The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of textiles dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the textiles, were used as items of clothing, others as items of household decoration, or simply as travel souvenirs. These textiles were created both domestically and internationally. Predictably with the growth of an ethnically and culturally more diverse community in Kew after the Second World War, textiles, clothing and objects in the collection inevitably reflected this diversity. Cream crocheted bodice with pearl buttons. A net band has been attached at the waistline to facilitate the garment being tucked in. There are some machine made elements hand tacked on but the garment is mainly hand made. Most of the garment is diamond mesh with picot. The yoke is crotchet mesh with applied daisy motifs. Large daffodils and daisy motifs are applied to the main body of the garmentlace, women's clothing

Two-part object. (1) A Dura-Fiber XT tennis racquet, featuring black frame with open throat, hand grip wrapped in leather. Plastic butt cap printed with manufacturer's name. Manufacturer and model name also along shaft. (2) Brown & black vinyl head cover with zip. Printed with manufacturer and model name and words: 'TOTAL FIBREGLASS/MADE IN USA'. Materials: Wood, Metal, Fibreglass, Leather, Adhesive tape, Vinyl, Plastic, Inktennis

The French Collection was donated to the Society in 2022. This collection includes documents, artworks, books, costumes and artefacts belonging to two families. A number belonged to, or were made by the grandparents of the donor: Vera May Wing and her husband Hubert Charles McDonald. [Other items belonging to Vera and Hubert are in the collections of the Australian Performing Arts Museum and Museum Victoria.] A second significant group of objects were gifts made to the donor's family by Lucy (Jean) Hornby of Queen Street, Kew whose family had been early settlers in the district.Meerschaum pipe, with fitted brown leather case. The stem of the pipe is shaped like an arm with a carved hand supporting the bowl. The pipe is believed to belong to Joseph Wing (1812-95) or John Wing (1841-1914). The pipe has been passed down through the Wing, McDonald and French families.wing family, pipes, meerschaum

Desk calendar with adjustable day, dates and months also used as an ink hand blotter. The calendar is made out of a chrome-like substance while the blotter is padded fabric.Nilhand blotters, desk calendars

Ceramic hot water bottles were common in the 19th and early 20th centuries. As well as filling hot water containers to warm your bed, you could buy earthenware bottles to use as foot warmers or hand warmers too. Earlier foot warmers used to hold hot coals, or glowing wood, not warm water. In the same way, traditional bed warmers filled with embers were once more usual than hot water bottles.Ceramic foot warmer glazed in cream with a decoration of lattice and pink roses.Maker stamp on base: "The Mecca Foot Warmer / Made in finest English Ivory Ware / Reg. No. 571373 / No sharp corners / Warming Pan / Stone-Trent Englandfoot warmer, household item, bedroom item

Due to the generosity of a number of donors, the Kew Historical Society has a wide range of games and puzzles in its collection; typically designed for children's use. A number of the puzzles are European-made, generally of British origin, however there are a number that were made for the Australian market by Australian manufacturers. Metal and glass puzzle requiring the player to get a four metal balls into 4 channels."Sol's 4 Ball Puzzle / It can be done / Place four balls in containers / You have 2 seconds to do it."games, puzzles, toys

The Kew Historical Society’s collection includes a wide range of leisure objects. Many of the items are European-made, generally of British origin, however there are a number that were made for the Australian market by Australian manufacturers.In the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, there were large numbers of games produced for children and adults. These included: arcade games, board games, playing cards and puzzles. A representative sample, many now rare survivors, can be found in the collection.Scoring pad, possibly used for Bridge. The cardboard cover of the pad, now detached, has a hand-painted design of an English cottage. The paper pad includes headings and spaces for 'Honours' and Tricks' as well as 'Them' and 'Us'.card games -- score pads, leisure objects, scoring

The Kew Historical Society’s collection includes a wide range of leisure objets. Many of the items are European-made, generally of British origin, however there are a number that were made for the Australian market by Australian manufacturers. In the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, there were large numbers of games produced for children and adults. These included: arcade games, board games, playing cards and puzzles. A representative sample, many now rare survivors, can be found in the collection.Hand-held mechanical two-dimensional wooden toy of a girl and a goose.toys, mobile toys, handheld toys, wooden toys

The children at Bulla Primary School had a craft project included in their curriculum and the photo was taken the end of the projects when the objects were displayed for the children and the local community to enjoy.A coloured photograph of two teachers along with their classes looking at hand made items displayed in a cabinet in a school room. bulla primary school, craft projects

Made by Christine Ballard in 2002 who was a visitor to the Museum in late 2001. The Christmas Crib is from a Jean Greenhowe pattern. Christine originally made 4 sets of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus to sell at her church fete. They were so successful she received 7 orders.Knitted nativity sceneknitting christmas, christmas, hand knitting, jerusalem, knitting

This ARSA low vision jumbo quartz unisex watch is black mat aluminium with black face of 34 mm and 12 white figures and black leather strap. Auguste Reymond has now been the leading Swiss manufacturer for forty years in the field of Braille and low vision watches, distributing ARSA timepieces all over the world, in cooperation with all major associations dedicated to the support of the visually impaired. All timepieces are genuine Swiss made watches, assembly by hand in their premises.1 jumbo black and white watchassistive devices, arsa

A set of Skip-Bo cards with printed instructions. On the box is marked 'Brailled Skip-Bo Card Game 10509'. This is an example of how popular card games can easily be made accessible by the use of Braille for those without vision. Skip-Bo playing cards with braille embossed on top left-hand and bottom right-hand corners in white cardboard box recreation equipment, games

This timepiece uses Braille to indicate the position of the numbers, which the wearer could then use to orient themselves and tell the time from the metal hands. The 12 position is indicated by three dots, with the 3,6,9 positions by two dots. The user would start with a finger at the centre of the face and work outwards to the end of each hand to determine position and hence be able to figure out the time. Since the watch is designed and made for touching, the metal hands are particularly robust.Silver pocket watch with Braille to indicate number position. Clock face = "Algex in Cabloc 17 jewels Swiss made" On back watch sticker "Ali".assistive devices, braille

owned by Mr John Greenwood, of Cox Street Port Fairysafety shaver in wooden case, containing directions for use, frame, seven blades, stropping machine, and blade holderFrame: Wilkinson/made in England . Blades: Wilkinson sword co ltd Hand forged made in England Reverse side: Wilkinson Special edge etched with a day of the weeklocal history, personal effects-toilet requisites, shaving, greenwood, mr john

used by fishermen and sailors to protect their hands as they made and repaired sails with large needlesThis object is not used so much today because of industrial machines taking over the job of making sailsLeather palm protector with metal inset fastened around hand with leather strap and buckle fastenerlocal history, maritime technology, sail making, fishermen, sailors

This model was part of a panorama consisting of 11 pieces designed from drawings in an 1892 almanac printed by Port Fairy Gazette The panorama was used in the Historical Society rooms in Bank St. On an extended mantel piece, before being relocate to Gipps Street. It was made by a member of the Port Fairy Historical Society Mr Allan mewkill.This model was made as a part of an eleven piece panorama of the streetscape of Port Fairy in 1892. By a local resident of the town.Small hand made model of a shop front from the 1892 almanac. T. Storey Taiiormodel, bank street, almanac, alan mewkill, t.storey, tailor

This model was part of eleven pieces designed from an almanac in 1892 printed by the Port Fairy Gazette. The panorama was used in the historical Society rooms in Bank Street on an extended mantle piece, before the Museum and Archives relocated to Gipps StreetThis model was made as a part of an eleven piece model of the streetsccape of Port Fairy in 1892. By a local resident of the town.Small hand made model of a shop front from the 1892 almanacA.W. Handricks Saddlerpanorama, model, mewkill, almanac, bank street

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, ambassador Sigrid Thornton read 'The Story about Ping' by Margery Flack and Kurt Wiese to a group of five children, who played with the other objects in the suitcase as well as those for 'The Tiger who Came to Tea' by Judith Kerr. These included a soft toy duck in bright plaid fabric, a shiny metal tea pot, a cassette recording of the story, tactile books for both stories, and metal cups.37 digital photographs of Sigrid Thornton and five children at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton

Silver hand bell with 'RVIB 1935-1945' inscribed. Unsure of origin, however assuming that this was made as a commemorative piece as Neil Maxwell arrived at the RVIB in 1945.1 silver hand bell with clear plastic bed on handle and inscriptionRVIB 1935-1945royal victorian institute for the blind, neil maxwell

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, ambassador Sigrid Thornton read 'The Story about Ping' by Margery Flack and Kurt Wiese to a group of five children, who played with the other objects in the suitcase as well as those for 'The Tiger who Came to Tea' by Judith Kerr. These included a soft toy duck in bright plaid fabric, a shiny metal tea pot, a cassette recording of the story, tactile books for both stories, and metal cups.36 digital photographs of Sigrid Thornton and five children at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, ambassador Sigrid Thornton read 'Owl Babies' by Martin Waddell to the crowd. These images were taken of the families who attended, including Zoos Victoria CEO Laura Mumaw, Minister for Community Services Sherryl Garbut and RVIB CEO Doug Kent.36 digital photographs of families and official guests at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton, sherryl garbut, laura mumaw, doug kent, louise curtin

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, these images were taken of the families who attended, including Zoos Victoria CEO Laura Mumaw, Minister for Community Services Sherryl Garbut and RVIB CEO Doug Kent, and the Feelix kits displayed on the day.37 digital photographs of families and official guests at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton, sherryl garbut, laura mumaw, doug kent, louise curtin

A child's hand-made brown wooden cricket bat, made from a fence paling. It has a long crack on the handle and shows a lot of use and wear.cricket bats, leisure object, toy

A brown painted wooden hand made toy truck with four wheels and a tray for loads.toys, toy trucks, leisure objects

These vintage steel sewing shears were used at 'Belle's Bonnets' Milliners in Flinders lane Melbourne in the 1950's. Mrs Belle Phillpi was the Proprietor. Mrs Jill Sebire's wedding head piece was made at Belle's Bonnets.A pair of heavy vintage large hand forged steel dressmaking, tailors shears. They are joined with a pivot point screw. One finger hole is larger than the other.steel, scissors, cutting tools, dressmaking equipment, dressmaking shears, dressmaking scissors

The banana bottle is often referred to as the hygienic bottle, and is aptly named. It was the saviour of many hand reared babies in early 20th C. It's ease of cleaning was a major breakthrough in nursery hygiene. The basic design was around for about 50 years. It first made its appearance around the mid 1880's. The first true banana feeder with a teat and valve was invented in 1894 by Allen and Hanbury's. In the next 15 years the model was modified over a series of four slightly different models. In 1910 the final design, The Allenbury Feeder was to remain unchanged for the next 50 years.A clear glass Felgrim Banana bottle (valve and teat) for feeding babies by hand. The brand is stamped in large ornate lettering inside an oval shape on the wide front of the bottle. It has two open ends for attaching teats. 8oz measurements are marked on one side and 16 tablespoons on the other. 'Felgrim' brand and 'Made in England Free from arsenic and lead'baby bottles, baby equipment, babies, domestic objects

Used by troops when handling hot shell casings as they eject from the artilleryAs made and sold by GMHCanvas glove, covering hands and arms up to elbow height. Double layered over fingers and thumb - cotton strap at wrist to keep glove in position.N 365- made in Australia 1943 D^D SIZE 2- 140541military, protective, gloves

The flags were used for communicating messages to passing ships. Knowledge of visual signaling was mandatory for all lightkeepers and all stations maintained a set of these flags. Although used for centuries, visual flag signaling formally developed in the nineteenth century and was published internationally as a system in 1857. By the early twentieth century it had developed into an effective means of conveying all kinds of short range visual messages.The Cape Nelson Lightstation is architecturally and scientifically (technologically) important as the most intact complex of lightstation buildings in Victoria. The octagonal signal station is a unique feature which is all the more important for its complete set of signal flags’. Cape Nelson Lightstation’s complete set of 41 alphabetic and numeric visual signaling flags (including substitute and answering pennants) are made of bunting, a coarse fabric of worsted (open yarn wool) in various colour combinations, and some of the fabric is hand sewn and bears inscriptions. Attachments include handmade wooden toggles, brass clips and hemp rope.

These bottles were common in the late 1800's and 1900's. Bottle Nos 1 and 2 were made by Angus & Co, a Sydney company producing ink and gums (glue and clag) from about 1880 to 1920. Their products were sold in stoneware and glass containers in varying sizes. 1. Small pottery bottle referred to as a "Penny Ink" bottle, made by Angus & Co. The small bottle got its name because of the price of 1d. = 1 penny. This bottle is missing. Nos. 3 and 4 The two tall thin Erven Lucas bottles with handles at the top were usually referred to as "Dutch Gins". In fact they actually contained "'Seltzer Spa water' or a form of Quinine Tonic, both supposed to be health drinks. These types of bottles first arrived in Australia with the Gold-seekers from Europe. Early samples are somewhat crudely made. The potter would have formed the bottle with a young apprentice applying the handle, name stamp and the glaze prior to being fired in the kiln. There is evidence of fingerprints from these processes on both samples.A collection of five handmade rare stoneware bottles with a salt glaze: 1. Small pottery bottle referred to as a "Penny Ink" bottle, made by Angus & Co. The small bottle got its name because of the price of 1d. = 1 penny. This is missing. 2. Medium glazed brown pottery bottle with a pouring spout (Angus & Co Ink Commercial). 3. Medium glazed brown pottery bottle with a pouring spout (Bourne Denby). 4. Large glazed brown pottery bottle with a pouring spout (Bourne Denby). Sample is from England probably sold for 2/- or 2/6d. Two shillings or two shillings & sixpence. 5. and 6. Two tall thin brown pottery bottles, one with a broken cork stopper and one without a stopper with Erven Lucas Bols - Het Lootsje Amsterdam stamped at the top of both. They were usually referred to as "Dutch Gins". 6. Green/black bottle is a traditional Dutch Gin with tapering sides, which made it easy to remove from the mold after being blown by hand and the cork top was applied by an apprentice. This sample dates from approximately 1900. Earlier samples are very crude with later samples being machine made with embossing.(This bottle is missing, 13.10.2022). 2. 'Angus & Co Ink Commercial' 3 and 4. 'Bourne Denby' stamped inside an oval lined shape. 5. and 6.Erven Lucas Bols - Het Lootsje Amsterdambeverage bottles, bottles, storage containers, stoneware bottles