The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. One typed page, undated, titled 'The Northern District School of Nursing - Programme. For the opening ceremony of the New Classroom and Administrative Wings to be performed by Dr J. Lindell, M.D., M.S., F.P.S., F.H.A., Chairman of the Hospitals and Charities Commission, on the occasion of the 15th birthday of the establishment of the School of Nursing. 'Others mentioned are Mr H. Baird, Mayor N. J. Oliver, Mr J.C. Hurry, Mr J. McClelland. In pile of documents labelled 1965.bendigo, education, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. northern district school of nursing. lister house. dr j. lindell.

Elaine Mann was married to David Mann, a successful Wodonga businessman and community leader who passed away in Wodonga in June 2012. David was a member of the Mann family who began their business in Wodonga in 1920. Elaine was a teacher in Wodonga for many years and an active member of the community.This photo collection is of significance as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the late 20th century.Tooles Motors was established in 1939. It was taken over from William Dobbie, Automotive Engineer who set up his business on this site about 1929. It was opened by Pat Toole and later taken over by his son Bill. The Disposals part of the business was expanded in 1963 and eventually took over the entire building. They traded as a garage until 1965. The central Wodonga building was sold in 2011 and Bill and his wife Debbie moved the stock to their warehouse in Bandiana. They operated from Bandiana while also focusing on online selling. The High Street building was demolished in 2013.wodonga businesses, high st wodonga, tooles motors, tooles disposals

Newspaper clipping - from The Age, 13/11/2010 titled "Tram Man who halted city to save connies will punch out", about the retirement of the PTU by Lou Di Gregorio, about his working career starting at Essendon depot in 1965 and Secretary of the Union for 21 years. Notes the various issues, the tram blockade 1/1/1990, Moonee Ponds - Footscray Route, privatisation, Government. Notes Lou will retire in Feb. 2011. Has a photo of Lou at Essendon depot with a Z class in the background. Item by Clay Lucas, photo Vince Galigiuri.trams, tramways, unions, management, route 82, moonee ponds, footscray, privatisation

Contributor: T.H. KneenBox of 47 slides, some labelled. (1) "Marjorie Hall 1st Year Student June '56 No. 1872." Working with fruit tree stock. (2) "Orchard June 1956 No. 1710." 2 men and a tractor.(3) "Camp 1957." Wilson's Promontory. (4) View of Drive No. 1677." C. 1958 (5) "GenView No. 1771." (6) "Burnley Gardens Entrance 4.4.58 N0. 1672." (7) "Wilson's Promontory Lilly Pilly Gully Nov 1960." (8) Dec '62." (9) "Dec '62." Kneen child. (10) Luffmann Ponds "Aut. 1962." (11) Grevillea Sep 1963. (12) Sep 1963.Reflection of Crack Willow in Luffmann Ponds. (13) Sep 1963. Orchard blossom. (14) View of Administration Building at sunset Aug 1964. (15) Rose 'Heat Wave.' May 1965. (16) Kneen child sitting under a tree May 1966. (17) 'Department of Agriculture Burnley Gardens' sign May 1966. (18) Administration Building May 1966. (19) Plant Science Block May 1966. ((20) Wintersweet August 1966.(Actually appears to be Witch Hazel Hamamelis mollis.) (21) Student on tractor in the Orchard October 1966. (22) Garden view, view of Principal's Residence through blossom trees October 1966. (23) Students walking through the Gardens October 1966. (24) "Leaf Cuttings Rex begonia 2 October 1966. (25) Emily Gibson beds October 1966. (26) Principal's Residence in a garden view October 1966. (27) Garden view looking towards the Principal's Residence and the Shady Garden October 1966. (28) Drive looking towards the Administration Building from the Plant Research Institute. (29) Kneen child (not Burnley?) (30) Unveiling of Burnley Horticultural College plaque commemorating 75 years, 1891-1966 - Eric Littlejohn, ?, T.H. Kneen. Includes key to Pavilion 1969. (31) "Rose Pruning Demo - Canteen." July 1969. (32, 33) "Rose Pruning Demo 1969." July 1969. (34) "Plant Science Block & College." July 1969. (35) Plant Science Block 6/69." July 1969. (36) "Burnley Gardens 6/69." looking towards Dairy and Yarra Boulevard (37) "Pond No. 1717." (38) "Pond 1748." Kneen children playing by the Luffmann Ponds, Oak tree behind.. (39) Ginkgo leaves June 1967. (42) ? (43) Erithyna caffra in flower (removed 2016) December 1966. ((44) Administration Building and Nursery from PRI." (45) Pelargoniums. (46) Azalea mollis (47) Pelargonium foreground, geranium background.marjorie hall, students, fruit trees, orchard, tractor, wilson's promontory, burnley gardens, entrance, drive, garden view, luffmann ponds, grevillea, rose, kneen family, sign, wintersweet, plant science block, administration building, students working outside, principals residence, plaque, rose pruning demonstrations, ginkgo, pelargoniums, erythryna

Income and Expenditure Account books for the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. .1) This is listed under three Acc's for the years 1962 - 1965 General Acc, Relief Acc and Club Building Patriotic Acc. .2) This is listed under four Acc's for the years 1966 - 1970. General Acc, Relief Acc, Club Building and Repatriation Acc. .3) This is listed under four Acc's for the years 1971 - 1974. General Acc, Relief Acc, Club Building and Repatriation Acc..1) Book, grey cover with blue lines like a jigsaw puzzle, ruled blue lines with vertical red and blue lines, entries are a mixture of blue and red pen. Inside the front cover is a list of 6 people who have been issued keys to the office. .2) Book, green covers, ruled blue lines with vertical red and blue lines, entries in blue pen, minimum in red. On the inside cover is a list of 6 people who have been issued with keys to the Bendigo RSL Office (6) and safe(3). .3) Book, red covers, blue ruled lines with red and blue vertical lines, entries are in blue pen, minimum in red pen. Inside the front cover pasted in a large yellow envelope with the following. Two A4 typed copies of the "Presidents Annual report for 1973". One A4 typed copy of the "Presidents Annual Report for 1974" Eleven hand written notes on medium sized paper re "Treasurers report for 1974" Account book sheets folded containing 5 pages written on for the year1973. Account book sheets folded containing 2 pages written on for the year 1973. Three sheets typed regarding Bonds with ANZ Bank. Measurements are an average of the three. .1) On the front Cover, "Graphic Analysis Book, 32 sets". .2) On the front cover "Collins Analysis Book 700 series".brsl, smirsl, account

Two newspaper articles discussing the proposed construction of the Yarra Dam at Warrandyte: Yarra Dam at Warrandyte not the only alternative - Mr Stokes, Diamond Valley Mirror, 14 October, 1964 Fears grow on Yarra Valley Dam Board orders air surey, Diamond Valley Mirror, 24 February 1965 The Sugarloaf Reservoir Project, including a major pumping station and water treatment plant was completed, increasing Melbourne's total storage capacity by 95,000 million litres in 1981.2 pageswater supply, sugarloaf, reservoir, christmas hills, yarra dam, warrandyte

This instrument was part of a collection of instruments used by Dr Michael Kloss, who was an obstetrician. Dr Kloss used this item in his own practice, before donating the item to the College. Dr Kloss is the son-in-law of Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), a doctor who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany, and Dr Duras came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University.Set of tissue forceps. Made of metal, the forceps resemble long tweezers, with a grip section and a small set of teeth at the end of each arm of the forceps. The proximal end of the forceps is engraved with the word 'Kloss'.'Kloss'obstetrics

This instrument was used by Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany, and came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments given to his son-in-law, Dr Michael Kloss, who was an obstetrician. Dr Kloss subsequently had it engraved and used it in his own practice, before donating the item to the College. Metal uterine catheter. Thin, curved instrument with two oval shaped fittings attached to the sides of the instrument at the proximal end for grip. There is a seam roughly halfway down the instrument indicating that the halves of the instrument can be separated. One side of the instrument is engraved with the word 'Kloss'.'Kloss'obstetrics

This instrument was part of a collection of instruments used by Dr Michael Kloss, who was an obstetrician. Dr Kloss used this item in his own practice, before donating the item to the College. Dr Kloss is the son-in-law of Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), a doctor who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany, and Dr Duras came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University. Metal test tube holding instrument. Instrument resembles a pair of scissors, but with bowed prongs to allow for the grasping of a test tube between the prongs. The tip of each prong is also ridged for grip. The word 'Nickel' is engraved on the inner aspect of one of the prongs.'Nickel'

This instrument was used by Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany, and came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments given to his son-in-law, Dr Michael Kloss, who was an obstetrician. Dr Kloss subsequently had it engraved and used it in his own practice, before donating the item to the College. Metal instrument used for cervical sutures. Instrument consists of a handle and shaft. The end of the shaft is curved so as the tip of the instrument is almost perpendicular to the handle. The end of the shaft is in the shape of a loop to allow for sutures to be passed through it. The handle of the instrument is engraved with the word 'KLOSS'.'KLOSS'obstetrics

This instrument was used by Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany, and came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments given to his son-in-law, Dr Michael Kloss, who was an obstetrician. Dr Kloss subsequently had it engraved and used it in his own practice, before donating the item to the College. Metal instrument used for cervical sutures. Instrument consists of a handle and shaft. The end of the shaft is curved so as the tip of the instrument is almost perpendicular to the handle. The end of the shaft is in the shape of a loop to allow for sutures to be passed through it. The handle of the instrument is engraved with the word 'KLOSS', and the words 'MAW/LONDON'.'KLOSS' 'MAW/LONDON'obstetrics

This instrument was used by Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany, and came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments given to his son-in-law, Dr Michael Kloss, who was an obstetrician. Dr Kloss subsequently had it engraved and used it in his own practice, before donating the item to the College.Metal needle holder. The needle holder's overall shape is that of a teardrop, with a rounded handle section narrowing to serrated grip points at one end. The needle holder appears to be made of a plated metal. There is a clasp at one end for locking the needle holder into place. A rounded tab on the inner aspect of the instrument is engraved with the number '50'. The word 'Kloss' is engraved on one side of the instrument, towards the points.'50' 'Kloss'obstetrics

This instrument was used by Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany, and came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments given to his son-in-law, Dr Michael Kloss, who was an obstetrician. Dr Kloss subsequently donated the collection to the College, after using many of the instruments in his own practice. Metal uterine catheter. Thin, small, curved instrument in the shape of a narrow tube. There is a lip at one end of the tube, which curves as it reaches a rounded tip at the other end. There are holes in either side of the tube just below the tip. A circular fitting is attached to one side of the instrument for grip, a little below the lip.obstetrics

The Second Vatican Council or Vatican II, addressed relations between the Catholic Church and the modern world. Other Christians outside the Catholic Church attended as observers but did not cast votes in the approbation of the Council documents. The Council 1962 - 1965 was attended by the Bishop of Ballarat and these documents record some of the votes from the Council signed off by the Bishop. These documents were important in bringing about changes in modes of practice and liturgy in the Catholic Church in Australia and in its relations with other denominations and religions.Signed by J.P.O'Collins with annotations.vatican ii council,, john xxiii,

A photo of children at a Government House Christmas Party. They are watching the entertainment and eating ice cream. Melbourne Legacy would hold Christmas parties for junior Legatees at Government House for many years due to the Governor of Victoria being patron of Legacy. The children are wearing Legacy tags. The year is 1963. One of the photos appeared in a newspaper article about Legacy in 1965 (see item 01237). The boy on the far right is Will Gaff, brother of Legatee Keith Gaff who advised that the year was 1963.A record of relationship of Legacy with the Governor of Victoria and the parties that Legacy provided for the children in their care.Black and white photo of children at a Government House Christmas party.junior legatee outing, christmas, government house party

Tom Barrie served the community in the following Shire of Melton Councilor Member for 32 years 1941–1970 Elected as Councilor for Melton South 1970–1973 Councilor for Rockbank 1943–1944 Shire President for three terms 1958–1959 ditto 1964–1965 ditto Council Representative: Bacchus Marsh High School and Western Suburbs Municipalities. Representative on delegation to prevent Melton post primary students being sent to Deer Park prior to the establishment of Melton High SchoolPossibly being presented with Shire of Melton illuminated address at the Melton Shire Officeslocal identities, council

A photo of children at a Government House Christmas Party. They are watching the entertainment and eating ice cream. Melbourne Legacy would hold Christmas parties for junior Legatees at Government House for many years due to the Governor of Victoria being patron of Legacy. The children are wearing Legacy tags. The year is 1963. One of the photos appeared in a newspaper article about Legacy in 1965 (see item 01237). The boy in the first photo is Will Gaff, brother of Legatee Keith Gaff who advised that the year was 1963.A record of relationship of Legacy with the Governor of Victoria and the parties that Legacy provided for the children in their care.Black and white photo x 3 of children at a Government House Christmas party.junior legatee outing, christmas, government house party

An article from a booklet about the 1944 Legacy Conference. It is a message to the Conference from Legatee Stan Savige who was away on active service in New Guinea at the time. He mentions it was the 21st anniversary of Legacy. The article was part of an album of past presidents and prominent legatees from 1965 to 1989. Stan Savige had been president in 1929-30 and Patron as well. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record of Legatee Stan Savige's summary of the first 21 years of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of past presidents and prominent Legatees in a folder.Photocopy of 4 pages from a booklet about the 16th Legacy Conference.stan savige, conference, past presidents

Part of a Bulletin newsletter that includes a poem by L.F.J. (Legatee Leigh Johns) titled Reflections. The poem honours the service to Legacy by Wendy Faulkner who came to Legacy on 13 September 1965 after working on the stage. Rest of the page and its reverse item highlights the Induction of three legatees, Amendments to diary and mailing lists, Transfers between branches, Resignations, and Nominations. These notifications were announced during the weekly luncheon meetings and later published in the Melbourne Legacy Bulletin.This item records the way in which Legacy kept Legatees informed of the arrivals and departures of members. The poem has been written as a tribute to Wendy Faulkiner to thank her for a wonderful contribution to the work of Legacy. White A4 paper with black type of a page from the Bulletin in 1990.No. VAW1209, Date 13/9/1990.membership, staff

A document written on 18 February 1988 by Melbourne Legacy to provide biographical details to the Governor of Victoria about Legatee Alf Argent, president of Melbourne Legacy in 1988. The It provides good details about the life of Legatee Alf Argent, including his military career and his work career and hobbies. The document was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.A record biographical details being provided to Government House for the Governor to understand the background of the current Legacy president. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Typed copy of a page of biographical notes about Legatee Alf Argent, President 1988Typed on top 'Details required by Government House for the information of his Excellency, The Governor of Victoria'.past presidents, alf argent, governor of victoria

This instrument was used by Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany, and came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments given to his son-in-law, Dr Michael Kloss, who was an obstetrician. Dr Kloss subsequently had it engraved and used it in his own practice, before donating the item to the College. Steel packing forceps. The forceps resemble a pair of scissors in style, with a curved end section. The prongs at each end of the forceps have been flatted and are ridged for grip. The number '314' is engraved on both sides of the inner aspect of the forceps. The initial 'E' is engraved on one side of the inner aspect of the forceps. The word 'Kloss' is engraved on one of the arms of the forceps. 'Kloss' '314'obstetrics

This is a set of three photographs of a Commanding Officer’s (CO’s) Parade held at the Army Survey Regiment, Bendigo in circa 1977. The guest of honour was the City of Bendigo’s Lord Mayor Roy Francis ‘Dick’ Turner. He was the Lord Mayor of Bendigo on three occasions – 1965 to 1966, 1974 to 1975 and 1977 to 1978. The Army Survey Regiment’s key appointments at the time were LTCOL Bob Skitch, the Commanding Officer from 1976 to 1980 and WO1 Aub Harvey, the RSM of the unit from 1976 to 1982. This is a set of three photographs of a Commanding Officer’s (CO’s) Parade held at the Army Survey Regiment, Bendigo in circa 1977. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The black and white photographs were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Photo, Black & white, c1977. Air Survey Squadron L to R: unidentified (x2), Peter Warwick, Mick Dempster, Andy Wilson, unidentified, Greg Gilbert, remainder unidentified. .2) - Photo, Black & white, c1977. Cartographic Squadron L to R: FLTLT Ron Aitken, CPL Alan Hawkins, unidentified, CPL Stuart Symonds, unidentified (x2), CPL Chris Edwards, SSGT Pat Lumsden, unidentified, PTE Tracey (Beckwith) Phillips, CPL Lynn Johnson, unidentified, CPL Steve Hansen, SGT Rowan Gillies, CAPT Simon Lemon, SGT Alan Toogood, unidentified (x2), CPL John Bennett, remainder unidentified. .3) - Photo, Black & white, c1977. The Army Survey Regiment performs an ‘eyes left salute on the march as it marches past the Guest of Honor. L to R: unidentified, RSM WO1 Aub Harvey, and 2IC MAJ Peter Eddy. The Guest of Honour – City of Bendigo Lord Mayor Dick Turner receives the salute on the front steps of Fortuna Villa. CO LTCOL Bob Skitch standing behind him returns the salute..1P to .3P – There are no personnel identified.royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna

This instrument was used by Dr Fritz Duras (1896-1965), who moved to Australia from Germany in 1937. As his father was Jewish, Duras was forced to leave Germany, and came to Australia to take up a post as director of physical education at Melbourne University. This instrument was part of a collection of instruments given to his son-in-law, Dr Michael Kloss, who was an obstetrician. Dr Kloss subsequently had it engraved and used it in his own practice, before donating the item to the College. Metal uterine catheter. Catheter is in a vague 's' shape, with a rounded tip at one end and a hole in the catheter just above the tip. There is a small oval shaped attachment at the proximal end of the device for grip. One side of the instrument is engraved with the word 'Kloss'. The number '10' is engraved at the proximal end of the catheter. Internal wire section may be missing from this catheter.'Kloss'obstetrics

Le Corbusier (or Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris) (6 October 6, 1887 – August 27, 1965) Born Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland Studied at the local art school Began to study architecture in 1905 With Amedee Ozenfant founded the journal “L’Esprit Nouveau” in 1920 Became a French citizen in 1930 La Corbusier was a Swiss-French architect, designer, painter, urban planner, writer, and one of the pioneers of what is now called modern architecture. He was born in Switzerland and became a French citizen in 1930. His career spanned five decades, with his buildings constructed throughout Europe, India, and the Americas. (Wikipedia) The Modulor is an anthropometric scale of proportions devised by the Swiss-born French architect Le Corbusier (1887–1965). It was developed as a visual bridge between two incompatible scales, the imperial and the metric system. It is based on the height of a man with his arm raised. It was used as a system to set out a number of Le Corbusier's buildings and was later codified into two books. (wikipedia) This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Limited edition lithograph after an original collage by Le Corbusier, probably executed in Mourlot Workshop. art, artwork, le corbusier, modular, mourlot workshop, lithograph, colour lithograph, printmaking, aavailable

Based on the earlier successful tests with the RAAF Dragonfly in 1948-49, together with the effective use of aircraft during the extensive Gippsland bushfires in March 1965, the Forests Commission took the plunge and contracted its own dedicated Bell 47G in the summer of 1965-66. This was an Australian first for any forest or bushfire agency. Rappelling trials at Snowy Plains and Tallangatta soon followed, which led to operations based at Heyfield with a two-man crew to quickly attack small fires in remote locations. The Heyfield rappel crew was another Australian first and remained in place for the following two fire seasons but lapsed after concerns from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) about the stability of the small and underpowered Bell 47G. Later in 1982, after nearly 18 years absence, the Commission recommenced rappelling operations using larger and more powerful National Safety Council (NSCA) Bell 212 and Bell 412 helicopters based in Sale, Gippsland. During the 1983 bushfires, a specially trained and equipped FCV crew rappelled by rope from a hovering NSCA helicopter to suppress a small fire in remote terrain in the Orbost Forest District. Rappel model with protective equipment, harness and rope drop bagforests commission victoria (fcv), bushfire, bushfire aviation, safety equipment

Photo of Geelong electric tram No. 11 - crossbench tram, taken in the same location as Reg Item 4316, following conversion from a trailer in Corio Terrace, now Brougham St. Has the driver and conductor standing at either end of the tram wearing their uniforms. Has the destination of "Newtown", 4345.1 - Black and White print contained within the Wal Jack Bendigo and Geelong Album, see Reg Item 5003 for more details. Added 7/8/2013. See Destination Eaglehawk for background details. Wal Jack has dated the photo as 1916. Yields information about Geelong tram No. 11Black and white photograph with notes on the rear. Copy 1 and 2 - On rear, stamped in black ink "Photo supplied from P.W. Duckett Collection, All Rights Reserved, 69 Howitt Rd. Nth Caulfield 3161." 4345.1 - Wal Jack stamp with the number T176 written in on the bottom right hand corner. Third copy has extensive notes on rear and Ken Magor stamp - see image i3trams, tramways, geelong, depot, brougham st, cross bench tram, tram 11, uniforms

Black and White Photograph of Bendigo bogie tram No. 18 at the Bendigo Tram depot 1954. Has the destination of "Depot". Peter Duckett Collection. Destination EaglehawkOn the front, top left hand corner of the print "29" in ink within a circle - two numbers. On rear, stamped in black ink "Photo supplied from P.W. Duckett Collection, All Rights Reserved, 69 Howitt Rd. Nth Caulfield 3161." In the centre of the photograph "1954" in ink and in the bottom left hand corner, "William F. Scott" address label.trams, tramways, bendigo, depot, secv, tram 18

Frances Burke: Designer of Modern Textiles Australia’s most influential and celebrated textile designer of the mid-20th century, Frances Burke (1904-1994), employed Australian native flora, garden flowers, marine subjects, Indigenous culture and increasingly, abstract motifs in her stunning modern fabrics. A confident, determined designer and businesswoman; Burke made the shift from fine art to design in 1937. While she began by designing dress fabrics for Melbourne’s fashionable Georges Department store, printing them on linen using lino blocks, she was an early adopter of the screen-printing process and during the war years began printing on cotton. Burke’s furnishing fabrics took their place in influential modern buildings Australia-wide through collaborations with leading architects and interior designers. They included Robin Boyd’s 1949 House of Tomorrow, Roy Grounds’ Quamby flats, Guilford Bell’s Royal Hayman Island Resort for Ansett Airlines, and Yuncken, Freeman Brothers, Griffiths and Simpson’s Canberra Civic Centre Theatre. In the post-war period, Burke made regular trips to the United States and Europe, on her return advising homeowners and manufacturers on the latest trends in products, colours and home design in lectures and interviews. At New Design her fabric showroom and interior design consultancy Burke introduced furniture by emerging designers Clement Meadmore and Grant Featherston in the early 1950s and presented local and imported homewares, mostly from the United States. She was enthusiastic about the convenient and comfortable lifestyle experienced by ordinary American women. Her fabrics and advice were regularly featured in Australian Home Beautiful, Australian House and Garden and the newspapers of the day. Some of Burke’s designs had remarkable longevity. Tiger Stripe (1938) for example, continued to be produced in a wide range of colours until 1970 and Crete (1946) remained a popular choice for interiors into the 1960s. Drawing from a rich variety of sources including Indigenous culture in Goanna (c.1954) and Pacific Island tapa cloth designs in Bird and Tree (1940), Burke also looked to Japan in designs such as Plum Blossom (1948) and Zen (1965). She loved exploring the potential of native flora, seen in designs including Waratah (1955) and Flannel Flower (1955), while garden flowers were the source for many other designs including Belladonna (1940), Periwinkle (n.d.) and Rose (1947). Burke’s clever interplay of a single striking printed colour with lively gestural lines revealing the white base fabric, gave her designs a vibrancy that characterised the optimistic post-war era. This can be seen in Burke’s fabrics for Hayman Island including Angel Fish and Seapiece (both 1949) which expressed the freshness and excitement of the luxurious new tropical resort and led to further commissions. Burke’s three decades in business (1937-1970) were an unparalleled success in the story of Australian design. Her fabrics have been collected by the NGA, the Powerhouse Museum, NGV, RMIT Design Archives and Sydney Living Museums in addition to Ararat Gallery TAMA. Written by Nanette Carter and Robyn Oswald-Jacobs.

Frances Burke: Designer of Modern Textiles Australia’s most influential and celebrated textile designer of the mid-20th century, Frances Burke (1904-1994), employed Australian native flora, garden flowers, marine subjects, Indigenous culture and increasingly, abstract motifs in her stunning modern fabrics. A confident, determined designer and businesswoman; Burke made the shift from fine art to design in 1937. While she began by designing dress fabrics for Melbourne’s fashionable Georges Department store, printing them on linen using lino blocks, she was an early adopter of the screen-printing process and during the war years began printing on cotton. Burke’s furnishing fabrics took their place in influential modern buildings Australia-wide through collaborations with leading architects and interior designers. They included Robin Boyd’s 1949 House of Tomorrow, Roy Grounds’ Quamby flats, Guilford Bell’s Royal Hayman Island Resort for Ansett Airlines, and Yuncken, Freeman Brothers, Griffiths and Simpson’s Canberra Civic Centre Theatre. In the post-war period, Burke made regular trips to the United States and Europe, on her return advising homeowners and manufacturers on the latest trends in products, colours and home design in lectures and interviews. At New Design her fabric showroom and interior design consultancy Burke introduced furniture by emerging designers Clement Meadmore and Grant Featherston in the early 1950s and presented local and imported homewares, mostly from the United States. She was enthusiastic about the convenient and comfortable lifestyle experienced by ordinary American women. Her fabrics and advice were regularly featured in Australian Home Beautiful, Australian House and Garden and the newspapers of the day. Some of Burke’s designs had remarkable longevity. Tiger Stripe (1938) for example, continued to be produced in a wide range of colours until 1970 and Crete (1946) remained a popular choice for interiors into the 1960s. Drawing from a rich variety of sources including Indigenous culture in Goanna (c.1954) and Pacific Island tapa cloth designs in Bird and Tree (1940), Burke also looked to Japan in designs such as Plum Blossom (1948) and Zen (1965). She loved exploring the potential of native flora, seen in designs including Waratah (1955) and Flannel Flower (1955), while garden flowers were the source for many other designs including Belladonna (1940), Periwinkle (n.d.) and Rose (1947). Burke’s clever interplay of a single striking printed colour with lively gestural lines revealing the white base fabric, gave her designs a vibrancy that characterised the optimistic post-war era. This can be seen in Burke’s fabrics for Hayman Island including Angel Fish and Seapiece (both 1949) which expressed the freshness and excitement of the luxurious new tropical resort and led to further commissions. Burke’s three decades in business (1937-1970) were an unparalleled success in the story of Australian design. Her fabrics have been collected by the NGA, the Powerhouse Museum, NGV, RMIT Design Archives and Sydney Living Museums in addition to Ararat Gallery TAMA. Written by Nanette Carter and Robyn Oswald-Jacobs.