Silver, blue and green knitted lurex evening outfit comprising maxi dress (.1) and short blue lurex jacket (.2) with short sleeves. Sleeveless high-necked dress with bold seaweed design. Fastens centre back with long metal zip. Jacket and dress fully lined with dark blue lining.Label, woven black on white acetate centre back jacket: Tricó / ROMAevening outfit, 1970s, lurex

Printed cotton maxi dress with long sleeves. Print of red, navy, white and green spots. Shirtmaker front which fastens with three covered buttons. Label, woven maroon on cream acetate, centre back: Imported / from Italy / BY GEORGES / OF COLLINS STREETgeorges, georges of collins street, 1970s

This dress belonged to Christina Barclay 'Ina' Strahan (nee Guinn, 1889-1974), the mother of donor Sheila Alston (1911-2008). Ina married medical practitioner Dr Septimus Strahan in 1909 and the family lived in a stately home in Moonee Ponds from 1912 until Septimus' untimely death at 56 in 1933. Ina later moved to Sandringham, where her daughter Sheila also settled after her marriage to Peter Alston.Black chiffon and lace dress with long sleeves, scooped neckline. Lozenge shaped lace pattern; machine top-stiched chiffon panels.Label, woven, blue on cream cotton, centre back: MADE IN FRANCElace, christina barclay strahan, 1920s

Established by local designer Ralph Samuel, Hartnell of Melbourne was one of the leading high-end Flinders Lane fashion houses of the 1950s and 1960s. This dress still has its original store tag attached, which tells us that it cost 39 pounds, 19 shillings and sixpence - a large amount of money to spend on a dress in 1952. Adjusted for inflation, this price tag equates to approximately $1,480 in today's money.Mauve tucked and folded cocktail dress with twin shoulder straps, ruched bodice and gathered skirt. Rose detail on each hip. Tulle underskirt. Swing tag still attached to back zip.Label, white with blue text: "Exclusively yours, / Hartnell / REGD / MELBOURNE" Swing tag: "THIS GARMENT is made from finest material and designed for the fashion conscious woman / NO. 3633/332 / SIZE SSW / PRICE 39"19"6 / Hartnell of Melbourne Pty. Ltd. / Almond Pink"hartnell of melbourne, 1950s, ralph samuel, melbourne designers, flinders lane

Knitted by the donor's grandmother, Elsie Hone. Knitted using bicycle spokes as knitting needles. Elsie Hone (nee Stone) was born in 1890 and died in 1987. She had six children and she apparently knitted this vest for her second son (fifth child), Albert George Hone (b.1914) for his 18th birthday. Albert and his wife Grace had four daughters between 1942 and 1951. The donor's mother, Ina Harriet Nilsson, was born in 1925 (fourth daughter, sixth child of Elsie) and as she had a son, the donor's uncle George (Albert?) passed it on to her. Both the donor's elder brothers wore and out-grew the vest and eventually it was passed on to the donor, Ray Nilsson. The vest was worn for many years while the donor worked at VACC Insurance Co Ltd in St Kilda Road, Melbourne and in the North Sydney, Canberra and Dandenong offices and it was a talking point as he recalled the story. (Information provided by the donor)Fair Isle patterned hand-knitted vest in beige, brown, yellow, green and red.vest, hand-knit, fairisle, elsie hone, great depression, albert george hone, ray nilsson

Two piece ivory satin evening dress. Bodice (.1) is decorated with central panel of finely pleated chiffon and embellished with ready-made strips of beading and artificial pearls. Short puffed sleeves. Russet coloured velvet band applied to waist of bodice and finished with a metal rosette. Plain gored satin skirt (.2) with cream velvet binding around hem. Label, printed grey on cream cotton, centre back bodice waist: Bussell, Robson & Bussell / MELBOURNE.evening dress, bussell robson & bussell, 1890s

This gown was the winning entry in the Mannequins and Models Guild's Gown of the Year competition, held at the Chevron Hilton Hotel, Melbourne in November 1963 in aid of the Torch Bearers for Legacy. Designed by Lorna White for Hartnell of Melbourne and modelled by Marien Brindley, the dress’s construction is reputed to have consumed 300 hours, with the finished dress weighing 6 kilograms and costing around 3000 pounds. Evening gown made of cream ribbon lace and a rich latte-colured satin; applied beading. Cut with a high waist, short sleeves and deep V at centre back. Boned interior bodice. Centre back zip and train. gown of the year, hartnell of melbourne, lace, beading, ralph samuel, lorna white, marien brindley

Cream silk princess line wedding dress with scalloped neck edge, ruched front bodice panel and ruched and gathered panels on skirt. Three-quarter length sleeves with slashed sleeve details. Centre back opening fastened with silk thread covered buttons.wedding dress, 1870s

First World War Army jacket belonging to Lieutenant Sydney Matthew Callaghan (1892-1976), who served in the Australian Engineers, AIF Canteens Section and the Australian Flying Corps during WWI. Sydney and his family lived at 34 Normanby Street from 1932. His parents lived in Bay Road, Sandringham.First World War Army jacket, khaki with four front pockets. Winged Australian Flying Corps patch above left breast pocket. Lieutenant's insignia on epaulets: two diamond-shaped metal 'pips' and a curving band with the word "AUSTRALIA". Flying Corps colour patch on each shoulder: a pale blue triangle with two small red stripes and a large central darker blue stripe. Metal belt hooks on either side of the waist. The garment has been widened, with a strip of khaki fabric inserted in the centre back.sydney matthew callaghan, australian flying corps, military uniform, first world war

These shoes were worn by Emily Cock (nee Smith), the daughter of wealthy early settler John Matthew Smith. From 1856 until 1931 the Smiths lived at 'Castlefield', a mansion on a vast estate that at one time stretched along South Road from Bluff Road to Hampton Street. The land was gradually subdivided, and the house is now a part of Haileybury College. Julien Mayer was a French ladies shoemaker and prolific exporter who advertised his successes on the shoes themselves by stamping the soles with details of the prizes he had won.Pair of black kid leather shoes with low block heel, decorated with pink silk, cut-away applique and embroidery. Pink bow with metal clasp on one shoe; missing from the other. Edged with pink silk ribbon binding, largely deteriorated.Sole embossed with "MAYER / Julien / à Paris", in addition to tamped with three small medallions proclaiming the awards the shoemaker won in London in 1862, Porto in 1865 and Paris in 1867. Handwritten in interior sole of T0124.2 in pencil: "Emily Smith / Castlefield"emily smith, castlefield, shoes, 1860s, applique, embroidery, julien mayer

This is the wedding dress of Ella Janetzki, nee Sutcliffe, who married Eric Janetzki in Adelaide on 25 January 1941. The dress was made to measure in a shop in Rundle Street, Adelaide, and cost four guineas. Eric had enlisted in the army in 1940 and was called to duty in 1941, which determined the date of the wedding - though Eric very nearly didn't make it! He caught the train from his home town of Nhill, Victoria on the eve of the wedding only to be held up by flooding on the tracks, ultimately arriving three hours late amid much fuss. Ella later said that there were so many setbacks it was amazing they married at all. They remained together for 58 years until Eric's death in 1999. The dress was also worn by Ella's sister Eileen in October 1943 when she married Jack Edwards at the Church of Christ, LaTrobe Terrace, Geelong. As this was during the war, the sisters did not have enough clothing coupons to purchase another dress. BHS also holds Ella's daughter Rayleen Haig's wedding dress (T0131).Cream lace wedding dress with high square collar, short puffed sleeves and long train.wedding dress, wartime bride, 1940s, ella sutcliffe, ella janetzki, eric janetzki, eileen sutcliffe, jack edwards

This swimsuit belonged to Jessie Aldred (nee Dell, 1903-1995). Jessie was a dressmaker who married Frederick Ashley Aldred (1902-1974) in 1928. They lived at 34 Thomas Street, Sandringham from the late 1920s until at least the late 1970s. BHS also has a photo of Jessie on Hampton Beach in the 1920s. Seagull swimsuits were designed by Peter O'Sullivan (who also designed Black Lance swimwear) and manufactured by Botany Knitting Mills Pty Ltd in Melbourne.One piece black wool lastex swimsuit with mini-shorts and a modesty skirt to cover the tops of the thighs. White straps and white lacing down centre bodice. Seagull logo on left thigh. Low back; straps fasten with buttons at back waist. Hidden drawstring at back waist.Label: "This Seagull Swimsuit is protected by the patent and designs reg. nos. 22340/35, 13277, 16028/34".jessie aldred, jessie dell, swimwear, seagull, 1930s, melbourne designers

This swimsuit belonged to Merilyn Case (nee Aldred), who grew up in Sandringham. BHS also has a swimsuit belonging to her mother, Jessie Aldred.One-piece halter-neck swimsuit with sweetheart neckline. Deep blue with gold central panel and halter strap. Low-cut back.Triangular label features a picture of a mermaid above the text "MADE IN ENGLAND".merilyn case, swimwear, 1950s

Purchased from an opportunity shop, this dress is a stage costume bearing the label of Bonn & Mackenzie, a prominent UK costume designer from the 1950s to the 1970s. The dress appears to have been worn by June Bronhill (1929-2005), a prominent Australian opera singer and actress, whose name is handwritten on the label. Born June Mary Gough, she began using the stage name of Bronhill in 1952 in honour of her NSW home town of Broken Hill as a form of thanks to the local community who had helped raise money to send her overseas for professional training as a singer. Bronhill trained in London and gained early exposure with the English National Opera. She went on to star in many theatrical productions in Australia and the UK. She moved back to Australia permanently in 1976, and in 1980 was cast in her first television role as Mrs Crawford in the Australian version of 'Are You Being Served?'.Full-length short-sleeved dress of white cotton, lace and nylon, featuring elaborately ruffled sleeves and vertical stripes of lace on the skirt and bodice. The dress is open at the back, fastening with hooks and cotton ties to facilitate quick costume changes.Label, white cotton with red text: "BONN & MACKENZIE LTD. / TEMPLE BAR 1393". Handwritten underneath in black pen: "JUNE BRONHILL".june bronhill, bonn & mackenzie, theatre costume

This bodice, which originally had a matching skirt, belonged to Phoebe Richardson (nee Brinsmead, 1885-1956), who married Charles William Richardson in 1911. The family lived in Geelong. Brinsmead Lane, off the Bellarine Highway in Leopold, is named after Phoebe's family, being the original location of the family home. The bodice was likely made by a seamstress as the family were quite fashion-conscious. Phoebe's daughter Edna Baker (nee Richardson, b. 1914) wore this bodice as a dress-up as a child. She donated it BHS in the 1980s and provided additional information on it when visiting the Society in 2004.Khaki green silk bodice, boned around waist. Ecru cotton lace overlay on sleeves and high neck. More lace over shoulders, gathered and tapered down front of bodice. Stripes of velvet ribbon around yoke. Four more stripes of velvet ribbon around upper sleeve, and three around each cuff. Velvet bows and metal buckle at waist. Tape at waist with hooks to attach to skirt. Lined with brown fabric. 20 mother-of-pearl buttons down front.phoebe richardson, phoebe brinsmead, edna baker, 1900s

This dress belonged to Bayside woman Wendy Young, who bought it around 1980 from Melbourne designer Prue Acton's Toorak shop for about $300. She recalled, "It was one of her off the peg creations, but I never saw it on anyone else... she made limited runs, especially as this is hand painted silk." The belt has been signed by Acton.Sleeveless bias-cut dress of watermelon pink silk featuring red and gold hand-painted abstract designs. The dress features a Mandarin collar with a button fastening at the throat. A matching silk belt with tapered ties wraps around the waist.The belt features two signatures in gold paint: "Prue" and "P Acton"prue acton, 1980s, melbourne designers, wendy young

This dress belonged to Ellen Davis, nee McLaughlin (1870-1956), great-grandmother of Margaret Lake. Ellen was born in County Donegal, Ireland. She married George Washington Davis in 1890 and the couple moved to South Africa, where George owned a bicycle store. During this time, Margaret says, Ellen "had a life of luxury, having servants at her beck and call and even sleeping at the foot of her bed to protect her from any harm". She was a "tiny lady of 5 foot tall" and George "could put his hands around her waist of 18 inches". On coming to Australia they opened a garage and taxi service in Graham Street, Port Melbourne. They lived here until Ellen's death in a road accident in 1956. Ellen gave the dress to her great-granddaughter when Margaret was ten years old. Aged 62, Margaret told BHS, "I have worn it on several occasions, mostly to costume parties and fancy-dress balls when I was younger. I have loved it all this time and displayed it on a dress model in my last home". As she had no granddaughter of her own to leave it to, she decided to donate the dress so that it would continue to be cared for.Sleeveless black silk crepe dress with V-neck and scalloped hem. Covered with black beaded designs, with white bead and iridescent pink sequin accents.margaret lake, ellen davis, ellen mclaughlin, beading, 1920s

Australia converted to decimal currency on 14 February 1966. This coin purse is printed with a simple conversion table to help the user navigate the switch from pounds, shillings and pence to the new dollars and cents.Cream vinyl coin purse with conversion table for pre-decimal and decimal currency printed in black on each side. Hinged silver metal opening and kiss clasp. Unlined.coin purse, decimal currency, 1960s

Bags such as this one were used by bookmakers to collect and securely hold punters' bets at racing events. This bag belonged to Charlie Cox, a second-generation Australian bookmaker. His father, George Gordon Cox, ran bookmaking operations primarily during the 1920s and 1930s. After serving in the Air Force during the Second World War, Charlie entered the business during the 1940s, initially fielding at greyhound, trots and gallop meetings. In the early 1960s he moved to Melbourne, where he got his first big financial break when he was offered an interstate license to operate on the rails at all city tracks. He was a leading Melbourne bookmaker on the interstate rails racing circuit from the 1960s to the 1990s, from which period this bag originated.White painted leather bag with metal fastening mechanism. A short painted leather handle is joined to the bag by metal fastening clips.Painted on one side of the bag in black letters: "C.C. COX / INTERSTATE RAILS".bookmakers, horse racing, charlie cox, c. c. cox, interstate rails

Bags such as this one were used by bookmakers to collect and securely hold punters' bets at racing events. This bag belonged to Charlie Cox, a second-generation Australian bookmaker. His father, George Gordon Cox, ran bookmaking operations primarily during the 1920s and 1930s. After serving in the Air Force during the Second World War, Charlie entered the business during the 1940s, initially fielding at greyhound, trots and gallop meetings. In the early 1960s he moved to Melbourne, where he got his first big financial break when he was offered an interstate license to operate on the rails at all city tracks. He was a leading Melbourne bookmaker on the interstate rails racing circuit from the 1960s to the 1990s, from which period this bag originated.White painted leather bag with metal fastening mechanism. A short painted leather handle is joined to the bag by metal fastening clips. A long painted leather strap is joined to the bag by metal fastening clips.Painted on one side of the bag in black letters: "C.C. COX / INTERSTATE RAILS". "C.C. COX" is also painted in black at either end of the shoulder strap.bookmakers, horse racing, charlie cox, c. c. cox, interstate rails

This child's crinoline skirt was donated in 1974 by Mrs Ella Kohn of Were Street, a life member of the Society. According to then-BHS Secretary Rosalind Landells, the skirt was originally made the fit a girl aged 10-12, but had been modified to add length. Mrs Landells reported that Society members had restored the skirt to the original length and that it would be worn at a costume parade at the Southern Cross on 27 March 1974 by Carolyn Scott.Pale yellow silk half-hoop skirt with cotton lining. Layered skirt with ruched top layer.children's clothing, crinoline, 1850s, 1860s, ella kohn

Unknown provenance.Coffee-coloured cotton and chiffon evening gown. Net yoke with vertical pintucks and high neck. Pintucked bodice. Trim of meadering cream cord bordered on either side, around yoke, waist, shoulders, cuffs and down centre of skirt. Printed on interior of bodice: "Professional & Civil Service Supply Association / 80 George Street Edinburgh".Printed on interior of bodice: "Professional & Civil Service Supply Association / 80 George Street Edinburgh".1900s

Three women sit by a piano, whilst another leans in, all wearing Easter Bonnets. A variety of items decorate their hats, including a soft toy, feathers, ribbon and flowers. At least two women are residents, whilst the woman standing is a staff member.Black and white photograph of four womenelanora home (brighton), association for the blind

Four people dressed up to help Elanora residents enjoy the Easter celebrations in 1994. Two clowns, a rabbit with a basket of Easter eggs and a staff member (Nicole) with an Easter Bonnet.1 coloured photograph of four people, three dressed in fancy dresselanora home (brighton), association for the blind

Nursing homes would celebrate Easter with special activities, including a Easter Bonnet parade. Residents were invited to buy or make their own entries into the field.Group of people wearing Easter hatsbrighton nursing home, celebrations

Constructed in 1996, the new wing at Elanora Nursing Home was named after John Wicking, President of the Association for the Blind for over 10 years, and a strong supporter of the Association and it's work.1 round metal plate with raised inscriptionThis plaque commemorates the turning of the first sod in the construction of the John Wicking Wing, 21st October 1996. This building recognises the outstanding contribution by J O Wicking AM President of the Association for the Blind 1972-1984 and long time friend of blind and vision impaired people throughout Victoria.association for the blind, john wicking, elanora home (brighton), nameplates

A brown wooden award with a banner engraved 'Ronald George Trophy' at the top of the shield, a large metal plate inscribed 'Victorian Blind Ten Pin Association State Championship' in the middle and 'Donated by Marjorie Goodall' in a banner at the base of the shield. 14 smaller plates, with the year and team winners are located around the middle plate: 1990 Shepparton, 1991 Geelong, 1992 Geelong, 1993 Geelong, 1994 Geelong, 1995 Kooyong, 1996 Geelong, 1997 Kooyong, 1998 Elanora, 1999 Kooyong, 2000 Geelong, 2001 Kooyong, 2002 Elanora, 2003 Kooyong.Wooden shield with 14 mini shields and banners at top and bottomassociation for the blind, ronald george, marjorie goodall, elanora home (brighton), illawarra (geelong), baringa (shepparton)

An unknown nursing home resident sits as she reads 'Stories for a Prince', outside in the shade. It is unknown where these images were taken, however assumed to be at Elanora.1 black and white photograph of older woman reading a bookelanora home (brighton), recreation, association for the blind

An unknown couple are outside the nursing home. A man holds a wooden handle, possibly a croquet mallet, while a female in a blue cardigan smiles as she looks on and holds his elbow. It is unknown where these images were taken, however assumed to be at Elanora.1 colour photograph of man holding wooden stick whilst female smiles and looks onelanora home (brighton), recreation, association for the blind