewelry box, container, holly, ornate, metal

The small box was donated to THS by the Trentham Police Station. The set was used to mark with a serial number objects belonging to community members for identification in case of items being lost or stolen. For example items such as bicycles were often marked. This service was in association with the Neighbourhood Watch program.This item adds to our collection as an example of work carried out by local Police.Wooden box containing metal stick stamps with numeral or letter on the tip with tray insert to hold the sticks.'Metal stamps for bike ID etc.' on lid. Inside lid "$22.50" police station, id kit, police, neighbourhood watch

Metal First Aid Box. Used by Red Cross as Service Unit. List of original contents on inside lid.stawell

Insect Fumigator. Small Glass Lidded Jar with wick and wire stand in cardboard Box with instructions on box.stawell

To use this foundation mould, melted beeswax was poured , the lid was placed on top, and the wax allowed to cool. The mould was then separated, and the beeswax foundation sheet taken out. Once placed in a hive, bees used the honeycomb impression created by the mould to draw out honey comb cells to store honey and polen. This mould was used by Bill Voigt, a beekeeping friend of the Robinson family. It was donated by Wilma, Val and Richard Voigt.This is antique equipment used by known beekeepers. Rectangular box with base and no lid. Constructed from wood, joined with metal nails in the corners. Inside box is a metal mould base with hexagonal imprint and metal mould lid with hexagonal imprint.antique, old, wax, foundation, mould, beechworth honey, voigt, robinson

Seven boxed drafting sets containing compasses, pens and dividers. Padded lids, interiors lined with velvet, blue, black or green. .1) Belonged to Peter Fraser. .2) Belonged to Ian Hooper. .6) Belonged to Noel Cawthorn. .6 & .7) Embossed on lids "Eco O Bra / Kandidat". .1) "Koala / Series / Made in Australia".instruments, trades, drafting, containers

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 dress as a vintage item and wore it during the years 2010-18, before donating it to BHS. The Mooney sisters, Nell and Ida, were situated beside the Regent Theatre in Collins Street, Melbourne and were well respected milliners and dressmakers.Short sleeved peach silk dress (.1) featuring beige lace appliqué on neckline, along with original rectangular brown cardboard box (.2).Label: "MF 2900 / Misses Mooney / of Collins Street" Printed on lid of box: "Misses Mooney / 189 Collins Street, Melbourne"di reidie, vintage clothing, misses mooney, melbourne designers

A battery operated device that is rectangular in shape with a sensor plate on top and an on/off switch on one end. At the other end is a round lid that screws off to allow a round 9 volt battery to be inserted. It was designed so that when placed outdoors would emit a noise at the first drop of rain, enabling vision impaired people to retrieve their washing from the line. 1 plastic box with metal plateRain warning device Made for the Royal National Institute for the Blind by Data Acquisition Ltd A price sticker reads: $49.assistive devices, royal national institute for the blind

Black box containing a Matrix Braille writing machine, with a 24mm-wide paper spool attached to the feeding mechanism. Corner of box is hinged and lifts up to reveal keyboard. Top half of box lifts to reveal Braille writer which is bolted to a wooden base that can be lifted out. The base is secured with a metal latch. Machine has black Bakelite keys with rubber pads beneath make this a "silent" machine; wooden case has black leather-like covering, hinged lid, metal clasps, and leather handle on the side. "Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 1183, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front,Black vinyl-covered case containing black metal writer and paper spool"Model G, Matrix, Coventry Gauge & Tool Company, Ltd., No. 1183, For The Royal National Institute for the Blind, London W.I." is stamped on the front.braille equipment, royal national institute for the blind

In 1995, the Association for the Blind celebrated it's centenary with the release of a silver coloured medallion that was available for purchase. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Tilly Aston' and '1873-1947' . On the reverse is brailled 'They're sowing the tiny seeds of action!' on the outer rim and in the middle is the figure '100' with a small spray of laurel each side. Beneath this are the words 'Association for the Blind Centenary 1995'. The medallion is inset to a blue velour box, with a white lining on the lid and a round circle in gold with 'Association for the Blind Centenary', '100' and '1895-1995'. A small yellow paper leaflet briefly describes the setting up of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind by Tilly Aston. Silver coloured medallion with illustrations, in box with accompanying leafletBox - Association for the Blind centenary, 100, 1895-1995association for the blind, awards

In 1995, the Association for the Blind celebrated it's centenary with the release of a gold coloured medallion that was available for purchase. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Tilly Aston' and '1873-1947' . On the reverse is brailled 'They're sowing the tiny seeds of action!' on the outer rim and in the middle is the figure '100' with a small spray of laurel each side. Beneath this are the words 'Association for the Blind Centenary 1995'. The medallion is inset to a blue velour box, with a white lining on the lid and a round circle in gold with 'Association for the Blind Centenary', '100' and '1895-1995'. A small yellow paper leaflet briefly describes the setting up of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind by Tilly Aston. Gold coloured medallion with illustrations, in box with accompanying leafletBox - Association for the Blind centenary, 100, 1895-1995association for the blind, awards

This work box belonged to Miss Mary Southcombe who, with her parents Thomas and Mary came from Devon Wales to Portland on the sailing ship "Clara" in 1854. Later that year they settled in Belfast (Port Fairy). Miss Southcombe resided in Port Fairy all her life and carried a wonderful record of citizenship extending over a period of more than 80 years.This workbox used by Miss Mary Southcombe a pioneer of Port Fairy is also a beautiful piece of it's type.Pearl inlaid wooden sewing box with many compartments made of card and covered in purple silk each compartment had a lid made of the same componentsdomestic items, sewing, box, miss mary southcombe

This homeopathic kit was owned by the Powling Family (E.W.Father and J.Son) for everyday useWooden box with concealed drawer used for storing homeopathic chemicals in the home. Containing 28 small bottles of various chemicals in top layer, plus a book titled "The Stepping Stones of Homeopathy and Health". In the bottom drawer 4 larger bottles of poison, 1 black lid, homeopathic pamphlet, bottles resting in cotton wool, 1 label "Hopkins and Williams Potassium Chromate". 28 cork lids, 4 glass stoppers, 1 bottle missing from top layer.(These are all separate labels) Ipecacuanha, Vomica, China Oft 1x, Tincture of Bella Donna (poison), Chamilla 3x, Antimonium Tart 3x, Rhus Tox, Carb Veget, Pulsatilla 1x, Sulphur 3x, phosphorus 3, Arsenicum Alb.3x, Colocynthis 3x, Hepar Sulph.6x, Lycopodium 3x, Cina 1x, Verat rum Alb 3x, Kali Bichrom.3x, Cimicifuga 1x, Cantharis Sol. 6x, Gelseminum 1x, Dulcamara 3x, Ignatia Amara 3x, Ferrum-Muriatic 1x, Rose Water Flavouring (R.S.Corson), Larger Bottles in Drawer: Rhus Toxicoderon, Calendula Officinal, Arnica Montana, Hamamelis Virginica, Bottom of Box : Small label :- pound sign 25/- 50/-homeopathy, powling

Nankervis prefers the pre-Industrial Revolution method of firing pottery, involving heating the kiln by burning wood for five days, to the modern, quicker methods using gas or electricity. The distinctive surfacing in wood-fired ceramics is generated by the ash and volatile salts from the burning wood. "Because the wood ash and salts blush the ceramic pieces in the kiln, the finished work tends to take on the nature of the firing process," he said. "One colleague has described the process as painting with fire."(https://www.strathnairn.com.au/studios/artist-in-residence/montessa-maack-ursula-burgoyne-jen-lyall-and-vicki-grima-5ndd6, accessed 09 July 2021)Tony NANKERVIS Tony Nankervis taught ceramics from 1984 when the university was the Northern Rivers College of Advanced Education from 1984. before moving to Southern Cross University (SCU) in 1994. He retired from full time teaching in 2004. Nankervis was a pioneer of the long wood-fired ceramics technique in Australia: a technique he has been practising since the late 1970s Nankervis prefers the pre-Industrial Revolution method of firing pottery, involving heating the kiln by burning wood for five days, to the modern, quicker methods using gas or electricity. The distinctive surfacing in wood-fired ceramics is generated by the ash and volatile salts from the burning wood. "Because the wood ash and salts blush the ceramic pieces in the kiln, the finished work tends to take on the nature of the firing process," he said. "One colleague has described the process as painting with fire. There are particular qualities that only come from firing in that way, he said. "If you see some of these older ceramics, particularly from Asia, the surface qualities are discernible from the surfaces generated by post-Industrial fuels." (https://www.scu.edu.au/engage/news/latest-news/2004/leading-australian-potter-who-paints-with-fire-retires-from-lecturing-at-scu-after-19-years.php, accessed 09 July 2019)Presented by the artistLidded Raku fired box, dry glazedceramics, jan feder memorial ceramics collection, tony nankervis, tony nankervic

Small dark green compact box, interior opens to a mirror on the lid and a palette of three paints: green, brown and black. Front - Embossed - CAMTECH / PAINT, FACE, CAMOFLAGE / NSN 6850-66-130-0172 / MILITARY SUNSCREEN / RT01/94390C-1 / 0192

The lamps were pioneered by the British Navy in the late nineteenth century and introduced by the Royal Australian Navy after 1918, and continue to be used to the present day. Manufactured in 1960, the Wilsons Promontory lamp was provided to the lighthouse by the Department of Shipping for signalling ships but was also used for communicating with Cliffy Island, 18 nautical miles away. This type of lamp was renowned for its brilliant light, and lightkeepers from the two lightstations ‘used to practice their signalling with each other, as its effective use was reliant on precise positioning of the scope which is located on top of the lamp’. The inside of the case is imprinted with ‘RAN (Royal Australian Navy), and details on the lamp include a serial number, the date of 1960 and the initials of the Department of Transport, which at that time incorporated the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service. Another Aldis lamp and case with a date of 1960 is held at Cape Nelson and third lamp and case is at Point Hicks; (date unconfirmed but possibly 1943). A fourth lamp and case formerly at Cape Schanck disappeared from the collection sometime between 1995 and 2003.Aldis lamp and case (WPLS 0003.2; likely provenance) The lamps are not rare in museum collections however the Wilsons Promontory example has a confirmed provenance to the lightation and has first level contributory significance as a fine example of the Aldis lamps that were distributed to lightstations throughout Victoria and Australia.1. Handheld black signaling lantern with trigger mechanism. Glass front with inner reflective disc. Black electrical cord is attached with a two pronged plug at the end. 2. Black painted wooden box for transporting lantern. brass catch, leather handle. Grey electrical cord inside plus transformer. Hinged lid. The Aldis lamp is portable, hand held visual signalling lamp with trigger mechanism and inner reflective disk used for optical communication via Morse code. The concave mirror is tilted to focus the light into pulse signals. Larger versions of the lamp are fixed on ships or pedestals and have shutters in front of the device that are opened and closed to transmit signals. Wilsons Promontory’s black metal Aldis lamp and attached electrical cord has a black painted wooden carrying case with metal clasp and leather hand grip.1. On trigger;"AP16413" Around V shaped protrusion attached to lamp "AP197873 / AEI .LTD 59" Beneath screw on face;"AD16415" Inside lamp, under glass;"ADMIRALTY PATTERN 16409 / 5 INCH HAND SIGNALING LANTERN SERIAL No. 212 Year 1960 / AEI PTY LTD SYDNEY" •2. Box. On brass plate below handle."ADMIRALTY PATTERN 16409 / BOX FOR TRANSPORTING LANTERN / PATTERN 16409" Inside box on side of metal insert attached to inside of box;"EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER / MADE BY / M.Brodribb, Melbourne/ cat & APP / No v/QR / 1811A / 50 / 60 va / CONT. 55 c / RATIO 240, 12 V TAPS " Top of metal box on sticker;"C of A / D.O.T 143076 / 12 V 5A" On Bakelite plug on metal box;"EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE"

A music box table with a decorative hinged lid of dark brown, light brown, yellow and green inlaid timber in a pattern of nine squares and rectangles on the top of the lid. Inside is plain wood with a recessed open box cavity. Around the edges of the table under the lid on the outside there is a green and yellow patterned inlay. It has four finely shaped wooden legs."Hand work Made In Italy"music boxes, tables