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Kew Historical Society Inc
Badge, Come Back to God, 1915-1920
Most of the civic and sporting ephemera assembled by Francis Rigg were patriotic buttons. The use of these buttons as a means of raising revenue through patriotic sentiment occurred soon after Australia pledged allegiance to Empire. Buttons reflected ‘public sentiment, courage, patriotism, generosity and several [un- named] virtues’ such as the martyred mother of a ‘fallen’ hero. Attention was paid to attractiveness of design, encoded symbolism and high quality of production. Expressing ‘loyalty’, they were tokens to be kept for perpetuity. Female labour was used to operate the die that compressed the tin backing, photographic print and celluloid cover together. The pin was applied by hand. Women, of all ages, entered into the spirit of voluntary sales. Often they were sold at the entry and exit points of major pedestrian thoroughfares. The women of Kew set up a kiosk in front of the Post Office and the Railway Station to solicit their round, oval and square shaped wares. Pride in salesmanship was affected by publishing the name of the woman and her fiscal achievement in the major newspapers of the day. The badges form part of a collection of ephemera originally purchased by Francis Horace Rigg (19/10/1882-05/03/1946) of 50 Belford Road, Kew (Vic.). Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, ultimately managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street, Kew from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and badges was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (14/11/1922-19/01/2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by his grandson Adrian Rigg during the Gallipoli and Beyond Commemoration.The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the badges are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after World War 1 to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.The use of common symbols for a range of purposes is sometimes a feature of wartime and post-war fundraising buttons. Like the ‘Hospital Day 1919’ badge, the ‘Come Back to God’ badge is within a seven pointed star on a dark blue ground with sprays of wattle; attempting to harness nationalism with religion.Come back to Godbutton -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Badge - Fundraising Button, Hospital Day, 1914-1918
Most of the civic and sporting ephemera assembled by Francis Rigg were patriotic buttons. The use of these buttons as a means of raising revenue through patriotic sentiment occurred soon after Australia pledged allegiance to Empire. Buttons reflected ‘public sentiment, courage, patriotism, generosity and several [un- named] virtues’ such as the martyred mother of a ‘fallen’ hero. Attention was paid to attractiveness of design, encoded symbolism and high quality of production. Expressing ‘loyalty’, they were tokens to be kept for perpetuity. Female labour was used to operate the die that compressed the tin backing, photographic print and celluloid cover together. The pin was applied by hand. Women, of all ages, entered into the spirit of voluntary sales. Often they were sold at the entry and exit points of major pedestrian thoroughfares. The women of Kew set up a kiosk in front of the Post Office and the Railway Station to solicit their round, oval and square shaped wares. Pride in salesmanship was affected by publishing the name of the woman and her fiscal achievement in the major newspapers of the day. The button forms part of a collection of ephemera originally purchased by Francis Horace Rigg (19/10/1882-05/03/1946) of 50 Belford Road, Kew (Vic.). Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, ultimately managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street, Kew from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and badges was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (14/11/1922-19/01/2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by his grandson Adrian Rigg during the Gallipoli and Beyond Commemoration. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the badges are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after World War 1 to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Round metal button in red, white, blue and gold showing a sun setting over the sea with words printed in red around border and on lower outer rim.hospital day, patriotic buttons, first world war (1914-18) -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Headwear - Green & Brown Silk 'Cloche' Hat, Anne Harrison of Kew, 1950s
Marion 'Annie' (Cooper) Harrison, a milliner by trade, designed and made women’s hats, initially in the 1940s in High Street, and later in the 1950s and 60s at 5 Princess Street. The hats were constructed upstairs in her shop in Princes Street while the ground floor was reserved for sales and display. She employed other milliners to assist but always ran the showroom herself. Hectic periods were in the weeks before the big racing carnivals when the many wealthy race-goers of Kew kept her busy. She typically walked to her business as she and her husband, Fred Harrison, lived locally. Annie died in April 2016, at the great age of 107 years. Her hats are held in local and national collections.The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Pale green silk woman’s hat in a soft unstructured style retailed by Anne Harrison of Kew. The hat is banded with braid in contrasting colours. It has a soft bow at the rear.Label: Anne Harrison of Kew. WM 9906anne harrison, milliners - kew (vic), women's clothing -- hats -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Headwear - Brown Felt & Black Ribbon 'Cloche' Hat, Anne Harrison of Kew, 1950s
Marion “Annie” (Cooper) Harrison, a milliner by trade, designed and made women’s hats, initially in the 1940s in High Street, and later in the 1950s and 60s at 5 Princess Street. The hats were constructed upstairs in her shop in Princes Street while the ground floor was reserved for sales and display. She employed other milliners to assist but always ran the showroom herself. Hectic periods were in the weeks before the big racing carnivals when the many wealthy race-goers of Kew kept her busy. She typically walked to her business as she and her husband, Fred Harrison, lived locally. Annie died in April 2016, at the great age of 107 years. Her hats are held in local and national collections.The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Apricot coloured felt woman’s hat retailed by Anne Harrison of Kew. The design includes a contrasting band of black ribbon at the base of the crown. The ribbon is shaped into a flat bow at the rear of the hat.Label: Anne Harrison of Kew. WM 9906anne harrison, milliners - kew (vic), women's clothing, costume accessories -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Headwear - Green Felt & Black Ribbon 'Cloche' Hat, Anne Harrison of Kew, 1950s
Marion “Annie” (Cooper) Harrison, a milliner by trade, designed and made women’s hats, initially in the 1940s in High Street, and later in the 1950s and 60s at 5 Princess Street. The hats were constructed upstairs in her shop in Princes Street while the ground floor was reserved for sales and display. She employed other milliners to assist but always ran the showroom herself. Hectic periods were in the weeks before the big racing carnivals when the many wealthy race-goers of Kew kept her busy. She typically walked to her business as she and her husband, Fred Harrison, lived locally. Annie died in April 2016, at the great age of 107 years. Her hats are held in local and national collections.The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Pale green and black felt woman’s hat retailed by Anne Harrison of Kew. The pale green crown is bordered by a black turned up rim. An additional adornmant to the hat is an abstract bow at the front made of black felt.Label: Anne Harrison of Kew. WM 9906.anne harrison, women's clothing, costume accesories - hats, fashion and textiles collection - kew historical society, cloche hats, milliners - kew (vic) -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Headwear - Brown Straw Cartwheel Hat, Trude Jonas, c. 1954
Trude Jonas was a Melbourne milliner with her business operating from 159 Mavern Road, Malvern.The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Elegant broad rimmed purple straw woman’s hat retailed by Trude Jonas with a purple ribbon of the same colour at the base of the crown.Label: Trude Jonas. Model Hats, 159 Glenferrie Rd., Malvern.milliners -- malvern (vic.), milliners -- melbourne -- trude jonas, trude jonas -- model hats -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Headwear - Purple Raffia Sun Hat, Latiners, 1934-1945
Latiners was a Melbourne millinery company owned by Rupert Vincent Kirsch during the 1930s and 1940s. Originally located at 310 Flinders-lane, in 1934 the company shifted to 20 Dawson Street Brunswick. An article in the Melbourne Age newspaper recorded that the (illustrated) extensive factory was nearlng completion.(The Age, 10 July 1934). As well as producing hats in the factory, Latiners also imported hats into Australia. The Dawson Street factory is now listed on the Victorian Heritage Database as 'Of regional significance as one of the largest hat manufacturing businesses in Melbourne and architecturally important for its bold use of rendered forms.'The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Deep purple coloured straw girls’ hat retailed by Latiners featuring a maroon ribbon at the base of the crown and a multicoloured fabric posy of flowers on the rim. The straw hat is irregularly layered to give the impression of folds.Label: Latinerslatiners -- 310 flinders lane, latiners - dawson street -- brunswick, rupert vincent kirsch, women's clothing -- hats -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Headwear - Cream Straw & Silk Hat, L’Estelle, 1930s
In 1930, the business 'L'Estelle' is registered as operating at 107B Glenferrie Road, Glenferrie (Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No.99 (12 November 1930)The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Plain straw woman’s hat with a narrow brim covered with pale green and pink silk roses and net. Label: L’Estellel'estelle, women's clothing -- hats, headwear, straw hats -- 1930s -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Headwear - Green & Black Felt Hat, Lucelle Hats, 1950s
Lucelle Hats advertised itself from the late 1940s to the 1960s as a high-class millinery business situated at 80 Castlereigh Street, Sydney. The style of the hat conforms to the generally smaller and flatter styles promoted as fashionable in 1950s periodicals. Interestingly velvet and felt hats were by the mid-1950s being advertised as suited to mature women. As the wearing of hats became more infrequent in the post-war period, this was the demographic that remained committed to wearing hats.The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. Most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women. There are however a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Woman’s half hat constructed of bands of olive green and darker green felt ending with a loose bow at the rear.Label: Lucelle Hats. 80 Castlereagh St. Sydney. Phone: BW 7555lucelle hats, milliners - sydney (nsw), hats, women's clothing accessories, australian fashion - 1950s -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Yellow Silk Evening Coat, 1960s
Jinoel of Melbourne was a highly successful Australian fashion house launched by Jill and Noel Kemmelfield in 1957. Eleven years later the designers won the [Melbourne] Gown of the Year award. Jill and Noel Kemmelfield were later to launch Marty and Martine, their mid-market labels. They closed their business in the 1980s. The evening coat was owned, worn and donated by Dione McIntyre.The McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1990s. Long sleeved full length yellow raw silk evening coat fastened with a belt of the same colour and fabric. Designed by Jinoel of MelbourneLabel: Jinoel of Melbournewomen's clothing, jinoel of melbourne (vic), coat dresses, jill & noel kemmelfield, mcintyre collection, australian fashion - 1960s -
Queen Victoria Women's Centre
Photograph, December 1997
Colour photograph. Shilling fund Christmas function. Ground floor northern foyer. Five women stadning in front of Christmas tree adorned wit various dollar amount notes. Vi Tennahill, second from left. Marion Lau, Trust member is second from right. Wife of Benjamin Liang, head of the Tiwanese Business Economic and Cultural Centre on Collins Street Shiri Liang. Lucille Chin in the middle of the group.fundraising events, official events, historic buildings, christmas -
Queen Victoria Women's Centre
Newspaper excerpt, Sunday Herald Sun, Centre born from love, loss, 27 October 1996
Whole newspaper page. Sunday Herald sun page 83. Business section. colour photo of Janet England, Chair on rooftop of QVWC building. cultural structures and establishments, building construction, political processes -
Queen Victoria Women's Centre
Newspaper clipping, Women's centre going broke, 1 October 1997
Newspaper clipping Emerald Hill Times either page 5 or 6. Black and white photograph of Glenys Sharma, CEO on the rooftop of the QVWC building. cultural structures and establishments, business and finance, charitable organisations -
Queen Victoria Women's Centre
Magazine excerpt, Women's Centre Funds Boost, 1 June 2006
City Weekly page 10. Update News. business and finance, charitable organisations -
Queen Victoria Women's Centre
Newspaper excerpt, There's still a lot of life left in Women's Trust, State Govt position on Queen Vic Centre, and Kirner on attack over women's centre, 8 October 1997
A4 page of complied print media about financial troubles and a possible closure of the QVWC. Possibly from all from Melbourne times.Marking in blue pen ink o dates and page numbers. at the bottom there is a cut out o a newspaper headline reading Yarra River fish face extinction and the inscription above reads "And now the Melb Times has the ish facing 'final days'. Seems to be the Melb Times spin on everything" correspondence, historic building, business and finance -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Archive, Stawell Business & Professional Women, Minute Books, 9/9/1968 - 3/7/1979
... Stawell Business & Professional Women, Minute Books... Business & Professional Women, Minute Books Archive ...4 Books Various sizes etcstawell, business -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Shamrock Hotel on the corner of Seaby & Longfield Streets Stawell West with Mary Jenkins and Agnes Jenkins nee Keegan 1905. Plus a series of related people
Two story weatherboard Shamrock Hotel in 1905 corner of Seaby Street and Longfield Streets Stawell West. Standing in Front from left are Mary Jenkins and Agnes Jenkins. Note street light.Large two Story Hotel with verandah and railings. Two women man and young girl standing at front. Light pole prominent centre left of photo.Shamrock Hotelstawell business -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph - Photograph, Sepia, c1921
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. This is part of a large donation of material from the Deakin, Mair and Young families. The Mair family were long term residents in the area with strong social and business connections to the Surrey Hills community.A sepia photo of a man, a women, 2 children and a baby seated in front of a paling fence. The man is balding with a moustache. Children's faces are lowered as if avoiding looking at the sun.On rear: "Dad Beryl Geoff / Mum Isabel" in blue biro. Thought to be Beryl Mair's handwriting.david miller mair, dave mair, lily vipond deakin, lily vipond mair, geoffrey mair, beryl mair, isabel mair gwynneth mair, toddlers, family portraits, 1920s -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, J W Terry Family Butcher's Shop, Surrey Hills, c1885, c1885
This was one of the earliest businesses in Surrey Hills and opened in 1885; in 1888 the business moved to 633 Canterbury Road and was known as Terry and Son; in 1889 it was advertised as Terry Bros. Information regarding the business was provided by Alan J Holt.Black and white photo of J W Terry Family Butcher's Shop with a man and 2 women standing in front and a horse and cart off to the right of the shop.businesses, butchers, surrey hills, canterbury road, alexandra avenue, horse drawn vehicles, terry bros, terry and son, 1885, clothing and dress, shops, mr j w terry, joseph w terry -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Fred Lyons' taxi decorated for celebrations for Empire Day in 1930s, 1933-1938
Lyons family history: From 1907 a cab service operated from near the railway gates in Union Road. It was established and maintained by Mr C Fraser until c1916. George Rea either took over then or set up in opposition. Fred Lyons initially worked for George until he set up his own business. In time he changed over to a motor vehicle and continued his service until 1960. Frederick Adolphus Lyons (1891-1980) was born in Surrey Hills, son of Thomas and Catherine Lyons. He married Elizabeth Ruby Hall in 1918. They lived just around the corner at 55 Sunbury Crescent. The Lyons’ home in Sunbury Crescent was called ‘Knopshambury’ - this was probably a misspelling of Knockshanbally in Co Kilkenny, the birth place of Fred’s father, Thomas Edmund Josias Lyons (1846-1915). Arthur Lyons was born in Surrey Hills on 12 Jun 1920. He became a motor mechanic / welder and lived at 55 Sunbury Crescent. Empire Day celebrations were held in Surrey Hills from 1906-1911 and revitalised from 1933-1938 by the Surrey Hills Progress Association. Street parades featuring decorated business vehicles and bonfires were a feature. This is one of a series of photos donated by Arthur Lyons.The donation was made while he was in hospital. He died shortly afterwards (23 Sep 1990). Donation was finalised by a neighbour, Mrs Florence Ann Armitstead, wife of Glen Victor Armitstead. Glen was a local hairdresser. They moved to 11 Sunbury Crescent after their marriage in 1939. Arthur had no relatives to distribute the material to. Empire Day celebrations were held in Surrey Hills from 1906-1911 and revitalised by the Surrey Hills Progress Association from 1933-1938. The evening parade of floats, and vehicles both horse-drawn and motorised, proceeded along Union Road to the Surrey Gardens beneath festoons of candlelit lanterns, bunting and flags. The paper flowers used extensively on trade and business vehicles were the result of hours of work by families and friends. The Empire Day Celebrations were a great community event, in some years augmented by bonfires, including the ones in Beckett Park.Black and white photo of Fred Lyons' taxi decorated for Empire Day. The cab is parked in the street and is festooned with flowers and ribbons on the hood, bonnet radiator, running board and in the tyre spokes. Three women stand beside the cab. There are houses in the background. motor vehicles, festivals and celebrations, taxis, empire day, fred lyons, frederick adolphus lyons -
National Alpine Museum of Australia
Ski Jacket, About 1967
This jacket and cap were designed by Rosalie 'Rosa' Kiessling about 1967. They formed part of the Fashion Group Inc's Walkabout Tour of the USA in 1967 which aimed to promote Australian fashion design in America. German by birth Rosalie, grew up skiing and ice skating, studied fashion design in Munich and worked designing women’s ski wear and lingerie before migrating to Australia via New Zealand in 1939 with her husband. As skiing increased in popularity following the end of WWII, Rosalie’s business grew reaching its peak during the 1960s. Though it was never large; at most she employed three staff. Her designs featured in the pages of Australian Vogue, Flair and the Women’s Weekly throughout the 1960s and received coverage from newspapers in Australia, New Zealand the United States. Rosalie was closely involved with the Swiss Club of Victoria, the Australian Wool Board and the Fur Traders Association, participating in numerous fashion shows and awards run by these groups. In the late 1960s she became involved with the Melbourne Branch of the Fashion Group Inc, a worldwide non-commercial association of women involved in the fashion industry. Rosalie continued to design and manufacture fashionable but functional ski wear until the late 1970s, although increasing imports from large overseas manufactures and constant new innovations in fabric technology made it difficult for her to compete in a relatively small industry. This ski jacket and cap illustrate Rosalie Kiessling's emphasis on practical glamour. She was the first Australian ski wear manufacturer to bring high fashion to ski wear design; which though common in the boutiques of St Mortiz, Chamonix and St Anton was new to Australia. The use of an Australian wildflower motif and of these pieces in the Fashion Group's Walkabout Tour also speak to her involvement in and promotion of the Australian fashion industry during the 1960s.Ski jacket and matching cap appliqued with Australian wildflowers.Noneskiing, ski clothing, fashion design, australian fashion, australian flora -
National Alpine Museum of Australia
Ski Jacket, 1970s
Reversible ski jacket made by Rosalie Kiessling, 1970s. Used by Rosalie's son and daughter-in-law, from the 1970s through to the 1990s. The Kiessling family skied at Mt Buller and are members of Omega Ski Lodge. German by birth Rosalie, grew up skiing and ice skating, studied fashion design in Munich and worked designing women’s ski wear and lingerie before migrating to Australia via New Zealand in 1939 with her husband. As skiing increased in popularity following the end of WWII, Rosalie’s business grew reaching its peak during the 1960s. Though it was never large; at most she employed three staff. Rosalie continued to design and manufacture fashionable but functional ski wear until the late 1970s, although increasing imports from large overseas manufactures and constant new innovations in fabric technology made it difficult for her to compete in a relatively small industry. Reversible ski jacket with side zip pockets and full zip front. One side of the jacket is black fabric, while the other is black checked with a yellow and red weave. Rosalie Kiessling sportswear Melbourne / All cottonskiing, ski clothing, fashion design -
Brighton Historical Society
Clothing - Dress, Day dress, 1890s
This dress belonged to Mrs Lillias Parker (nee Johnston, 1820-1904). Born in England, Lillias was married in London in 1844 to Samson Parker (c. 1820-1886). The couple lived in Bendigo, Victoria for much of their lives, with Samson first arriving around 1853 and establishing a business with Samuel Macord as tent makers and fruiterers. He later had a successful business as a hat and cap manufacturer and a sewing machine agent. Lillias' obituary suggests that she was one of the first women settlers to live in Bendigo and noted her reputation for philanthropy and her interest in the welfare of the blind and vision impaired, having herself experienced loss of sight many years before.Two piece day dress of mulberry figured silk. The dress comprises a separate bodice (.1) and skirt (.2). The bodice fastens centre front with fabric covered shank buttons and has twelve bones encased along the interior seams and darts. Two piece fitted sleeve and high stand collar. Bodice is backed with a caramel coloured printed cotton. The skirt has a slight train and is backed with a caramel coloured twill-woven cotton. lillias parker, 1890s, bendigo, goldfields -
Brighton Historical Society
Swimsuit, circa 1950s
This swimsuit belonged to Brighton local Joyce Fuller, nee Harries (1920-2018), who wore it at Dendy Beach in the 1950s. Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. Visiting Brighton Historical Society in 2019, Ada recalled this particular swimsuit style to be a popular one, particularly with older women, as the cinched waist and pleated modesty skirt suited many body types. This was important to her, as she wanted women of all ages and sizes to look and feel good in her swimwear, and she devoted much time and attention to the fit and finish of the garments. When the company began introducing padded bras, such as the one in this swimsuit, Ada insisted on using lacy floral lining and a small ribbon rosette in the centre gore, to give women a sense of quality, femininity and care in construction.Blue one-piece swimsuit with waist tie and short finely pleated overskirt. Sleeveless with thin elasticised straps. Inbuilt padded underwire bra with label and pale pink ribbon rosette on centre gore. Fastens with back zip.Label: "Ada / OF CALIFORNIA / 38"swimwear, brighton, dendy street beach, ada of california, ada murkies, toni murkies, joyce fuller, joyce harries -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, Evening dress, 1974
This dress was worn in a pre-racing season fashion parade held in October 1974 by Pearl's Boutique, a well-known fashion boutique that operated in Brighton from 1965 until 2005. Paula Folks, the store's manager at the time, recalled that this parade had been loosely red, white and blue themed in honour of Princess Anne's wedding to Mark Phillips, which took place on 14 November of that year. The parade was likely held at Tudor Court in Caulfield, a popular reception venue. Pearl's Boutique was established by Elsebe Wilhelmine Wills and Pearl Murray in 1965. The two friends had grown up together in Horsham, and decided to go into business together after reading in Fashionweek that women in their thirties, forties, fifties and older had trouble finding young-looking styles. Setting out to fill this gap in the market, they established a store at 240 St Kilda Street, near the Brighton Yacht Club, with Elsebe handled the buying while Pearl fronted the shop. They moved to 40 Church Street, Brighton in 1967. Paula Folks joined the business as a manager in 1968, became a partner in 1971 and took over from the original owners in 1988. When she closed the boutique in 2005, she donated a number of garments to Brighton Historical Society. Reflecting fondly on her 38 years at Pearls, she told The Age, "I have enjoyed all my days here because people are special to me. I love fashion. It's been a pleasure to dress people, to make them look good and feel pleased with themselves."Full-length blue jersey evening dress with round neckline and long sleeves. Cuffs edged with blue-grey ostrich feathers. Zip at back.Label: "Van Roth / REGD". Labels on side of inner zip: "100% POLYESTER" / SIZE 14 / TO FIT / BUST 90cm / WAIST 70cm / HIP 95cm".pearl's boutique, pearl's of brighton, paula folks, van roth, melbourne designers, flinders lane, 1970s -
Brighton Historical Society
Cape, Evening cape, 1974
This cape was worn in a pre-racing season fashion parade held in October 1974 by Pearl's Boutique, a well-known fashion boutique that operated in Brighton from 1965 until 2005. Paula Folks, the store's manager at the time, recalled that this parade had been loosely red, white and blue themed in honour of Princess Anne's wedding to Mark Phillips, which took place on 14 November of that year. The parade was likely held at Tudor Court in Caulfield, a popular reception venue. Pearl's Boutique was established by Elsebe Wilhelmine Wills and Pearl Murray in 1965. The two friends had grown up together in Horsham, and decided to go into business together after reading in Fashionweek that women in their thirties, forties, fifties and older had trouble finding young-looking styles. Setting out to fill this gap in the market, they established a store at 240 St Kilda Street, near the Brighton Yacht Club, with Elsebe handled the buying while Pearl fronted the shop. They moved to 40 Church Street, Brighton in 1967. Paula Folks joined the business as a manager in 1968, became a partner in 1971 and took over from the original owners in 1988. When she closed the boutique in 2005, she donated a number of garments to Brighton Historical Society. Reflecting fondly on her 38 years at Pearls, she told The Age, "I have enjoyed all my days here because people are special to me. I love fashion. It's been a pleasure to dress people, to make them look good and feel pleased with themselves."Full-length bright pink rayon jersey cape with pink ostrich feathers around the collar.pearl's boutique, pearl's of brighton, paula folks, 1970s -
Brighton Historical Society
Dress, circa 1970
This dress belonged to Brighton local Paula Folks, who wore it to her niece's wedding at St John's, Toorak in 1970. It also bears a second connection to Brighton through the label, Elegance, a Flinders Lane fashion house co-owned by Rudy Brill and Brighton resident Robert Salter. Paula was a longtime manager and owner of Pearl's Boutique, a well-known local fashion boutique established by Elsebe Wilhelmine Wills and Pearl Murray in 1965. The two friends had grown up together in Horsham, and decided to go into business together after reading in Fashionweek that women in their thirties, forties, fifties and older had trouble finding young-looking styles. Setting out to fill this gap in the market, they established a store at 240 St Kilda Street, near the Brighton Yacht Club, with Elsebe handled the buying while Pearl fronted the shop. They moved to 40 Church Street, Brighton in 1967. Paula joined the business as a manager in 1968, became a partner in 1971 and took over from the original owners in 1988. When she closed the boutique in 2005, she donated a number of garments to Brighton Historical Society. Reflecting fondly on her 38 years at Pearls, she told The Age, "I have enjoyed all my days here because people are special to me. I love fashion. It's been a pleasure to dress people, to make them look good and feel pleased with themselves."Cream terylene chiffon dress with all-over daisy appliqués. High band collar with v-shaped scoop at back. Sheer long sleeves with gathered cuffs.Label: "miss Elegance / TERYLENE".pearl's boutique, pearl's of brighton, paula folks, 1970s, flinders lane, melbourne designers, robert salter, rudy brill, miss elegance, elegance -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Skirt, Tina Knitwear, 1980-2000
Part of a selection of garments knitted by ‘Tina Knitwear’. Tina Knitwear was a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010, run by Assunta and Franco Liburti. Daughter Melissa Persi writes: Our parents Assunta (Mum) and Franco (Dad) Liburti ran a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010. Assunta was affectionately known to her family as Assuntina, therefore the business was named "Tina Knitwear" after her. Assunta and Franco were born in the beautiful seaside town of Terracina in Italy in 1933 and 1930 respectively. As was so common in Italy in the 1950s, Assunta who was in her late teens and early twenties learnt the intricate skills of machine knitting, dressmaking and pattern making. Franco on the other hand, learnt the building trade with his 2 brothers and specialised in bricklaying and tiling. As was so common after the war, Assunta and Franco yearned for a better life so they decided that they would get engaged and then migrate to Australia to be married and raise their family in Australia, a land of much opportunity which they no longer felt their beloved Italy held for them. Assunta migrated to Australia first in 1957 and later Franco joined her in 1958 where they were married. For the first few years, Franco (also known as Frank) worked as bricklayer /tiler on buildings such as the Robert Menzies building at Monash University in Clayton and various buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Assunta on the other hand put her machine knitting skills to use working in factories doing piece machine knitting for various knitwear companies. The hours were long, the conditions were difficult, and travel was onerous without a car. After their 2 older children were born, it was decided that dad would leave the building trade and they would start their own made to order knitwear business. That way they could work from home and raise their family together. Mum taught dad everything he needed to know so he could operate the knitwear machinery. They purchased COPPO knitting machines from Italy and a Linking machine from Germany. Initially they had a knitwear shopfront in Bay Street Brighton where a store assistant would take the orders and client’s measurements and Assunta would then make the garments from a small workshop in their home. Unfortunately, the assistants were not skilled dressmakers and often measurements and orders were incorrectly taken. Assunta being the perfectionist and highly skilled machinist that she was, decided that she needed to oversee the entire process from meeting the client, to taking their order, right thru to the fittings and completion of the garment. It therefore made sense that they should close the shop front and run their business from their own home in Brighton and hence “Tina Knitwear” was born. Together, for more than 40 years they ran their very respected and successful business and were well known in the Bayside area. They specialised in made to order knitwear for both men and women using mainly pure wool (from Patons, Wangaratta Mills, Japan and Italy) but also lurex and estacel. Over those years, many of their clients became their close friends. It wasn't unusual for clients to come to order garments and then end up in the kitchen chatting over a cup of Italian espresso coffee and homemade biscuits. Some of their clients were especially memorable and became lifelong friends. Mrs Connell was a dear friend of mum’s, each year she would buy tickets for the “Gown of the Year” fashion show. She would insist on taking Assunta and her 2 daughters so that we could see the latest fashions. Then there was their dear friend Ms Griffiths. She had been a Matron nurse at the Queen Victoria Hospital when she met my parents in the 1970s. She returned to live in New Zealand in the 1980s but came back to Melbourne every year to stay for 2 weeks with the sole purpose of visiting my parents (she adored them) and order garments. For those 2 solid weeks, mum and dad would only knit for Ms Griffiths and she would go back to New Zealand with at least 5 or 6 new outfits. I actually think she enjoyed mum’s homemade pasta almost as much as her new clothes! Over the years, my parents learnt to speak English very well given that majority of their clients were not Italian speaking. Their oldest child John born in 1960 learnt to speak English with the help of those clients who were such a big part of our childhood. Mum and dad always went above and beyond to ensure their clients were satisfied. Mum was an absolute perfectionist and it showed in her attention to detail and the quality of their beautiful work. You only need to look at the garments that have stood the test of time or speak to their clients to know that this is true. Their clients would always comment on how well their clothes would last and much of their clients came via word of mouth and recommendations. Occasionally there would be disagreements because mum had found an error in dad's knitting (either a wrong stitch or a sizing mistake mainly) and would ask him to redo a piece, he would argue back saying that it was fine, but we always knew who would win the argument and that the piece would get remade! Similarly, we recall discussions where mum would ask dad to find a particular colour of wool in the garage where the stock was kept. He would try to convince her that they were out of stock of that colour and that the client should choose a different colour. She would insist they had it and then after hours of searching, he would return into the house sheepishly holding the wool! Our childhood is full of beautiful memories of mum and dad always being present, clients coming and going, mum humming her favourite songs as she worked often late into the night and sometimes, we even fell asleep to the hum of the machinery. They put their heart and soul into "Tina Knitwear" and took pride in providing only the best quality garments for their clients. In Italian there is a saying “lei ha le mani d’oro” which literally translated means “she has hands of gold”. Franco enjoyed his work but for Assunta, it was more than just work and there is no better way to describe her skills, passion and dedication to her machine knitting… she truly did have “hands of gold”. We will forever be grateful that our parents’ life journey gave us the opportunity to live in a home filled with creativity, dedication and passion, amazing work ethic and mutual respect, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of love. Red ribbed skirt with elastic waistband.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Skirt, Tina Knitwear, 1980-2000
Part of a selection of garments knitted by ‘Tina Knitwear’. Tina Knitwear was a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010, run by Assunta and Franco Liburti. Daughter Melissa Persi writes: Our parents Assunta (Mum) and Franco (Dad) Liburti ran a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010. Assunta was affectionately known to her family as Assuntina, therefore the business was named "Tina Knitwear" after her. Assunta and Franco were born in the beautiful seaside town of Terracina in Italy in 1933 and 1930 respectively. As was so common in Italy in the 1950s, Assunta who was in her late teens and early twenties learnt the intricate skills of machine knitting, dressmaking and pattern making. Franco on the other hand, learnt the building trade with his 2 brothers and specialised in bricklaying and tiling. As was so common after the war, Assunta and Franco yearned for a better life so they decided that they would get engaged and then migrate to Australia to be married and raise their family in Australia, a land of much opportunity which they no longer felt their beloved Italy held for them. Assunta migrated to Australia first in 1957 and later Franco joined her in 1958 where they were married. For the first few years, Franco (also known as Frank) worked as bricklayer /tiler on buildings such as the Robert Menzies building at Monash University in Clayton and various buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Assunta on the other hand put her machine knitting skills to use working in factories doing piece machine knitting for various knitwear companies. The hours were long, the conditions were difficult, and travel was onerous without a car. After their 2 older children were born, it was decided that dad would leave the building trade and they would start their own made to order knitwear business. That way they could work from home and raise their family together. Mum taught dad everything he needed to know so he could operate the knitwear machinery. They purchased COPPO knitting machines from Italy and a Linking machine from Germany. Initially they had a knitwear shopfront in Bay Street Brighton where a store assistant would take the orders and client’s measurements and Assunta would then make the garments from a small workshop in their home. Unfortunately, the assistants were not skilled dressmakers and often measurements and orders were incorrectly taken. Assunta being the perfectionist and highly skilled machinist that she was, decided that she needed to oversee the entire process from meeting the client, to taking their order, right thru to the fittings and completion of the garment. It therefore made sense that they should close the shop front and run their business from their own home in Brighton and hence “Tina Knitwear” was born. Together, for more than 40 years they ran their very respected and successful business and were well known in the Bayside area. They specialised in made to order knitwear for both men and women using mainly pure wool (from Patons, Wangaratta Mills, Japan and Italy) but also lurex and estacel. Over those years, many of their clients became their close friends. It wasn't unusual for clients to come to order garments and then end up in the kitchen chatting over a cup of Italian espresso coffee and homemade biscuits. Some of their clients were especially memorable and became lifelong friends. Mrs Connell was a dear friend of mum’s, each year she would buy tickets for the “Gown of the Year” fashion show. She would insist on taking Assunta and her 2 daughters so that we could see the latest fashions. Then there was their dear friend Ms Griffiths. She had been a Matron nurse at the Queen Victoria Hospital when she met my parents in the 1970s. She returned to live in New Zealand in the 1980s but came back to Melbourne every year to stay for 2 weeks with the sole purpose of visiting my parents (she adored them) and order garments. For those 2 solid weeks, mum and dad would only knit for Ms Griffiths and she would go back to New Zealand with at least 5 or 6 new outfits. I actually think she enjoyed mum’s homemade pasta almost as much as her new clothes! Over the years, my parents learnt to speak English very well given that majority of their clients were not Italian speaking. Their oldest child John born in 1960 learnt to speak English with the help of those clients who were such a big part of our childhood. Mum and dad always went above and beyond to ensure their clients were satisfied. Mum was an absolute perfectionist and it showed in her attention to detail and the quality of their beautiful work. You only need to look at the garments that have stood the test of time or speak to their clients to know that this is true. Their clients would always comment on how well their clothes would last and much of their clients came via word of mouth and recommendations. Occasionally there would be disagreements because mum had found an error in dad's knitting (either a wrong stitch or a sizing mistake mainly) and would ask him to redo a piece, he would argue back saying that it was fine, but we always knew who would win the argument and that the piece would get remade! Similarly, we recall discussions where mum would ask dad to find a particular colour of wool in the garage where the stock was kept. He would try to convince her that they were out of stock of that colour and that the client should choose a different colour. She would insist they had it and then after hours of searching, he would return into the house sheepishly holding the wool! Our childhood is full of beautiful memories of mum and dad always being present, clients coming and going, mum humming her favourite songs as she worked often late into the night and sometimes, we even fell asleep to the hum of the machinery. They put their heart and soul into "Tina Knitwear" and took pride in providing only the best quality garments for their clients. In Italian there is a saying “lei ha le mani d’oro” which literally translated means “she has hands of gold”. Franco enjoyed his work but for Assunta, it was more than just work and there is no better way to describe her skills, passion and dedication to her machine knitting… she truly did have “hands of gold”. We will forever be grateful that our parents’ life journey gave us the opportunity to live in a home filled with creativity, dedication and passion, amazing work ethic and mutual respect, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of love. Red wide ribbed pleated skirt with a plain yoke, navy blue band at bottom edge and elasticated waistband. A purple x is located inside to mark centre back of skirt.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Men's Coat, c1940s
Franco Liburti was wearing this coat when he farewelled his wife Assunta in Naples, Italy in 1957, the day she departed for Australia. Tina Knitwear was a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010, run by Assunta and Franco Liburti. Daughter Melissa Persi writes: Our parents Assunta (Mum) and Franco (Dad) Liburti ran a successful made to order knitwear business in Brighton from the mid-1960s to around 2010. Assunta was affectionately known to her family as Assuntina, therefore the business was named "Tina Knitwear" after her. Assunta and Franco were born in the beautiful seaside town of Terracina in Italy in 1933 and 1930 respectively. As was so common in Italy in the 1950s, Assunta who was in her late teens and early twenties learnt the intricate skills of machine knitting, dressmaking and pattern making. Franco on the other hand, learnt the building trade with his 2 brothers and specialised in bricklaying and tiling. As was so common after the war, Assunta and Franco yearned for a better life so they decided that they would get engaged and then migrate to Australia to be married and raise their family in Australia, a land of much opportunity which they no longer felt their beloved Italy held for them. Assunta migrated to Australia first in 1957 and later Franco joined her in 1958 where they were married. For the first few years, Franco (also known as Frank) worked as bricklayer /tiler on buildings such as the Robert Menzies building at Monash University in Clayton and various buildings in the Melbourne CBD. Assunta on the other hand put her machine knitting skills to use working in factories doing piece machine knitting for various knitwear companies. The hours were long, the conditions were difficult, and travel was onerous without a car. After their 2 older children were born, it was decided that dad would leave the building trade and they would start their own made to order knitwear business. That way they could work from home and raise their family together. Mum taught dad everything he needed to know so he could operate the knitwear machinery. They purchased COPPO knitting machines from Italy and a Linking machine from Germany. Initially they had a knitwear shopfront in Bay Street Brighton where a store assistant would take the orders and client’s measurements and Assunta would then make the garments from a small workshop in their home. Unfortunately, the assistants were not skilled dressmakers and often measurements and orders were incorrectly taken. Assunta being the perfectionist and highly skilled machinist that she was, decided that she needed to oversee the entire process from meeting the client, to taking their order, right thru to the fittings and completion of the garment. It therefore made sense that they should close the shop front and run their business from their own home in Brighton and hence “Tina Knitwear” was born. Together, for more than 40 years they ran their very respected and successful business and were well known in the Bayside area. They specialised in made to order knitwear for both men and women using mainly pure wool (from Patons, Wangaratta Mills, Japan and Italy) but also lurex and estacel. Over those years, many of their clients became their close friends. It wasn't unusual for clients to come to order garments and then end up in the kitchen chatting over a cup of Italian espresso coffee and homemade biscuits. Some of their clients were especially memorable and became lifelong friends. Mrs Connell was a dear friend of mum’s, each year she would buy tickets for the “Gown of the Year” fashion show. She would insist on taking Assunta and her 2 daughters so that we could see the latest fashions. Then there was their dear friend Ms Griffiths. She had been a Matron nurse at the Queen Victoria Hospital when she met my parents in the 1970s. She returned to live in New Zealand in the 1980s but came back to Melbourne every year to stay for 2 weeks with the sole purpose of visiting my parents (she adored them) and order garments. For those 2 solid weeks, mum and dad would only knit for Ms Griffiths and she would go back to New Zealand with at least 5 or 6 new outfits. I actually think she enjoyed mum’s homemade pasta almost as much as her new clothes! Over the years, my parents learnt to speak English very well given that majority of their clients were not Italian speaking. Their oldest child John born in 1960 learnt to speak English with the help of those clients who were such a big part of our childhood. Mum and dad always went above and beyond to ensure their clients were satisfied. Mum was an absolute perfectionist and it showed in her attention to detail and the quality of their beautiful work. You only need to look at the garments that have stood the test of time or speak to their clients to know that this is true. Their clients would always comment on how well their clothes would last and much of their clients came via word of mouth and recommendations. Occasionally there would be disagreements because mum had found an error in dad's knitting (either a wrong stitch or a sizing mistake mainly) and would ask him to redo a piece, he would argue back saying that it was fine, but we always knew who would win the argument and that the piece would get remade! Similarly, we recall discussions where mum would ask dad to find a particular colour of wool in the garage where the stock was kept. He would try to convince her that they were out of stock of that colour and that the client should choose a different colour. She would insist they had it and then after hours of searching, he would return into the house sheepishly holding the wool! Our childhood is full of beautiful memories of mum and dad always being present, clients coming and going, mum humming her favourite songs as she worked often late into the night and sometimes, we even fell asleep to the hum of the machinery. They put their heart and soul into "Tina Knitwear" and took pride in providing only the best quality garments for their clients. In Italian there is a saying “lei ha le mani d’oro” which literally translated means “she has hands of gold”. Franco enjoyed his work but for Assunta, it was more than just work and there is no better way to describe her skills, passion and dedication to her machine knitting… she truly did have “hands of gold”. We will forever be grateful that our parents’ life journey gave us the opportunity to live in a home filled with creativity, dedication and passion, amazing work ethic and mutual respect, lifelong friendships and a lifetime of love. Men's coat featuring a charcoal herringbone weave, with three buttons down the front and on each sleeve cuff.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community, naples