This bolster sham is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes and household linens - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. Most beds during the late 19th and early 20th century had a feather, hair or spring mattress covered by a blanket and topped with an under sheet, an upper sheet, several blankets and a bedspread. A flat bolster could be placed either under the pillows or on top of the pillows with a decorative sham. Washing pillows and quilts by hand would have been a very onerous task (involving heating water and handwashing in a tub or using a copper) and so it became the practise of many housewives to cover the pillows and bolsters with an outer slip (or sham) of washable material which could be easily removed and washed when needed. If the bolster was kept under the pillows it wouldn't need to be very decorative but many shams or slips that were "on show" were often highly decorated with embroidery, pintucks, ribbons or lace. This bolster sham is machine made and quite plain with the exception of some pintucking and eyelet lace on each end which suggests that it would mostly be hidden under the top pillows with just the decorative edges on display.This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the early 20th century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery to personalise and embellish a practical domestic object. It is also significant as an example of an early 20th century innovation that helped make the working lives of housewives a little bit easier.A long white cotton rectangular bolster sham, machine sewn, with seven ties and two buttons (plus one missing button) to enable it to be folded over lengthwise and closed. It has two pull string ties near each end to enclose a bolster and is finished with a decorative edge of pintucks and handmade eyelet lace and embroidery.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, eliza towns, sham, bedding, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, warrnambool, household textiles, sewing, bolster sham, housework, pillow sham, charles towns, nhill, haberdashery, needlework, manchester, handmade, household linen

The mantel clock has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. These smaller clocks were designed during an age when people wanted elegant timepieces that fit on mantels or shelves. Their compact size and decorative designs made them a popular choice for homes of the time. They graced the mantelpieces or tables in homes, serving as both functional timepieces and sophisticated decorations. These clocks often feature ornate wooden carvings and intricate designs, with their gentle ticking and chimes adding a cozy ambiance to living spaces.A small vintage decoratively carved dark timber steeple mantel pendulum clock with a white cardboard face, black roman numerals and black metal hands. There is a brass trim around the face. The turned wooden frame at the front has has It is in working order. The very ornately white painted pattern on the glass door has a leaf and floral pattern. The door opens with a small decorative brass catch to reveal the inner workings. It has an ornate hanging brass pendulum and the internal workings are visible.There are two spirit plumb levels inside, one is aluminium metal and is attached to the wall. There is a brass key which does not wind the mechanism. clock keys, clock components, timepieces, clocks, mantel clocks

Brass object with circular ring attached to stand with decorative base. Decorative fish as the support arm. Length 9" Width 5".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

A circular metal mandala containing a central decorative circle with seven radiating spokes and seven individual circles with unique decorative designs. Nonematcham skipper, metal work, mandala

Brass mug shaped vessel with decorative etching. possibly trench art made from some other decorative brass item.souvenir, ww1, trench art

A lorgnette, in essence, consists of a handle-mounted pair of spectacles. Lorgnettes, which preceded modern opera binoculars, were frequently seen at both theaters and operas during the 19th century. The term "lorgnette" is derived from the French word "lorgner," which means to discreetly observe or gaze. Prior to the 17th century, optical devices were mainly associated with men, however the creation of the lorgnette marked a significant shift as women started to play a more prominent role in the realm of eyewear. The lorgnette piqued women's curiosity and led to the development of various new designs, such as the "jealousy lorgnette." Furthermore, the lorgnette evolved beyond its initial function as a theater or opera accessory and transformed into a practical daily accessory. Initial versions of the lorgnette featured a handle without any joints. Subsequent iterations introduced a hinged handle, and by the 19th century, a spring mechanism was incorporated which enabled the lenses to fold neatly inside the handle, which also doubled as a protective case.The Burke Museum's collection of historical artifacts illuminates Beechworth's past by showcasing the town's social, cultural, and economic dimensions, contributing to a richer understanding of its social history.A pair of spectacles with a decorative handle attached.burke museum, social history, glasses, opera

A Williamstown local, Ethel Margaret Musther nee Barber (1872-1956) was the daughter of Captain John Henry Barber (1842-1924), a sea pilot and Janet Lidell (1846-1891) Her grandfather, Captain Lidell, was also a seaman. In 1900, she married Nathan George Musther,(18..-1933) a chemist, and dentist in the Navy. They had two daughters: Rosamund Janet Musther(born 1903) and Nanoya Gwendoline Musther (born 1906). She was the principal of the Ladies' College in Footscray. She was involved in many philantropic associations especially for sailors but also during WWI and WW2. She worked for the Anzac Club, the Red Cross, She formed: 1941: the R.A.N. Friendly Union of Sailor's Wives and Mothers. 1943: the Lightkeepers Auxiliary to help the Mission raised funds. The plaque was a gift of the Lightskeeper Auxiliaire and unveiled on 30 July 1959 at the St Nicholas Chapel, by her eldest daughter, Mrs Jean McDonald. It was originally on stained and polished hardwood mount made by Mrs Murdoch (AR1959, page 24). On the day, a desk service-book was also dedicated in memory of Dr John Thompson at the request of his daughter, Mrs Sparrow.In early 1943, Ethel Margaret Musther formed the Lightkeepers' Auxiliaire and raised funds for the third building purchased for the Williamstown branch of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, the former E,S & A Bank. Thanks to her philanthropic work, she was rewarded with a Medal of the British Empire in 1953 for all her charitable work. Large rectangular with decorative clover corner Engraved: "In affectionnante and grateful memory / of / Ethel Margaret Musther, M.B.E. / Founder of / The Williamstown Lightkeepers Auxiliary / Of the / Victoria Missions to Seamen / Remembered always for this and many other / Philantropic works / Died 17th of September 1956 / Her deeds live after her.1956, ethel margaret musther, m.b.e., medal of the british empire, 1953, lightkeepers' auxiliary, williamstown, seamen's mission

Swan Pool forms the southern gateway to the ‘Fairyland’ area on the western shore of Lake Wendouree, Ballarat. The new bridge was built c2013 and designed based on the form of water lily flowers. The sculptural form of the bridges enhances the ‘Fairyland’ experience for children and adults alike.white decorative steel bridge edgings

Parting gift from Corporal D L Knight to Technical Support Troop (TST) 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles. TST provided first line repair and recovery to armoured unit.Representative of gifts given by departing members of the regimentWooden board with decorative spanner mounted.Presented to / TST 8/13 VMR / by Cpl D L Knighttechnical support troop (tst), knight d l

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne.Coffee-coloured decorative lace apron.clothing - women's, aprons, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s

Oval rubber mould for decorative pendantNonematcham skipper, mould, jewellery, pendant

Round rubber mould of a decorative design Nonematcham skipper, mould, jewellery, decorative pattern

Plaster relief of a rectangular decorative design.Nonematcham skipper, relief, jewellery, decorative design

Rectangular silicon mould of a decorative design.Nonematcham skipper, mould, jewellery, decorative design

Rectangular rubber mould of a decorative design.Nonematcham skipper, mould, jewellery, decorative design

Oval silicon mould of a decorative designNonematcham skipper, mould, jewellery, decorative design

Oval plaster mould of a decorative designNonematcham skipper, mould, jewellery, decorative design

Rectangular plaster mould of a decorative design.Nonematcham skipper, mould, jewellery, decorative design

Plaster mould of a square decorative design. Nonematcham skipper, mould, jewellery, decorative design

Round rubber relief of a decorative design.Nonematcham skipper, relief, jewellery, decorative design

Silicon mould of a square decorative design. Nonematcham skipper, mould, jewellery, decorative design

Round rubber mould of a decorative design.Nonematcham skipper, mould, jewellery, decorative design

Round silicon mould of a decorative design.Nonematcham skipper, mould, jewellery, decorative design

Round bronze medallion of a decorative design. Nonematcham skipper, bronze, medallion, decorative design

Oval silicon mould of a decorative design.Nonematcham skipper, mould, silicon, decorative design

Partial rubber mould of a decorative design.Nonematcham skipper, mould, rubber, decorative design