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Robin Boyd Foundation
Document - Manuscript, Robin Boyd, The First Designer Honoured, c. 1964
... Australian furniture... of the best Australian furniture: functional form; use of Australian... of the best Australian furniture: functional form; use of Australian ...Discusses the work, design techniques and career of first recipient of the Essington Lewis Award (for Industrial Design) - Frederick Ward. Ward's work introduced all the essential principles of the best Australian furniture: functional form; use of Australian materials; respect for the nature of all materials; suspicion of ornament and a sense of purposeful proportions.Review of Fred Ward’s Award by the Industrial Design Council.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 2 pagesfrederick ward, industrial design, australian furniture, function, form, australian materials, essington lewis award, robin boyd, manuscript -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Desk, Foy & Gibson, Circa 1880s
... australian colonial furniture... desk 1880s desk australian colonial furniture furniture office ...The design of this small disc is from the Australian Colonial period. The cedar wood desk was made in Australian by Foy & Gibson in the 1880s, most probably in the business’s works in Collingwood, Victoria. The heavy brass locks fitted into the desk drawers were made by the famous Hobbs & Co of London, mid-late 19th century. In 1860 the business changed hands but the locks were still branded Hobbs & Co. The desk is branded with the symbol of Victoria’s Public Works Department. There is currently no information on when, where and by whom this desk was used. However, a very similar desk with Hobbs & Co. locks is on site at the Point Hicks Lightstation in Victoria and was formerly used by the Point Hicks head light keeper there. Other light stations also have similar desks from the P.W.D. (see also ‘Desk, Parks Victoria – Point Hicks Lightstation, Victorian Collections’.) HOBBS & CO., LONDON Alfred Charles Hobbs, 1812-1891, was American born. He became an executive salesman in 1840 for renowned lock manufacturer Day & Newell. His technique of exposing the weaknesses of people’s current locks was very successful in generating sales. He represented Day & Newell at London’s Great Exhibition of 1851, competing with other lock makers. Through the Exhibition he became famous for picking the best trusted Bramah and Chubb locks. Hobbs’ fame led him to found his own company in 1851 then register it in 1852 as Hobbs & Co., London. Hobbs was awarded the Telford Medal by the British Institution of Civil Engineers in 1854 for his paper 'On the Principles and Construction of Locks'. In 1855 the very successful company added partners and became Hobbs, Ashley and Co. In 1860, it traded under the name of Hobbs, Hart & Co. and was based in Cheapside London, where the business remained. Hobbs then returned to America, having sold the complete company to John Mathias Hart. He briefly returned to attend the 21st anniversary celebrations of the successful business in 1872. Hobbs kept himself busy in America, inventing and manufacturing firearm ammunition, for which he held several patents. He passed away there in 1891, a month after his 70th birthday. FOY & GIBSON Mark Foy wan an Irish draper who migrated to Bendigo, Victoria in 1858, attracted by the gold rush. He lived and worked in the area, establishing a drapery business. In the 1870s he moved to Melbourne where there were better prospects for expansion. He chose a place in Smith Street, Collingwood, a suburb of Melbourne, and started his business at the rear. In 1883 Foy retired, bringing in William Gibson as a partner, and then transferred his own share of the company to his son Francis Foy. Not long afterwards Francis sold his half share to Gibson, and the business continued under the name of Foy & Gibson. Francis Foy and he and his brother Mark Foy (junior) moved to Sydney. They established a business there in 1885, named after their father, Mark Foy. Gibson added to his business by starting his own manufacturing works from 1887, producing clothing, millinery, furniture, bedding and hardware for his stores. The factories, warehouses and stores complex became one of Victoria’s largest employers. He set up branches of his stores in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide and two more branches in Melbourne. Foy & Gibson (usually referred to as Foys) became one of Australia’s largest retail department stores. In 1931 Foy’s little house in Collingwood was still part of the entrance to Foy & Gibson Emporium. In 1955 the company was bought out by Cox Brothers. Later on the stores were sold to various businesses such as David Jones, Woolworths and Harris Scarfe. In 1968 Cox Brothers went into receivership, ending almost 100 years of the business known as Foy’s. The former Foy & Gibson Complex is registered by Heritage Council Victoria. “Designed by William Pitt, this magnificent 19th and early 20th century complex of factories, warehouses and showrooms saw the production of a remarkable range of goods for Foy & Gibson, Melbourne’s earliest department store chain”. (Quoted from the Plaque erected by the Collingwood Historical Society 2007) P.W.D. – Public Works Department, Victoria The desk is stamped “P.W.D,” signifying that it is from the Public Works Department in Victoria, which operated from 1855-1987. The department was responsible for, among other things, the design and supply of office furniture and equipment for public buildings and organisations. This desk is significant historically as it originated from Foy & Gibson, a colonial Australian company that had a positive and strong impact on employment, manufacturing and retailing in Melbourne, Victoria and Australia. The significance of Foy & Gibson to Victoria’s and Australia’s history is marked by the Collingwood Complex being registered in both Heritage Victoria Register (H0755, H0897 and H0896) and National Trust Register (B2668). This locks on this desk are significant for their connection with their manufacturer, Hobbs & Co, who invented a lock that surpassed the security of any other locks produced in the mid-19th century. Desk; Australian Colonial cedar desk, honey coloured. Desktop has a wooden border with a rolled edge and a fitted timber centrepiece. The four tapered legs are tulip turned. Two half-width drawers fit side by side and extend the full depth of the desk. The drawers have dovetail joints. Each drawer has two round wooden knob handles, a keyhole and a fitted, heavy brass lever lock. Inscriptions are on the desktop, drawers, desk leg and lock. Made in Australia circa 1880 by Foy & Gibson, lock made by Hobbs & Co, London.Impressed into timber frame of one drawer “FOY & GIBSON” Impressed into lock “HOBBS & CO / LONDON”, “MACHINE MADE”, “LEVER” Impressed along the front edge of the desktop [indecipherable] text. Impressed into the timber of right front leg “P. W. D.” below a ‘crown’ symbol Handwritten in white chalk under a drawer “206” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, desk, cedar desk, colonial desk, 1880s desk, australian colonial furniture, furniture, office furniture, office equipment, australian made furniture, colonial furniture, colonial hardware, foy & gibson, alfred charles hobbs, hobbs & co london, hobs & co lever lock, cabinetry lock, machine made lever lock, p.w.d., public works department victoria, day & newell, great exhibition of 1851, bramah lock, chubb lock, telford medal 1854, cheapside london, mark foy, mark foy – bendigo draper, smith street collingwood, william gibson, foy & gibson emporium, foy & gibson complex, cox brothers -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Upper Main Stawell Street looking East with London House on the left 1880
... / Bank of Australia, Punchard Furniture, Earlier Union Bank... / Bank of Australia, Punchard Furniture, Earlier Union Bank ...Upper Main Street looking East. c 1880. Chadwick's Draper / Liddiard's / London House on left. Commercial Hotel, Oriental Bank / Bank of Australia, Punchard Furniture, Earlier Union Bank. Extended Cross Reef and Sloane and Scotchmans poppet Heads in Background.Street scene of north side of upper Main Street looking east. London House on left, Commercial Hotel near centre of image. Two poppet heads of mines at right distance.stawell streetscape -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1970
The Beechworth Historic Courthouse is a living history museum in Victoria, Australia. Built in 1858, it has been in continuous service for 131 years and is currently home to a unique collection of artifacts, including its original furniture and fittings. The Courthouse Law Library is also recognised as being of outstanding national significance with many rare books held in the collection. The courthouse was built in 1858 and is located in the centre of the Beechworth Historic Precinct. It was built from granite with a double height gabled courtroom with the entrance via a central projecting porch. The building was classified in 1959 as part of Group Classification (B2615)with Forests Office, Lands Office, Police Lock-up & Police Station. The Courthouse is a significant site in Australia’s legal history because it was the location of more than 40 trials and hearings for the Kelly Gang and their sympathisers.This a rectangular, black and white photograph, unmounted.Reverse Ministry of Tourism, Melbourne1850s beechworth, beechworth courthouse, ned kelly, 1800s beechworth, kelly gang, beechworth historic courthouse, 1858, kelly trials, daniel kelly, dan kelly, edward kelly, ellen kelly, elizabeth scott, the first woman hanged in victoria, colony of victoria, 1863, domestic violence related murder -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, The Curlip - P.O.W.Camp Bete Bolong, Vic. 1943-1946, August 2007
This is Issue No. 5 of "The Curlip". The magazine is a compilation of research from a trip by the Orbost & District Historical Society to Bete Bolong. The Bete Bolong Prisoner of War Camp was located on the south side of the Buchan - Orbost Rd. From November 1943 to November 1945, Italian prisoners of war were based at Bete Bolong, cultivating maize, peas, beans and other vegetables on local farms. Unlike other 'farming' prisoners of war, those at Bete Bolong did not live with the farming families, but at a Prisoner of War Control Centre on Crown land overlooking the Snowy River Flats. About fifty Italian prisoners lived at the centre, along with an Australian Military Force staff of approximately seven people. The prisoners were driven to and from the farms each day. Three of them apparently simply swam across the river to work. They worked a six day week, with Sundays off. Although they were provided with rations, both prisoners and staff maintained vegetable and flower gardens. They were also skilled at cooking 'anything' they could catch, and at making illegal "grappa". Very few of the Italians were experienced farm workers. Some of them used their skills to make things for the families they worked for; a cabinet-maker made furniture , a cobbler made shoes, etc. They interacted with the local community and, although they were not supposed to go within one kilometre of town, some were found at local dances on Saturday nights. As recreation the prisoners were allowed to walk along the road to the west of the camp. Local people from both sides of the river could hear them sing as they walked. The prisoners also helped to construct an 'ant bed' tennis court on a property adjacent to the centre. Although now overgrown, the site of the tennis court can still be discerned as a flat area above the site of the centre. (ref./vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au)This item is a useful reference tool on the history of the Prisoner of War Camp at Bete Bolong, Orbost.A spiral bound book with a clear plastic cover. On the front is a coloured photograph of a view from the site of the P.O.W. camp at the intersection of Bete Bolong and Buchan Roads at Bete Bolong. Above is the title "Prisoner of War Camp Bete Bolong, Vic. 1943-1946" in black print on a white background. p.o.w.-camp-orbost ww11 bete-bolong -
Orbost & District Historical Society
lace, late 19th-early 20th century
Australian women of the late 19th to mid 20th century focused on the home and its decoration was important. Embroidery and crochet work was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value, and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes, decorating or protecting furniture. Embroidery and crochet work provided a much needed creative outlet for someSeven pieces of lace of fine cotton possibly dyed or stained. All but one are straight edged. .1 is scalloped.lace handcraft crochet needlework -
Orbost & District Historical Society
candlestick holder, C 1880 - 1920's
Portable candleholders were commonly in use in Australian homes in the 1800s. Candles were very expensive in Australia and often were not available in stores. However, after 1850 the price of candles was reduced and they became readily available throughout Australia. Candleholders were popular as they protected furniture from hot wax. The dish around the candle stem collected the hot wax that could be reused later. When carrying the candleholder, the dish also protected the hand from the hot wax. This candle-holder is an example of an item commonly used before electricity was connected to the area.The candleholder is a hollowed round,saucer-shape with a ring finger-grip on the side. It has been enamelled but the original blue paint has worn off and it is very chipped and rusted.candlestick-holder lighting -
Orbost & District Historical Society
cover, 1911
Crochet covers for milk jugs, teacups and bowls were produced to repel the dreaded Australian blow fly. They were typically decorated with Australian flora and fauna and commemorative motifs and sometimes edged with beads, shells and other three dimensional forms, not only for appearance, but also to weigh down the crochet so it would stay safely in place on the jug. The three dimensional parts were stiffened with sugar syrup, or sometimes starch, paraffin or gelatine. The main sources for crochet cover and other needlework designs available to women were in journals, magazines and pattern books. In the first half of the 20th century women's focus was the home and its decoration was important. Embroidery and crochet work was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value, and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes, decorating or protecting furniture, floors and walls, and keeping off flies and insects from food. Small square milk jug cover that has been hand crocheted with crown, flag and date patterned into centre. It has a red, white and blue beaded fringe.cover milk-jug-cover handcraft tableware -
Orbost & District Historical Society
food cover, approx. 1940's
This handmade item represents an important pastime of Australian women of the late 19th to mid 20th century. Women's focus was the home and its decoration was important. Embroidery and crochet work was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value, and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes, decorating or protecting furniture, floors and walls, and keeping off flies and insects from food.Small square cream coloured hand crocheted sugar bowl cover. Word "sugar" is patterned into it. The beaded fringing is blue and white.food-cover handcrafts crochet -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Wardrobe, Late 19th to early 20th Century
The original owner of the beautiful wardrobe was William Swinton Jr. (1860-1929) and was later given to a friend of the Giles family. It is part of the Giles Collection. William Swinton Jnr. was a Warrnambool Councilor 1903-20 and Mayor 1917-19, during which time Warrnambool declared a City (1918). William's father, William Swinton Snr. (c.1831-1901) arrived in Warrnambool in 1854 from Edinburgh, Scotland. He established the Swinton store in Timor Street in 1865 where it is still located. William Snr's grand-daughter, Doris Swinton (1904-1986) was one of Australia's most highly decorated nurses of World War 2 and for 16 years matron of the Warrnambool and District Base Hospital. There is a street in Warrnambool named after the Swinton family. The Giles Collection: There are many 19th century items of furniture, linen, and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with the Giles Family and are known as the "Giles Collection". These items mostly came from the simple home of Vera's parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton), whose photos are in the parlour. They married in 1880. Henry Giles was born at Tower Hill in 1858. He was a labourer on the construction of the Breakwater before leaving in 1895 to build bridges in N.S.W. for about seven years. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook. She attended Mailor's Flat State School where she was also a student teacher before, as a family legend has it, she became a governess at "Injemiara" where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family of six, some of whom were born at Mailor’s Flat and later children at Wangoom, lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940. The wardrobe is also significant for its association with early Warrnambool history, being owned by William Swinton Jnr. who was a Warrnambool Councilor and Warrnambools first Mayor (1917-19) the son of an early colonial family, arriving in Warrnambool in 1854. The Giles family collection also has social significance at a local level, because it illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill when the Maritime Museum was established.Wardrobe, colonial, made of cedar wood. The doors of the wardrobe have a mirrored door between them and there are two large drawers below the doors, each drawer has two round wooden handles. The wardrobe was once owned by a William Swinton Jnr. It is now part of the Giles Collection.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, wardrobe, bedroom furniture, domestic furniture, william swinton jnr., warrnambool's first mayor, warrnambool mayor, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century furniture, doris swinton, swinton street warrnambool -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Furniture - Pulpit, Rodney Howard Alsop, 1909
In 1909, assistant Chaplain Rev. Haire presented the Mission with an 'uncommonly artistic pulpit' in memory of his mother. A plaque in memory of Jane King Haire can be found on the side next to the steps. The dedication was performed by the Archbishop of Melbourne on the 26th January (date engraves on the plaque) This pulpit was designed by Melbourne architect Rodney Howard Alsop (1881-1932) and manufactured by William John Dalziel (furniture manufacturer). It was initially used in the first Mission in Central Melbourne, Siddeley St. It is located in the Chapel of Saint Peter of the Mission to Seafarers 717 Flinders St. complex since 1917 (State Heritage listed (H1496). This complex was designed by Walter Richmond Butler in 1916, and officially opened on 11 September 1917, a day '...of unusually kind weather', by the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Sir Arthur Stanley. According to a later article published in 1950: The pulpit is a model, built to scale, of the stern of an old ship of the line in Lord Nelson's day. This pulpit is significant as it is housed in The Memorial Chapel of Saint Peter forming part of the State Heritage listed Mission to Seafarers Victoria complex. It was built in Melbourne of Australian timbers, and is one of only two known maritime inspired pulpits, both associated with Missions to Seamen of the early 20th C. the other is held in the ANMM Collection see link. Their statement of significance is worth quoting in part as it applies equally to this pulpit "...an extremely rare and unique example of such pulpits. It is highly significant as a wonderfully preserved example of a time when religion was preached to sailors for their spiritual guidance and temperance..." Rodney Howard Alsop was an important Melbourne architect of the Arts and Crafts movement. John William Dalziel had sailed from Liverpool to Melbourne in 1862. Seventeen years later Penman and Dalziel founded the business in Lonsdale Street West, and won recognition at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition in London in 1886. Penman and Dalziel were identified in 1937 as one of Melbourne’s early ‘skilled craftsmen’ and ‘leading names’ in the manufacture of fine furniture. He died in February 1918 in a railway accident.Timber pulpit built in the form of a ship's stern including a timber step ladder for access, a timber keel and rudder, a rope fixed from the pulpit to a post mounted to the floor, and a dedication plaque on the side of the pulpit. The pulpit sits on timber legs. It's likely to be the original rope: traditionally made coir rope with twisted fibres, covered with canvas supported by a thread. At lower end the rope is secured by a monkey fist know and at the top by a turk head knot.Inside the pulpit (right) is the cardboard label with the maker details: " On an attached plaque see 0678 To the greater glory of God and in ever loving memory of Jane King Haire. This pulpit is erected by her son. Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God. St. Matt. V.8. 26.1.09mission, seafarers, melbourne, victoria, chapel, saint peter, pulpit, australian timber, stern, walter richmond butler, australian maritime history, reverend w.f. haire, rodney howard alsop (1881-1932), wright's lane, william john dalziel, gifts-1917, heritage listed -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Furniture - Altar, Rodney Howard Alsop, 1907
Along with the pulpit, this Altar was designed by architect Rodney Howard Alsop (1881-1932) (Annual report 1908). It was originally made for the Siddeley Street Institute, which was built in 1907 on a block of land leased from the Melbourne Harbour Trust and donated by Mrs Amelia Shuter (nee Lord) (see Annual Report 1907). The altar is photographed in an early picture of the Siddeley Mission in a room used as chapel before the chapel built in 1909. Although a 21 year lease for the site had been granted, a notice was delivered to the Mission to quit the site in 1912. In 1915, the present site was agreed on. The Altar sits within the Chapel of Saint Peter, which belongs to the State Heritage listed (H1496) Mission to Seafarers Victoria complex. This complex was designed by Walter Richmond Butler in 1916, and officially opened on 11 September 1917. On the right hand side of the altar, is a brass plaque in memory of Charles Shuter, a colonist and police magistrate who died in 1902. The plaque was made in 1907.The Altar is significant because it is located within the Memorial Chapel of Saint Peter, forming part of the State Heritage listed Mission to Seafarers Victoria complex. It is of religious significance in catering for all denominations and the spiritual needs of visiting seafarers.The Altar has a shelf above and three panels along the front, with carved decoration and lettering. Altar bears a plaque that reads "To the Glory of God - In memory of Charles Shuter, of Melbourne, Police Magistrate, Given by his Wife, December 13th 1907". Carved letters "MTS" in centre of three panels along front of Altar, and "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY" in three panels below shelf on top of Altar.altar, mission, seafarers, seamen, melbourne, victoria, charles shuter, siddeley street institute, chapel, australian timber, walter richmond butler, australian maritime history, rodney howard alsop (1881-1932), saint peter chapel, communion table, amelia shuter nee lord, heritage listed, gifts-1917 -
Supreme Court of Victoria Library
Blackwood Decagonal Table
... , but it is a high quality piece of Australian furniture. Its significance ...The Government Gazette of January 18, 1888 advertised the acceptance of a contract of 149 pounds for a "Table for central library, New Law Courts, Melbourne". The table was purchased four years after the Court had moved to the William Street address.The table is not of state significance in its own right, but it is a high quality piece of Australian furniture. Its significance rests on its importance on the overall decorative scheme of the library and the fact that it was designed for this specific space.Blackwood, decagonal (10 sided) table, with 10 carved scroll and griffin supports, moulding and blue leather inserts. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Booklet - Booklet, softcover, William Thomas Ah Chow, March 2019
This family history book was published as a family record of the Ah Chow family. A limited number of copies were printed. Thomas William (Bill) Ah Chow was a Chinese-Australian soldier, farmer, fire lookout and legendary bushman of East Gippsland in Victoria. Many Chinese came to the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s to seek their fortune at the Omeo and Cassilis diggings. Many of the immigrants later settled and integrated into their local communities working as farm labourers, tending market gardens, making furniture, running grocery stores and cafes or practising Chinese medicine. Thomas William "Bill" Ah Chow of Bruthen, Victoria attempted to enlist early in the War but was rejected for being "not substantially of European origin". Undeterred, he reapplied and was accepted in June 1917. During his service with the 5th Battalion, he was wounded at least three times. After the War, Bill returned to Bruthen where he drove sheep, worked cattle and eventually assisted in the building of roads through the area. He became a Forestry Commission fire-spotter and built a hut called 'Moscow Villa' in 1942. He lived in the hut during the summer months and in winter, returned to his family in Ensay. Whenever there was fire danger, he rode his horse up to the fire tower on Mt Nugong and acted as look-out. Bill worked for the Forestry Commission for more than twenty years and came out of retirement to continue his duties when no suitable replacement could be found. Bill died in 1967 and is buried in Omeo. Moscow Villa still stands and is a popular camping site This is a useful reference item. As a family history it is detailed and contains useful copies of personal documents. Bill Ah Chow, along with the Ah Chow family were well known in Orbost and East Gippsland. This booklet is a testament to his life. A soft covered 97pp book with a cream cover. On the front is a coloured photograph of a Chinese man in traditional robe and hat. On the back cover is Moscow Villa. It contains information, copies of 1949 photographs, documents, hand -written letters and a will. There is an envelope attached to the inside cover containing a CD, photos and family tree.ah-chow-william-thomas family-history-ah-chow -
Bendigo Military Museum
Furniture - FURNITURE, OFFICE CHAIRS, Melbourne -------Co Pty, Collingwood, C.1921
... by the "Australian Mining Comforts Fund" and remained in use till approx 2012 ...These Office chairs were originally placed in the front Office of the Soldiers Memorial Institute in 1921funded by the "Australian Mining Comforts Fund" and remained in use till approx 2012 when the Office was renovated. After the renovations to SMI in 2016 -18 they were then placed in what is now called the "Building and RSL History Room".1) & .2) Captain style chairs, solid timber construction, curved arm rests and heavy back rest. .3) .4) Padded cushions of white colour, one is very old the other purchased about 2007 to match.Under both seats just readable, "Melbourne ------ Co PTY --2 Down St Collingwood - European labour only"brsl, smirsl, comforts -
Bendigo Military Museum
Furniture - FURNITURE, OFFICE DESK, c.1921
This table was installed originally in the front office of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Bendigo 1921 funded by the "Australian Mining Comforts Fund". It was still in use up till approx 2012 when the office was renovated. After the renovations to SMI in 2016 - 18 it was installed in what is now called the "Building and RSL History Room"Office desk, heavy timber construction rectangular shape, has two pull out side drawer's that originally had a filing system in, one pullout drawer central in the sit position. Side drawers have steel handles, central one timber.brsl, smirsl, comforts -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, The story of the red cross, 1940s
This book published by the Australian Red Cross Society has been written by Joan and Daryl Lindsay. The book features the work of many Australian artists in the 1940s. The inscription shows that the book was a prize awarded to Joyce Goodall, a pupil at Warrnambool Technical School. This school commenced in 1913 in Timor Street, Warrnambool, a site now occupied by T.A.F.E. Warrnambool Technical School moved to a Caramut Road site and is now called Brauer College. The book was the James Swan Memorial Prize. Swan had a furniture business in Warrnambool. He was a City Councillor (1922-1936) and Mayor (1926-1928) and Swan Reserve in Raglan Parade is named after him. The donor of the prize, Mrs R. Pattison, was the daughter of James Swan and the wife of Ralph Pattison, Warrnambool Librarian. The winner of the prize, Joyce Goodall (Mrs Joyce Milne) was a member of the Goodall families which have been in the Warrnambool and Mortlake areas since the 1860s. John King was the first Head Teacher of Warrnambool Technical School and remained in that position for 29 years. This book is of interest as all of the names mentioned in the inscription plate in this book have a place in Warrnambool’s history. This is a hard cover book with the pages unnumbered. The cover is yellow with black lettering and the front cover has an emblem of the Red Cross and a laurel wreath in red and black. The cover is partly torn and has been mended with adhesive tape. The contents of the book are largely pictorial and illustrative with some text. The inscription is typed. ‘Warrnambool Technical School, Labor to Efficiency, 9th Dec. 1942, for Proficiency in English, James Swan Memorial Prize, donated by Mrs R. Pattison, Awarded to Joyce Goodall, John King, Principal.’ warrnambool technical school, history of warrnambool, john king, james swan, joyce goodall -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Swintons certificate of Employment as an Improver, Mid 20th C
This certificate would have been used in the Warrnambool business of Swintons Pty Ltd. in the 20th century. It is a certificate that, when filled in, would have been given to anyone who had worked for some time as an unapprenticed tradesman’s assistant. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool district, erecting many buildings, including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a store in Timor Street, Warrnambool, selling groceries, china, glassware and hardware. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Wangoom, Cudgee, Nullawarre, South Warrnambool and West Warrnambool. After William Swinton’s death his son Robert became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split, with George Swinton and Sons selling clothing, furnishings and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling hardware, seeds and produce. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding store in Timor Street. This certificate is of minor interest as an example of a form used by businesses such as Swintons Pty Ltd to give to employees leaving the business. The current Swinton business in Timor Street, Warrnambool is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the name Swinton associated with Timor Street businesses for 152 years, it is amongst the oldest family businesses in Australia.This is a sheet of buff-coloured paper with printed black lines and printed headings. The sheet is unused and slightly bent. ‘Certificate of Employment as an Improver’ swinton, history of warrnambool, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Documents, Swintons Paper att 18/53 Merri St. Contract. Map. Notes, 1959
These documents relate to the sale of land in Merri Street Warrnambool in 1959 by Swintons Pty Ltd of Warrnambool. The buyer of the land was George O’Grady, a Warrnambool baker. The land sold for £4000 and there was a shed on the land (called the ‘Office’) which George O’Grady indicated he wished to be included in the sale. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool area, erecting many buildings, including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a store in Timor Street Warrnambool, selling groceries, hardware, china and glassware. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Wangoom, Cudgee, Nullawarre, South Warrnambool and West Warrnambool. After William Swinton died his son Robert became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split with George Swinton and Sons selling clothing, furnishings and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling seeds, produce and hardware. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding shop in Timor St Warrnambool.These items are of some interest as being connected to the Warrnambool business of Swintons Pty Ltd. They will be of interest to researchers. The current Swinton business in Timor Street is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the name Swinton associated with businesses in Timor Street Warrnambool for 152 years it is amongst the oldest family businesses in Australia.The items here relate to the sale of land by Swintons Pty Ltd., Warrnambool. .1 These are three pages of white paper with typed material, a lawyer’s signature in blue ink, one green stamp and a sketch of the land location. .2 This is a sheet of thick paper containing a plan of the land sold. The paper has printed material and a sketch of the land with part of it coloured in pink. .3 This is a small piece of paper torn at the bottom right edge. It has handwritten material (a letter) in blue ink..2 ‘Plan of Survey of Part of Crown Allotment 18 Section 3 Township of .2 ‘Plan of Survey of Part of Crown Allotment 18 Section 3 Township of Warrnambool Parish of Wangoom County of Villiers’ .3 ‘Tuesday Dear Mr Swinton I am writing to say that I would like to have the ‘Office’ Thanking You George O’Grady’swinton family,, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book - Book of photographs, John Stoddard, Portfolio of Photographs of Famous Scenes, Cities and Paintings, c.1900
A book with a collection of world wide photographs owned by a member of the Swinton familyThis is a book containing printed text and black and white photographs. There are several loose pages at the back. The book has lost its cover and has been inserted into a folder not relevant to the contents.non-fictionA book with a collection of world wide photographs owned by a member of the Swinton family world travel, swinton family of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, Exhibition of Coronation Robes Australia 1938, 1938
Souvenir Booklet of Exhibition of Coronation Robes in Australia 1938This is a booklet of 16 pages with a cream-coloured cover with blue printing and images of the Australian States' Coat of Arms and a Royal Coach. The page contain sketches in colour and black and white of costumes, regalia, furniture and other items used in the coronation of King George VI. The pages are tied together with a yellow ribbon. The front cover and the first page have some silverfish damagenon-fictionSouvenir Booklet of Exhibition of Coronation Robes in Australia 1938king george vi coronation, english coronation booklet -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Metal Stencil, Britain Relief Appeal, c. 1950
This stencil has been made to imprint the label, 'Britain Relief Appeal' on to parcels and packages sent to Britain in the late 1940s and the early 1950s from the City of Warrnambool. Britain endured severe rationing of food, clothing, petrol and furniture from 1940 because of the outbreak of World War Two and this rationing continued in some form after the war up to 1954. Australian towns and cities established organizations such as Food For Britain and sent regular parcels of food and clothing to Britain during those times. The British Relief Appeal in Warrnambool (via the Warrnambool Food For Britain committee) was sponsored by the Warrnambool City Council, Toc H, Australian Red Cross, and various local charities and businesses. The Warrnambool & District Historical Society has in its collection over 100 letters sent by grateful British recipients of these parcels to the senders, the employees of the local Warrnambool business, Swintons Stores.This stencil is of interest as a memento of the effects of rationing in Britain in post-World War Two times and the close ties that existed between Australian towns and cities and their British counterparts.This is a rectangular-shaped metal stencil, originally painted black, with cut-out letters in the centre. Britain Relief Appealwarrnambool food for britain committee, warrnambool britain relief committee, world war two -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Cloth Chart, A.E. Putnam Co. Iowa, U.S.A, c. 1896
This item was used to measure accurately the length of cloth on a bolt of material without unwinding it. It also measured lace, all types of textiles and spools of ribbon. It is surmised it would have been used in general stores or department stores in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This item was discovered in the late 1980s behind an old safe at Swintons Stores in Timor Street in Warrnambool. The item appears to have been used extensively and would have been very useful during a stocktake. It may have been used in the Swinton Stores which were first established in Timor Street in 1865 with one section of the stores selling furnishings, furniture, clothing and clothing materials. The item was manufactured by A.E. Putnam of Iowa, U.S.A. There was a patent registered in 1896 and a later 'improved' model with a patent date of 1907. This item is of considerable interest because of its rarity and survival, its connection to Warrnambool General Stores in the past and its value as a research tool in local social and economic history. The possible connection to Swintons Stores is important as this business operated from 1865 to 2024 and was one of the longest-surviving family businesses in Australia. This is a rectangular-shaped wooden pole with one slightly flattened side and numbers marked on each side in patterns resembling brick walls. At the top of the pole are two wooden pieces attached to the pole by metal clips held by screws. The two wooden pieces are attached at a slight angle to the pole. The lower wooden piece is movable along the pole and has incised numbers. The wooden pieces are rectangular in shape with a large curved piece cut out to form the shape of a pennant. The maker's name is incised into the metal on the top attached wooden piece. Putnam's Cloth Chart Copyrighted 1896 Patent Pend'ggeneral stores in warrnambool, swintons stores in warrnambool, vintage measuring instrument for cloth -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Trophy, ICISA Mr R Swinton Esq 1933, 1930s
This trophy was awarded to the Congregational Men’s Institute (C.M.I.) in 1933 as part of the Inter-Church Indoor Sports Association competitions. The C. M. I. was an active men’s group connected to the Congregational Church in Warrnambool. A Congregational Church was established in Liebig Street in Warrnambool in 1864 and in 1940 it was transferred to Henna Street. The Henna Street church was sold to the Salvation Army in 1979 when the Congregational Church merged with the Methodist Church to form the Uniting Church. The donor of the trophy was Roy Swinton, a member of the Swinton family which has been prominent in the business world in Warrnambool since William Swinton established a store in Timor Street Warrnambool in 1865. He sold groceries, hardware, glassware and china. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding store in Timor Street, making it one of the oldest family businesses in Australia. This trophy is of considerable interest as it is connected to the Swinton family, an important business family in Warrnambool for over 150 years, to the Congregational Church in Warrnambool in the 1930s and to the inter church sports association that was in Warrnambool in the 1930s. This is an electro plated nickel silver cup with two ornamental side handles and a circular lid with two ridged patterns and a small knob on the top. The stem under the cup is narrow and is attached to a circular silver base. The cup is mounted on a circular Bakelite stand. ‘Presented to I.C.I.S.A. by Mr R. Swinton Esq. Won by C.M.I. 1933’ swinton family, warrnambool, congregational church warrnambool, inter church indoor sports association warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Advertising, Swintons Pty Ltd, Late 1920s
This advertising card comes from the Warrnambool business of Swintons Pty Ltd. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool area. In 1865 he opened a store in Timor Street, Warrnambool, selling groceries, hardware, glassware and china. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Cudgee, Nullawarre, Wangoom, West Warrnambool and South Warrnambool. After William Swinton died in 1901 his son Robert became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split with George Swinton and Sons selling furnishings, clothing and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling seeds, produce and hardware. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding store in Timor Street. This card is of interest as it is a memento of the Warrnambool business of Swinton Pty Ltd. The current Swinton business in Timor Street is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and with the name Swinton associated with Timor Street businesses for over 150 years, it is amongst the oldest family businesses in Australia. This is a piece of cardboard torn in half but joined together with adhesive tape. The cardboard originally had a pink or white background but it is now very stained. The card has a red border with ornamental corners and a black and white photograph of a woman using a telephone and a young girl. The card also has dark blue printing. The card has had printing on the back but this is now covered over with a paper backing. ‘Phone 36 With Compliments from Swinton’s Pty Ltd Universal Providers Timor Street Warrnambool’ ‘Branches: Raglan Parade and at Cudgee’ ‘Grocery Drapery Ironmongery Crockery’ swintons pty ltd, warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Swintons Stock book 1869, 1860s
This ledger is a Warrnambool Swintons Store stock book and contains the sales of stock from September 1869 to an unknown date (perhaps to the end of 1870) and entries for 1871, 1872 and 1873, 1889, the 1890s and some dates early in the 20th century. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool area, erecting many buildings, including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a store in Timor Street, Warrnambool selling groceries, glassware and china. In 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch shops were opened in Cudgee, Nullawarre, Wangoom, South Warrnambool and West Warrnambool. When William died his son Robert became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split in two with George Swinton and Sons selling furnishings, clothing and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling seeds, hardware and produce. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding store in Timor Street. This ledger is very important as an early memento of the Swinton Stores in Warrnambool. It gives details of sales in the 19th century and has material relating to the assets of the founder of the business, William Swinton at the time of his death. It is of great interest to researchers. The current family business in Timor Street Warrnambool is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the Swinton name associated with businesses in Timor Street for 152 years, is among the oldest family businesses in Australia. This is a dark green hard cover ledger with light brown leather bindings on the spine and cover edges. There is gold lettering on the spine. The cover is stained and the leather is torn and partly detached in places. The insides of the cover have a blue and white mottled patterning. The pages are blue with printed red lines. The entries are handwritten in black ink. There are four loose pages and two pieces of a plant dried and preserved between two pages. ‘Day Book’ ‘Stock Book Warrnambool September 2nd 1869’ swinton family, warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Ledger, Ledger and Correspondence (Swinton), 1930s
.1 This is a ledger which was originally printed for the recording of agricultural and pastoral sales but has been used by the Warrnambool firm of Swintons Pty Ltd. to record sales of farm products and machinery from 1934 to 1945. .2 These are 13 items of correspondence, receipts, insurance documents, agreements etc. associated with the Warrnambool business firm of Swintons Pty Ltd. These were contained within the ledger referred to above. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter for a decade, erecting many buildings in the Warrnambool area, including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a shop in Timor Street, Warrnambool selling groceries, glassware and china. In 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Wangoom, Cudgee, Nullawarre, West Warrnambool and South Warrnambool. When William died his son Robert became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split in two with George Swinton and Sons selling furnishings, clothing and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling produce, hardware and seeds. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding store in Timor Street. This ledger and the accompanying paper material are of considerable importance as they are associated with the Swinton businesses in Warrnambool. The ledger contains lists of customers of the Swinton business in the 1930s and 40s and provides names, addresses and the cost of the product sold. This is very useful to researchers. The current Swinton business in Timor Street is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the Swinton name associated with businesses in Timor Street for 152 years, is among the oldest family businesses in Australia..1 This is a hard cover ledger. It is beige-coloured with red leather edging on the corners and a red and gold label on the front cover. The pages are held in the folder with metal studs. The pages are white with red and blue printed lines and red leather tabs numbering 1 to 9. The entries are handwritten in blue and black ink. The ledger cover is slightly scuffed. .2 These are 13 items of correspondence from the 1930s and 40s. There is both handwritten and printed material. ‘The Perpetual Income Tax Recorder. No 5. Agricultural and Pastoral’. swinton family warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Ledger, Swintons Accounts Staff 1911-41, Early 20th century
This is a ledger from the Warrnambool business of Swintons Pty Ltd. It gives details of the accounts of customers from 1911 to 1941. It also has information on staff wages and years of service. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool district, erecting many buildings including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a shop in Timor Street, Warrnambool selling groceries, china and glassware. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Cudgee, Nullawarre, Wangoom, South Warrnambool and West Warrnambool. When William died his son Robert became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split with George Swinton and Sons selling furnishings, clothing and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling produce, seeds and hardware. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding business in Timor Street. This ledger is of great importance as it contains information on the Warrnambool business, Swintons Pty Ltd. The list of customers contains the names of many well-known Warrnambool and district people and the staff information is also of great interest. The ledger will be of great use to researchers. The current Swinton business in Timor Street is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the Swinton name associated with businesses in Timor Street for 152 years, it is among the the oldest family businesses in Australia. This is a dark blue-coloured ledger with leather trim on the spine and the corner covers. The leather is much worn. The insides of the cover have a blue and black mottled patterning. The pages are white and have red and blue printed lines. The entries are handwritten in black and blue ink. There are several loose sheets.swinton family warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Ledger, Ledger (Swinton 1969-1978)
This ledger contains summaries of trading finances for Swintons Pty Ltd and Swintons Supermarket for the years 1969 to 1978. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool district erecting many buildings including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a store in Timor Street selling groceries, china, glass and hardware. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Cudgee, Nullawarre, Wangoom, West Warrnambool and South Warrnambool. When William Swinton died his son Robert became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split, with George Swinton and Sons selling furnishings, clothing and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling seeds, hardware and produce. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding business in Timor Street. This ledger is of great interest as it contains summaries of the financial records of the Swintons Supermarket and Swintons Pty Ltd from 1969 to 1978. It will be very useful to researchers. The current Swinton business in Timor Street is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the Swinton name associated with businesses in Timor Street for 152 years, it is one of the oldest family businesses in Australia. This is a hard cover book with a green cover. There is black printing on the spine and on the front cover. The pages are white with printed ruled blue lines and printed red and blue columns. The entries are handwritten in blue ink. There are two pages at the back with printed graph patterns.‘Collins Analysis Book 61 Series’swintons family, warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Ledger, Swintons, 1930s
This folder contains cards listing suppliers for the Warrnambool business, Swintons Pty Ltd. The cards date from the 1930s to the 1980s and contain information on the suppliers for seeds and farm requirements such as poultry pellets, calf food and stock salt. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool area, erecting many buildings, including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a shop in Timor Street, Warrnambool selling groceries, china, glass and hardware. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Cudgee, Nullawarre, Wangoom, South Warrnambool and West Warrnambool. After William died his son Robert became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split, with George Swinton and Sons selling furnishings, clothing and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling seeds, hardware and produce. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding store in Timor Street. This ledger is of interest as one from the Swinton business in Warrnambool. It gives us an idea of the items sold by Swintons Pty Ltd over a fifty-year period in the 20th century and will be very useful to researchers. The current Swinton business in Timor Street is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the Swinton name associated with businesses in Timor Street, Warrnambool for 152 years, it is among the oldest family businesses in Australia. This is a black Kalamazoo folder made of thick board covered with material (leather?). The material is worn at the edges. The folder has a metal insert affixed with metal studs. The insert has thin metal wires strung across the inside. To these are affixed at the top with metal clips heavy-duty paper cards. There are two green cards with printed black material, one white card with printed blue material and the rest of the cards are yellow. The yellow cards are placed one under the other in a fan design. The yellow cards have printed red lines and printed titles and contain handwritten material, mostly in black ink. The cards, especially the green ones, are stained. ‘Kalamazoo-Acme Visible Card Books’swinton family warrnambool, history of warrnambool