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

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

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 Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Handmade lamp base, irregularly ridged and with and with the use of 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 ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Handmade deep dish, glazed in green and maroon. The maroon ground includes a splash of green in the centre of the dish.Signature to base: "V. Ayling" and datedceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Moulded dish, with a floral design on the base. The upper part of the dish has a mottled green and black glaze. The petals on the base are highlighted with a deep pink glazeSignature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Handmade dish, with a floral design etched into the glaze. The container has been glazed in brown.Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Handmade, lidded container, constructed through coil work, and using the different forms of coiling as a decorative element. The container has been glazed in yellow and green.Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), containers, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Handmade, footed oval ceramic dish, covered with a blue glaze. The feet, one of which has been repaired, are created from coils that were then luted to the base.Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Handmade globular ceramic vase, fully covered in red with a green overglaze that has been wiped to reveal the floral pattern.Signature to bases: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), vase, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Handmade, narrow-necked ceramic vase, with a pink glaze overlaid with painted and dripped cream and green glazes within the ridges.Signature to bases: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), vase, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Handmade ceramic vase, fully covered in red with a green overglaze which has been allowed to run down to the foot. Signature to bases: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), vase, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Handmade ceramic lidded ewer fully covered in an olive green glaze. 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, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Pair of handmade ceramic bookends fully covered in a white, black and predominantly blue glaze. Signature to bases: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), bookends, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Handmade ceramic vase with the body reticulated between the moulded floral exterior. The vase is fully glazed in a brown.Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), vases, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her 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 Peyte.Handmade ceramic sculpture of an abstracted Madonna and Child. The figures are fully covered in an olive green glaze.Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), sculptures, abstract art, viola ayling

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her granddaughter to the collection in 2024. A handmade ceramic container, expertly potted and glazed which is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period.Handmade ceramic container, constructed through coil work with the lid and upper body fully glazed and the lower half part glazed in orange.Signature to base: "V. Ayling"ceramics, containers, pakington street -- kew (vic.), viola ayling

Specific historical and contextual information pertaining to this object is unknown. There are no hallmarks or documentation to indicate provenance or historical significance. This coin purse appears to have a covering made of mother of pearl. Evidence of interest from over 20,000 years ago mark Aboriginal groups in Australia as some of the first people to value the power and beauty of pearlshell, while evidence of Australian pearlshell being taken across the sea to other countries dates back as early as the 1500s. The 1850s-60s saw the beginnings of the Australian pearling industry. Following the popularisation of plastic for items such as buttons the pearlshell market waned in the mid-twentieth century but was soon after began to re-forge in Australia with a new industry of cultured pearl farms. Most of Australian's pearling industry was initially located in Western Australia and off the Torres Strait Islands. The Australian War Memorial notes on their website that many tokens made from mother of pearl were sent home to loved ones throughout World Wars One and Two from the Middle East, England, the South West Pacific, Australia and elsewhere, but that unfortunately provenance such as the manufacture and sale of many of these items is not recorded.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small rectangular purse with silver edging and half clasp, covered in white and cream coloured shell (mother of pearl?)A01154burke museum, social history, accessories, mother of pearl, nacre, australian industry

Stamp cases/holders began being produced in the late 19th century, commonly made of gold, wood, and silver. In this case, the item is made of sterling silver and has patterns and details etched into the metal sheets that make up the case. Sterling silver is the standard alloy used in jewellery and detailed metalworks with its physical properties making it maleable and corrosion resistant, therefore a favourable metal to work with both across many centuriesn the past and present. Stamp cases where popularised by James Allen of Birmingham who created and registered the stamp holders he made. As they gained popularity, it was common for stamp holders to consist of multiple compartments holding various small items such as matches, strikers and of course stamps. Metalwork and silverwork has been a prominent proffession and artform historically and socially for many years. There are many different types of metal work to specialise in and distinct patterns and inscriptions for identifying the provenance of the item. Hallmarking is this proccess of inscribing the item, and consissts of four main components (including assaying) which can indicate the date of creation. Unfortunately this item has no hallmark, therefore it is relatively unknown where, what, when and who created it.This item is of social and historic significance as it highlights the importance of preserving histoical items. This item display's the intricate and highly skilled trades of the past with a glimpse into the social and cultural aspects of the beechworths' history.A small, silver stamp holder with decorative details etched into the metal. It has a small loop on the left side of the case, indicating it could be connected and held by a chain or ring. A01145 (obejct number): A01145 [object number inside stamp case] / STERLING SILVER [inscription inside stamp case]metalwork, silver, silverware, sterling silver, stamp holder, stamp case, burke museum, social history, burke museum collection, beechworth

The beginning of standardised weights and measures began In Victoria when the Melbourne Observatory received sets of standard weights and measures, which had been tested in Britain against the then British Imperial standards. These included the primary standard yard and pound for the Colony of Victoria. Other standards of weights and measure held by shires and the administrative body's within the colony could then be compared to these primary standards. A Weights and Measures Act was passed in Victoria in 1862, establishing local inspectors throughout the colony. By the 1870s each local council and shire in Victoria held a set of standards that were used to test scales, weights and dry measures used by wholesalers, factories and shops. Every ten years the councils’ standards would themselves need to be rechecked against the Victorian Standards. The checking was done by the Victorian Customs Department in the 19th century, but with the transfer of responsibility for customs to the Federal Government in 1901, weights and measures function was retained by the Victorian Government and was shifted to the Melbourne Observatory. In 1904, a new building was erected at the south end of the Great Melbourne Telescope House, where the standard weights and measures and testing equipment was installed. This room had a large whirling apparatus for testing air meters and became known as the Whirling Room. When the Melbourne Observatory closed in 1944, the Weights and Measures Branch was formed to continue and this branch remained at the Observatory site unit until 1995.An example of a brass measuring jug made specifically to maintain government standard liquid measurements that were sold to the public. The probability is that this artefact was made sometime between George V reign (1910-1936) and gives us today a snapshot of how imperial weights and measures were checked by Government departments prior to decimalisation and how a standard for the various types of measurement was developed in Australian based on the Imperial British measurement system. The container has social significance as an item used in Victoria as a legal standard measure to ensure that goods sold in Victoria were correct. Jug brass haystack form with a deep lip and pouring spout, small neck and broad base. It displays a curved pistol handle. Inscription at base of handle top of jug stamped 61 GVR SM. These marks signify that the measure complied with the Victorian Government capacity liquid standard measurement. Item made during the reign of George V (1910-1936 (GVR).Other marks indicate model number (61) & SM possible could be either small measure, the maker, or Standards Melbourne.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

The beginning of standardised weights and measures began In Victoria when the Melbourne Observatory received sets of standard weights and measures, which had been tested in Britain against the then British Imperial standards. These included the primary standard yard and pound for the Colony of Victoria. Other standards of weights and measure held by shires and the administrative body's within the colony could then be compared to these primary standards. A Weights and Measures Act was passed in Victoria in 1862, establishing local inspectors throughout the colony. By the 1870s each local council and shire in Victoria held a set of standards that were used to test scales, weights and dry measures used by wholesalers, factories and shops. Every ten years the councils’ standards would themselves need to be rechecked against the Victorian Standards. The checking was done by the Victorian Customs Department in the 19th century, but with the transfer of responsibility for customs to the Federal Government in 1901, weights and measures function was retained by the Victorian Government and was shifted to the Melbourne Observatory. In 1904, a new building was erected at the south end of the Great Melbourne Telescope House, where the standard weights and measures and testing equipment was installed. This room had a large whirling apparatus for testing air meters and became known as the Whirling Room. When the Melbourne Observatory closed in 1944, the Weights and Measures Branch was formed to continue and this branch remained at the Observatory site unit until 1995.An example of a galvanised measuring jug made specifically to maintain government standard liquid measurements that were sold to the public. The probability is that this artifact was made around the first quarter of the 20th century and gives us today a snapshot of how imperial weights and measures were used before decimalisation and how a standard of measurement for merchants was developed in Australian based on the Imperial British measurement system. The container has social significance as an item used in Victoria as a legal standard measure to ensure that goods sold in Victoria were correct given the item is galvanised it was probability used for kerosene or petrol etc not for liquids used for human consumption. Jug galvanised conical shaped with rounded top, handle at back. 3 gallon GV.27flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much-loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Works of Alfred Lord Tennyson Author: Alfred, Lord Tennyson - Poet Laureate Publisher: Macmillan And Co Date: 1892The label on spine cover has typed text PAT 821 TEN Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Museumshipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the works of alfred lord tennyson, alfred, lord tennyson, poet laureate, alfred tennyson

The first commercially available, Australian-made domestic refrigerator to operate without ice was produced by Edward Hallstrom in 1923. It used kerosene as a power source and was promoted as ideal for outback stations where ice was not available. According to Museum Victoria, Hallstrom introduced the 'Silent Night' which ran on electricity or gas in 1935. However, Hailstorm's great-grandson, stated that the Silent Night refrigerator was introduced in 1928. Although Australians were among the pioneers of refrigeration in the 1850s, the technology wasn't adapted for domestic use until many decades later. The first domestic electric refrigerator was sold in America in 1913. It had an air-cooled refrigeration unit mounted on top of an ice box. The Frigidaire and Kelvinator brands date from 1918 when the first self-contained fridges were sold. Before this food safes were used as well to keep food away from flies and to keep items cool.A significant item used from the late Victorian era until around 1940 when people were beginning to be able to afford domestic refrigerators. After the second world war, most households had replaced their food storage cupboards or safes with refrigerators. The subject item gives a snapshot of domestic life from this time.Wooden kitchen safe with 3 metal perforated panels & 2 shelves inside. Was painted light Green but has been restoredflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, refrigeration, refrigerator, food storage, food safes, edward hallstrom

Knitting, as a household task, has been traced back to 1100 AD where archaeologists in Egypt found remnants of socks. Evidently socks or stockings became a household necessity and creating them by knitting was the easiest way to get a good fit. The Tudors wore hand knit caps and King Henry the VIII made hand knit silk stockings, imported from Spain, a fashion staple. Meanwhile in Paris in 1525, men formed one of the first worker's unions for hand knitters. Knitting by machine first appeared during this same period and with the spread of fashion of the silk stockings and the basic needs of people to keep warm helped to fuel the popularity of knitting. By the 1850's, knitting machines were common place and apprenticing in such a factory, was considered honourable employment. But the main tool of knitting has always remained the needle, that is said to have it's origins in Arabia. The first needles were made of copper and looked more like hooks than needles. In other locations around the world, knitting needles have been found constructed from wood, ivory, bone, bamboo, amber and iron as well. They are also known as woods, skewers or wires depending where in the world they are found. Context: Edwin Rodgers was born in Lincolnshire England estimated at 1830-1832, records document that he was working as a Miller in Jan 1863 and that he resided in Warrnambool until his death in 1887. The knitting needle case is believed to belong to his wife Ellen Amelia (nee Heywood), daughter of George Heywood and Dinah Turton. She had married Mr Edwin Rodgers on 30 Jan 1863 in Warrnambool, and they had continued to resided in Warrnambool. Ellen Amelia Heywood was born Oct to Dec 1839 in Stockport, Cheshire England & christened on 5 Jul 1840 in St Thomas, Stockport, Cheshire. She died on 8 Dec 1922 in 284 Merri Street, Warrnambool, Victoria 10 and was buried on 11 Dec 1922 in the Warrnambool Cemetery.A significant item that belonged to one of the early families of Warrnambool and as such is regarded by the Warrnambool community as significant because it helps to document Warrnambool's development.Medium sized cardboard foldable maroon knitting pin case with numbered sections to fit relevant sized metal pins 10 in all case called the peacock knitting pin case.On lid of case written in italic Mrs E A Rodgers, Warrnambool 1860-1922, Wife of Edwin Rodgersflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village