A colour slide of the front of Blamey House, Burke Road Kew, from the driveway in 1970. There 10 slides from the same roll of film, some are marked 'Blamey 1970'. Legacy ran residences to take care of children whose fathers were deceased servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself, or they needed to stay in Melbourne for education. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of a Legacy residence supporting children of deceased servicemen.Colour slide of Blamey House and a grey car viewed from the driveway in Kodachrome off-white cardboard mount with yellow and red print.Printed on front 'Made in Australia' in yellow ink. Printed with slide date 'Feb70M3' and slide number '9' in black ink. Handwritten '3' and 'Blamey 1970' in blue ink. Printed on reverse "Kodachrome Transparency / Processed by Kodak" in red ink.residences, blamey house

A colour slide of the rear of Blamey House, Burke Road Kew, in 1970. There 10 slides from the same roll of film, some are marked 'Blamey 1970'. Legacy ran residences to take care of children whose fathers were deceased servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself, or they needed to stay in Melbourne for education. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of a Legacy residence supporting children of deceased servicemen.Colour slide of the rear of Blamey House in Kodachrome off-white cardboard mount with yellow and red print.Printed on front 'Made in Australia' in yellow ink. Printed with slide date 'Feb70M3' and slide number '12' in black ink. Handwritten '5' in blue ink. Printed on reverse "Kodachrome Transparency / Processed by Kodak" in red ink.residences, blamey house

A colour slide of the rear of Blamey House, Burke Road Kew, in 1970. There 10 slides from the same roll of film, some are marked 'Blamey 1970'. Legacy ran residences to take care of children whose fathers were deceased servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself, or they needed to stay in Melbourne for education. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of a Legacy residence supporting children of deceased servicemen.Colour slide of the rear of Blamey House in Kodachrome off-white cardboard mount with yellow and red print.Printed on front 'Made in Australia' in yellow ink. Printed with slide date 'Feb70M3' and slide number '14' in black ink. Handwritten '7' in blue ink. Printed on reverse "Kodachrome Transparency / Processed by Kodak" in red ink.residences, blamey house

A colour slide of boys in a lounge room of Blamey House, Burke Road Kew, in 1970. There 10 slides from the same roll of film, some are marked 'Blamey 1970'. Legacy ran residences to take care of children whose fathers were deceased servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself, or they needed to stay in Melbourne for education. Was with many other slides taken in the 1950s and 1960s. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image the best available.A record of a Legacy residence supporting children of deceased servicemen.Colour slide of boys relaxing in a lounge room of Blamey House in Kodachrome off-white cardboard mount with yellow and red print.Printed on front 'Made in Australia' in yellow ink. Printed with slide date 'Feb70M3' and slide number '17' in black ink. Handwritten '10' and 'Blamey 1970' in blue ink. Printed on reverse "Kodachrome Transparency / Processed by Kodak" in red ink.residences, blamey house

Slide photograph of children at Harelands being helped with their homework by a legatee. Harelands was a residence run by Melbourne Legacy to take care of children whose fathers were deceased servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself, or they needed to stay in Melbourne for education. Harelands generally looked after children up to the age of 14. Harelands was built in the Queen Anne style and is now heritage listed. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of children being cared for at Harelands.Colour slide of the children in Harelands doing homework, in a brown cardboard mount.residences, harelands, study

Slide photograph of the Harelands dining room from the 1950s or 1960s. Harelands was a residence run by Melbourne Legacy to take care of children whose fathers were deceased servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself, or they needed to stay in Melbourne for education. Harelands generally looked after children up to the age of 14. Harelands was built in the Queen Anne style and is now heritage listed. The slides have been photographed to make digital images and moved to archive quality sleeves. In many cases the original images were not well focussed and the digital image is the best available.A record of the residence called Harelands.Colour slide of the dining room in Harelands, in a grey Hanimount cardboard mount.residences, harelands, dining room

Edna Barrie received this photo from Margaret nee McCoy Robinson c 1980. In 2011 the original photograph was scanned and digitised and restored by Morrie Forte. Norma ( Mothers’ Club Representative 1970) and Morrie Forte of Melton have been associated and supported the Melton State School No 430 and contributed to the 100 years celebrations. In December 2011 when viewing the enlarged restored print Mary Tolhurst identified brothers Andrew and Edward Byrns.[Burns] she is a descendent of this family. The brothers were enrolled at the Melton Common School in 1864 aged about 8 ½ and 5 years and left in 1870 and 1871. Head Teacher J H Murphy 1869-71Students in front of the bluestone buildinglocal architecture, education

Programme of the second Legacy Demonstration at the Melbourne Town Hall on 20th November 1929. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and eurythmics, the Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1979, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association. 'Demonstration arranged by the Chairman of the Gymnasium Sub-Committee (Legatee Aaron Beattie) in conjunction with Mrs Gilles (Hon. Directress Girls' Section) and James Tierney FPCV (Chief Instructor Boys Section).'A record of the second annual demonstration.Printed programme for 1929, purple cover with gold print and cream paper with black text. On title page in blue ink 'Aaron Beattie'annual demonstration, junior legatee

A photo of senior girls in performing their health exercises from an annual demonstration. The girls were dressed in their physical exercise kit which was provided by Legacy to the junior legatees. The photo was featured in the July 1954 newsletter so was from the year before. The article showcased the work of the Legacy girls. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1979, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association. A record of the displays at the Annual Demonstrations. Also that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo of junior legatees dancing in a line on stage at the 1953 Annual Demonstration.In pencil on the reverse " Senior Girls - 'Health Exercises' ". Stamped with '4825' in blue ink.annual demonstration, junior legatee, girls' classes

Photograph of three Junior Legatees that have joined the Victorian police force. "Penny" (left), Andrew and Sally Graham were once junior legatees after the death of their father. With Legacy's support they all went on the join the police force. Presumably the photo was used to promote the successful work of Legacy. It was published in the 1976 Annual Report where the caption is unclear if they are all siblings or if "Penny" was a deidentified name but she was a Junior Legatee. 1976 Annual Report caption said: Three fine Junior Legatees, "Penny" (left), Andrew and Sally Graham, of the Victoria Police, and their widowed mother. are grateful for the assistance Melbourne Legacy has given them over the years.A record of Junior Legatees growing into respected adults.Black and white photo of three former Junior Legatees in police uniform.Hand written in blue ink "3 Junior Legatees of one family / Penny, Andrew and Sally Graham / Melbourne / Victoria Police" Stamped "The property of Melbourne Legacy / 9 Jul 1976" in purple ink. Stamped Copyright of Herald and Weekly Times in blue ink.legacy promotion, junior legatee, police

A green tunic made for junior legatees to attend girls' classes. It is in great condition and is an excellent example of the uniforms used at Legacy classes. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. Melbourne Legacy would then conduct Annual Demonstrations to showcase their skills. Legacy provided uniforms free of charge for all girls attending the classes. Typical of the time the tunic appears hand made but many mothers and legatee wives would have been capable of making uniforms as they also made many of the costumes for the annual demonstrations. The tunic was donated back to Legacy from the family of Estelle Du Lieu, nee Mutimer.A fantastic example of a uniform that was a symbol of membership of Legacy classes.A green cotton tunic with a Junior Legacy Club emblem used by junior legatees in Girls' Classes.girls classes, uniform, jlc

A photo of senior girls performing their exercises in a class. The girls were dressed in their physical exercise kit which was provided by Legacy to the junior legatees. The photo appears professional and may have been taken by a newspaper as part of them publicising the work of Legacy. The photo is dated 6 February 1945. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1979, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.An important photographic record of the work of Legacy in the 1940s.Black and white photo senior girls in their exercise class, part of a photo album with blue leather look back and front cover. One of 20 pages with black and white photos attached to the majority of both sides of the pages.junior legatees, girls classes, dance, exercise

A photo of senior girls performing their exercises in a class. The girls were dressed in their physical exercise kit which was provided by Legacy to the junior legatees. The photo appears professional and may have been taken by a newspaper as part of them publicising the work of Legacy. The photo is dated 6 February 1945. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1979, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.An important photographic record of the work of Legacy in the 1940s.Black and white photo senior girls in their exercise class, part of a photo album with blue leather look back and front cover. One of 20 pages with black and white photos.girls classes, dance, exercise

A photo of the finale of the Annual demonstration in October 1954. This photo shows the finale with a large group on stage under the Australian coat of arms. Some junior legatees are holding Australian flags and the words, 'Australia, Prosperity and Peace'. Other hold the rising sun insignia. It was printed in the newsletter in June 1955. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1979, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.A record of the displays at the Annual Demonstrations. Also that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo of the Finale of the demonstration from 1954. junior legatees, demonstration, annual demonstration

Black and white photo of girls in elaborate costumes for an Annual Demonstration. There appears to be frogs or sea creatures around two central figures and King Neptune at the rear. The year is not known but it is in the 1940s or 1950s as the album was a collection of press photos taken during dress rehearsals from that time. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to 1979, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.A record of the displays at the Annual Demonstrations. Also that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo in an album of dancers in elaborate outfits with King Neptune at the rear.junior legatees, demonstration, annual demonstration, girls classes, costumes

Black and white photo of girls in costumes on stage during an Annual Demonstration. They could have been butterflies. The photo was published in a news letter as the demonstration in October 1948. The album it was in is a collection of press photos taken during dress rehearsals from around that time. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to the 1980's, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.A record of the displays at the Annual Demonstrations. Also that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo in an album of dancers in butterfly costumes on stage.junior legatees, demonstration, annual demonstration, girls classes, costumes

Black and white photo of girls in costumes on stage during an Annual Demonstration. Some of them appear to be butterflies. The photo is very similar to one published in the newsletter as the demonstration in 1948. The album it was in is a collection of press photos taken during dress rehearsals from around that time. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to the 1980's, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.A record of the displays at the Annual Demonstrations. Also that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo in an album of dancers in butterfly outfits and other costumes on stage.junior legatees, demonstration, annual demonstration, girls classes, costumes

Black and white photo of boys in an Annual Demonstration in 1947. The boys are in gymnastic outfits with dark belts. They are climbing on equipment and each other, making a human pyramid. It was published in the newsletter in December 1947. It was in an album of press photos taken during dress rehearsals from the 1940s and 1950s. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to the 1980's, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.A record of the displays at the Annual Demonstrations. Also that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo in an album of boys performing gymnastics on stage during a Demonstration.junior legatees, demonstration, annual demonstration, boys classes

Black and white photo of boys in an Annual Demonstration in 1946. The boys are in gymnastic outfits, two are performing handstands and another is getting ready to climb. Was in an album of press photos taken during dress rehearsals from the 1940s and 1950s. The photo was published in the newsletter in December 1946. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. The Demonstration was an annual event to showcase their skills. Melbourne Legacy conducted Annual Demonstrations / Parades from 1928 through to the 1980's, usually held at Melbourne Town Hall. The beautiful costumes were made by members of the Junior Legacy Mothers' Club and the Melbourne Legacy Wives' Association.A record of the displays at the Annual Demonstrations. Also that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo in an album of 3 boys performing gymnastics on stage during a Demonstration.junior legatees, demonstration, annual demonstration, boys classes

Black and white photo of the residents at Holmbush. It was one of the residences that was run by Melbourne Legacy for junior legatees. The residences were run by Melbourne Legacy to take care of children whose fathers had been servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself. The year is not known but it is approximately 1947, and was in an album which was a collection of photos taken in the 1940s and 1950s. The label with the photo says it was taken by Legatee Harry Rigby. Holmbush at 1267 Burke road, was one of the properties that Legacy used for Junior Legatees. It was purchased 1942. In 1957 Holmbush was renamed Blamey House until it was sold in 1977.It shows that Melbourne Legacy established residences to aid children of deceased servicemen complete their education, take further education and find employment.Black and white photo in an album of the junior legatees at Holmbush.The label is handwritten in blue pen and says "I was at Holmbush when this photo was taken by the late Legatee Harry Rigby c.1947. If interested in learning all the names in the group contact Arthur Woodley, 34 Park Road, Crib Point (059)839495".junior legatees, residences, holmbush

In the words of the Donor, Betty Stone, "The wallet is one of a set of two items. They were designed, hand-sewn sewn and embroidered with raffia by my mother Daisy Elvena (nee Dale) Welsh. Daisy Elvena Dale (born 27 October 1899) daughter of Ellis and Ann (nee Lees) Dale, of Latrigg, Wangoom, Warrnambool, married Raymond Welsh in 1922. A few years later – approximately 1928- Daisy made these two articles, which she used, particularly during the Depression years. The important factor concerning these bags is that they were made with hand-woven cloth cut from a pair of trousers which her grandfather, William Dale brought with him when he left the family farm Back o-'the Low situated in Saddleworth, Yorkshire, England. He arrived in Australia in 1852 and seven years later was operating a quarry on land purchased in Wangoom, Warrnambool known as The Dale Bluestone Quarries. Dale forebears in Yorkshire were first recorded as "clothiers" ( ie weavers of cloth) in the Saddleworth parish records dated 1764; following generations also continued the tradition of producing hand woven cloth as a home industry. The cloth, from which these two bags were made, is evidence of a tradition begun by the Dale family in Saddleworth, Yorkshire more than two hundred and fifty years ago. My mother, Daisy Elvena (nee Dale) Welsh (granddaughter of William Dale) always referred to the cloth, which is at least 160 years old, as a homespun hopsack.The homespun hopsack fabric for the set of bags was part of the clothing brought from England to Australia, an example of emigrant luggage. It also represents a traditional home industry of 'clothiers'. This item is associated with the families of Chamberlain, Dale and Lees. These families are listed in the "Pioneers' Register" for Warrnambool Township and Shire, 1835-1900, published by A.I.G.S. Warrnambool Branch.Embroidered wallet (purse), rectangular, part of a set, the other part being a shopping bag Decorated with embroidered raffia flowers. The bags were made by Daisy Welsh (nee Dale) c. 1928 from homespun "hopsack' fabric of William Dale's trousers, brought to Australia in 1852. Part of the 'Chamberlain Dale Lees Collection' flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, chamberlain, dale, lees, stone, betty stone, warrnambool pioneers, clithier, william dale, daisy welsh, wangoom, hopsack, saddleworth, yorkshire, wallet, purse, hand woven, handmade

The donation records indicate that this dress was worn by Georgiana Elizabeth Moore (1899-1974), who lived for most of her life in Brighton at 38 and later 40 Cochrane Street. Since the dress is of an earlier date, It is likely that it belonged to Georgiana's mother, Elizabeth Moore (1860-1950). Georgiana was born to Richard and Elizabeth Moore in Brighton in 1899. She was named after Richard's first wife, Georgiana Leake Moore (nee Paul), who had died in 1893 aged only 38. Georgiana is recorded as having been "tall with red hair". The family moved to Diamond Creek for several years, but returned to Brighton after Richard's death in 1922. Georgiana and her mother settled in Cochrane Street, where they lived for the rest of their lives. We know very little about Georgiana herself. Newspaper records indicate that she was a talented musician, graduating from the University of Melbourne with a diploma in music in 1927. BHS holds a small collection of items belonging to the Moore family. This dress was donated by Georgiana's niece, Jeannette Fraser, along with two nightgowns: a c. 1880 night dress believed to have been worn by Elizabeth and a c. 1910 night dress believed to have been worn by Georgiana's sister Amelia Henrietta Fraser (née Moore) while boarding at Merton Hall (this nightdress does also show a laundry mark of G.E. Moore and so may have been worn by both women). Georgiana herself donated a number of items to the Society in 1972, including a 1920s black and white geometric loom-beaded handbag.A good example of a princess line dress of this period in good condition and with provenance.A one-piece princess line dress, circa 1878-1882 of deep royal blue silk featuring Chinese-inspired self pattern. The neckline features a standing collar and is secured through the centre front from neck to floor with self covered buttons. At the front knee the fabric has been gathered and drawn to the back into a tiered fish-tail swag and trimmed with a matching blue knotted fringe. The swagging is created by interior tapes. The dress is backed with cream cotton.georgiana elizabeth moore, elizabeth moore, amelia henrietta fraser, brighton

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This piece is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Ensemble consisting of sleeveless crop top (.1) and full length pants (.2). Bold floral print features blue and white flowers on a navy blue background. Top has a white Peter Pan collar. Swing tag attached.Swing tag: "SIZE 34 / STYLE 186/11 / PRICE $13.00".swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Backless lamé one-piece swimsuit (.1) with pattern of silver, blue and bronze circles in various sizes. Waist ties knotted at front for cinched-in waist. Built-in underwire bra. Sleeveless A-line jacket (.2) in same fabric, falling past hips. Front zip and close-fitting hood.Label in bra, blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the word “Watersun” in red, above the text: “32 / Unquestionable Bra”.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Blue and white gingham one-piece swimsuit. Short overskirt. Two rows of white cutwork lace form a frill along neckline and down either side of back straps, which fasten with buttons. Inbuilt bra with label: "Miss Watersun", size T14.Label in bra, blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the words “Miss Watersun” in red, above the text: “T14”swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, miss watersun, melbourne designers

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Two-piece swimsuit with navy blue and white horizontal stripes. Cropped top (.1) has inbuilt underwire bra and metal fastening at back. Shorts (.2) are high-waisted with longer legs. Matching top (.3) has diagonal navy and white stripes and an asymmetrical hem. Sleeveless with round neck. Velcro fastening on shoulder and side seam of shorter side. No label.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Two-piece swimsuit with navy blue and white horizontal stripes. Cropped top (.1) has inbuilt underwire bra and metal fastening at back. Shorts (.2) are high-waisted with longer legs. Matching top (.3) has diagonal navy and white stripes and an asymmetrical hem. Sleeveless with round neck. Velcro fastening on shoulder and side seam of shorter side. Labels inside bra and top.Label in bra (.1), blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the word “Watersun” in red, above the text: “Unquestionable Bra / MADE IN AUSTRALIA / 34”. Label in side of bikini top (.1): “BRI NYLON” Label in back collar of top (.3): blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the word “Watersun” in red, above the text: “34”, with words “Unquestionable Bra” truncated. Appears to be a repurposed bra label.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers

Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Gold lurex one-piece swimsuit (.1) with v-neck and built-in bra. Matching floor-length gold cape (.2) with high collar and yellow lining. Fastens at collar with hook.Label, blue text on white: “Watersun / SIZE 10 / BUST 32 / Made in Australia”swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers, 1970s

Marina Couture was a luxe swimwear line produced by Watersun in the 1960s. Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Silver lamé swimsuit featuring delicate brocade embellishment, an inbuilt underwire bra, a zippered back and elasticised edging on the legs and back.Label in bra, blue with gold crown logo and text: “MARINA COUTURE / 32”.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers, marina couture

This skirt belonged to Olga Black, a long-time Brighton resident. The linen used for the skirt were woven by Olga's great-grandmother Efstathia in the late-nineteenth century with flax grown on the island of Ithaca. In the 1950s, Olga made the fabric into a skirt, embellishing it with hand embroidery. Olga Maria Black was born in Melbourne in 1930, the daughter of Ithacan migrants Constantine and Toula Mavrokefalos. Constantine first emigrated to Australia in 1902, returning to Greece circa 1912-13 to serve his home country in the Balkan Wars. Toula's family had left Ithaca for Romania when she was only six months old, but she happened to be visiting the island at the very time that Constantine arrived, fresh from the war. Within three weeks they were married, and when Constantine returned to Melbourne in 1914 his new bride came with him. Constantine had trained as an accountant, but his qualifications were not recognised in Australia. Changing his surname to the Anglicised "Black", he started off working in his older brother Dionysios's cafés before going into business on his own. In 1917 he opened the Paris Residential Café at 54-56 Swanston Street, which offered both dining and accommodation. The business saw some years of success, but did not survive the Great Depression. Constantine died in 1944. Olga's mother Toula learned to sew as a child, while growing up in the Romanian village of Brila. She developed her skills making lace and embroidering items for her trousseau. Some of the linen she embroidered had been woven from flax on Ithaca by her own grandmother, Efstathia. During the Depression, when money was scarce, Toula embroidered at home, doing work for a factory in Flinders Lane. Using a cotton reel, a threepence and a sixpence she created and embroidered designs on hundreds of blouses. Olga spent her preschool days sitting at the table where her mother worked. Toula would involve Olga by allowing her to help choose the colour combinations. Toula lived with Olga in Brighton until her death in 1976. Olga inherited her mother's sewing skills. She re-invented some of Toula’s trousseau nightdresses and skilfully altered other clothing, making dresses which she wore around Brighton for many years.Ankle-length full cream linen skirt with multi-coloured cross stitch embroidery featuring mountains, birds and trees. Fullness is pleated into wide waist band. Left side opening. The fabric widths have been whipped together by hand probably at the time the cloth was woven in the late-nineteenth century. The skirt is machine stitched.skirt, linen, hand woven, embroidery, ithaca, migration, greek diaspora, olga black