Jackie Kerin's (donor's) story. In 1973, I was in my late teens and while I’d moved to Sydney from Melbourne, to begin my first year of drama studies at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. My parents had moved to Lake Bunga, a few kilometers north of Lakes Entrance (Victoria). On my first holiday visit to Bunga, I called into the Jolly Jumbuck Country Craft Centre in Bairnsdale http://jumbukwool.com.au/history. I was entranced by the place and spent the following weeks learning to spin lumpy wool on an Ashford Wheel. By the end of the holidays, I had my own Ashford and it travelled with me back to Sydney. After graduation, I returned to Melbourne and the hippy “back to nature” movement was in full swing; there were many shops and galleries selling handmade woollen items and pottery etc. So I found an outlet for my pieces. Sometime in 1976-77, I met a spinner and weaver of Swiss origin (I think) – her name was Ingeborg Guber (not sure of the spelling). She had a small gallery/shop at Brighton Beach where she worked, with her pet duck for company. Ingeborg had an upright Philip Elford wheel; an Australian wheel crafted from Acacia melanoxylon (blackwood). I was smitten and ordered one. I have a memory of Philip driving to Hampton from Ballarat to make the delivery. I used this wheel for years but as time and enthusiasm for spinning waned, the wheel became a decorative item in the house. Then in the 90s, and with my drama training, I set myself up travelling to schools and festivals, museums and galleries as a storyteller. The spinning wheel had a new life accompanying me on my adventures. For many children, familiar with references to spinning in fairy tales, seeing the little Philip Elford upright was magical. The wheel was donated to the National Wool Museum in 2021.Vertical tripod leg spinning wheel. 6 spoke wheel with three bobbins. Inscription “Philip Elford Ballart” can be read in gold text stamped to the base of the wheel. Wording, stamped, gold. Philip / Elford / Ballartspinning wheel, textile production, hobby textiles, aciacia melanoxylon (blackwood)

Geelong is famous for its bollards. Created by local artist Jan Mitchell, the colourful bollards spot the foreshore, representing a fascinating and fun chronicle of the city’s past. Few people know that Mitchell planned for a flock of sheep to be part of her public art project. The wool industry is an important part of Geelong’s history, so Mitchell thought what better than a flock of sheep to welcome people to the city. The flock (and a Shepard) were to be placed out on the Melbourne-Geelong highway, near Lara, to welcome travellers to the city. The sheep would then be scattered along the road as a wayfinding signal to bring people to Geelong. When traffic authorities heard the plan for bollard sheep along the road, they squashed the project as a potential distraction for drivers. Another flock was also suggested for the hills of the eastern gardens, overlooking the bay. This was also disapproved; so Mitchell only ever partially completed four sheep bollards. The bollards are remnants of Jan Mitchell’s flock of sheep. The sheep also show the evolution of one of Geelong’s most iconic art installations. From the first sheep showing the raw timber of the old Yarra Street pier, to the sheep without a face, through to the completed sheep, it is possible to trace Mitchell’s process in the preparation of the bollards. The lost bollards form part of the National Wool Museum’s unique collection. The first bollard is the least complete, still in its original timber colour. From the central cylindrical shape, an additional wedge protrudes. This unpainted wedge forms what would have been the face of the sheep, with an ear present on either side that would have been painted white. Presently they are a bare metal. No legs are present on this bollard. The second and third bollard are completed to a similar level. They have a central cylindrical shape with an additional wedge protruding from the front of the timber. This wedge forms what would have been the face of the sheep, with an ear present on either side. The face and ears have been painted white but the finer details such as the eyes have not been added. These bollards bodies have also been painted white and have their legs attached. The legs are thin metal cylinders, approximately 50mm in diameter and 500mm long. The fourth bollard Is complete. It has the same central cylindrical shape with an additional wedge protruding from the front of the timber. This wedge forms the completed face of the sheep, with an ear present on either side that has been painted white. The face also features completed painted eyes. This bollard has its legs attached. The legs are thin metal cylinders, approximately 50mm in diameter and 500mm long. geelong, bollards, geelong's bollards, jan mitchell

Originating from Scotland pre-1950, this wool winder is ornately decorated featuring a male figure at its peak and a cherub at its base. Wool Winders are practical objects typically with minimal decoration; however, Wool Winders with ornate design features do exist. Scrimshaw (whale ivory) was a popular choice of material in the 18th and 19th century. It is smooth, preventing yarn from getting caught when unwinding, as well as having artistic beauty. Wool winders require a heavy base, as to not topple over when in use. It is popular to decorate these bases on more elaborate winders, such as shown in this example. The bows featured to tie the wood segments together is another feature of more elaborate models of wool winders, also highlighted in this example. This winder began life in the possession of Annie Crawford. The Crawford name has a strong connection with the town of Paisley, Scotland, and its Woollen Mills. The Crawford name can be seen working at the Woollen Mills in the 1851 Scotland Census, with Robert and his brother’s James and John working as Wool dyers. Their father Alexander also worked as a Loom Weaver. The winder immigrated with Annie when she, her husband and 3 children travelled to Australia, ready to start a new life. Most of their possessions were left behind in Scotland. This winder accompanied the family on their journey; so it stands to reason that the winder was special to them. Annie Crawford passed the winder onto her eldest daughter Joan Crawford. Joan did not have any children and so she passed the winder onto the eldest female grandchild, Fiona Crawford. Fiona Crawford continued the connection of the Crawford name with textiles, with an exhibition titled "When you go looking for me, I am not there". Utilising medieval embroidery tradition of ‘Punto Assisi, the exhibition was a reflection on the lack of women recorded in history, particularly their contribution to the domestic arts. Her work investigates both the absence of women while also honouring the unknown female makers of this now highly desired art. The Wool Winder was donated to the National Wool Museum in 2021 by Dianne Crawford, the sister of Fiona Crawford. Umbrella swift style wool winder made of metal, wood, and ribbon. Decorated at its highest point with a sculpted man standing on one leg, holding what is perhaps a rolled newspaper as though he may be bidding at an auction. Or perhaps he is holding a hank of wool. The man stands upon a three-tier platform of decreasing size and design which leads to the central metal shaft. At the base, the winder is decorated with an engraved cherub. Both figures have a small hole in one of their hands, indicating that they originally held something. Unfortunately, it is not known what this is. From the central metal shaft, this winder has 2 rows of 6 arms radiating out. These arms cross in the middle to form an X. These arms are also connected horizontally with additional arms which cross. This all forms an intricate web design, tied together with ribbon. The size of the web these arms create is adjustable, to accommodate yarns of different length. Beneath the second row of arms is a locking screw which holds this row at the desired height and width. This entire top section, beginning at the central metal shaft, can be unscrewed from its base for easier storage. The base begins in a wooden circular shape growing into a smaller ornately designed raise on which the cherub sits. From the head of the cherub the central metal shaft begins.paisley, scotland, wool winder, immigration

This book was produced by Paragon and contains knitting patterns for baby clothes.Paragon / KNITTING BOOK / Cuddle Cardigans / BIRTH TO 2 YEARS / BOOK 66 / Price 1'3knitting handicrafts - history, paragon art needlecraft, knitting, handicrafts - history

This book and a number of others like it were owned by the mother and aunts of the donor, Mrs Dorothy Boyle. They were prolific producers of hand knitted and hand made items of clothing and also knitted and sewed for the armed forces during the Second World War. This book was produced by Paragon and contains patterns for baby clothes.Paragon / KNITTING BOOK / Number 70 / 4 LAYETTES / A SHAWL AND A / REVERSIBLE PRAM COVER / 1'3knitting handicrafts - history, paragon art needlecraft, knitting, handicrafts - history

This book and a number of others like it were owned by the mother and aunts of the donor, Mrs Dorothy Boyle. They were prolific producers of hand knitted and hand made items of clothing and also knitted and sewed for the armed forces during the Second World War. This book was produced by Paragon and contains patterns for crocheted gloves.Paragon / Crochet / Gloves / BOOK NO 5 / NEEDLEWORK SPECIALISTS / PRICE 1/.crochet handicrafts - history, paragon art needlecraft, crochet, handicrafts - history

"Modern Developments in the Australian Wool Industry", c.1923. Examines the operations of the Yarra Falls Spinning Co. Pty Ltd and the Australian Knitting Mills Limited (makers of Golden Fleece and Kookaburra knitted underwear). Includes photos of processes and of the buildings.Book, front cover: "Modern Developments in the Australia Woollen Industry" c.1923; Yarra Falls Spinning Co. Pty Ltd and Australian Knitting Mills Limited.weaving textile industry - history textile production machine knitting textile mills, yarra falls spinning co. pty ltd australian knitting mills limited, yarn - woollen, cloth - worsted, yarn - worsted, wool tops, yarn - cashmere, logo merino: sheep in australian art and design - exhibition (29/07/2000 - 04/02/2001), weaving, textile industry - history, textile production, machine knitting, textile mills

This book was owned by the late Dr Elizabeth Kerr and was donated to the Museum by the executor of her estate, Margaret Cameron. It was produced by Paragon and contains knitting patterns for womens garments.1'3 / Modella / KNITTING BOOK No. 502 / M / A PARAGON PUBLICATIONknitting handicrafts - history, paragon art needlecraft, knitting, handicrafts - history

This book was owned by the late Dr Elizabeth Kerr and was donated to the Museum by the executor of her estate, Margaret Cameron. It was produced by Paragon and contains knitting patterns for socks.Paragon / KNITTING BOOK / No. 38 / SOCK BOOK / 1'6knitting handicrafts - history, paragon art needlecraft, knitting, handicrafts - history

This book was owned by the late Dr Elizabeth Kerr and was donated to the Museum by the executor of her estate, Margaret Cameron. It was produced by Paragon and contains knitting patterns for clothes for babies and young children.PARAGON BABY BOOK / 6 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS / No. 2 / 1'3knitting handicrafts - history, paragon art needlecraft, knitting, handicrafts - history

Gold medal certificate presented to Collins Bros Mill Pty Ltd for the best grouped exhibit at the South Australian Centennial Exhibition, 1936.CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION / Gold Medal / Certificate of Merit / AWARDED TO / Collins Bros Pty Limited / FOR / Attractive Stiff Grouped Exhibit / from an Exhibition point of view / [signature] PRESIDENT / [signature] SECRETARY / ART / INDUSTRY / TO CELEBRATE / THE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY / OF THE / FOUNDATION OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. / SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF MANUFACTURERS INCORPORATED / 1836 / 1936 / Albert V. Adlam From- / ROBT. R. STANESBY / THE PICTURE FRAM MAKER, / MOUNT CUTTER, &c. / FREE LIBRARY BUILDINGS, / Moorabool St., Geelongtextile mills history, south australian chamber of manufacturers incorporated collins bros mill pty ltd, textile mills - history

The book of recipes was compiled by Don Dunstan who apart from politics was also active in the fields of art, drama, poetry. This is evident in the history of the dishes he describes. Their origin,the herbs used and the method of preparation,and presentationThe drawings and illustrations are by Robert Ingpen a well known artistIllustrated cook book by Don Dunstan.The book is 25 cm by 19 cm and has a fixture on the cover of Don Dunstan using a wok.There is a red tea pot,a ladle,a fork & spoon hanging on hooks attached to a red brick wallfood technology, bakery

A History of Nunawading Arts Council 1964-1985,as told by Max Grant. A year by year account is given of the Nunawading Festival and the various orginations involved. Planning and development of the Nunawading Arts and Entertainment Centre is included. There is a list of Office Bearers for the period.A History of Nunawading Arts Council art exhibitions, art festivals, nunawading festival, nunawading arts council, nunawading arts & exhibition centre

A valuable collection of pottery and tiles collected by Nunawading Historical Society and traced to the early history of the potters' art in Nunawading. At present the collection is stored under the home of a society member who is moving. The council are debating whether to display the collection in the Council Offices foyer or whether the request should come from the Historical Society.A valuable collection of pottery and tiles collected by Nunawading Historical Society and traced to the early history of the potters' art in Nunawading. pottery, nunawading historical society, australian tesselated tile co. pty. ltd, city of nunawading, mitcham, cox, george