SIGNALWOMEN An appreciation by an instructor (Sgt J.F. Larkins). Presented to Signalwoman Ruth Franklin after training in Melbourne 1942. After training, Ruth served on Rottnest Island as a communicator in the Plotting Room, Oliver Hill “Join the Corps of Signals”, the clarion call went forth, “Volunteer for the A.W.A.S. and let another man go north.” So you came into the Signals, in Australia’s hour of need, And let a thousand men go up the line, to meet the yellow breed. Where the lazy Yarra flows, through the green Victorian glade, They formed a school of Signals, to teach you in our trade, And the Old Ones, they were cynical, their tones were full of Jeers, “Women in the Signals! What rot!” But their moans have turned to cheers. You were tossed into the melting pot, that is an Australian Army camp. There weren’t many comforts, there were no electric lamps, There weren’t many blankets, it was cold in those tin huts, But the A.W.A.S. came up smiling; you had good Australian GUTS. The hours were long and wearisome, you were given lots of work, But we didn’t find a loafer, we knew not one to shirk. We made the pace a hard one, sometimes there were tears, But you lasses learned as much in months, as we men absorbed in years. You’re in the ARMY now; you all wear the Rising Sun, Sometimes you’ll be unhappy, but stick till the job is done. Time there will be, when the nerves are frayed, and all you do is bungle, Just feel the badge on your tunic, and remember your mates in the jungle. We wish you luck, and God-speed you on your way, And wherever war may scatter us, we’ll look forward to the day, When the final battle’s over and you’ve sent your last G.B., And the DIGGERS and the A.W.A.S. march in the parade of VICTORY. GB (Golf Bravo) is the sign off God Bless [G] DAH DAH DIT [B] DAH DI DI DIT Transcription of poem by Signals instructor Sgt JF Larkins presented to Signal Woman Ruth Franklin during Training in 1943. Read during 75th anniversary commemoration of proofing of Oliver Hill Battery, Rottnest Island. Computer printed on A4 bond paper.

The tape has not been played. From the label it is an ABC broadcast of the Anzac Day commemoration on 19 April 1962. It is the Legacy run Anzac Commemoration for Students that is held just prior to Anzac day for school students to attend. Legacy has run the student ceremony annually and it is well attended. The ceremony provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain an appreciation of the Anzac spirit, the significance of the Shrine and the meaning of Anzac Day. ABC would broadcast the student ceremony so that schools unable to attend would be able to listen to the service.An audio record of a ceremony for school students at the Shrine.Metal cannister with reel and audio tape inside (no perforations present). Note loose inside container, detailing information on the audio recording. Visible tape marks on lid.Front of lid has handwritten label: VP 819 Note is as follows: AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING COMMISSION TAPE IDENTIFICATION SLIP All material contained in this recording is subject to copyright control. Its use is PROHIBITED for any purpose other than that authorised by the A.B.C. TITLE: Any at Communication Heard at Legacy 17.5.62 State Film Carl 27.6.62 REEL: V.Good TAPE NUMBERS: VP819 REC 19-4-62anzac day, anzac commemoration for students

Since 1988 Legacy has held a public speaking contest called the Junior Plain English Speaking Award. Schools were eligible to send along representatives to compete. The following was taken from a programme in 1996: "The Award aim is to promote enhanced oral communication skills for 12-14 year old students and to help young people appreciate the ideals of Legacy - voluntary service, caring and comradeship - and the need for remembrance. It began in 1988 in the Melbourne area with the support of the Ministry of Education and The Plain English Foundation. Entries have grown from 24 in the 1988 competition to over 300 in schools across the State, plus greater numbers participating in the process of selecting four contestants from each school. In 1995, a successful Interstate Championship was held with contestants from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. On 11 November 1996 the first National final was held with contestants from six states."A record of a Junior Plain Speaking contest that was run by Legacy from 1988 to the present day.Re-recordable video tape. Black plastic outer case with paper insert.Handwritten lable on video tape ‘Youth Speak Out - Legacy Vic State Finals. Produced by Optus Vision Channel 55 Additional yellow post-in note ‘LJPSH Winners, where are they now? ( longer than 5 mins?)’speaking contest, legacy promotion

This trophy was presented to the winner of the annual Melbourne Legacy, Commradeship Golf Tournament for Legatees held at Huntingdale Golf Club. Huntingdale Golf club was the site of many social events for Legatees and Widows clubs. The article in the Answer says that the association with the Huntingdale golf club became a fundraiser and over the years over $255,000 has been raised for Legacy. The Open Mixes Foursomes is usually held in December and the Ladies Day is annually in October.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided as a social outlet for the Legatees and their wives and for fundraising.Pewter Mug, Melbourne Legacy... Comradeship Golf TrophyLegacy Badge glued to mug. Engraving - Melbourne Legacy... Comradeship Golf Trophy. Listing of annual winners 1978 to 2007. Markings: Underside - Kirra Pewter Lead Free, Pewter Products P/L Melbourne Australia trophy, golf

The notepaper says: "In commemoration of the heroic deeds of the men of ANZAC at GALLIPOLI in 1915 and in recognition of the great debt owed by all Australians. With the compliments of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia." It was given to Legatee Gordon Beith. His son and daughter presented it to Legacy. The Anzac Commemorative Medallion was instituted 1967. It was awarded to surviving members of the Australian forces who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula, or in direct support of the operations from close off shore, at any time during the period from the first Anzac Day in April 1915 to the date of final evacuation in January 1916. (taken from defence.gov.au)Shows the recognition by the Australian Government of the servicemen who served at Gallipoli.ANZAC Commemorative Medallion in brown leather case. Bronze medallion with depiction of Simpson and his donkey carrying a wounded soldier, in a circle with the date 1915. The circle is topped by a crown. It is bordered on the lower half by a laurel wreath above the word ANZAC. The reverse shows a map in relief of Australia and New Zealand superimposed by the Southern Cross. The lower half is bordered by New Zealand fern leaves. The name and initials of the recipient, G. Beith, is engraved on the reverse the engraved name. The presentation case is dark brown leather like outside, with maroon silk lining, and maroon velour cushion for the medalion to rest in. Inside is a printed note on Commonwealth of Australia white notepaper. Accompanying it is a block of wood with inscription of it's donation to Legacy.'G. Beith' engraved on the reverse.gallipoli, medallion, world war one

Two photos of the Patron's Certificate in a leather wallet to be presented to Sir Rohan Delacombe on 10 March 1973, in commemoration of his service to Legacy as Patron. The incumbent Governor of Victoria is the patron of Legacy. 1973 was the Golden Jubilee year of Legacy It came from a Legacy envelope marked "P1" in red pen, with assorted photos of major events such as 1973 Federal Conference, 1983 Morwell, 1973 Legacy march Anzac Day, 50 year celebration inclusion in Anzac Day March, with authority of RSL (some are items 00440 to 0442).A record of relationship with the Governor of Victoria.Black and white photo x 2 of Patron's Certificate."Patron's Certificate in Green Morocco leather wallet 1973", written in blue pen. Stamped "Property of Legacy Melbourne" in purple ink. Stamped "John Squire Photography" in purple ink. B1226-2 in pencil.governor of victoria, golden jubilee, patron

Photos of the 50th Anniversary Dinner on 6 October 1973 held at Chaucers during the Legacy Conference. (date to be confirmed) 00452.1 shows 6 men with Legacy Torches lined up along the front of the high table. A caption found when the photo was published elsewhere says 'On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Annual Conference of Legacy Clubs of Australia, held in Melbourne in October 1973, the Chairman of the Legacy Co-ordinating Council, Legatee George Cowan, presented an illuminated Torch emblem to the President of the capital city Legacy Club of each of the six States. Members of Legacy are determined that the Torch shall continue to burn brightly throughout Legacy's second half century of service to dependants of deceased ex-servicemen.' Other photos are of table groups or room shots. Chaucers was a reception and conference centre in Canterbury, Melbourne, before it was sold in 1999 after operating 28 years (Telegraph news article from web). Photos came from an envelope marked P1 Federal Conference 1973 / 50 Year anniversary / 1983 Morewell / 1973 Legacy March ANZAC Day, 50 yr celebration, inclusion in ANZAC Day March authority of RSL". See items 00451, 00391. A record of a dinner marking the 50th anniversary of Legacy during the Golden Jubilee year 1973.Black and white photo x 6 of 50th anniversary dinner.Stamped "This Photograph is the compliments of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Victoria. Please acknowledge Michael Cheshire" in grey ink and 6 October 1973 in purple ink.golden jubilee, conference, legatee function

Lt-Colonel J.H.P. Eller was the second President of the Melbourne Legacy Club and followed H.E Cohen, the Foundation President. Eller's year of office was devoted chiefly to the consolidation of membership and is notable as a period when new ideas regarding the Club's future began to be entertained. The principle of "Preference to Returned Soldiers" and finding employment for them was no longer so important and it was recognised that a wider meaning might be given to the term "Legacy" by the undertaking of active work amongst the children of deceased soldiers. (Blatchford, Claude. 'Legacy: the story of the Melbourne Legacy Club'. Melbourne, W.D. Joynt, 1932. p.22)Presented to Peter Eller in recognition of his presidential service, a tradition which has continued to the present day for all retiring presidents.Rectangular in shape, clear glass, cardboard fawn coloured border, certificate white cardboard, black metal frame. Back, brown paper, brass coloured hanging wire."Melbourne Legacy Club, Presidents' [sic] certificate, J.H.Peter Eller, Year of Office 1924-1925 In commemoration of your service to Legacy, more especially in the office of president, this Certificate is presented with the sincere regard and thanks of fellow Legatees." Thomas W. White President Frank J. Doolan Secretary Written in black ink. Legacy badge at top centre.service award, past president

List of tramcars used in the Australia Day Pageant, 1982. Prepared by the MMTB, titled "Salute to Australia Pageant - Australia Day 1st February 1982", "Background details of Vintage Trams in Service" for use on 1/2/1982. Printed on both sides of pink sheet of foolscap paper, using a wax stencil and duplicator. Gives details of MMTB 214 (V), Ballarat 27, MMTB 180 (T), Bendigo 19, MMTB 104 (L) and standby tram MMTB 164 (S). Details tram number, date built, for built for, points of interest and present operator. Also lists other vintage passenger vehicle displays in Wellington Parade, abbreviations and list of significant events concerning Melbourne tramways. 2nd copy added 22/08/04 - has had bottom section of sheet torn off. Images of this item shown.australia day, mmtb, melbourne, tramcars, pageant

Yields information about the closure of the SEC Ballarat system in particular the Victoria St line. Has a strong association with the article author.Set of two Newspaper clippings pasted onto a single sheet of paper with two Punch holes on the left hand side with one hole through the photograph within the cutting. Clipping from The Courier, Ballarat, Monday, 23/8/1971 (corrected date), of two items in the paper about the closure of the trams in Victoria St. The main item written by a staff reporter recalls the days of travelling regularly on the tram when a student going to and from school, Saturday travelling and as a means of transport. Second item in the same cutting reports on the closure of the Victoria St. route the previous day. Mentions the interest in the trams, the BTPS, and police protection that was not needed. Photograph accompanying the article is of a driver turning the pole at the Victoria St. terminus of tram No. 31. Second clipping, from The Courier, dated 8/9/1971, reports on a collection of historic tram photos in the Commonwealth Bank for the next two weeks, presented by the Tramway Museum Society of Victoria. 1068.2 - full page of The Courier, 23/8/1971, added 10/9/2013 and image added.In red ink in upper right hand corner, "21/8/71" of the first cutting and "8/9/71" in red ink in the top right hand corner of the second cuttingtrams, tramways, closure, victoria st., tmsv, displays

Yields information about the closure of the SEC operated Ballarat system - presented in an unorganised manner and without newspaper dates.Set of about 5 newspaper clippings glued to a sheet of lined paper. Main cutting titled "Nine trams may be kept in Ballarat", from The Courier Ballarat, 18/8/1971 (can read date through the back paper), about the number of trams to be kept in Ballarat, the BTPS, removal of the overhead. Other cuttings note the provision of bus stops in Ballarat, a hail storm the previous day (Friday 17/8/2005), floods, the derailment of a tram while on a tour for the Ballarat North Technical School, employment of those employees who had been retrenched and two letters re the replacement of the trams, including the aims of the BTPS to operate in Wendouree Parade. Letter re the BTPS signed by John Anderson. See also Reg item 3165 and 6665 for similar presentations of cuttings.secv, closure, employment, btps, disposal, storms

Yields information about the use, style and printing of weekly tickets used in Ballarat tramways and how they were presented during the late 1940's prior to abolition.Used SECV 2/6 weekly ticket, ticket numbers B 144630. Originally printed and stapled into blocks of 20 tickets. The ticket is printed on a manila 210gsm card and printed using red ink to give day numbers, monthly, week number, transfers, and day of the week, excluding Sunday. Numbered on the right end of the ticket. Static number (1 - 7) on left indicates maybe the day of the issue. The ticket has been nipped in the day spaces 10 times and has been nipped for the month of August and week 3. On the rear of the ticket is the details of the ticket use, allowing the passenger one return journey between City and section 3 or 4. Not available on Sundays. On rear of ticket is the details of the ticket use, allowed passenger one return journey between City and section 3 or 4. Not available on Sundays. See Reg Item 2105 for a sample of a ticket block with these tickets.secv, ticket, weekly tickets

Various correspondence: City of Bendigo: From City of Bendigo 15/6/1977 re Investigation of Buildings and Sites suitable for the establishment of a Community Arts Activity Centre (with handwritten annotations); City of Bendigo invitation to a 'Bendigo Community Day' in Rosalind Park March 1979; City of Bendigo re date for Bendigo Arts Council to present a Variety Performance (attached is handwritten program for concert 18/3/19790; draft letter to Town Clerk from Bendigo Arts Council commending Mayor and Councillors on decision to seek land for a Cultural and Arts Centre (undated); Letter (17/8/1995) from City of Greater Bendigo re proposal to establish an annual sculpture prize with attachment providing detail of proposal.

Single page document. Crown at top. Titled INVESTITURE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, MELBOURNE NOTES FOR GUIDANCE Recipients may be accompanied by three relatives of friends. Because of the nature and length of the ceremony, it is not considered a suitable occasion for children under the age of six. Due to the large number of recipients on this occasion, it will not be possible for requests for additional guests to be met. Recipients and their guests will gain access to Government House by presenting their Entrée Cards at the Main Gate and on entering the Ballroom. Car parking space is available within the grounds. A ramp for wheel chair access is adjacent to the Ballroom Entrance. Recipients using wheelchairs are requested to advise us accordingly. Recipients and those accompanying them should arrive at the Ballroom Entrance of Government House at 10.00a.m. The dress for recipients is uniform, where appropriate, or lounge suit/day dress. Service personnel should consult their respective headquarters on dress. (Medals are not to be worn). Relatives and friends are requested to remain seated and not to applaud until the end of the ceremony. Recipients will be directed to the State Dining Room where they will remain until they receive their award from the Governor in the Ballroom. We suggest that personal items (bags, coats, etc) be left with a family member or left with a member of staff in the cloak room at the entrance to the Ballroom. Private photographs and videos may not be taken during the ceremony, but are permitted at other times. The media and an Official Photographer will be present on this occasion. Contact details for the Official Photographer will be included in the Investiture Booklet available on the day. At the conclusion of the Investiture, recipients and their guests are invited to join the Governor and Mrs Chernov for refreshments in the State Apartments. The function will conclude at approximately 1.00 pm. ***person, individual, peter ellis oam

Australia Day 2004 Citizen of the Year presented to Mr. Ian Dyett by the City of Greater Bendigo, dated 26th January 2004. Signed by Cr. Rod Fyffe (Mayor) and Mr. John McLean (Chief Executive Officer). Certificate has the Australian flag in the top left corner and City of Greater Bendigo and logo in the bottom right corner. The background is coloured yellow. It is framed in a brown frame.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - citizen of the year award, ian dyett, city f greater bendigo, cr rod fyffe, mr john mclean

Diggers & Mining. Stores at the diggings. (Continued) . . . At Ballarat in more lawless days, when Mr Armstrong had it entirely his own way, he used to collect a bundle of faggots, pile them up in the middle of the forfeited tent, and set the whole concern in a blaze - burning them out, furniture, merchandise, and clothing; and yet, even to this, unauthorised as it was, they never offered serious resistance. On the present occasion the culprit seemed to fear that Mr. Armstrong was going to do the, and humbly begged and exemption for his ''traps'', which was graciously granted. In the course of the day this man was fined 100pound (it being a second offence), which he paid before the night; such are the profits of illicit trade . . . These seizures are pretty frequent; Mr. Armstrong tells me he had as many as nine bonfires blazing together at night in various parts. Markings: 34 994.LIF. 5. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

photo was taken on "Hellenic Prince" in 1950; ship left Naples in Italy and arrived in Australia (Melbourne) on 25th April 1950 (Anzac Day)one of a few items of this kind which has survived to present daysblack and white photo, carved edgephoto, migration, hellenic prince

Object. Black wooden mantle clock with pendulum bob made in U.S.A by the Sessions Clock Company, mounted on ornate metal feet, and decorated with four columns supporting Gothic arches, with torch like ornamentation between them and an ornate handle on each end. Round white enamel dial with black numerals & hands, a brass bezel with convex glass. 8 day running with gong strike on hour & half hour. Brass plaque on front reads presented to Mr.P.Cooper by his fellow employees of the Water Commission Bendigo on his retirement 30.6.1926.Sessions Made in U.S.Ahorology, clocks, mantle

Photocopy of an extract from the Geelong Advertiser 26/3/1956 about the closure of the Geelong tram system and the public participation. Has a photo of Mr S Parker driver and Mr E Sweeten, conductor on one of the last trams. Also has an item dated 27/3/1959 about the presentation of a bell taken from Geelong tram 38 and presented to former Mayoress Mrs H Jacobs by the Mayor of Newtown and Chilwell Cr A S M Collins.Yields information about the last day of Geelong trams.Set of two foolscap photocopies of extracts from the Geelong Advertiser.tramways, tramcars, geelong, closure, last tram, bells

St Andrew’s Anglican Church, located at 228 New St, Brighton, is the oldest continuous Anglican Church in Victoria. Opened on St Andrews day in 1842, it was one of the earliest Christian churches established in the Port Phillip District. A second church building was erected on the site in 1851, followed by a third building and schoolhouse in 1857 which was enlarged in 1886. A fire in 1961 engulfed the building and renowned Australian church architect Louis Williams was appointed to be the architect of the new building. The present church complex is amongst the largest church buildings in Australasia. Using over 500,000 bricks and over 16,000 roof tiles, this space consisted of three areas: the main church building, the Pioneer chapel and the Lady chapel. The large arcaded cloister, seen in this painting, with an internal cloister garden, is extremely rare in any church in Australasia, and links the Pioneer Chapel to the narthex of the new building.John C. Paul, St. Andrew's Brighton 1971, watercolour, 44 x 30.5 cm. Bayside City Council Art and Heritage Collection. Purchased 1974.brighton, john c paul, st andrews, church, anglican, cloister, arcade

This model of the Brighton Municipal Offices was made by Alan W. Chandler. The Brighton Municipal Offices were designed by Kevin Knight of Oakley and Parkes with the engineers John Connell and Associates and were erected by Prentice Builders Pty Ltd. The foundation stone was laid on 13 February 1959 and the building was opened on 21 July 1961. The interior decoration and furniture was by Grant Featherston. As is common practice, an architectural model was prepared to present the final concept of the building for approval to the Brighton City Council. In February 1959 festivities occurred to celebrate the centenary of the municipality of Brighton. A garden party attended by two hundred Brighton residents was held in the grounds of the Brighton Town Hall. This model graced the centre of the lily pond during the event. The following day the foundation stone of the Brighton Municipal Offices was laid.Architectural model of a large public building in orange brick, the main cylindrical tower is set within a rectangular structure, with circular and oval roof structures. The model is set within landscaped grounds with paths, a water feature, several trees and bushes, lawns and flower beds.brighton municipal complex, brighton civic centre, brighton chambers, architectural model, model, alan w. chandler, kevin knight, oakley and parkes, architecture, municipal offices, municipal building, scale model

Advertisement in 'Public Notices' Bendigo Advertiser, March 2000, seeking applications from schools and community organisations for financial support for environmental projects. Closing date for present round of grants will be March 31st. 2000.In biro on side of advertisement ' Break O' Day' March 2000'environment, kangaroo flat, goldmining, , exploration, mining, bendigo mining, environmental trust

The first meeting of the 1st Bendigo Guides was held by Miss Merle Bush on the 22nd of August 1922 in the St Paul' School Room. Twelve girls were present. Miss Bush was given permission to open the Company by Miss R. Hamilton, State Secretary for Victoria, she received her Captain's Warrant on 12th December 1922.Happy Birthday card - Colored scene of boats on a lake with building in the backgroundCongratulations and best wishes to the Merle Bush trefoil Guild on your 25th birthday ad all the best for your future. Happy Birthday. I am sorry that no one from Goulburn Valley Trefoil Guild can be with you today but I hope you have a wonderful day Beth Brisbane Goulburn Valley Trefoil Guildgirl guides, guiding, merle bush, trefoil guild, 25th birthday merle bush trefoil guild, goulburn valley trefoil guild

The first meeting of the 1st Bendigo Guides was held by Miss Merle Bush on the 22nd of August 1922 in the St Paul' School Room. Twelve girls were present. Miss Bush was given permission to open the Company by Miss R. Hamilton, State Secretary for Victoria, she received her Captain's Warrant on 12th December 1922.Card with Honeysuckle and Dog Rose drawings of fruit and flowers in red and pink on the front1 Halsey Street Box Hill South. Dear Wynne Please accept my apology for the 25th Birthday celebration of Merle Bush Trefoil Guild. I hope you have a wonderful day and I shall be thinking of you. As I grow older I find I prefer to restrict my activities to the things that are close to home. I am still driving but only locally and to places that I know. Best wishes to all Marie Stubbsgirl guides, guiding, merle bush, trefoil guild, the australian womens register

Yields information about many transport tickets systems from around the world, including some SEC tickets. Has a strong association with Wal Jack.Diary, printed for 1934, two days per page - full bound and sewn in black Rexene with end papers (partly removed) with gold block title "Diary 1934" on front and "1934" on spine of book, stationary item, with a Nestle's product advertised on the bottom right hand pages. Has a blue ribbon sewn into book. A number of pages have been cut from the front and back of the book. See btm230i for image of book. Has been used primarily to store and present tramway tickets using stamp hinges. Cities collected: Most c1950 though some earlier - 1920's, 1930's. MMTB - 5d - 12 No. - image 1 MMTB - 4d, 6d, 5d, 8d and 9d - 17 No. - image 2 MMTB - 2d, 3d 7d, 4d - 10 No. - image 3 Eastern Goldfields Transport Board - Kalgoorlie, 16 No. - image 4 Ditto - 6 No. - image 5 Ditto - 14 No. - image 6 Ditto - 11 No. - image 7 W.A. government tramways - Perth - 10 No. - image 8 Auckland - 5 No. - image 9 (Special One Day travel ticket loose) MTT Adelaide - 11 No. - image 10 NSW Govt. Tramways - Sydney - 20 No. - image 11 Brisbane - 10 No. and AETA tour ticket date 3/2/1951 - image 12 NSW Govt. Tramways - Sydney - 13 No. - image 13 St Kilda Brighton electric tramway - 1 No. - image 14 German and Swiss tramway tickets - 4 No. - image 15 Wellington, Hamburg, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Hobart and Winnipeg - image 16 Ballarat (or other Provincial cities) 11 No. - image 17 German cities - 9 No. - image 18 German cities - 4 No. - image 19 Front inside page of book has some birthdays listed of relatives and friends. Last few pages contain notes on photos of train leaving Ballarat 1943. 56, 57 (copy to ARHS Archives). Item revised 30/6/2002. Inside front page has a list of birthdaystrams, tramways, tickets, photo notes, vr steam locos, ballarat., kalgoorlie, mmtb, melbourne, auckland, weekly tickets, adelaide, perth, sydney, brisbane, vr trams, st kilda brighton, wellington, wanganui, new plymouth tramways, hobart

Frances Burke: Designer of Modern Textiles Australia’s most influential and celebrated textile designer of the mid-20th century, Frances Burke (1904-1994), employed Australian native flora, garden flowers, marine subjects, Indigenous culture and increasingly, abstract motifs in her stunning modern fabrics. A confident, determined designer and businesswoman; Burke made the shift from fine art to design in 1937. While she began by designing dress fabrics for Melbourne’s fashionable Georges Department store, printing them on linen using lino blocks, she was an early adopter of the screen-printing process and during the war years began printing on cotton. Burke’s furnishing fabrics took their place in influential modern buildings Australia-wide through collaborations with leading architects and interior designers. They included Robin Boyd’s 1949 House of Tomorrow, Roy Grounds’ Quamby flats, Guilford Bell’s Royal Hayman Island Resort for Ansett Airlines, and Yuncken, Freeman Brothers, Griffiths and Simpson’s Canberra Civic Centre Theatre. In the post-war period, Burke made regular trips to the United States and Europe, on her return advising homeowners and manufacturers on the latest trends in products, colours and home design in lectures and interviews. At New Design her fabric showroom and interior design consultancy Burke introduced furniture by emerging designers Clement Meadmore and Grant Featherston in the early 1950s and presented local and imported homewares, mostly from the United States. She was enthusiastic about the convenient and comfortable lifestyle experienced by ordinary American women. Her fabrics and advice were regularly featured in Australian Home Beautiful, Australian House and Garden and the newspapers of the day. Some of Burke’s designs had remarkable longevity. Tiger Stripe (1938) for example, continued to be produced in a wide range of colours until 1970 and Crete (1946) remained a popular choice for interiors into the 1960s. Drawing from a rich variety of sources including Indigenous culture in Goanna (c.1954) and Pacific Island tapa cloth designs in Bird and Tree (1940), Burke also looked to Japan in designs such as Plum Blossom (1948) and Zen (1965). She loved exploring the potential of native flora, seen in designs including Waratah (1955) and Flannel Flower (1955), while garden flowers were the source for many other designs including Belladonna (1940), Periwinkle (n.d.) and Rose (1947). Burke’s clever interplay of a single striking printed colour with lively gestural lines revealing the white base fabric, gave her designs a vibrancy that characterised the optimistic post-war era. This can be seen in Burke’s fabrics for Hayman Island including Angel Fish and Seapiece (both 1949) which expressed the freshness and excitement of the luxurious new tropical resort and led to further commissions. Burke’s three decades in business (1937-1970) were an unparalleled success in the story of Australian design. Her fabrics have been collected by the NGA, the Powerhouse Museum, NGV, RMIT Design Archives and Sydney Living Museums in addition to Ararat Gallery TAMA. Written by Nanette Carter and Robyn Oswald-Jacobs.

Frances Burke: Designer of Modern Textiles Australia’s most influential and celebrated textile designer of the mid-20th century, Frances Burke (1904-1994), employed Australian native flora, garden flowers, marine subjects, Indigenous culture and increasingly, abstract motifs in her stunning modern fabrics. A confident, determined designer and businesswoman; Burke made the shift from fine art to design in 1937. While she began by designing dress fabrics for Melbourne’s fashionable Georges Department store, printing them on linen using lino blocks, she was an early adopter of the screen-printing process and during the war years began printing on cotton. Burke’s furnishing fabrics took their place in influential modern buildings Australia-wide through collaborations with leading architects and interior designers. They included Robin Boyd’s 1949 House of Tomorrow, Roy Grounds’ Quamby flats, Guilford Bell’s Royal Hayman Island Resort for Ansett Airlines, and Yuncken, Freeman Brothers, Griffiths and Simpson’s Canberra Civic Centre Theatre. In the post-war period, Burke made regular trips to the United States and Europe, on her return advising homeowners and manufacturers on the latest trends in products, colours and home design in lectures and interviews. At New Design her fabric showroom and interior design consultancy Burke introduced furniture by emerging designers Clement Meadmore and Grant Featherston in the early 1950s and presented local and imported homewares, mostly from the United States. She was enthusiastic about the convenient and comfortable lifestyle experienced by ordinary American women. Her fabrics and advice were regularly featured in Australian Home Beautiful, Australian House and Garden and the newspapers of the day. Some of Burke’s designs had remarkable longevity. Tiger Stripe (1938) for example, continued to be produced in a wide range of colours until 1970 and Crete (1946) remained a popular choice for interiors into the 1960s. Drawing from a rich variety of sources including Indigenous culture in Goanna (c.1954) and Pacific Island tapa cloth designs in Bird and Tree (1940), Burke also looked to Japan in designs such as Plum Blossom (1948) and Zen (1965). She loved exploring the potential of native flora, seen in designs including Waratah (1955) and Flannel Flower (1955), while garden flowers were the source for many other designs including Belladonna (1940), Periwinkle (n.d.) and Rose (1947). Burke’s clever interplay of a single striking printed colour with lively gestural lines revealing the white base fabric, gave her designs a vibrancy that characterised the optimistic post-war era. This can be seen in Burke’s fabrics for Hayman Island including Angel Fish and Seapiece (both 1949) which expressed the freshness and excitement of the luxurious new tropical resort and led to further commissions. Burke’s three decades in business (1937-1970) were an unparalleled success in the story of Australian design. Her fabrics have been collected by the NGA, the Powerhouse Museum, NGV, RMIT Design Archives and Sydney Living Museums in addition to Ararat Gallery TAMA. Written by Nanette Carter and Robyn Oswald-Jacobs.

Frances Burke: Designer of Modern Textiles Australia’s most influential and celebrated textile designer of the mid-20th century, Frances Burke (1904-1994), employed Australian native flora, garden flowers, marine subjects, Indigenous culture and increasingly, abstract motifs in her stunning modern fabrics. A confident, determined designer and businesswoman; Burke made the shift from fine art to design in 1937. While she began by designing dress fabrics for Melbourne’s fashionable Georges Department store, printing them on linen using lino blocks, she was an early adopter of the screen-printing process and during the war years began printing on cotton. Burke’s furnishing fabrics took their place in influential modern buildings Australia-wide through collaborations with leading architects and interior designers. They included Robin Boyd’s 1949 House of Tomorrow, Roy Grounds’ Quamby flats, Guilford Bell’s Royal Hayman Island Resort for Ansett Airlines, and Yuncken, Freeman Brothers, Griffiths and Simpson’s Canberra Civic Centre Theatre. In the post-war period, Burke made regular trips to the United States and Europe, on her return advising homeowners and manufacturers on the latest trends in products, colours and home design in lectures and interviews. At New Design her fabric showroom and interior design consultancy Burke introduced furniture by emerging designers Clement Meadmore and Grant Featherston in the early 1950s and presented local and imported homewares, mostly from the United States. She was enthusiastic about the convenient and comfortable lifestyle experienced by ordinary American women. Her fabrics and advice were regularly featured in Australian Home Beautiful, Australian House and Garden and the newspapers of the day. Some of Burke’s designs had remarkable longevity. Tiger Stripe (1938) for example, continued to be produced in a wide range of colours until 1970 and Crete (1946) remained a popular choice for interiors into the 1960s. Drawing from a rich variety of sources including Indigenous culture in Goanna (c.1954) and Pacific Island tapa cloth designs in Bird and Tree (1940), Burke also looked to Japan in designs such as Plum Blossom (1948) and Zen (1965). She loved exploring the potential of native flora, seen in designs including Waratah (1955) and Flannel Flower (1955), while garden flowers were the source for many other designs including Belladonna (1940), Periwinkle (n.d.) and Rose (1947). Burke’s clever interplay of a single striking printed colour with lively gestural lines revealing the white base fabric, gave her designs a vibrancy that characterised the optimistic post-war era. This can be seen in Burke’s fabrics for Hayman Island including Angel Fish and Seapiece (both 1949) which expressed the freshness and excitement of the luxurious new tropical resort and led to further commissions. Burke’s three decades in business (1937-1970) were an unparalleled success in the story of Australian design. Her fabrics have been collected by the NGA, the Powerhouse Museum, NGV, RMIT Design Archives and Sydney Living Museums in addition to Ararat Gallery TAMA. Written by Nanette Carter and Robyn Oswald-Jacobs.