Probably handmade functional item - a knitting nancy - made of wood and metal with a sample of knitting attached to demonstrate its functionknitting nancy

This rare vintage clothes iron is not just a functional item but a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of an earlier era of the 19th century. Crafted from cast iron and featuring a wooden handle, it is a unique piece that adds a touch of authenticity and history to our collection. The inclusion of a funnel and chimney showcases the attention to detail in the design. A rare cast iron charcoal clothes iron with a wooden handle, complete with a funnel and chimney. The goose neck iron has a hollow base into which charcoal is placed. The small hole at the back has a sliding cover that was used to regulate the draft and temperature of the iron. To keep the charcoal glowing, the cover could be opened to allow more air or oxygen in to encourage the charcoal to burn. The iron could be swung back-and-forward to revive the charcoal. The fumes produced by the charcoal are carried away from the clothes by the large funnel that acts like a chimney at the front of the iron. The holes that line the base allow air to circulate and keep the charcoal ambers burning. This vintage clothes iron is not just a functional item but a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of an earlier era. 'S' is stamped in a circle on the back of the iron.flatirons, laundry irons, cast iron laundry irons

The Bendigo Gas Works are one of around three remaining intact 19th century gas works in the world, and the only one in Australia. It is on the Victorian Heritage Register and regarded by Institution of Engineers Australia as an internationally significant example of an entire provincial gasworks The Bendigo Gasworks operated from 1860 until 1973 when natural gas was introduced and remain as they were at the time of closure; a treasure of industrial heritage frozen in time. It is an internationally significant example of an entire provincial gasworks. It has the only horizontal gas-producing retorts in Australia. Coal Gas was manufactured here from 1860 and operated continuously until the introduction of natural gas in 1973. The works were operated by the Bendigo Gas Company until purchased by the Gas and Fuel Corporation in 1958 at which time they were supplying 3,500 consumers. During the Second World War the works were expanded by the Ministry of Munitions to serve the Bendigo Ordinance Factory. The original works were constructed during 1859-1860 under the direction of engineer Alexander Kennedy Smith (1824 - 1881) and developed in a period of growth by W. A. Simco, General Manager 1922-1939. ( Engineering Heritage Australia: ttps://heritage.engineersaustralia.org.au/wiki/Place:Bendigo_Gas_Works) The site is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) Number H0781 1. One page A3 photocopy of site plan of the former Bendigo Gas Works Existing Conditions Survey, by Andrew C. Ward & Associates, architects and planners. Plan shows location of all items of plant in the Gas Works 2. One page photocopy, headed 'Functional Arrangement of Plant' showing the major functional items of plant, machinery and equipment at the Bendigo Gasworks for the period 1930 - 1965. sandhurst, bendigo, gas works, heritage listing, tourism, science and engineering, bendigo city council, retort

Drawn thread was an embroidery technique that appeared in the 17th century. In the late 19th and early 20th century it was used on linen and cotton to create decorative functional items such as this tablecloth. The item is of significance socially as an example of a decorative domestic object from the early 1900s. It is a fine example of drawn thread embroidery.Handmade decorative tablecloth created from soft white linen. A crochet lace edge decorates the outer edge of the tablecloth and drawn thread work has been used to create two large inner borders as well as fine edging borders.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, tablecloth, linen, crochet lace, drawn thread work, textile, domestic object, decorative lace edging

Item of functional jewelleryGilded metal and oval pink pearl hat pin.hat pins, costume jewellery, fashion accessories

South Australian textile artist Trevor Smith was taught to crochet by his mother Jean in the 1960s. After training in sculpture, he returned to crochet after participating in a Regional Arts Victoria project in 2009. His quirky and inventive crochet sculptures stem from his interest in costume, characters, fashion, culture and history and push the boundaries of crochet in a move from functional items to creative artworks. Trevor has exhibited in various museums and galleries including the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Trevor Smith once held the role of Collections Coordinator at the Glenelg Shire Council.Crochet sculpture of a Leafy Sea Dragon. The Sea Dragon is on an oval, crochet background. It is two shades of green with the darker shade being the inner oval surrounded by a larger oval in a lighter shade of green. A brown sea dragon is on top of the oval. Crochet 'leafy' parts on the dragon's body and legs.portland, glenelg, glenelg shire cultural collection, great southern reef, marine, marine biology, crochet, craft

Their polished wood finish appears to be original to their date of manufacture during the 1960s‐70s. They were located in the head keeper’s and assistant keepers’ quarters, where their use for office purposes also may have crossed over to a domestic function. In the post‐war years the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service (CLS) introduced modern, low‐cost furnishings to lightstations. Most notably, it commissioned a number of light, compact and functional items in bulk from émigré designer, Steven Kalmar (1909‐ 1989), who played a significant role in popularising modernist design concepts in Australia and drew his ideas from Scandinavian and American design trends. Born in Hungary, he trained as an architect and his contemporary affordable furnishings were especially suitable for the open‐plan houses being built in Australia’s new post‐war suburbs. It is not known whether the bookcases bear the Kalmar label, but the design, particularly the legs and bar bracing, is a signature style that is associated with his Sydney‐based firm, Kalmar Interiors. The CLS supplied the same bookshelves to a number of other lightstations, including Point Hicks, Cape Otway and Gabo Island, as well as other types of furnishings such as tables and cabinets. The bookcases have first level contributory significance as examples of the modernist furnishings that the Sydney‐based firm, Kalmar Interiors supplied to the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service in the post‐war years.The bookcases stand at about bench level and are almost square in dimension. They have two adjustable shelves as well as the base shelf and stand on legs supported by a single stretcher with a polished wood finish.

The two identical bookcases probably date to the 1960s-70s period and retain their original light wood finish. They contain two adjustable shelves as well as the base shelf and stand on four legs braced by a stretcher extending across the front and around the sides. The bracing and the angled slightly curved front legs, which do not align with corners of the cabinet, produce the appearance of a box resting on a separate frame. These modern style bookshelves are examples of the low-cost furnishings that the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service (CLS) introduced to Australian lightstations in the post-war years. Most notably, it commissioned a number of light, compact and functional items in bulk from émigré designer, Steven Kalmar (1909-1989), who played a significant role in popularising modernist design concepts in Australia and drew his ideas from Scandinavian and American design trends. Born in Hungary, he trained as an architect and his contemporary affordable furnishings were especially suitable for the open-plan houses being built in Australia’s new post-war suburbs. It is not known whether the bookcases bear the Kalmar label, but the design, particularly the legs and bar bracing, is a signature style of his Sydney-based firm, Kalmar Interiors. The CLS supplied the same bookshelves to a number of other lightstations, including Cape Nelson (3 examples), Cape Otway and Gabo Island (2 examples), as well as other types of furnishings such as tables and nests of coffee tables, cabinets, drawers, bedside tables. The Point Hicks bookcases original function was more likely office-related rather than domestic. The bookcases have first level contributory significance for their provenance and historic value as examples of the modernist furnishings that the Sydney-based firm, Kalmar Interiors supplied to the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service in the post-war years.Two bookcases in the Scandinavian style. Each have 3 internal shelves and four legs, light coloured wood.

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade dish, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.Hand thrown earthenware dish, covered with a chocolate brown glaze into which a design on the cavetto and well has been incised. The cavetto has a design of four groups of joined semicircles filled with horizontal and vertical lines. The well includes an abstract representation of a flower. The signed, finely shaped foot and rim are glazed in cream with the artist's signature incised on the base. Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola annie ayling, viola annie mcvicars

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade dish, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.A large, eathernware dish, with a maroon ground and a mottled green and black glaze on the inside of the dish. The petals that form the floral design on the base are highlighted in a pink glaze. Each petal overlaps the rim. The artist's signature is on the base. Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade dish, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.Hand built deep dish, glazed in maroon and green. The maroon ground includes a splash of green in the centre of the dish. This is the only ceramic piece in the collection that is both signed and dated.Signature to base: "V. Ayling / 1954"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola annie ayling, viola annie mcvicars

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade lamp base, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.Handmade lamp base, irregularly ridged with applied green and yellow glazes. The lamp base has a hole for a cord above the foot.Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), lamp bases, viola annie ayling, viola annie mcvicars

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.Parent file of the items in the Viola Annie Ayling collection of 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s ceramics. This parent file includes digital copies of a photograph of the ceramicist and also of her home at 128 Pakington Street, Kew, in 1951 where she practiced her art.128 pakington street -- kew (vic.), ceramics -- victoria (australia), viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A dish, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by the Australian art potter, Klytie Pate.Small, green glazed dish, highlighted with splashes of purple. Five ballerinas in the cavetto surround an undecorated well. The reverse is glazed a lighter green. Spur marks in the foot rim reveal that the dish was supported on stilts in the kilnSignature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade ceramic container, expertly potted and glazed in a style that is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period.Wheel-thrown ceramic container, the interior and exterior fully glazed. Three glazes have ben used to decorate the object. The exterior had an initial glaze in chocolate brown with a second glaze of orange. The interior and the base are glazed in a pale cream colour. The artist's signature is on the base. Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, containers, pakington street -- kew (vic.), viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade, reticulated ceramic vase, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.Wheel thrown ceramic vase with the body pierced between the moulded floral exterior. The vase is fully glazed in orange with the glaze pooling in the recessed sections to provide an opaque contrast. The five petalled flowers and leaves extend to the base, which is separately glazed in a paler colour and signed by the artist. Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), vases, reticulated containers, pierced work, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade, abstract figurative sculpture, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.Hand modelled ceramic sculpture of a Madonna and Child figural group. The abstract figures are fully covered in an olive green overglaze, apart from the base which is overglazed in cream. The base has an incised spiral beneath the glaze, which was used to decorate the hidden surfaces of a number of pieces, The base is signed with the artist's name around the edge.Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), sculptures, abstract art, madonnas and child, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade ewer, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.A handmade eathernware lidded ewer, the exterior fully covered in an olive green glaze, while the interior is glazed in cream The lower section of the body, the spout and the lid reveal the coil work construction technique used, whereas the upper body is smoothed.Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), ewers, pouring vessels, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A pair of handmade bookends, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.Pair of hand moulded abstract ceramic wall sculptures with holes and marks of the original wires on the reverse. The front and back are glazed while the interior has been left unglazed. The free-form shapes resemble waves which were initially covered with a white glaze which was then overgrazed in a semi-transparent turquoise glaze. Both pieces are signed by the artist on the reverse.Signature to bases: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling, ceramic sculptures

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade vase, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.Freeform, heavily-potted earthenware vase, initially covered with a semi-transparent maroon glaze with a secondary green glaze applied over the top and allowed to drip over parts of the ground colour. The interior and foot of the vase are glazed in cream. The artist has signed her name to the base.Signature to bases: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), vase, viola annie ayling, viola annie mcvicars

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade vase, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.Wheel-thrown, globular earthenware vase with a fluted neck, The vase has three glazes, its exterior glaze is a mottled greenish black which has dripped onto the foot rim. Internally it is glazed in cream, while the four petalled flowers encased in buds that form the exterior decoration are highlighted in pink, as is the interior of the rim. The base is signed with the artist's signature.Signature to bases: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), vase, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade vase, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.Wheel thrown bulbous vase with a narrow neck. Subsequent to potting, the vase has been scraped from head to foot. An overall pink glaze, fading as it has dripped down the exterior has been highlighted with a second irregularly applied green glaze within the ridged surface. The artist has signed the base. Signature to bases: "V. Ayling" ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), vase, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade oval footed dish, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.Handmade, earthenware, footed oval dish, covered with a turquoise glaze. The feet, two of which has been repaired, were created from coils that were then luted to the base.The base bears the signature of the artist.Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.A handmade container, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.Handmade, initially thrown lidded container, with applied decorative coils as decorative elements. The pot has a vibrant yellow glazed ground with highlighting in green glaze. The underneath of the separate lid continues the circular design with an incised spiral design. The base is signed with the signature of the artist.Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), containers, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, J. & G. Meakin were important, large-scale producers of good quality, ironstone tableware (‘White Granite’ ware) that met a ready market in the United States, South America, Australia, and other traditional British markets. By the 1890s the company was one of the world’s largest earthenware manufacturers. Although export teaware and tableware was the factory’s staple commodity, Meakin also manufactured toilet ware, kitchen ware and a wide range of fancy earthenware. The company was amongst the first British pottery firms to experiment with modernist designs associated with the art deco period. The Moderne' range was introduced in 1929 consisting of an angular shape decorated design with geometric patterns and often highlighted with silver or gold. This range remained in production through the 1930s. Post 1945 the company introduced the streamlined Studio shape (1953) and Horizon shape (1955) both heavily influenced by the Russell Wright ‘American Modern’ tableware. In 1964 a new Studio shape was released with tall streamlined coffee pots used as the background for many contemporary patterns now associated with the 1950s and 1960s. Designs by Jessie Tate and Eve Midwinter, some originally found on Midwinter shapes, also appear on 1970s Studio ware. The Studio range was one of Meakin’s most successful and continued in production until the late-1970s. The enormous range of floral, geometric, and abstract designs make Studio Ware collectible in its own right. In the 1970s and 1980s as part of the Wedgwood Group Meakin produced contemporary products under the ‘Bull in a China Shop’ and ‘Creative Tableware’ names. ‘Sol’ (c.1912-1963), ‘Studio’ (1953 on) and ‘Royal Staffordshire’ (post 1968) were important J. & G. Meakin Ltd trade names. Meakin marks are numerous, but all include the J. & G. Meakin name. The significance of this item and pottery generally is that often earthenware is portrayed as being a landmark in the evolution of humanity. This is because these items are the few things from the past that have survived in a tangible form. Pottery is an important functional part of society and it has a critical role to play as it helps archaeologists to date other artefacts of the same time period. Also, the decorations on pottery have told much about the beliefs, lifestyles and lives of the people who bought them and used them. In other words it gives us today a snapshot of society from the past and how people used these items in their daily lives, their likes as well as societal and design trends. Earthenware white glazed ironstoneJ & G Meakin Hanley England stamped to base, with white flora designwarrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, pottery, earthenware, iron stone, alfred meakin, james meakin, george meakin, earthenware manufactures, chamber pot

A Ditty Bag (or box) was originally called “ditto bag” because it contained at least two of everything, two needles, two spools of thread, two buttons, etc. With the passing of years, the “ditto” was dropped in favour of "ditty" and remains so today. Before World War I, the Navy issued ditty boxes made of wood and styled after footlockers. These carried the personal gear and some clothes of the sailor. Today, the ditty bag is still issued to recruits and contains a sewing kit, toiletry articles and personal items such as writing paper and pens. Another source says a Ditty Box or Ditty Bag is possibly from the Saxon word “dite”, meaning tidy or from the English word “dittis”, a type of canvas material. A small box or bag in which a sailor kept his valuables such as letters, small souvenirs and sewing supplies.An item that is socially significant as it gives insight into a sailors life aboard ship and is another part of marine history. Items such as these although they were regarded at the time as everyday objects help us now to map various aspects of marine archaeology thorough the ages.Sailors Ditty Bag, canvas bag for holding all the sail making and roping tools, with tie and brass clasp. Holed.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village