Isobel Antoinette McDonagh (her first name also spelled Isabel, Isabell, Isabella) was born in Jamaica in 1847, a daughter of Robert & Antoinette McDonagh. In 1851, in Ireland, Isobel and her sister Jane were orphaned after both their parents died within a few months of each other. In 1855 Isobel and her sister came to Australia with their uncle John McDonagh and his wife Martha (née Mathews). Following the death in childbirth of her sister Jane in 1878, Isobel married her brother-in-law Frederick William Mitchell in 1881. She was the mother of Frederick William Mitchell, Robert Harold Mitchell, Albert Earnest Mitchell, Ida Olive Mitchell and Lillian (or Lily) Isabell Mitchell.Painted/modified black and white photograph which has been printed on glass, depicts a young lady with hair drawn back from face and worn in a bun or chignon at the back, wearing a dark coloured dress with a high neck and some trimming on bodice and sleeves. A narrow frill of white lace(?) is visible above the collar. Afterwards Mrs. Frederick Mitchell Several pages from a book have been pasted onto the back of the glass on which the photograph is printed. There is some writing in pencil (arithmetic calculation?) across these pages.isobel antoinette mcdonagh, isobel antoinette mitchell

Clothing. Infants white linen nightdress. Wide U shaped neckline with casing front and back threaded with cotton tape. Fabric tightly gathered around neckline and into casing around waistline. Back opening (23cm) fastened with cotton tape ties threaded through casings at neckline and waist.Decorative open lace across centre front (16cm X 3.3 cm) has pink fabric insert underneath. Fabric ties (69cm) attached to either side of lace band at waist. Short cap sleeves with fabric frill on edges.costume, children's, infants white linen nightdress

Clothing. Infant's white spotted muslin waisted dress. High round neck with lace trim. Front of dress has alternating vertical stripes of pin tucks and lace. Skirt tightly gathered into casing at waist. Lower section of skirt has alternating horizontal stripes of pin tucks and lace. Long shaped sleeves with fabric cap around arm hole. Sleeve gathered into casing at wrist. Item edged with lace, forming a frill. Centre back opening (20cm) fastened with five X .9mm white buttons between neckline and waist.costume, children's, infant's white spotted muslin dress

Clothing. Beautiful cream, floral, lace - probably linen, 10 cms deep. Each of the four layers of floral lace is overlapping a 3 cm wide, permanently pleated, band of cream silk, which is edged with a narrow 5 mm band of black velvet. The linen lace has a scalloped lower edge alternating five circles .8 cm diameter and four circles 1.2 cm - this edging forms the scalloped effect. Flowing scrolls and leaves fill in between the flowers. Presumably this four frill flounce has been removed from another garment to be recycled.costume, female, four frill layered garment trim

This opera coat was made for Louisa Jane Cam, nee Rust, born 24/6/1873. Her parents were John Rust born in Hamburg, Germany and Jane Mc Meekin from Port Patrick, Scotland. In 1892 Louisa married John Cam the director of the Hawthorn Brick Company. It is understood Louisa wore the coat to the opening of the first Federal Parliament in the Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne in 1901.This item being an early nineteenth century opera coat has aesthetic interest. It is also important because of its provenance being worn by Louisa Cam at a significant event in Australia's history.A three quarter length Mandarin styled gold threaded brocade, lined coat dress with long sleeves. The fabric is black with gold patterns of leaves and circles. Large circles feature gold, red, yellow, pale and dark blue flower like images surrounded by gold fringes. The yolk section finishes with a small pleat over the flared bottom section. Edging around the neck is black lace. It is understood a fur collar was previously in place. The cuffs of the sleeves are pleated and have a wide frill above the pleating. The lining is pale blue silk . At the end of the sleeves the lining has hand ruched binding. Nil

Clothing. Infant's cream silk christening gown. High round neckline edged with gathered .7 cm lace. Yoke front (7cm) and back (8cm) of lace pieces and pin tucks. Skirt has 37 cm border of horizontal pin tucks, embroidered sections, piping and hemmed with scalloped embroidered lace.Centre back opening (21 cm) fastened at neck and lower edge of yoke with one cm pearl look buttons. No button holes. Long sleeves gathered at shoulders and gathered into 3 cm band of lace at wrist with gathered lace frill at hem. Three pin tucks around sleeves at elbow.costume, children's, infant's cream silk christening gown

Belonged to Kathleen Marjorie Dunn (nee McKenzie)Day dress in fine silky fabric. It has a blue, white and green floral pattern on a navy ground. The skirt is gathered to the waist in two places in front and has two darts at the back. The sleeves are short, set in, gathered at the shoulder and end in inverted V shapes. The bodice is shaped with two sets of gathers in front and two darts at the back. The square neck dips to a shallow point in front, fastens with six self-covered shanks behind and is edged with cream net frill (probably discoloured white). There is a side vent wiht four press studs on the left at waist level. The hem is hand sewn.Nonecostume, george evans collection

Negligee set or Wedding trousseau for the marriage of Charlotte Edith (Tottie) Ryder (aunt of donor) to Alfred George Tooke (b 1898 England d 1998) held at Church of England, Thornbury on 13 March 1948.1948 Cream coloured wedding dress comprising a full length petticoat, full length lace skirt and lace peplum top. Petticoat is cream colour with narrow straps with opening on left hand side with two press studs and hooks. Lace skirt is cream coloured full circle with satin waist band, open placket with one pearl button. Lace peplum top has short sleeves with twenty-three cream coloured rouleau loop buttons and a lace bow at the sacrum. It is edged with a net frill. See also Knickers NA4921, Negligee Set NA4922, Horseshoes NA4924 and Wedding Veil NA4925.tooke, wyatt m, wedding

BHS CollectionSage coloured silk long sleeved dress. One piece full length dress. Full length side panels from shoulder to hem. Front of bodice extends below waist line to form two points on either side of front opening. Front opening is fastened with twelve fabric buttons (1-5cm) and button holes. Small standup collar(3cm) fastened at throat with hook and eye. Bodice shaped with two darts on either side of front opening. Small ruched pocket on LHS of bodice at waist level. Long narrow fitted sleeves shaped at the elbow. Decorative cuffs at wrists of ruched frilling (8cm) with triangularturned flap on top edge at back of cuff. Back of dress has four panels. The two centre panels extend below waist to to two points. The centre skirt panel is attached under the centre two panels and is gathered by five deep pleats to form a bustle effect extending to a long train. Front centre panel has horizontal gathering with ruched frills in centre, and at sides. Side panels overlap front centre panel. Hemline has pleated frill above the hem which is finished with cord. Skirt is lined with an open weave, brown cotton fabric. Bodice is lined with brown polished cotton. Hand stitched and machine stitched.costume, female, sage coloured silk dress

Late 1800'sClothing. Squared neckline, long beaded sleeves, finished with a 6 cm ribbon edged frill. Sleeves are beaded in bow motifs, which are repeated on the back and front panels of the bodice. Lower edge has a peak at centre front, and is finished with a 3 cm black velvet band. Bodice is lined with black polished cotton. Front opening is fastened with ten metal hooks and eyes - opening alternately from left to right. A 3 cm wide strong cotton tape is stitched to the centre back of the bodice, passing around the waist, and fastening at centre front with one metal hook and eye. This band is 59 cms long.costume, female, black beaded bodice with long sleeves

Clothing. Long pointed sleeves, fastened with one press-stud at the wrist. Full circular skirt, lined with cream, synthetic lace type fabric. Fabric of the gown is a small floral type design,in a corded style, on a fine net backing. Sleeves are not lined. Back upper bodice has a lining in a double thread net. The sweetheart neckline is edged with a fine tulle frill. Bustline panels gathered top and bottom, and joins a peaked midriff panel, 15.5 cm deep at the centre bustline. Skirt is highly gathered to this panel, at the waistline, is a full circle and extends into a small train at the back. A small 23 cm zip on the left side seam.A KEAM Creation, Regd. Melbourne.costume, female ceremonial, ivory corded lace wedding gown

This item is from the "Barone" Collection. "Barone" (also known as "Seaview") was a stately Brighton home built at 9 Moule Avenue prior to 1855 and demolished in 1986. The house's residents included Edward Elgin Browne (during 1859-72), a Melbourne tea merchant, and the family and descendants of retired Scottish Army captain Archibald Black (during the period 1880-1970). Its neighbors included “St Ninians” owned by the Ward- Cole family, “Seacombe” owned by the Moule family, and the home of James Grahame and his family. The items in the "Barone" collection were largely donated by two of the house's later owners, Mrs Doris Halkyard and Mrs Brian Brandt.Black silk satin, lace and beaded pelerine from c.1890. The pelerine features a silk high stand collar covered in black lace. It secures around the neck and down the centre front to the waist by seven hook and eye closures. A black lace frill extends down the centre front from the throat to the centre front tip of the garment. The shoulders feature a heavy, intricately beaded floral design open sleeve through which the arm would be visible. The sleeve finishes around the elbow in a point, however the beading hangs down to below the hip in a loose fringe. At the back from below the shoulder, the garment shapes in to finish in a tapered 'V' shape over the wearer's coccyx. There is a hand stitched "M" in white thread on the inside lining of the pelerine near the neck.pelerine, brighton, barone, seaview

Cream silk satin bodice, with a high round neckline, finished with a seven cm deep, cream lace, boned, mandarin stand up collar - five bones-(one missing) to support the collar. Nine 16cm bones support the shaping of the tapered firmly fitted waist. A ten cm deep yoke at front and back shoulders. Below the yoke is a panel of eleven cm long pintucks right across the front, and on either side of the back. Centre front gathers into a cotton tape band at the waistline. Below the neckline of the centre front, is a panel ten cm deep of cotton lace, then a 13cm deep fine silk, gathered frill, edged with a reinforced silk ruffle. The centre back opening has a double placket, each fastening with alternate hook and eye,hook on either side of opening. Two large hooks facilitate a joining with a skirt.The three quarter length satin sleeves, are a bell shape, and gather into a cream net, eight cm deep band, which fastens with two metal hooks and hand made loops. Over the net is a double frill, 13 cm deep, and edged with a reinforced silk ruffle, as in the centre front panel. This bishop-type sleeve has five X 12cm long pintucks at the shoulderline. A ten cm long row of a feather stitch type of hand embroidery on either side of front bodice-one each side of the gathered centre front panel. Bodice is fully lined with polished cotton.costume, female, cream silk-satin long sleeved bodice

Clothing. Infant's cream silk dress. High round neckline with 2 cm gathered lace trim. Yoke front and back with decorative floral embroidery. Upper edge of skirt sections have five cm knife pleats with decorative embroidery below the yoke. Skirt has 21 cm border of horizontal sections of lace and embroidered lines. Item has scalloped edge. Centre back opening (18 cm) fastened with two Z one cm pearl buttons and cotton loops at top and bottom edges of yoke. Long sleeves gathered at shoulders and gathered into 2.5 cm lace band at wrist with 2 cm lace frill at hem. Strip of lace (5 cm) around sleeve at elbow.costume, children's, infant's cream silk dress

Clothing. Women's cream coloured cotton nightgown with elbow length sleeves. High round neckline with 3 cm broderie lace frill. Bib section below neckline (34 cms X 27 cms) has pattern of vertical lace strips, pin tucks and dark pink and cream ribbon. Front skirt section gathered into bib section. Back skirt pleated at centre back into yoke across shoulders. Long straight sleeves finished at hem with pin tucks and broderie lace edging. "A'' shaped garment widening to hem. Front opening left of centre below neckline (21 cm) fastened with two 1 cm plastic buttons - one button hole and one cotton loop.costume, female, women's cream cotton nightgown.

Elaine Margaret Milnes of Tallangatta married David Ernest Mann of Wodonga on 30 March 1957. At the time of their first meeting, Elaine was living in Tallangatta where her father had moved as a bank manager. She was a member of the Drama Club. She and David met at the Rutherglen Town Hall whilst attending an Arts Festival. David was attending as a member of the Wodonga Music Club. David Mann was the son of Ernest and Evelyn Mann of Wodonga who had operated the family business since 1921. David joined the business in 1945 and became the managing director of Mann Wodonga from 1965. Under his management and leadership, it expanded to become one of Australia’s largest regional shopping centres, with a Supermarket, Hardware Store, Steel Store, Plumbing and Industrial supplies store, at one stage employing over 100 people. He continued to head the business until it was sold in 2006. He was a leader in many other fields in the Wodonga community, from leading the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce to scouting, Apex and Rotary and was a prime mover in establishing Aware Industries for people with disabilities. He chaired the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce on several occasions. David was a man of vision who was involved in many charitable and community organisations. These included membership of the hospital board and President of the Wodonga High School Council. was a prime mover in establishing Aware Industries for people with disabilities. Elaine also played an active role in the business. She developed and managed a quality giftware department from 1969 to 1987. Some of her local involvements included the School Mothers’ Club and Kindergarten, Girl Guides, the Quota and Penguin Clubs and Meals on Wheels. David also advocated passionately for the development of a university and TAFE to be established in Wodonga. In 1993 he inaugurated the Jonathan Mann lectures series at La Trobe University in honour of his grand­father. The university honoured Mr Mann in two significant ways, giving him an honorary degree of Doctorate of Law in 1998 and in 2002 named its new library the David Mann Library. David Mann died in Albury in June 2012. Elaine now (2024) lives in Melbourne. “The little I have done for Wodonga and district is only in return for what Wodonga and district has done for me.” David MannThis dress was worn by Elaine Milnes at her marriage to David Mann who became a prominent businessman and contributor to many aspects of the Wodonga community.A wedding dress dating from 30 March 1957. The dress consists of a fitted bodice with tulle frills around the body. The bodice has a square neckline decorated with tiny seeded pearls and blue stones. The long sleeves are made of sheer tulle with lace and a frill at the wrist. The skirt is made of two layers of white tulle with five lace and tulle frills around the body. Under the tulle is a pale blue satin slip with two more layers of white tulle underneath it. It was worn with a fingertip length veil held in place by a lace coronet. The bridal bouquet consisted of red and white roses. The bride also wore a single string of pearls. The dress was made by Olive Ferris Wedding Dresses of Sydney.mann wodonga, david mann, elaine mann, wodonga businesses

Shaped, brown wooden picture frame with rectangular picture in the centre and an oval one on each side of it. At each end are carved wooden gumnuts which have been glued on. Some pieces are missing. The left photo is a sepia, waist high portrait of two young women. Both are wearing lacy type dresses with high necklines. One is wearing a locket? and the other a brooch. The centre photo is a young woman sitting at a window. She is wearing a lacy type dress and a bracelet on her right arm and also a ring. There are some flowers in a vase and on her lap. The photo on the right is of an older woman wearing a dark embroidered high neck dress with a white frill collar. She has a brooch at the neckline. Also a waist high portrait.person, family, family, foster & wilson collection, photograph

Clothing. Woman's cream coloured long sleeved linen smock blouse. Front opening with V shaped front neckline. RHS of front opening edged with 3 cm floral lace that continues around neckline to crossover point. Blouse is yoked front and back with floral lace inserts and vertical pin tucks. Below the yoke is a horizontal band of ribbon insert lace (3cm). Lower sections of the blouse are gathered into the lace insert. The front sections have vertical strips of inserted lace alternating with vertical pin tucks. The front opening is fastened with five press-studs covered by a placket. Long sleeves are gathered into the arm holes and gathered at the wrist into two bands of lace - one floral and one ribbon insert lace. At the wrist the hem has a 5 cm lace frill.costume, female, woman's cream coloured blouse

Clothing. Women's cream coloured long sleeved linen nightgown. High round neckline trimmed with 1cm red and white lace with scalloped edge. Front bib section below neckline (44 cm X 35 cm) of vertical red and white ribbon strips and pin tucks. Lower edge of bib section has zig zag shape dipping to V shape at centre front. Bib section edged with red and white lace.Front opening left of centre (24 cm) fastened with 2 X 0ne cm plastic buttons and cotton loops. Long straight sleeves gathered into cuff of red and white ribbon strips, lace with red and white pleated lace frill. Fabric yoke across shoulders at back below fabric yoke. ''A'' shaped garment widening to hemcostume, female, women's long sleeved linen nightgown

These coins are examples of Australian decimal currency coins in 1970 and 1971. Decimal currency was introduced into Australia in 1966 with 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, five cents, two cents and one cent coins issued at that time. The images of Australian animals and birds on one side of the coins were designed by Stuart Devlin. The one and two cent coins were discontinued in the 1980s and $1 and $2 coins were introduced in 1991.These coins are retained as examples of Australian decimal currency coins in the 1970s. They will be useful for display. .1 A Australian decimal currency twelve-sided coin, 50 cents – Australian Coat of Arms on one side and the image of Queen Elizabeth11 on the other. ‘2 An Australian decimal currency coin, 20 cents – image of a platypus on one side and the image of Queen Elizabeth11 on the other .3 An Australian decimal currency coin, 10 cents – image of a lyrebird on one side and the image of Queen Elizabeth 11 on the other .4 An Australian decimal currency coin, 5 cents – image of a spiny anteater (echidna) on one side and the image of Queen Elizabeth 11 on the other .5 An Australian decimal currency coin, 2 cents – image of a frill-necked lizard on one side and the image of Queen Elizabeth 11 on the other. .6 An Australian decimal currency coin, one cent – the image of a feathertail glider on one side and the image of Queen Elizabeth 11 on the other. .1 50 Elizabeth11 Australia 1971 .2 20 Queen Elizabeth 11 Australia 1970 .3 10 Queen Elizabeth 11 Australia 1970 .4 5 Queen Elizabeth 11 Australia 1970 .5 2 Queen Elizabeth 11 Australia 1970 .6 1 Queen Elizabeth 11 Australia 1971 australian decimal currency coins, history of warrnambool, australian decimal currency, stuart devlin

Long skirt, with train in gold silk faille fabric. Fully lined. Stiffened ''cheesecloth'' type of fabric. Apart from the cream 3.5 cm wide petersham band at the waistline, the skirt is completely hand stitched. This band is possibly a later addition, as the waistline is badly damaged, but does show remnants of silk fabric as used in the lower skirt. Skirt front is plain, with one knife pleat on either side. Back of skirt is tightly pleated, with both knife, and one double box pleats. Skirt back extends into a train. A 28 cm deep frill around the hemline of contrasting, but same tone of fabric - part lighter, with a woven stripe (14 cm deep) a 1.2 cm darker with woven stripe, a 10.5 cm section with a geometric woven pattern, and a 2.5 cm striped section. This band of different tones, is lined with darker gold silk. A 31 cm long overlapped placket at left side seam.costume, female, victorian skirt with gold silk faille

Clothing.Woman's black silk blouse. Bodice is made up of two layers. Inner layer of black cotton has full length front opening with placket with five buttons and button holes from 5cm below round neckline to 5cm above the waist. There is a breast pocket on the LHS (14cm X 11cm). The outer layer of black silk is attached to the inner layer at the shoulders (pleated) and around the arm holes, and hand stitched at the lower back to form a casing for cotton tape ties. The front forms a full width crossover with one metal hook on top LHS. The outer layer extends 7 cm below the inner layer at the waist with a 7cm peplum across the back. Set in long sleeves are tapered at the wrist with a 5 cm frill at the hem. Sleeves fully lined. Hand and machine stitched. Fold over collar (10cm) with squared corners.Decorative black , gold and pearl button on each wrist on hem.costume, female, woman's black silk blouse.

Clothing. White fine linen fabric, trimmed at lower leg with a 2 cms wide cotton , brooierie insertion and a 12 cm wide frill of textured (?) fine linen or cotton lawn broiderie. The front waistband dips to a central 8 cm deep peak. Waistband at side seams, is 4.5 cm deep and back waistband is 10 cm deep at side seams, and the 11 cm deep at centre back. Two 1.4 cm covered buttons close the back waistband. The knickers have a gathered opening panel, called at the time a ''drop-seat'' or ''access hatch'' at the centre back. This panel has a 5 cm deep waistband, fastened at either side by a covered button, and a third button at the centre. These buttons are sewn to the back waistband, and the button holes are sewn, correspondingly on the gathered back. A drawstring tape is also threaded through the back waistband. A 6 cm wide gussett sewn from the crotch extends 23 cms long.Printed in fine black ink on back opening; D.S.R.F. No 11.costume, female underwear, victorian era knickers

This nightgown is believed to have belonged to Mrs Thomas Anne Ward Cole, an early Brighton resident and wife of George Ward Cole. The item appears to have been made or altered to accommodate a pregnant belly, however purpose made maternity clothing was not common at this time. Mrs Ward-Cole’s six pregnancies took place in 1843, 1844, 1845, 1847, 1849 and 1851. The style of this garment in particular the shape of the sleeves would indicate that it is most likely to have been constructed in circa 1860, so whilst it appears to be a maternity item, and historically has been referred to as thus, this purpose cannot be confirmed. George Ward Cole was an early member of the Victorian Parliament and the family featured prominently in Melbourne Society in their time. They established a substantial home known as “St Ninians” at 10 Miller Street in 1841. The family reportedly entertained Melbourne’s first Royal visitor The Duke Of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria’s second son, at St Ninians in 1867. In later years St Ninians was subsequently subdivided and later demolishedA hand sewn ivory cotton muslin nightgown, c. 1842–1850. The bodice is made of delicately embroidered muslin in a floral design. The open flat collar features a scalloped lace frill underneath. The bodice fastens with thirteen mother of pearl buttons down the centre front. After the fourth button, the remaining buttons are concealed beneath a full gathered modesty skirt, which falls from just below the bust line. The modesty panel is secured horizontally across the bodice by six mother of pearl buttons. The sleeves finish over the back and palm of the hand in two flattened peaks. The front of the gown consisting of the modesty front is full length. The modesty gown at both sides joins two panels that are an integrated part of the bodice. At the centre back there is a very full gathered panel with lace trim that falls to create a train. It is semi-attached to the bodice with a top section secured with mother of pearl buttons and small ties. The purpose of this design feature is unknown. st ninians, george ward cole, brighton, night gown, thomas anne ward cole

Clothing. High lace-edged round neckline - lace 1.3 cm deep. Long sleeves-gathered at the shoulder, and edged at the wrist with a 4.5 cm deep, gathered broderie anglais, featuring a shamrock, and flower design. The bodice has a centre front panel of lace. 9 cm wide at the neckline, tapering to 4 cm wide at the high waistline. This panel is edged with a 4 cm wide scalloped edge at the broiderie anglais trim. Three rows of pintucks, give a finish to the filigree braid, and the gathered broiderie frill. The long skirt is gathered at the lower bodice, and is 70 cms long. The lower 20.5 cms at the hemline has alternate bands of three pintucks, a 4 cm panel of flowers and cutwork broiderie, three pintucks, 4 cm panel panel of broiderie, three pintucks and a 4 cms deep machine stitched hem. Bodice has a back opening, with only one 1 cm diameter covered button evident, a cotton tape passes through a casing, and ties at the back waistline.costume, female, infants nightdress.

The book, awarded to Ethel Henderson in 1903, from Christ Church, Warrnambool is an example of a Sunday School prize given to children attending Sunday School at the time. Christ Church Anglican Church was one of the early churches in Warrnambool.The Puzzle Picture Book is a rare 'movable' children's book from 1900. It contains 6 chromolithic dissolving scenes (also called slats/transformations). It is unusual due to its educational content. It was published by Ernest Nister in London, E F Dutton & Co in USA and is also thought to have been published in German under the title 'Ueberraschungen Aller Art'. [source: The Little Book Store]Child's picture book with full colour cover depicting a mother dressed in long white spotted dress, white apron, white bonnett and black button-up shoes, sitting on a wooden armchair while dressing a young girl's hair with pink flowers. The girl is dressed in a pink frock with puffed sleeves and frill around the hem, and cream apron. She is looking in a brown wooden-backed hand mirror. A woven straw basket with pink roses sits on the floor. A framed silhouette picture is on the wall. The title is in a display typeface mimicking rose stems; a swag of pink roses decorates the top right hand corner. The publishers' names are printed on the bottom left and right hand corners at the bottom, and the printer in the centre. The inside cover has a book plate. The title page shows two boys arguing over the book. The verses are by Clifton Bingham, the pen and ink illustrations by Hilda K. Robinson. The story has a monochrome page with rhymes opposite a colour page with cut-out boxes showing four small pictures, each with a question. By pulling the tab at the bottom of the page the answer to the questions is revealed. There are six chromolithic 'dissolving scenes'.Book plate: Christ Church. Sunday School, Warrnambool. 1st Prize Girls Class II. Awarded to Ethel Henderson. S M George Vicar. Warrnambool, May 1903children's picture books, ethel henderson, children's picture books, puzzle books, christ church anglican church, sunday school prizes, ernest nister london, warrnambool, ethel henderson, e f dutton & co new york

Composite face legs and arms. Painted features. Hair - possibly real, dark brown colour. Doll dressed in royal purple gown. Long sleeves with lace cuff. Faux fur collar around V shaped neckline at front and squared collar at back. Lace trim across front of neckline. Faux fur trim across centre front and centre back at hem. Three underskirts. Mauve satin with darker mauve frill around hem line. Stiffened white fabric (Vilene?) White drawers with lace trim on lower legs. Painted on shoes in gold paint. Purple velvet handbag edged with silver cord. Boudoir dolls are dolls that are made to sit on beds and sofas as decorations rather than being used for play. They are also called bed dolls, flapper dolls, and French dolls. Years of Production Although dolls that sit on beds are still being made today, the classic vintage boudoir dolls were made from approximately the 1920s through the 1940s. Some of the earliest dolls, made even earlier than 1920 in some cases, were made in France. Many of the dolls were made in an art deco style.

Clothing. High stand-up embroidered net collar-close fitting to the neck, and fastening at the back with now 4 metal hooks and loops (one hook missing) and edged at top and bottom with tiny black beads. Five metal ''curved wires'' 7 cm long, are spaced around the up right ''collar'' (to hold in place). The embroidered net forms a V shaped panel at the centre front, and has 15 silk covered oval buttons .8 cm long, from throat to lower bodice. This panel is bordered by embroidered and beaded braid, 7 cm wide and giving a cross-over effect. Cotton tape inside waist 66 cm long fastens with two metal hooks and eyes.Under this lace cross-over, the bodice is shirred and pleated, to give fullness for movement. Pleats are ''caught-in'' at the waistline. An elbow length over-lay of sheer silk fabric, edged with the beaded braid. The sleeves are silk fabric to the elbow, and then narrow in to a three hook plackett at the wrist. This lower sleeve with a 2.5 cm lace frill, and a spotted tulle fabric, and ''dotted'' at the upper side with a double row of tiny black beads. A false tucked effect at opprox knee level at back of skirt. Back hemline extends to a small ''train''. Hemline is heavily weighted.costume, female, full length long sleeved black dress

This gown, one of two similar items in the collection belonged to one of the Ward Cole sisters, Miss Margaret Morison Ward Cole or Miss Agnes Bruce Ward Cole, daughters of George Ward Cole. George Ward Cole was an early member of the Victorian Parliament and the family featured prominently in Melbourne Society in their time. They established a substantial home known as “St Ninians” at 10 Miller Street in 1841. The family reportedly entertained Melbourne’s first Royal visitor the Duke Of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria’s second son at St Ninians in 1867. In later years St Ninians was subsequently sub divided and later demolished. A black and yellow velvet, wool, lace and silk dress from circa 1882. The bodice features a yellow silk, black lace and black velvet collar finishing high on the neck just below the chin finished with a black lace ruffle. The collar has a flap across the front of the throat that attaches at the side with a V-shaped baseline that contributes to concealing the fastenings of the bodice. The dress features a gathered central panel of black lace covered lemon silk, which falls from the neckline to the floor. At either side of this panel are matching panels of black velvet. The remainder of the dress and sleeves are made of black wool featuring a self-striped and spotted pattern. The dress fastens down the centre front with concealed black buttons hidden underneath the right velvet panel. The head of the Amadis sleeve sits on the natural shoulder line and finishes tightly at the elbow. The volume of the sleeve is created by ten pleats at the head of the shoulder, sewn to the bodice and is gathered at the elbow. The sleeve is finished with a black velvet ribbon with a bow and a black lace frill. The base of the dress is finished with a ruffle of the black dress wool. The dress features a small train. The dress is boned at the back waist and features an inset panel just below the waist of gathered fabric which forms the train. st ninians, george ward cole, visiting gown, brighton, margaret morrison ward cole, agnes bruce ward cole