The "Q" Theatre Guild was formed out of the Kew Light Opera Company in 1957. It marked the transition of the company that had initially been directed by Lance Nicholls to one directed by Beatrice Oakley. It continued to perform in the Kew Recreation Hall, but, with its demolition in 1960, and the opening of the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road, moved its productions to that venue. Productions of the "Q" Theatre Guild included The Geisha (1957), Maritana (1958), They All Do It (1959), Blossom Time (1959), Love's A Luxury (1959), There And Back & The Bohemian Girl (1960), Die Fledermaus (1960), Gay Rosalinda (1961), The Land Of Smiles (1961), Kisses For A Kid & Hansel And Gretel (1961), Die Fledermaus (1962), Monsieur Beaucaire (1964), Macbeath or The Beggar's Opera, and So To Bed.The scrapbook of annotated photographs, programmes, and newspaper reviews of which this item is a part was assembled by Marion Tilley, wardrobe mistress for, and performer in, productions by the Kew Light Opera Company and the "Q" Theatre Guild. It is significant as a remarkably complete document of theatre performances in Kew, Victoria during the 1950s and 1960s. The scrapbook, and the items individually catalogued within it, have artistic and aesthetic significance within the history of performing arts in Victoria in the middle of the 20th Century. They have social significance in that they reveal socio-cultural values and preoccupations during the period. The records also act as a history of arts activities in the Kew Recreation Hall and later in the Kew City Hall as entertainment and community arts and music precincts.Marion Tilley, the creator of the scrapbook, wrote the following underneath the photograph: "Stan Wilson, Carla Jeffries". Tilley also records that: "Carla sang a solo at Joan's Wedding".Marion Tilley, the creator of the scrapbook, wrote the following underneath the photograph: "Carla Jeffries, Stan Wilson - I made the men's and women's costumes including hats".marion tilley, kew recreation hall -- wellington street -- kew (vic.), performing arts -- kew (vic.), theatre memorabilia, "q" theatre guild

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Holy Trinity Church Choir in 1937. During this period the Vicar was Rev. Roscoe Wilson and the Organist and Choirmaster was A.G. Reed. Dorothy Rogers identified her husband Victor Rogers as standing to the left of the Verger; and her son George Rogers in the front row second from right."Holy Trinity Church Choir, ca.. 191. Rev Roscoe Wilson Vicar, A.G. Reed Organist & Choirmaster. Victor Rogers (left next to Verger) Back Row. George Rogers (2nd right front row)"holy trinity church choir, high street (kew), dorothy rogers

Under the auspices of the Deaf Committee of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria - Edited by A. Hull assisted by R. H. LambertThe significance of these newsletters is in the detail of information they contain about the people and activities of the Deaf community in Victoria and interstate.Vol. 1 No. 2 March-April 1930; Size 21.5cmHx14cmWthe victorian deaf, n. armstron, a. c. muir, mr hesketh, andrew clarke, w. bond, w. p. muir, d. piper, a. wilson, g. moore, s. johnson, rev. w. moss, e. newbigin, mrs lewis, mrs s. moss, d. piper, mrs c. e. frewin, j. m. johnston, w. ashby, j. mclean, o'gorman, hawkins, fisher, j. hennessy, h puddy, a. graham, mrs s. ferguson, jean solomon, g mortimer, mrs crompton, taylor, hickey, hatley, salvado, hart, tonkin, george ashley, colin johnsf. cummins, sutherland, utber, boortz, bert hague, walter bladier, winnie gladman, eileen o'gormans. moss, c. ball, r. cram, holmes,j. m. johnston, w. wood, r. h. lambert, f. kendall, o'bryan, g. b. mortimer, e. johnston, mrs e. r. peacock, empson, e. stephens, r. dow, alice smith, b. heggie, w. anderson, guilds, hosckey club, lacross club, victorian deaf and dumb institution, c. f. crosby

Under the auspices of the Deaf Committee of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria - Edited by A. Hull assisted by R. H. LambertThe significance of these newsletters is in the detail of information they contain about the people and activities of the Deaf community in Victoria and interstate.Vol. 1 No. 3, May-June 1930; Size 21.5cmHx14cmWalex hull, arthur stephens, emma reade, l. p. jacks, katie whitehead, selwyn oxley, a. j. wilson, mrs g. h. hawkins, victor trotman, colin mcnutt, bert savage, myrtle walscott, e. walker, lina virgona, gwen hawkinsm. gibson, mrs g. damman, mrs j. muir, d. hickey, w. chapman, mrs gladman, j boortz, r. white, bert hague, w. grant, r. jose, w. o'bryan, t. tonkins, a. colins, mrs g. damman, mrs g. caldwell, w. rees, e. r. peacock, a. c. muir, mrs f. e. frewin, d. ashby, phyllis johnston, h. puddy, l. sutton, w. anderson, a hatley,

Under the auspices of the Deaf Committee of the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria - Edited by R. H. Lambert, assited by H. PuddyThe significance of these newsletters is in the detail of information they contain about the people and activities of the Deaf community in Victoria and interstate.Vol. 1 No. 5, September-October 1930; Size 21.5cmHx14cmWw. ashby, h. puddy, j. o'gorman, kendall, john adcock, w. j. mcaskill, p. smith, w. anderson, s. moss, j. moran, m. groves, h. wilson, mr donaldson, v. west, mrs j. m. johnston, c. hennessey, w. hateley, a. hateley, herbert mark, florrie tyzzer,r. white, s. ferguson, mrs g. damman, mrs j. e. muir, florrie blair, h. mackenzie, r. stewart, c. a. buck, lon chaney, j. d. brook, j. w. booth, mr and mrs bladier, mr and mrs w. anderson, victorian adult deaf cricket club, deaf workers club, young mens club, young ladies club, tennis, hockeynsw deaf and dumb citizens association

Written by Jimmie Joan Wilson 23rd June 1983, National Technical Institute for the Deaf Rochester, New York, U.S.A.Green cover, 29.5cmHx20cmW, 37 pages, 2 copieshearing-impaired students, jimmie joan wilson

Colour photograph. The board which was outside the QVWC building's gates on Lonsdale street. which details main groups involved in refurbishment of the building. "Principle: Office of Women's Affairs - Department of Justice. Principle Agent - Office of Building. Refurbishment Project Team. Project manager: Atkinson Project Management (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. Architects: Robert Peck won Hartel Trethowan. Conservation Architect: Meredith Gould Architects Pty. Ltd. Quantity Surveyor: Rawlinsons (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. Services Engineer: Addicoat Hogarth WIlson (Vic) Pty. Ltd. Structural/Civil Engineer: John Mulle and Partners Pty. Ltd. Landscape Architect: Elizabeth Peck, Landscape Architect. Building Certifier: Philip Chun and Associates (Vic.) Construction Manager: Kane Constructions (Vic.) Pty. Ltd."historic buildings, building construction

newspaper clipping. page 6 Sunday Herald Sun. charitable organisations, people in political roles, political processes

Bulla Primary School held a pets day at the school in 1988 and the students, teachers and parents along with their pets were invited to participate. Jenny Wilson who was a teacher at the school at the time brought along g her dog which won the championship prize.By holding a pets day at the school and involving the school and community, the children gained an understanding of the benefits and importance of caring for pets.A non-digital coloured photograph of a lady in an outdoor area with her dog that has a prize winning rosette attached to its collar. A weatherboard building is partly visible in the background.bulla primary school - pets'day., jenny wilson, pets

The five women photographed were staff members at Bulla Primary School in 1988. They are from L-R: Sue Bradley, grades 2/3 teacher, Ivy Grant, music teacher, Carol Hitchens, grades 4-6 teacher and principal, Kim Barber, integration aide and Jenny Wilson, grades Prep and 1 teacher. The photograph was taken at the end of the school year on 'break-up' day. This is a visual record of the school staff who were employed at Bulla primary School in December 1988.A coloured non-digital photograph of five ladies standing in a covered area, on a landing outside a weatherboard building.bulla primary school, sue bradley, ivy grant, carol hitchens, jenny wilson, kim barber

The children were students in the infant class at Bulla Primary School and were dressed in Chinese costumes for their performance at the 1988 school concert .heir teacher, Jenny Wilson and Wayne Boyer, one of the parents were supervising the children before they entered to hall to perform their item.School concerts encouraged students in understanding and appreciating the creative arts in education.A non-digital coloured photograph sixteen children dressed in Chinese costume standing in a doorway, waiting for two adults to direct them into a hall.school concerts, bulla primary school, jenny wilson, wayne boyer

Purchased, 1984Woodcut print on papergippsland, artwork, permanent collection

Acquired, 1997Oil on canvasgippsland, artwork, permanent collection

Purchased with the assistance of the Crafts Board of the Australia Council, 1980Laminated blackwoodgippsland, artwork, permanent collection

Group of North Park Volunteers 1948 instrumental in making North Park. Taken in backyard of Mr G LaGerche's home Cnr Houston and Lamont Streets. This snapshot was donated by miss Glenda Hurst - Stawell - to the Society - Black and White Photograph of a large group of persons - Background of trees.On rear: North Park Volunteers 1948. Taken in the back garden of Mr G LaGerche (morning Tea). Men L to R Roy Hurst, Alan Willoughby, Fred Crouch, Arthur Parsons, Cyril Cashin, Glynn Cashin. Ladies Second Row L to R: Mrs Edna(Geoff) LaGerche, Mrs Pretty, ?, Mrs Darling, Ladies in front Row: ?, ?, Mrs Ted Mills, Mrs Harold Dunn, Miss Dorothy Kingston, Mrs Bess (bill) Wilson, ?, . Farmers brought in their Not Horse drawn graders, etc to form the two (2) ovals at "The Pug" Photo property R.W. Hurst. 29 Houston Street Stawellstawell, north park

Toddstawell religion

The interview is one of a series recorded in 2013-2014 to document memories and experiences of the Williamstown Botanic Gardens, surrounding areas and Fearon ReserveA primary source of information on memories of the Gardens and witness to changes in the Gardens over those years. CD and transcript of interview with Ken Speakman. Also present was his daughter, Nola Wilson. His son visited part of the way through the interview. Ken’s family moved to Williamstown in 1918 when he was a baby and he has lived in Williamstown, close to the Gardens since that time. He was a keen lacrosse player, playing on Fearon Reserve. Ken was interviewed for his memories of the Gardens and its relationship to Fearon Reserve. ken speakman, nola wilson, fearon reserve, lacrosse, 1918, bill crowe, william crowe, bird cage, bandstand, ramsay’s café, horses, harry stitt, cannons, aci glassworks, woollen mills, oil refinery, sims cooper, abattoir, mobil, palms, williamstown botanic gardens, hobsons bay city council

The interview is one of a series recorded in 2013-2014 to document memories and experiences of the Williamstown Botanic GardensA primary source of information on memories of the Gardens and witness to changes in the Gardens over those years. CD and transcript of interview with Michael Wilkins. Michael first worked in the Gardens for the Municipality of Williamstown in 1987. He was there for eleven years. A few years after the amalgamation of Williamstown and Altona into the City of Hobsons Bay City Council he transferred from the Gardens to other sites within the City. He returned to the Gardens in 2006. Michael recalls people with whom he worked and horticultural practices over those years. michael wilkins, barry heath, bob anderson, 1987, shelley wood, ian mcleod, john wilson, mary malhallchek, glasshouse, maarten hulzebosch, ransome mower, buffalo lawn, parker reserve, trench digging, 2006, bird cage, palms, williamstown botanic gardens, hobsons bay city council

David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Lily initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 68 Park Street, Hawthorn 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. The woman named as Mattie was Martha Dunham Brooks b1892, Camberwell. She was the daughter of Arthur 'Empire' Brooks and his wife Mary Jane Wilson who lived at 21 York Street. They also had twin boys: Thomas Moffat Brooks – b. 1899, Surrey Hills; d. 1906 and Edwin Dunham Wilson Brooks – b. 1899, Surrey Hills; d. 1971 Heidelberg. The donor remembered the later as a builder of 11 York Street. Martha m. Clifford Ernest Cairns in 1935. Mattie Cairns was the donor's godmother. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families all of which had connections with Surrey Hills / Mont Albert.A black & white photo of a man, a women, 2 women, a girl and a young lady beside a car in a country setting. The girl is bending to pat a dog.On rear: "Mum Dad Mair / Shirl Isabel Mattie / Digger - Cliff Cairns / Dog" in blue biro. Thought to be Beryl Mair's handwriting. "LILY" and "DAVE" in lead pencil above Mum and Dad. Photographer's stamp "653" in blue ink.dave mair, david miller mair, lilly vipond deakin, lily vipond mair, shirley inez mair, isabel lillian mair, mattie brooks, martha dunham brooks, cars

David Miller (Dave) Mair (1879-1938) married Lily Vipond Deakin (1890-1945) in 1910. They had 5 children: Geoffrey David (1913-1970), Beryl (1916-1976), Gwynneth (1917-1997), Isabel Lillian (1921-1997) and Shirley Inez (1928-1968). Personal communication from Laurie Newton, Beryl's daughter: Dave and Beryl initially lived in East Melbourne after they married. Dave walked across the gardens to work at the MCG. He never drove or owned a car. Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynneth were born in East Melbourne. They subsequently moved to Louise Avenue, Mont Albert and Isabel may have been born while they were there. Later they purchased 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. Shirley was born after they moved to Barton Street. Electoral roll details: 1919 68 Park Street, Hawthorn 1922 24 Louise Avenue, Mont Albert 1924 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert Dave Mair was a very keen sportsman. The woman named as Mattie was Martha Dunham Brooks b1892, Camberwell. She was the daughter of Arthur 'Empire' Brooks and his wife Mary Jane Wilson who lived at 21 York Street. They also had twin boys: Thomas Moffat Brooks – b. 1899, Surrey Hills; d. 1906 and Edwin Dunham Wilson Brooks – b. 1899, Surrey Hills; d. 1971 Heidelberg. The donor remembered the later as a builder of 11 York Street. Martha m. Clifford Ernest Cairns in 1935. Mattie Cairns was the donor's godmother. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families all of which had connections with Surrey Hills / Mont Albert. Mattie Brooks' father was a significant figure in early Surrey Hills.A black & white photo of 2 women, a girl and a lad beside a car on the sand at the beach.On rear: "Mum Mattie / Shirl / Digger (Cliff Cairns / Dog" in blue biro. "MATTIE BROOKS / LAD UNKNOWN" Thought to be Beryl Mair's handwriting. Photographer's stamp "653" in blue ink.beach, lily vipond mair, lilly vipond deakin, mattie brooks, martha dunham brooks, mattie cairns, martha dunham carins

1 Russell Street was built in 1888 and from 1888–1905 (maybe 1911, as his death notice says he died at Russell Street) it was the home of James Burrell, a blacksmith. His smithy was on the corner of Canterbury Road. In 1893 a block of land (No.3 ) was bought to establish the fire station and James Burrell acted as fire officer and stored the reel and hose until the station was built. From 1911–1928 it was the fire station residence, as the brigade gained status. James Burrell (1860-1911) married Elizabeth Wilson (1862-1925). She was daughter of Edward Wilson. They had 4 children: James Herbert, known as Bert (1888-1953); Aleck (1890-1951); William Spencer, known as Bill, (1893-1976) and Elsie May (1898-1990). Both James and Elizabeth Burrell are buried in Burwood Cemetery. From 1930–1943 Michael Ginnane, retired station master, and members of his family lived in the house. Michael Ginnane (1864-1935) married Annie Mary Brock (1868-1945). Both were born in the Ballarat area. They had 10 children. From 1913-1917 he was station master at Woodend. In the 1925 electoral rolls the family is listed as living at Surrey Hills station. There was a station master's house adjacent to the station (demolished and the site now part of the car park accessed off Blackburn Street). They are again listed here in the 1925 electoral roll. By 1931 they are at 1 Russell Street and he is listed as a retired station master. The following children lived in Surrey Hills: John James (Clerk) - 1922 Mary Ellen (HD) - 1922, 1925, 1931 Michael Thomas (labourer) - 1922 Annie Florence (dressmaker) - 1925, 1931 William Patrick (railwayman) - 1925 Elizabeth Catherine (sales) - 1931 Patrick Leo (postman) - 1931. A black and white photograph taken on an angle from across the street of a mid-late Victorian style cottage with multi-coloured brickwork. There is a large tree in the front garden, no fence and a letterbox on a lean.(mr) james burrell, blacksmiths, canterbury road, surrey hills, fire officers, (mr) michael ginnane, station masters, fire stations, mid-victorian style, (miss) elizabeth wilson, (mrs) elizabeth burrell, james herbert burrell, aleck burrell, william (bill) spencer burrell, elsie may burrell, (miss) annie mary brock, (mrs) annie mary ginnane, john james ginnane, (miss) mary ellen ginnane, michael thomas ginnane; (miss) annie florence ginnane; william patrick ginnane; elizabeth catherine ginnane; patrick leo ginnanean), late-victorian style, russell street

The foundation stone for St George's Church of England, Mont Albert was laid in 1886 on land donated by Edward Dyer and the first service was preached in January 1887. From 1904 until 1907 it was known as Holy Trinity, Surrey Hills. The original church was weatherboard and replaced by a brick one in the Gothic Revival style which was designed by local architect George J V Blackburne, who also designed the Wesleyan School at Surrey Hills. The building was partly funded by donations, profits from a bazaar and concert, and other people donated furnishings. The church had boundaries along Mont Albert Road and St Georges Road. In 1998 the Church was sold and converted into a complex of units. Its current address is 19 St Georges Avenue, Mont Albert. The purpose of this working bee in 1923 was to close up the double gateway, which in earlier times had been used for entry of by horse-drawn vehicles to the church grounds. 'Lugano' was built in 1893 for William Wilson, a prominent stonemason and importer of marble fireplaces. In 1903 it became the home of William Holmes who was Chief Electrical Engineer for the Victorian Railways. He designed the electrification of the Melbourne suburban network. 'Lugano' stayed in the Holmes family until the 1930s. Norman Carter took many photos of Surrey Hills and Mont Albert from the 1920s in particular of events and activities associated with the Church of England.Black and white photo of 6 men behind and in front of a picket fence, a section of which has posts and railings only. In front of the fence is a wide grassy verge on which a bench is set up for cutting lengths of wood. A large Victorian house ('Lugano') can be seen in the background and a lamp post with a street sign. Beyond the house are mature eucalyptus trees.churches, holy trinity church, anglican church, st george's anglican church, working bees, lugano, william holmes, william wilson, norman brodley carter

This hat belonged to Mrs Moyra Rasmussen, who lived at 389 St Kilda Street, Brighton for over 50 years with her husband Rae Rasmussen, a bank manager with the State Bank of Victoria. The Mooney sisters, Nell and Ida, were situated beside the Regent Theatre in Collins Street, Melbourne and were well respected milliners and dressmakers. The hat's style is typical of the 1960s. Woven turquoise silk taffeta turban style ladies hat with half bow, circa 1960s. White mesh interior with teal grosgrain binding, thin black elastic band.Label, woven black on white: MISSES MOONEY / OF MELBOURNEhat, turban, rae rasmussen, brighton, misses mooney, millinery, melbourne designers, moyra rasmussen

This dress was worn by Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, to a Mayoral Ball held at Brighton Technical School in 1977. Diane Margaret Lewis completed a law degree at the University of Melbourne, later marrying one of her classmates, criminal lawyer Ramon (Ray) Lopez. When she decided to run for the Brighton City Council in 1975, she was seen as an outside chance. Undeterred, she rallied a small group of friends and supporters and set out on an extensive door-knocking campaign that won voters to her side and successfully unseated former mayor Keith Devenport. She went on to serve two terms on council from 1975 to 1981. Di initiated many local projects, including the creation of a bike path along Nepean Highway and the first Brighton Festival, while balancing family life and a demanding ‘day job’ as personal assistant to Victorian Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation Brian Dixon. She was a member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby and a champion for women’s representation, encouraging both Sally Allmand and Kate Harman to run for council (both were successfully elected). She advocated forcefully for an open, transparent local government in which ratepayers had the chance to participate and be heard. In 1976 Di became the first woman to hold the title of Mayor of Brighton, and she made it clear from the outset that she was going to do it her way. For the annual mayoral ball in 1977, ordinarily a staid traditional function, she chose a discotheque theme based on the Rod Stewart album Night on the Town, with a broad dress code of ‘black tie or jeans’: ‘You’ve got to get with the times,’ she said. ‘We want people to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.’ Di herself chose to attend in this knee-length chamois dress embellished with strings, ribbons, beads and feathers. It was both a fashion statement, exemplifying her colourful, flamboyant and forthright style, and a political one: a declaration of her intention to lead a progressive council, embracing the new and refusing to be hemmed in by dated traditions. In 2020 she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to local government and to the community of Brighton.This dress has local historical significance for its association with Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, who wore it to a Mayoral Ball in 1976. The dress exemplifies her flamboyant reputation, modern outlook and willingness to break norms. At the time, the dress was a radical choice for a Mayoral Ball, where women typically wore formal evening gowns. With her choice of dress, Cr Lopez was making a public statement, breaking away from dated traditions and announcing her intention to bring the Mayor's office into the 1970s. In this way, the dress also points to the wider social and political changes taking place both in Brighton and across Australia during the mid-1970s.Three quarter length chamois dress circa 1974. Machine stitched with a v-neck and full length sleeves and an uneven raw hem, the dress is decorated with narrow thongs of chamois embellished with red beads and blue feathers. The open-fronted bodice is laced with red ribbon and the skirt is decorated with a large blue wool cross stitch and a combination of blue wool and purple ribbon cross stitch. Made in the style of an Indian 'Wild West Dress'.di lopez, chamois, brighton, brighton council, brighton technical school, mayoral ball, 1970s, feminism

A dress belonging to the family of George Ward Cole in the late 1800s; possibly his wife Thomas Anne Ward Cole or one of his daughters, Margaret or Agnes. 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 demolished. A hand sewn, brown silk, evening dress, circa 1860, consisting of a bodice and skirt. The bodice features an off the shoulder neckline edged with cream lace. A chevron design of black velvet trim, passes from the shoulders to the centre front waist, then hangs loosely to the hip line. The black velvet trim on the sleeves and the skirt is edged with a black fringe. The bodice (.1) base is finished in a v-shaped front at the natural waistline. There are short puffed sleeves also feature the black velvet fringed trim and lace at the edge along with three epaulette style strips, which pass from the shoulder seam to the edge of the sleeve. Each strip finishes with a decorative bobble. The bodice lining is cream glazed silk with steel boning, cotton tabs sewn into both sides have four eyelets for lacing. The dress has a full, floor length unlined skirt (.2) which is slightly longer at the back creating a modest train. The skirt has horizontal bands of the velvet trim and finishes with a box pleated trim of the dress fabric. The dress is fastened at the back using two connecting rows of black velvet covered buttons.brighton, st ninian's, 1860s, evening dress, george ward cole, thomas anne ward cole, margaret morison ward cole, agnes bruce ward cole

A bodice belonging to the family of George Ward Cole in the late 1800s. 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 demolished. A hand sewn cream silk satin evening bodice from c.1865. This bodice features a very low, wide scooped neckline with a set in sleeve and four small pleats across the head of the shoulder. The elbow length, straight fitted sleeves are trimmed with a pleated ruffle that extends around the arm finishing at the elbow crease at the inside arm and tapering to mid forearm length at the back. The fitted bodice, lined with waxed linen, fastens down the centre front with eight covered buttons of the bodice fabric. The front two panels wrap around the sides of the bodice to meet another series of panels creating a princess line with a delineated central spine. The waist position is just below the natural waist at the sides, tapering to an elongated front covering the belly. From the sides towards the back it curves up to the natural waistline and then down again to a central point. The bodice is decorated with strips of the same fabric, which has been tucked, pleated and padded to create ruching. The ruching edge has a multi coloured thread, suggestive of rosettes, on both sides. In the front of the bodice, a strip runs down the centre front, concealing the buttonholes, and finishing at the elongated point. It then goes up the bodice over the bust line where it meets the neckline. It follows the neckline around the nape of the neck and back down the front over the bust line to the centre front. More strips run around the base of the fitted sleeve near the elbow above the ruffle. The rosette like coloured thread finishes the base of the ruffle. st ninians, george ward cole, bodice, late 1800s, brighton, margaret morrison ward cole

A hand muff belonging to the family of George Ward Cole in the late 1800s. 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 demolished. A hand sewn dark blue silk velvet muff, circa late 1800s. This cylindrical muff features a central lightly padded area for the hands with the sides extending un-padded a further five centimeters. A six centimeter black grosgrain and satin ribbon decorates the front. Attached from the wearers right at the edge of the padded area and falling diagonally to the left edge of the padded area, where it finishes in a decorative bow.st ninians, george ward cole, muff, late 1800s, brighton, margaret morrison ward cole

A lace head dress belonging to the women of the family of George Ward Cole’s in the late 1800s. 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 demolished. A hand sewn cream lace cap from late 1800s. A silk satin ribbon that encircles the back of the crown of the head, creates the structure of this cap. Towards the front it also has a net and wire-reinforced peak. Over the top of this support is a central diamond shaped lace piece of seven and a half centimeters diameter to which is attached a fine lace net that is gathered and stitched around the edge of the central lace. Two decorative bows of the same silk satin fabric are positioned on the support over the top of the lace at either temple of the wearer. "W-COLE" hand stitched on inside of band. It is unknown when and by whom this inscription was made.st ninians, george ward cole, headwear, late 1800s, brighton, margaret morrison ward cole, agnes bruce ward cole, thomas anne ward cole

A cotton bonnet belonging to the family of George Ward Cole’s in the late 1800s. 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 demolished. A hand sewn ivory cotton, embroidery anglaise child’s bonnet from the late 1800s. The bonnet fabric design combines features a combination of narrow pin tucking and embroidered flowers on a vine. The bonnet edge is finished with a double-layered delicate gathered lace ruffle around all the edges. The bonnet secures under the chin with a delicate tie made of a similar but plain fabric.george ward cole, st ninians, late 1800s, bonnet, margaret morrison ward cole, agnes bruce ward cole, thomas anne ward cole, brighton