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.coombs collection, women's clothing, australian fashion, fashion & design collection, costumes, wedding dresses

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

Town Hall, The Bendigo Choral Society. Souvenir program 3d. With and oval picture of Mr. W C Frazier A.R.C.O.-Conductor on front cover. Gounod's 'Faust'. For Bendigo Benevolent Asylum, 5000 pounds. Town Hall, Bendigo, Wednesday, June 14th, 1992, at 8pm. Principals: Miss Phyllis Hannaford (Mrs. J R Clark); Miss Essa McSwiney, L.A.B. Mr. E H Collett, Mr. E A Miller, Mr. Gerson Krost, Conductor: Mr. W C Frazier, A.R.C.O. Pianiste: Miss Eileen Hains, A.T.C.L. Picture of Benevolent Asylum on front cover. J G Austen, Secretary Appeal Fund. J Hudspeth & Z S Martin Secretaries Choral Society. Concert to commence at 8pm. Artists; Mr. Gerson Krost, Miss Essa McSwiney, Mr. E A Miller, Miss Phyllis Hannaford. Cast; Mrs. J R Clark, Miss Essa McSwiney, Mr. E H Collett, Mr. E A Miller. Choruses, etc. by Choral Society. In the Homeland Mr. Frazier found it the increasing practice to take the great opera masterpieces and give them on the concert platform in more of less liberal excerpts. With characteristic generosity. He purchased the copies and presented them to the Choral Society. Bendigo has thus an opportunity to hear the latest idea. We are sure the musical public will appreciate this, though of course. . .. It is interesting to note that when this great work was first performed in Paris, on March 19th, 1859, it was somewhat coldly received, to the composer's great grief, as he, with the instinct of genius, . . .. The Compact: Introduction: Faust, aged and worn, weary with long pondering over learned treatises, in a pessimistic mood wonder whether the work is worthwhile. Memories of an early love stir strangely in his being, and he, in his doubting mood, questions all things, in despair he would welcome death, and finding no answer from the heavens, he appeals to the powers of ill. To his great surprise, he is at once answered by Mephistopheles and a colloquy then ensues in which the Evil One promises him Gold? Glory? A Kingdom? No! No! It must be 'Youth!' That can be done also. Faust is dubious, but on Mephistopheles bringing a vision of beauteous Margarita at is dubious, but on Mephistopheles be 'Youth!' That can be done also. Faust is dubious, but on Mephistopheles bringing a vision of beauteous Margarita at her wheel he agrees and signs the compact. 'Up Here I am at thy command, Down There thou servest me!' At The Fair: Mephistopheles then asks Faust to the Fair where they mix with the revelry of the students, soldiers and merry maidens. He gets a glimpse of Margarita. The Evil One is again busy putting Suspicious and quarrelsome thoughts into good comrades' minds. . .. The Wooing: Poor Siebel, the ardent, faithful lover of Margarita, finds himself somewhat overshadowed by the young and handsome Faust. Mephistopheles in a mocking mood tells him that every flower that he plucks will perish in his hands. He finds this prediction verified when he plucks the flowers for his lady love, but when in faith he scouts the Evil One, he conquers, and the spell is broken. Faust, filled with an ardent and pure passion, approaches the dwelling of Margarita, with an offering of priceless jewels, provided by the . . .. . The Return of Valentine: Valentine, the soldier brother of Margarita, leaves for the wars, giving the care of his sister to her faithful lover, Siebel. On his return, covered with glory, and ardent to meet his people again, he hears the story of the flouting of Margarita by Faust. In this part the soldiers are welcomed home by their comrades in the male part of the song 'Fold the flag my brothers,' followed by the celebrated chorus (usually known as the 'Soldier's Chorus' Glory and love to the men of old.' It has been set, in this edition, for full choir. Mephistopheles, the evil genius, in a spirit of raillery, and exultant that his plans are working to . . . . The Price: Faust, repentant, desires to do justice to Margarita and again be her lover. Margarita is almost demented at the loss of her brother. Mephistopheles not to be cheated, thwarts the good impulse of Faust and demands his price. He also endeavors to make Margarita despair, but owing to the simple faith of the . . . . The End. A Question You give you name, your time, your pelf To ease your woe: But what do you give of your own self To pay the debt you owe? You open a Home for helpless ones, And you shut them in with care; Of what think you is their share? You talk and you write; you organise; All this, we know, is true; But how do you spread the spark divine, The deep-down soul of you? -A Simkins. Benevolent Asylum Appeal. The Committee of Management directing the works of the Asylum desire to bring before an always generous public the claims of the Instruction for financial support. The Appeal for 5000 pounds has been launched in the full belief that the case is a good one, and in the confident hope that it will be successful. The work carried on by the Asylum covers a big field, extending as it does from Swan Hill in the north and Melbourne in the south. Inmates from all parts of the State are given a comfortable home, and properly cared for in the eventide of their lives. There are at present in the Asylum 164 old men and women. In addition to this work the Committee thoroughly investigate and dispense relief in food to from 150 to 200 adults and from 300 to 400 children each week, and also issues a large number of blankets, boots and clothing garments to necessitous applicants. The recipients of this relief are principally widow and their little ones, and the wives and children who are dependents of miners suffering from the dread Miners' Complaint. The Committee in organizing this branch of its charity work, has, to a great extent, prevented a large amount of waste, through overlapping and duplication of effort. It now appeals to the public for the above amount in order that be may still be able to continue charity work among the poor and necessitous of Bendigo and District. 'Organized Charity is Love with Judgment.'Cambridge Press Printprogram, theatre, town hall, bendigo

Group appear to be on a Sunday excursion as all in best clothesBlack and white photograph of group of men, women and children posed for the camera in a bush setting in East Gippsland Victoriacelebrations, clothing

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

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

Alice Henty (1852-1932) was the third daughter of Francis and Mary Ann Henty. her father 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 with his wife following 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.Alice Henty’s wedding dress, made in 1876 for her marriage to John Hindson was remodelled in 1943 for the wedding of her granddaughter, Alice Henty Hindson to Norman Lithgow Tait at Holy Trinity, Kew. It was worn again by Margaret Henty Hindson (1918-2000) at her marriage to Dougald Webster Matheson at St Paul's Church, Henty in 1944. The two piece dress has a low décolletage shaped with a collar from which two curved panels drop. The fastenings for the bodice are buttons covered with the same fabric. The bodice is completed with two full length sleeves. The full skirt is slightly flattened at the front with a long train. In contrast, the ivory silk, silk faille and satin bodice with long tails remained unaltered. The front closure of the jacket has handmade embroidered buttonholes and covered buttons. The pleated collar and sleeves are decorated with gathered silk tulle. The jacket features long tails. alice frances (henty) hindson, women's clothing, wedding dresses, margaret henty hindson

Fancy Dress Ball held at Edithvale Boat Club.A photograph of men, women and children attending a fancy dress bal at Edithvale Boat Club. On the rear of the photo ten people have been identified: 1 - Mr Case; 2 - Mr and Mrs Plain (owner of the Unity Theatre); 3 - Mr Rowe; 4 - Mrs Bert Smith; 5 - Alf Case; 6 - Sid Munro; 7 - Bert Richardson; 8 - Marg Upton; 9 - Nellie Cameron; 10 - Arthur Upton. F. Cumming Studio. Frankston Road, Chelseacarrum, chelsea, carrum mechanics hall, fancy dress ball, social function, clothing

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, fine white cotton christening gown. The short bodice includes a v-shaped lace insert bordered by a scalloped collar. Lace is also used on the neckline, short sleeves, and hem. The lace on the sleeves is attached in rows of overlapping fabric. The fabric below the high waistline is gathered to produce a full long skirt.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown, ornamented with a v-shaped panel of lace on the bodice. Lace is also used on the upper part of the short sleeves and on the neckline. The fabric of the skirt is gathered below the waist.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown. The high necked, short sleeved bodice has a number of decorative elements. These include two panels of fabric, the lower of which includes pleating, and inserts of lace that extend beyond the waist. Ties extend from the front to the back of the bodice. Lace is also used on the neckline and on the edge of the folded sleeves. The skirt is pleated at the front extending to the hem.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.A white cotton and lace christening gown. The primary decorative elements of the gown are at the front which includes multiple layers of lace on net that extend from the neck to the hemline, which are then bordered with ruffles of the same lace. The bodice has a high neck, bordered with lace, and two short sleeves.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white muslin christening gown. The gown features lace on the front of the bodice, neck, and on the short, puffed sleeves. The skirt at the front has pleating separated with inserts of lace and horizontal hanging scalloped bands of lace christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Simple fine, white cotton petticoat used underneath an outer christening gown. The petticoat uses the same silhouette as the gown. The sleeveless bodice is held up by shoestring straps at the shoulder. Gathered fabric at the waist creates volume as an undergarment. Six bands of decorative horizontal pleating are used in the lowest section of the skirt as well as a scalloped hem.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown. Handmade featuring lace on the layered short sleeves, as well as at the neckline. The gown has a tie above the waist. The bodice is designed to form a number of horizontal and vertical panels, most prominently including tapered pleating at the front. The fabric comprising the skirt is gathered at the waist, allowing the full skirt to flare towards the hem. The lower part of the dress features a scalloped double hemline above which are four bands of folded fabric.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown featuring an elaborate hand-worked bodice. The bodice has diagonal bands of lace as well as sections of fabric that imitate the effect of a bolero. These, as well as the sleeves are also hand embroidered and bordered with tatted lace. The fabric is finely gathered below the waist. The lower part of the gown includes inserted bands of different kinds of lace. The longer sleeves might indicate that the gown was made for an older infant. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Very long, white cotton christening gown. The bodice is distinguished by an intricate panel of handmade lace that forms a semi-circle at the neck. On either side of the lace insert are folded lapels, each bordered with lace. The short sleeves are constructed of two overlapping pieces of fabric. Below the waist the fabric is pleated to allow for the large amount of fabric in the skirt to flare outwards. The extraordinary detail within the gown is extended to the lower section of the skirt where the maker has created five pleated bands, each comprising four layers. The hem also features a band of lace. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.Long, white cotton christening gown. The bodice includes a number of pieces of lace, most notably a panel of broderie anglais at the centre of the bodice. Bands of lace are also used at the neck and on the sleeves. The skirt is gathered below the waist allowing the fabric to form folds.The lower section of the skirt five pleated bands and a hem also created from broderie anglais.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.A long, white cotton christening gown designed and made using a number of decorative elements. These include an embroidered lace v-shaped insert at the front of the bodice that extends below the waist. Bands and layers of lace are also used at the neck and on the double-panelled sleeves. A broad band of lace has been used to form the waist, below which the fabric of the skirt is very finely gathered. The front of the skirt includes thirty-two horizontal pleated bands. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.A handmade, sturdy white cotton christening gown. The bodice is made from a number of separate pieces of fabric. At the front there is a flat, pleated panel that extends well below the waist. The longer half-length sleeves are attached to the neckline rather than from a shoulder. Each sleeve is bordered with crocheted lace. Crocheting is also used as a decorative element on the front of the tie. The skirt is simply hemmed. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.A sturdy white cotton christening gown that confirms to a number of conventional design rules. These include pleating on the bodice and at the front of the skirt. The width of the pleats below the waist would indicate a later rather than earlier manufacture. Lace is used in a vertical band at centre front, on the neck and at the waist. christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life

In the early 19th century, infant baptismal 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 fifteen christening gowns dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.The christening gown of Dione McIntyre, local architect and life member of the Kew Historical Society. The colour and fabrics used in the gown were recycled from Ilma Diamond's [her mother's sister] wedding dress, when she was christened in 1931. As the smallest of the christening gowns in the collection, this would indicate that she was baptised at a very early age. The fragile baptismal gown is made from a silk slip, above which is an outer layer of embroidered net separated by bands of chiffon. The lace at the hem is also scalloped.christening gowns, ceremonial clothing, children's wear, baptismal clothing, victorian historical themes — 8.6 marking the phases of life, mcintyre collection, dione mcintyre

Leather flying coat and helmet owned by Catherine "Katie" Weir Rothwell Bloomfield. Born on December 31st 1904 in Pakenham, Bloomfield was the first women in Victoria to earn her private pilot's licence. Her license was number 334, with her gaining it on the 29th of June 1929 at the Essendon aerodrome. Prior to gaining her license, she flew 10 hours in duel flying. Bloomfields first aircraft was a Cirrus Moth, which was a leftover model from WW1, with its top speed being 65 mph (104km/h). This is the aircraft that she gained her license with and flew the most.

Pair of women's leather boots given to the donor by Miss Denbigh of 18 Gordon Avenue, Kew in the 1950s. The Denbigh sisters were the daughters of John Denbigh, a pioneer of Kew, and the first resident of 'Wimba' in Cotham Road. The mid nineteenth century silk patchwork quilt in the collection also comes from the Denbigh family via a different donor.Pair of comparatively rare Edwardian women's bootsPair of women's black leather boots. Leather insoles and soles. Mid-calf length with a 2-3 inch heel. Inside in biro "3286 / G. Smitt"footwear, fashion and design --1900s, fashion and design 1910s