One of a collection of fourteen items of protective wear and household textiles donated by Lisa Sylvan, a long-term resident of Kew, Five of the items are homemade aprons made and worn by her mother. Of the seven pinafores, three identical but differently sized pinafores were made in her parents' factory, while the other three are handmade. The handmade aprons and pinafores are representative samples of women's work, possibly from published patterns, using fabrics originally deigned for dresses. Typically, contrasting fabrics and colours were selected to provide visual interest. The donation also includes a hand embroidered linen supper cloth and a commercially produced 'birds of Australia' printed table cloth. Most of the collection derives from the 1950s.Although not uncommon, hand-made protective clothing in the form of aprons and pinafores often represents samples and styles of 'women's work' using remnant fabrics often designed for other purposes. While generally utilitarian, women found means of gracing these items by the use brightly coloured fabric or patterns, the positioning of pockets and the use of contrasting fabrics to provide visual interest.Pleated pink and white striped cotton apron interspersed with bands of a separate blue and white fabric.aprons, protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan

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. This garment was owned and worn frequently by Assunta herself, as part of an ensemble. 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. Forrest green cardigan with black edged scallop detailing on collar, button band and faux pockets.knitwear, clothing, italy, migrants, brighton, knitting machine, linking machine, garments, business, family, community

The sewing palm was used by visually impaired workers in the mat making workshop at the Royal Victorian for the Blind Institute during the binding of mats to protect their palms from the 17cm-long curved mat making needle.1 leather folded band with indented metal square attached and leather lacing fastening at back assistive devices, employment

Shirley Freckleton-Humphrey' mother's Riding HatBlack Riding Hat with large brim, grosgrain hatband - leather band and red satin lining,The Coronet Extra Quality Maurice Joseph 137 Swanson Street Melbourne hat, horse riding, costume

Raspberry barrel used for taking fruit to the jam factory from Mr. W.J. Sebire's property.Large wooden round berry barrel. Metal bands & wooden lid. Brown/red paint.barrels

Wedding shoes worn by Mrs. Alice Gibson (nee Pinniger) in 1900.One pair of cream/white wedding shoes, with button and strap. Have cotton band trim.wedding shoes, shoes, wedding accessories

5xPrograms, discharge from Airforce, pay books, 50th anniversary RAAF band and assorted papers

Annual report of the Heidelberg Golf Club. Includes annual report, balance sheet and accounts to 30/06/2009. Annual reports found in this collection begin in 1933-34. Numbering of annual reports commenced in 1973 with number 44.34 page booklet, white cover with logo and orange band, internal text black and blue. annual reports, financial reports

Grace James, the creator of the items in the Grace James collection, designed and created costumes over a 19 year period (1969-1988) for her daughter Ceri. The collection of clothing ranges from evening wear to knitted garments. All the items display exemplary dressmaking skills. The designs are of the period and reflect evolving fashions of the time. Some items are copies of published designs whereas others are original creations. The collection was donated in 2006.While most of the items in the Fashion & Design Collection of the Kew Historical Society are commercially designed items of clothing, there are also items made by home dressmakers. Many of these exhibit outstanding design knowledge and technical skills. A large and important group of these items of women's clothing is contained in the Grace James collection of outfits created for the dressmaker's daughter. The items have additional significance due to information about the purpose of the creation and the date when it was constructed.Diagonally striped pink jumper with bands of varying widths in deep pink, acqua, black wool.grace james, women's clothing, australian fashion 1969-1988, dressmakers - surrey hills (vic), knitted jumpers, woollen clothing

Black and white photo of tram no 26 of Municipal Tramways - note period tram pole for over head lines in background, mounted on thick cream card. '6/5/13' and '14/6 Sep' in pencil on back of photo.person, individual, basil miller

Bendigo Advertiser "The way we were" from 1999. By the lake: the Upper Reserve before the days of the Municipal Baths, early this century. It shows the Royal Hustlers Reserve No.2 mine behind the Camp Hill School and the police barracks.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

As the Yarra became unsuitable as a source of water, several attempts were made to find alternative sources for the growing population of Melbourne. It was not until 1891 that the efforts to sewer Melbourne came to fruition with the setting up of the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW), now known as Melbourne Water. From 1891 until 1992, it was the responsibility of the MMBW to safeguard public health by providing a sewerage system and a safe water supply system. In 1992, The MMBW merged with a number of smaller urban water authorities to form Melbourne Water.This MMBW notice is of historical significance for its association with the former Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW). This item fits under the theme of staff/employees at the MMBW. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Notice by direction of the Officers and Servants' Committee,Officers and Employees of the Board are notified that they must not absent themselves from duty for the purpose of taking part in Parliamentary, Municipal, or other Elections. GEO. A. Gibbs, Secretary. melbourne water, mmbw, melbourne metropolitan board of works, notice, work, water

Letters between Real Estate Agent (T.R.B. Morton & Son) and Solicitor (W.B. & O.M. McCutcheon) concerning acquisition of land by the local municipal council from Mrs M.L. Wheeler at the corner of Mason Road and Blackburn Road, Blackburnland sales, wheeler, m. l. (mrs), blackburn road, blackburn, masons road

Bendigo Municipal Centenary -Gala Costume Ball - Ticket To be held Friday 23rd July 1970 Dress: 1871-1971 Bendigo Historical Society of Victoria, Bendigo Branch Two copies Price Double $10, Single $5

Document. Certificate of Membership. The Society of Accountants and Auditors ( Incorporated) Certificate of Membership. This to certify that Henry Dunlop Thomas Municipal Chambers Heathcote is an Associate of the above Society. Given under the Common Seal of the Society this 12th day of April 1901.

unicipal Chambers of Shire of Blackburn & Mitcham located opposite the present offices of City of Whitehorse in Whitehorse Road, Nunawading| Municipal Chambers of Shire of Blackburn & Mitcham located opposite the present offices of City of Whitehorse in Whitehorse Road, Nunawading|shire of blackburn and mitcham, after fire

Set of personal papers - handwritten - notes or references to in the MMTB Act in relation to Rules or Regulations, By Laws, Governor in Council, Order in Council, Government Gazette, the Minister, Parliament, Municipal Councils. Possibly prepared for work on the MMTB Consolidation Act.trams, tramways, mmtb, tramways, parliament, acts of parliament, rules, regulations, order in council

Demonstrates uniform cap manufacture, badge and has a strong association with a former Ballarat Driver - Jock Menzies.SEC Motorman/Drivers/Conductors cap - green cloth exterior, grey cotton interior lining, brown leather internal hat band, black cotton hat band on exterior with a plastic band at the front half of the cap terminating in two small SEC metal buttons on either side, black plastic peak fitted with cap or badge No. 60, nickel plated silver, in the centre of the cap above the hat band. Sewn on the inside is a label "Commonwealth Government Clothing Factories Melbourne" and stamped "6 3/8". See also Reg. Item 3044 for an ex Geelong cap.tramways, trams, uniforms, cap badge, cap

This photograph is of a group of Orbost children and a Catholic Priest, Fr. Spiteri, taken in association with a ceremony of confirmation at St Josephs Catholic Church, Orbost. The building in the background is the nunnery/priest's residence in Browning Street, Orbost. This building is still in existence (2023) though now privately owned. It is located adjacent to the Catholic Church. Indicated the continuing significance of the Catholic Church in Orbost. A b/w photograph of 12 children and one man. This group of people is posted in front of tree and a two-story building in the background. The man is dressed in black with a white collar and the children have white dresses and white shirts and black trousers. Many of the girls are wearing white veils over their hair.On back of photo: Back row L-R Cheryl Fourter, Tony Fourter, Sharon Barr, Father Spiteri, Fred Jonkers, Catherine Murphy, Tom Robinson. Front row L-R Josephine McMahon, Michael Young, Louise Shanahan, John Sanna, Geoffrey Fourterst josephs catholic church, orbost

This is a photograph of a railway camp, set up to house workers and their families when building the Bairnsdale to Orbost Railway in 1916. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels.This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost.A black / white photograph of a campsite kitchen. The kitchen is outside against a roughly constructed hut. There are three women preparing food. Two men are drinking from tin mugs. a small child is crawling on the ground and another is seated.on back - "Railway Camp"orbost-railway newmerella-railway-camp transport

Cap worn by Bob Curwen on the H.M.A.S. Warramunga Circa 1945White cap with black band,printed "Warramunga" Black headband on inner. Collar,Navy blue with 3 white bands around it. Width 30cm,Length 62cm. Lower made into 3 strips Length 44cm. Width 10cm. Issued to B. Curwen

Cap belonging to father of Nhill residentBlue hat with black elastic band . Silver buttons with crown and wings, securing thin black vinyl band between headpiece and visor. Felt and wire fabricated crown , golden metal eagle badge and gold wire fern emblem at front of cap.M.TX SIZE 7 1/8 AF MADE IN AUSTRALIA. F.SEDDON on name tagcap, raaf cap, seddon,

Exploded practice round for 105mm gun. Steel with copper driving band. Driving band has rifling grooves and parts of the casing have peeled back. Base has a non ferrous disc with a threaded stub 21mm in diameter, neither of which are damaged.Base has stamped ""5X 1038 MO" Side has white letters on blue paint "105mm (illegible/destroyed) PR"arms-ammunition, military history

Orange faded felt Hostess hat with small brim with 4 small dents on top. Thin red band with 3 lines of white stitches around crown of hat with 2 tabs. Black band inside with stretched black hat elastic sewn in by Nivek Headwear Reg. Melb.