This original poster design was produced as entry in the First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work 1907 in Melbourne. Dorothy Leviny was studying art and design at the Bendigo School of Mines at this time, under the tutelage of Arthur T. Woodward, who was recognised as one of Australia's foremost proponents of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Reference: Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Society (2007): Catalogue. Portrait of an Exhibition. Centenary celebration of the first Australian exhibition of women's work 1907, p. 44.One of the few original poster design entries known to remain in existence from the First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work, Melbourne 1907.Original poster design by (Bertha) Dorothy Leviny for the 'Australian Exhibition of Womans' Work', Melbourne 1907. Watercolour design showing Exhibition Buildings (Carlton) and five women in medieval costume blowing their trumpets with trees in background. Text top: 'Australian Exhibition', bottom 'of Womans' (sic) Work' and lower left corner 'Melbourne/1907/Oct, 23rd to Nov. 30.Lower right-hand of design - Dorothy Leviny's insignia: A 'B' inside a 'D' with and 'L'(bertha) dorothy leviny, first australian women's exhibition, 1907, exhibition building, carlton, australian women's work, watercolour design, poster, arts and crafts movement

The horseshoes in this purpose-built display case were made by Thomas Alfred Chapman in 1906-1907. Chapman operated a blacksmith’s shop in Mortlake Rd, Purnim, about 15 mins drive from Warrnambool. Chapman made this horseshoe case especially for the 3rd Exhibition of Australian Manufacturers and Products, held in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne, which was organised and promoted by the Australian Natives Association (ANA). Reference is made to the horseshoe case in the Exhibition’s Souvenir Catalogue of 1907 on page 85, under the heading 'In the Machinery Section the following exhibits are also shown … 'CHAPMAN, T.A. , Woolsthorpe, via Warrnambool, Case of Horseshoes'. The Australian Natives’ Association (ANA) were a non-partisan and non-sectarian, friendly society founded in Melbourne, Australia in April 1871. It was set-up for the benefit of Australian-born white men, and membership was restricted exclusively to that group. Men of other races including the Chinese and Indigenous people were not allowed to join. The ANA had relatively progressive views on women (for the time) and attracted suffragists seeking support for their cause, and in 1894, the ANA advocated for women’s enfranchisement. Although, white women were only admitted as members from 1964. The organisation was most prominent in Victoria and sought to shape Australia’s national identity and was a training ground for businessmen, trade unionists and politicians including many of Australia’s early prime ministers such as Edmund Barton, Alfred Deakin, James Scullin and Francis Forde, and the first Australian-born governor-general, Isaac Isaacs, was a member. By 1910 it had developed into a nationwide association with real political and social influence, and members would participate in many activities. The ANA lobbied strongly for anti-Chinese legislation and were an ardent believer of colonial unification. Its mission and efforts are largely credited for the successful referendums that resulted in Federation of the six Australian colonies into a new nation, the association’s most important legacy. The ANA was also a supporter of trade protection, and were a staunch advocate of the first act of Australia's new parliament, the Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (cth) or commonly known as the White Australia Policy, which became one of the central pillars of Australian nationalism in the 20th-century. The ANA campaigned against the Australian Federal Government's new immigration policy after the Second World War (non-British immigration from southern and central Europe) in order to maintain a 'white Australia', and resisted changes when the Labor government during the 1970s fully dismantled and abandoned the White Australia Policy. The ANA merged with Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows, in 1993 to become Australian Unity Ltd. The display case of horseshoes changed hands several times, going from its maker Thomas Chapman to his mother then various other members of his family. The case was also displayed at the Lee Family’s butcher shop at 188 Liebig St Warrnambool, and in the Purnim Hotel during the Warrnambool May Races. In the late 1950s the horseshoe case went to Thomas’s son, Brian. He was a Master Farrier and completed his apprenticeship at Flemington Racecourse, and in Warrnambool he owned a blacksmith business at the Warrnambool Racecourse Grounds. Brian later operated a blacksmith’s at Flagstaff Hill, where his customers would bring their horses to be shod. Brian passed away in August 2017. The horseshoe case is significant as an example of trades in the early 20th century in Western Victoria, Australia. It is also significant as an example of horseshoes from the early 20th century. The horseshoe display case is also significant for its association with the Australian Exhibition of 1907, showcasing Australian produce and manufacturing to the world. The horseshoe display case is locally significant for its association with local families, essential businesses and community events. Display case of homemade horseshoes. Wooden case with glass front containing 16 horse shoes grouped in sets, each set with a label: Made 1906-1907 for Australian Exhibition of 1907 by Thomas Alfred Chapman of Warrnambool. The case contains (a) complete chrome set each of Trotting Shoes, Hunting Shoes and Racing Plates, and (b) one pair of Hind Polo Shoes and one pair of Front Aluminium Shoes. The wooden frame has gold lettering on each side proclaiming “Australian Natives Association, T.A. Chapman, horse shoer, Warrnambool” and is topped by a painted Australian coat of arms. Gold lettering on frame, in the order of top/bottom/ left/right “AUSTRALIAN.NATIVES.ASSOCIATION / T.A. CHAPMAN / Horse Shoer / Warrnambool”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, horseshoe display case 1906-1907, chromed set of trotting shoes 1906-1907, chrome set of hunting shoes 1906-1907, chrome set of racing plates 1906-1907, pair of hind polo shoes 1906-1907, pair of front aluminium shoes 1906-1907, australian exhibition 1907, australian natives association (ana), t.a. chapman horse shoer warrnambool, thomas alfred chapman, brian chapman, brian “snacks” chapman, blacksmith warrnambool, warrnambool may races, warrnambool racecourse, purnim hotel, lee family’s butcher shop warrnambool

Part of a complete layette made by donor's maternal grandmother Mrs Charlotte Sarah Webb (nee Richardson) before 1907 (1865-51). The layette won equal second prize at the First Australia Exhibition of Women's Work 1907. Part of a complete layette, which won equal second prize at the first Australian Exhibition of Women's Work 1907. White cotton, dress has a fine self stripe, gathered bodice and squared collar of torchon lace and insertion, gathered sleeves, and pintucks, insertion and lace at skirt edge. christening robe, petticoats, embroidery, heirloom sewing, australia, 1900-20, lace

Part of a complete layette made by donor's maternal grandmother Mrs Charlotte Sarah Webb (nee Richardson) before 1907 (1865-51). The layette won equal second prize at the First Australia Exhibition of Women's Work 1907. Refer file for information. Part of a complete layette, which won equal second prize at the first Australian Exhibition of Women's Work 1907. See also 1113, 1114, 1115, 1116, 1117. Letters in archives.White cotton petticoat decorated with lace and pintucks.christening robe, petticoats, embroidery, heirloom sewing, australia, 1900-20, lace

Martha Wright was the proprietor of a fancy goods store in Liebig Street, Warrnambool opposite Jordan's studio. She took art needlework classes offering seven lessons for 5 shillings . Her pupils were successful at local shows and she herself won second prize in the Australian Womens Work Exhibition of 1907 for the best made washing dress for a girl of 12. This item is significant as Mrs.Wright was a prominent business woman in Warrnambool in the early 20th century.White rectangular label with dark blue lines and background .ART NEEDLEWORK AND REQUISITES From Mrs. Wm. Wright LIEBIG ST. WARRNAMBOOL Telephone 158 GOLFERS & KNITTED SUITS A SPECIALITY martha wright, fancy goods, australian womens work exhibition

This screen with embroidered and appliqued panels was entered in the First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work 1907, at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. This landmark exhibition gave women artists and craft workers an opportunity to display their works to a broad audience and gain recognition for the variety and high standard of the works in both traditional and non-traditional fields for women. The embroidery and applique design is based on an original design for a similar object made by British Arts and Crafts Architect and Designer, M.H. Baillie-Scott, which was published in The Studio magazine in the early 1900s,This three-panel draught screen was made by Hilda Leviny in the Arts and Crafts style and entered into the First Exhibition of Women's Work, at the Exhibition Buildings, Melbourne in 1907.Arts and Crafts style three-panel draught screen made from timber(American Oak), linen panels, silk embroidery threads, beaten copper decoration and varnish. The embroidered panels, made by Hilda Leviny, are mounted within the timer framework, depicting a design of birds and trees in the Arts and Crafts style. Pattern Reg. No. 3227.2 and 2503. With copper decoration.hilda leviny, buda, castlemaine, domestic furniture, handcrafts, needlework, art nouveau, 1907, exhibition of women's work, royal exhibition building, woodwork, draught sceen, arts and crafts movement, embroidery and applique

Thomas (Tommy) Rome was a prominent Warrnambool citizen who came to Warrnambool in 1888 and established his footwear shop at 115 Liebig Street in 1907. He retired in 1962. Tommy Rome was also important as the person who recorded songs and skits on an Edison phonograph at the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition in 1897. These recordings survive today as the earliest surviving sound recordings in Australia.These are labels from a well known business in Warrnambool and so are of some significance..1Rectangular paper label with brown and yellow background, white and brown text and a space for writing. The reverse is adhesive. .2 Rectangular paper white label with dark blue sections, a space for writing and dark blue and white text. The reverse is adhesive. It is damaged. .3 Identical to .2 .4 Identical to .2 ..1 T.J.Rome Liebig St. Warrnambool For Gladstone, Kit & Brief Bags. up=to=date Boot & Shoe Store. .2, .3, .4 THE UP-TO-DATE BOOT AND SHOE STORE FROM, T.J. Rome LIEBIG STREET,WARRNAMBOOL .t.j.rome, boots and shoes, warrnambool

This thank you card is from Thomas Rome (1873-1974) when he was celebrating his 100th birthday in 1973. Thomas Rome came to Warrnambool from Beechworth to work with John Younger in his Warrnambool store in 1888. He worked there for 17 years before opening his boot and shoe shop at 115 Liebig Street in 1907, retiring in 1962. Thomas Rome is remembered today not only for his long life and prominent Liebig Street business but also because of the sound recordings he made in 1896-7 at the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition. With an Edison phonograph machine he made sound recordings of local artists and these are regarded as one of the oldest, if not the oldest, surviving sound recordings made in Australia. This card with its envelope is of interest as it reminds us of the long life of a prominent Warrnambool identity of the late 19th century and the first 70 years of the 20th century. The card has T. J. Rome’s signature. Mrs Vera Giles was the recipient of the card a long-serving member of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society and, like Tommy Rome, a person who reached her 100th year and beyond. This is a small piece of white lightweight card folded into two to make a card. Inside is a handwritten and printed message from Tommy Rome on the occasion of his 100th birthday The envelope bears the post mark 18th September 1973 and is addressed to Mrs Giles. Envelope: ‘Mrs Giles, 3 Cyma Street, Warrnambool, Vic. 3280, a seven cent stamp and a handwritten note – ‘Tom Rome, ‘thank you’ 100th b’day’. Card: ‘Murweh’, 203 Liebig Street, Warrnambool 3280 Dear Mrs Giles I would like to express my appreciation of your kind message which I received on my 100th birthday. The good wishes of so many have given me happiness and I ask you to accept my warm thanks, With kind regards, Yours sincerely, T.J.Rome thomas rome, murweh, warrnambool history, vera giles warrnambool

This exhibition was held in October 1907 and ran for 5 weeks. There were over 15000 contributors in the fields of needlework, cookery, Horticulture, fine and applied arts. There was a wide variety of activities, lectures and social events. There were approximately 250,000 people who attended.An important source of work and information relating to a major event in the State of Victoria and in the work of women.Eight sheets of microfilm enclosed in plastic sheet with title page, white with black text.State Library of Victoria Exhibition os Australian Women’s work 1907 6 microfiche. warrnambool, exhibition australian women’s work, 1907 women’s work exhibition

This boot belonged to Thomas Rome and may have been either an apprentice’s model or a display item in his boot and shoe shop or both. Thomas James Rome (1873-1974) worked in John Younger’s store in Beechworth before both came to Warrnambool in 1888. Rome worked in Younger’s store in Liebig Street, Warrnambool for 17 years and then established his own boot and shoe store at 115 Liebig Street in 1907, retiring in 1962. He married Amelia Saltau and they lived at Murweh at the corner of Liebig and Princess Streets, Warrnambool. Thomas Rome is mostly remembered today for his purchase and use of an Edison phonograph machine in the late 1890s and the sound recordings he made with this machine at the Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896-7. These recordings were found intact after Rome’s death and are regarded as the earliest sound recordings still surviving in Australia today. This sample boot is of great significant as an example of the bootmaker’s art in the early 20th century and as a memento of Thomas Rome, important in Warrnambool’s history as a businessman and in the history of sound recording in Australia. This is a small sample black leather boot (probably a lady’s boot). It has double ridged stitching across the instep with a soft leather upper part and stitching separating the soft leather section from the smooth leather. The right side of the boot has seven button holes and seven buttons attached with metal clips. The sole is leather with a small heel and the name of the owner stamped on the sole. ‘10’ ‘T.J.Rome’ thomas rome, history of warrnambool, antique lady's boot, leather boot vintage

FRIENDS OF THE MISSION The Mission has always relied heavily on the patronage of its volunteers and sponsors who are kind enough to donate much-needed funds, time and expertise. In its first year, the Mission had only 99 pounds to its name, 90 pounds of which was taken up by the chaplain’s salary! Today the Mission is overseen by a Board of Directors and is run by a dedicated team of employees and volunteers. Even though developments such as containerisation in the shipping industry have meant that the number of seafarers on each vessel and their time spent in port has been drastically reduced, the needs of seafarers are just as pressing today as they were when the Mission first began. This window, titled ‘Jesus in the House of Martha and Mary’, was installed in 1947 in memory of Karen Brady, a volunteer and friend of the Mission, dedicated to providing for the needs of seafarers. This window is symbolic of the continuation of such needs in modern times.ontextual or historic information Reflections of the Sea was an exhibition of 10 framed montage of photographs from the mission's archive collection showcasing 10 stained glass windows from the St Peter chapel. This exhibition curated by Georgia Melville and Catherine McLay, and funded by PROV and Creative Victoria, was displayed in the World Trade Centre Wharf Gallery in June July 2013 and toured to Queenscliff Maritime Museum. The photographs of the windows were taken by scientific photographer Justine M. Philip. This frame is showcasing the memorial window to member of the Guild, Karen Brady, who died during a black out hit by a car while she was on her way back home from the Mission, and two photographs of social activities organised for seafarers.Framed and mounted on black cardboard of black and white and colour reproductions from the MTSV collection for the exhibition Reflections of the Sea with brief label signageon label: ABOVE: Ladies handing out light refreshments to seafarers during an outang at the Melbourne Zoo in 1907 BELOW: A full house awaiting New Years Eve dinner followed by entertainment in 1927reflections of the sea, georgia melville, exhibition, 2013, world trade centre, wtc, creative victoria, prov, mission to seafarers, stained glass windows, justine m. philip, flinders street, karen brady, lhlg, picnic, social events, catherine mclay, arthouse

Leather ticket holder containing two Victoria Racing Club lady's tickets for the 1906-1907 season, issued to Mrs L. J. Blyth.

Photographer notations on slide: At the Leather Exhib. at T. Hall Melb 1933 Age Published: Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854- ), 1933 THE EXHIBITS. (1933, September 20). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205109730 Published title: THE EXHIBITS. A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE. Curios, Novelties, Working Displays Published Caption: ONE OF THE NOVELTIES – AN OUTSIZE IN SHOES Research by Project Volunteer, Louise McKenzie: Our photo is dated 20 September 1933, and shows a happy, chubby-faced young girl sitting in a very over-sized girl’s shoe. It is labelled – “Shoe, An Out Size, loaned by Messrs Blackman & Rose”. (1) It is an effective way to capture the attention of the readership and alert them to the Melbourne Leather Show 1933. This show was designed to be a drawcard of extraordinary proportion, and there is no doubt that this leather exhibition was a really big deal for Melbourne. It completely took over the Melbourne Town Hall, and was open from 10.30 am until 10.30 pm. It seemed to contain something for everyone – the military, the man about town, the home handyman, the housewife, the child, the sporting types, the domestic workers, the outdoor enthusiasts, the horseracing fans, car enthusiasts, those wishing to show off the latest fashion – both men and women - and those just intrigued by a lot of fascinating and wide ranging exhibits. One of the most comprehensive descriptions of the Exhibition accompanies the photograph, and is worth quoting in full: “PROMINENT among exhibits which first attract attention in the foyer of the Town Hall is a comprehensive display of leather articles used by the defence forces. A conspicuous legend states that leather plays an important part in national defence, being used for saddlery, tool containers, holdalls, range-finding, surveying and signalling equipment, explosives factories, harness accoutrement, bandsmen's equipment and clothing. Three models of horses and several figures of soldiers wearing leather equipment illustrate the lesson, and a great range of leather goods used in military training and work variegate the display. Nearby are Texas cowboy, buckjumping and breaking-in saddles; whips, a walking stick, made of leather and numerous other curios. The general exhibition occupies the whole floor space of the main Town Hall, and is subdivided by partitions running most of the length of the hall. A bewildering variety, of leather goods presses for close and leisured inspection. Here and there operatives in charge of working machinery give practical demonstrations of factory processes in the production of footwear. Polishing materials are well represented. One attractive exhibit includes two bush huts constructed of leather, with wattle bark for roofing. Opossums, rosellas and a kookaburra add touches of bush realism. Adjacent exhibits include bags, fishing boots, leggings, leather covers in all colours. Factory Processes. One exhibitor has installed an automatic cinema apparatus and screen, which projects various factory processes in making a shoe, the operator being shown at work. Elsewhere an interesting exhibit depicts the five stages in the manufacture of sole leather, and the tanning materials employed. "Very handsome effects are achieved in the interior appointments of motor cars, which are attended by figures of smart chauffeurs in leather coats. Motor-trimming leather is said to be more durable and hygienic than fabric materials, and cheaper. The neat finish of the material, its excellent appearance, certainly make a very favourable impression. It takes the hides of three beasts to cover the cushions, squabs and door panels of a full-sized sedan, while to finish the entire interior, including quarter-panels and head linings would take four or even five. Special Exhibits. Amongst the special sections the display arranged by the handicrafts and home industries- committee of the Country Women's Association of Victoria is a notable one. In all there are about 130 entries which are in four classifications, viz., hand-tooled or embossed leathers, suede, hand-made gloves and undecorated leather. The glove section attracted the most numerous entries, a number being the work of members and craft subscribers of the Country Women's Association. In the leathercraft competition, organised by the Country Women's Association, the judges yesterday awarded the first prize for bookbinding (the only prize given in this division) to Miss M. Alston, of South Yarra. There is also a creditable display of exhibits submitted by boys of the orthopaedic section of the Children's Hospital at Frankston. Amongst the novelties on view in other portions of the exhibition were the following: — Leather coats worn by Sir C. Kingsford Smith on his Atlantic flight. Model Wellington boot, Phar Lap's saddle. Melbourne Cup winner's saddle. Longest whip in world, 108 feet long. (33 metres) [See our photo, to left of Girl in Shoe] Diminutive shoes. Pair of shoes 65 years old. Pair of men's working boots 75 years old. Larwood's, Tate’s and Pataudi’s cricket boots. [Three internationally revered cricketers of the day] (2) Picture frame made of leather bought 63 years ago. [See our photo, to right of Girl in Shoe] Leather frame, powder bowl, &c. Saddle used by world's champion buckjumper in U.S.A. Mexican cowboy outfit. Miniature saddle and bridle. A fireman's helmet made of sole leather. (3) Sample of the leather hat worn by porters at the Billingsgate Fish Market, London. (4) From South Australia there have been obtained sets of harness for donkeys, goats and camels, the equipment being displayed to good advantage on stuffed representations of the animals mentioned. Close to the platform is a glass case containing snow shoes and coats which have been used in Antarctic exploration work. Trade Display. Amongst the trade exhibits may be seen in operation a slipper turn shoe sewing machine, with heeling and channelling facilities, and the various stages in the production of ladies' sandals are shown. There is a wide contrast between sole leather of varying degrees of thickness on view in one stall and the choice samples of ladies' footwear in another — footwear, by the way, which could almost be used as ornaments, so dainty in colour and production are they. Again, there are displays of upholstering leathers of such soft texture that they could he readily mistaken for some of the finest cloth. Those who may be particularly interested in the production of chamois leather may gain an insight into the materials and chemicals used in the "working up” of this variety of leather. Supplies of glace kid (5) are tastefully arranged, and there may also be seen bags of all shapes and sizes, including satchels, suit cases and "sporting" cases, and bags for tennis players and golfers. Further variety is given to the exhibition by the display of antique hides, brightly coloured, with punching balls, boxing gloves and batsman's pads. There are crocodile skins and snake skins so cleverly "Worked up" that one could be almost pardoned for betraying an affection for such unpopular creatures.” “ Another wonderful article on this Exhibition, published the same day in one of the opposition daily newspapers, The Argus, is in the weekly article “Women to Women”, entitled “A Great Victorian Industry: Many Uses for Leather”. This weekly column was penned by Vesta, and she writes, with much purpose: “Yesterday afternoon I paid a hurried visit to the Leather Exhibition now being held in the Melbourne Town Hall and I was disappointed to find that the early visitors to the main exhibition were almost all men. Women, I think, should make a point of seeing every exhibition of our great industries, for women are the buyers of household requisites and goods for their own use and their tastes, and opinion influence also, to a large extent, the purchases of men. So, the welfare of industries is more or less in their hands and it becomes a duty for them to inform themselves fully of the extent and the quality of the manufacturing that is done here. The value of the output of the Australian boot and shoe factories alone was in 1930-31, the latest year for which the figures are given, Stg 3,750,000. Fully two thirds of that amount must have been spent by women on boots and shoes for themselves and their children. In a host of other directions, in the purchase of handbags, travelling bags, belts and straps, cushions, furniture coverings, purses, notebooks, spectacle cases, their annual expenditure must be very high. Their interest, therefore, in this industry is practical, and their support of it should be governed by knowledge of comparable values and qualities of the goods they buy. From the point of view of women, however, the exhibition itself is rather disappointing. There is an amazing collection of good stuff on show, but most of it is not displayed in a fashion that attracts attention. I was surprised, for example, at the range and quality of the leathers displayed, the suppleness of the finer qualities, and the varied range of colours and designs. But they are shown in such a fashion that if one set out deliberately to look for them it would be quite easy to miss most of them.” …It was surprising, too, that no one seemed to have taken advantage of the present fashion of wearing coloured gloves, or the cult of glove making, which the Country Women’s Association has fostered so successfully. Outside the collection of chamois leathers I saw no skins which were suitable to glove making. (6) However, it is perhaps a little unfair to be highly critical of the exhibition, inasmuch as it is the first of its kind. The material is there, undoubtedly, for a splendid show of every phase of this enterprising industry, and I am confident that experience will prove to those concerned that it will be worth while next time to devote a great deal of attention of the method of display.” With further research, it transpires that “Vera” is in fact NZ born Stella May Allen (nee Henderson) (1871-1962), a journalist, the first woman in NZ to begin a law course, in 1890-91). She later worked at a law firm while she completed her degree. Study of the law had always been open to women in NZ, but its practice was still barred to them. Her case “…led to amending legislation in 1896 allowing women to practise as barristers or solicitors. However, on gaining her LL.B. in November 1897 she did not apply for admission to the Bar. Instead, she became the Wellington-based correspondent and leader-writer for the Lyttelton Times. Her appointment, the first for a woman, was not welcomed by the all-male Press Gallery, and special permission had to be obtained from a subcommittee of the House before her presence was accepted. In 1900 she married Edwin Allen, a senior leader-writer for the Wellington Evening Post, and they moved to Australia in 1903 when Edwin Allen took up the post of foreign affairs leader-writer and parliamentary man for the Melbourne Argus. As Patricia Keep notes in her excellent entry of Stella Allan in the Australian Dictionary of Biography: “In 1907 The Argus commissioned her to write a series of articles on the first Australian Women's Work Exhibition held in October. They aroused much interest and next year The Argus invited her to join its full-time staff and begin a weekly section on the particular interests of women. She adopted the nom de plume 'Vesta' and called the column 'Women to Women'. Her work was unique in an Australian daily paper at that time. Her pages extended to cover every aspect of women's affairs, children's interests and community welfare, and 'Vesta' became a household word for authoritative information and advice on such matters. An excellent needlewoman and first-rate cook herself, she thoroughly tutored her staff in the work and needs of women in both country and city, as well as providing the usual training for cadet journalists. She conducted interviews and also visited the country to see at first hand the results of bushfires, mouse plagues, droughts and floods. In 1910 she was one of three women foundation members of the Australian Journalists' Association. “…she found time to become deeply involved in community affairs. She was an original committee-member of the Victorian Association of Crèches and of the Free Kindergarten Union of Victoria, and had much to do with the early days of the Victorian Bush Nursing Association, the Baby Health Centres Association and the Queen Victoria Hospital. She was a member of the National Council of Women, first in New Zealand and then in Melbourne, and of the Country Women's Association from its inception. … in 1924 she was appointed substitute delegate for Australia to the fifth assembly of the League of Nations at Geneva and was a delegate to the second Pan Pacific Women's Conference in Hawaii in 1930. A meeting held in the Melbourne Town Hall in 1938 by representatives of all the main Victorian women's organizations paid special tribute to her work and influence. She retired next year to England where she continued to write for the Argus, contributing articles on the experiences of women and children in wartime.” It is little wonder that “Vesta” was unafraid to take to task both the women of Victoria, and those who created the exhibition! One item which appears to have gone unnoticed, or at least unreported, is a framed article in the background of the photo of the chubby girl in the shoe. The display frame is labelled “Leather from the Human Skin, Tanned and Dressed by French artists.” The exhibition was certainly a cabinet of curiosities! A charming article in The Argus is a nice note on which to end. It gives a quick history and overview of the Australian leather industry and its unprecedented, and possibly unexpected, development and success, and states with pride: “Though Victoria is the largest leather producer in the Commonwealth all tanners in the Commonwealth can look back with pride on the long march of progress.” Footnotes: (1) “Blackman and Rose”. Messrs Blackman and Rose were shoe manufacturers, from 1927 located at 200 Noone Street, Clifton Hill. The Melbourne Circle describes their building as a “fine-looking building in the Federation ‘blood and bandage’ style.” It was built around 1912 for Puttifoot and Bloom, boot manufacturers, and today the building is apartments. (2) These cricketers were household names in the day: Tate: Maurice Tate, “English cricketer of the 1920s and 1930s, and leader of England’s Test bowling attack for a long time during this period. The founder of modern seam bowling. “ Larwood: Harold Larwood, “English right-arm fast bowler and the main exponent of the bowling style known as “bodyline”. Used to considerable effect in the 1932-33 Test series in Australia. Pataudi: Iftikhar A K Pataudi, “an Indian prince who in the 1930s played Test cricket for England, and in the 1940s played Test cricket for India (as Captain) – the only test cricketer to have played for both India and England. (3) “sole” leather “… is the thickest and most resistant material existing in the tanning industry … made from vegetable tanned leathers, usually bovine butts, processed in a special way to make them the hardest type of leather in existence.” (4) The hats worn by porters at Billingsgate Fish Market were also known as a “Bobbin” and look quite squat and rather unsophisticated. They were made of wood and tarred leather, with a “flat, hardened top designed to support large rectangular boxes of fish. The upturned brim protected the porter’s head against fish juice draining from the boxes of fish which would be carried on top of the hat. Some hats featured a small drain hole at the rear to allow this collected juice to drain down the back of the carrier. The hats were made using the ‘cuir bouilli’ technique. The leather was immersed in water which was heated until the leather began to shrink. It was then removed and put on a wooden former. The leather was stitched together to make the hat while still wet, and then held in place until dry.” (See article and photo on the London Museum website) (5) Glace kid – described on the Boston Museum of Fine Arts’ Cameo database as “A smooth glossy leather originally prepared from goat or sheepskin. Early glace kid had a shiny surface that was originally prepared by tawing the skin in a mixture of alum, table salt, flour, and egg yolk. Today, glace kid is prepared from many types of vegetable or chrome tanned leathers. The smooth polished surface is obtained mechanically by shaving, glazing, ironing, and/or rolling the dry leather.” (6) In the 1930s, Melbourne’s glovemaking industry was characterised by local manufacturing, with key producers like Simpson’s Gloves Pty Ltd in Richmond and the Stagg Glove Company in Clifton Hill leading the market. These factories produced high-quality leather gloves, handbags, and specialty gear, often employing a clear gendered division of labour and training young, local women. Museum Victoria holds the Simpson’s Gloves Collection, comprising over 1200 items, and the University of Melbourne Archives holds the company’s business records. References: THE EXHIBITS. (1933, September 20). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205109730 EXPORT LEATHER. (1929, September 17). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 17. Retrieved January 19, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4037647 LEATHER EXHIBITION (1933, September 18). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 10. Retrieved January 19, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11693362 (1933, September 23). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 21. Retrieved January 19, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page522766 WOMEN TO WOMEN (1933, September 20). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 13. Retrieved January 19, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11694034 Australian Dictionary of Biography, Stella May Allan (1871–1962) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/allan-stella-may-4998 WOMEN TO WOMEN (1930, January 22). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 13. Retrieved January 19, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4063888 Museums Victoria, Simpson’s Gloves, 486-496 Victoria Street, North Richmond, VIC, Australia https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/2702 The Argus. (1927, October 31). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 20. Retrieved February 7, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3888451 Melbourne Circle: stories from the suburbs: “Boots and all in Clifton Hill” https://melbournecircle.net/2015/11/20/bootmakers-of-clifton-hill/ Wikipedia, Maurice Tate, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Tate Wikipedia, Harold Larwood, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Larwood Wikipedia, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iftikhar_Ali_Khan_Pataudi Buy Leather Online Italy, Sole leather: https://buyleatheronline.com/en/blog/outsole-and-insole-leather-n7 London Museum, Porters hats, https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/collections/v/object-731122/hat-porters-hat/ Cameo Database, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Glace Kid, https://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Glac%C3%A9_kid VICTORIAN LEATHER HAS WON RENOWN (1937, September 22). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 31 (March of Progress Supplement). Retrieved February 7, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1108704 Photographer notations on slide: "At the Leather Exhib. at T. Hall Melb 1933 Age B5".displays, melbourne town hall, leather, children, shoes, 1930-1939, industry, hats, gloves

Miss Leonora “Leo” Wray MBE Leonora “Leo” Wray (1886-1979) was a champion NSW golfer, regarded as the “mother” of Australian golf. She won state and national titles multiple times across three decades. The Leonora Wray Trophy is awarded to the No. 1 player in Australia in national stroke average. Regarding her golf game Leo remarked, “Never a chance thrown away, or a single shot played without a definite object.” She was said to be commanding in “stature and mien” – a raconteur with a deep, booming voice who inspired in young players “a mixture of fear and awe, respect and affection”. In 1909 she contracted typhoid fever and was unable to play for 10 years. She was awarded an MBE in 1968 for her services to golf and inducted into the Sport Australian Hall of Fame in 1985. Featured in "Newsworthy: Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936" exhibition at East Melbourne Library, October to December 2023. Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer. Photographer notations on slide: "Miss Wray. Vic Women's Ch'ship B98" Description: Golfer Leonora Wray swings her driver. She is wearing a tiepin and cufflinks. Research by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer: Leonora Wray AKA “Leo” was a champion NSW golfer who is regarded as the “Mother” of Australian women’s golf. She won the NSW State Championships (1906, 1907, 1908) and the Australian title (1907, 1908). In 1909 she contracted typhoid fever and was unable to play for 10 years. Leonora regained the national title in 1929 and the NSW Championship in 1930. She was the champion women’s player of the Australian club ten times between 1907 and 1938 and five times champion at the Royal Sydney Golf Club between 1924 and 1933. She competed in the Australian Women’s Golf Championship at Royal Melbourne against the British team in 1935. During WWII, Leonora worked for the ANZAC Buffet Ladies Auxiliary in Hyde Park, Sydney. Regarding her golf game, she remarked, “Never a chance thrown away, or a single shot played without a definite object.” Leo was said to be commanding in “stature and mien” – a raconteur with a deep, booming voice who inspired in young players “a mixture of fear and awe, respect and affection.” Her portrait by Henry Hanke is held by the Australian Golf Club. Women’s Golf NSW holds its annual Leonora Wray Scratch Teams event and the Leonora Wray Trophy is awarded to the No. 1 player in Australia in national stroke average. In 1968 she was awarded an MBE for her services to women’s golf. In 1985 Leo was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.Photographer notations on slide: "Miss Wray. Vic Women's Ch'ship B98".golf, women golfers, royal melbourne golf club

The First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work was held at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, from 23 October to 30 November 1907. It was opened by Lady Northcote (the wife of Australia’s Governor General) and Pattie Deakin (wife of the Prime Minister), who also ran a model creche during the exhibition. The five week exhibition showcased the work of women musicians, artists and craftswomen with over 16,000 exhibits in all fields of artistic endeavour. It was attended by approximately 250,000 people. Exhibits were divided into Classes, including Fine Arts; Applied Arts; Photography; Plain Needlework; Cookery, Preserves and Laundry Work; Horticulture; and Medical and Nursing. This item was owned by Mrs. Mary Burrowes, aunt of Mrs. Jean Raper.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A small ruby glass and crystal jug which was produced as a souvenir of the Australian Exhibition of Women's Work held at the Exhibition Building in Melbourne in 1907. It has been inscribed in gold coloured paint. "Mary Women's Exhibition 1907"vase, glassware, decorative items

The First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work was held at the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, from 23 October to 30 November 1907. It was opened by Lady Northcote (the wife of Australia’s Governor General) and Pattie Deakin (wife of the Prime Minister), who also ran a model creche during the exhibition. The five week exhibition showcased the work of women musicians, artists and craftswomen with over 16,000 exhibits in all fields of artistic endeavour. It was attended by approximately 250,000 people. Exhibits were divided into Classes, including Fine Arts; Applied Arts; Photography; Plain Needlework; Cookery, Preserves and Laundry Work; Horticulture; and Medical and Nursing. This item was owned by Mrs. Alice Yardy nee Dinsmore, grandmother of Mrs. Jean Raper.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A small green glass vase with gilt edge which was produced as a souvenir of the Australian Exhibition of Women's Work held at the Exhibition Building in Melbourne in 1907. It has been inscribed in gold lettering. "Alice Women's Exhibition 1907"vase, glassware, decorative items

Photo - Bertha Leviny (seated centre) with five of her daughters L-R: Gertrude, Hilda, Mary (standing), Dorothy and Kate. Her grandson James Leviny is at Bertha's knee. The pet dog is an Australian terrier. Bertha was the wife of noted colonial silversmith and jeweller, Ernest Leviny. Together, they raised a family of ten children in their home Buda, Castlemaine. The five unmarried daughters pursued their interests in various creative pastimes linked with the Arts and Crafts Movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.One of the few photographs of Bertha Leviny and her daughters taken together after the death of Bertha's husband, Ernest, a prominent Australian silversmith. The Leviny daughters were artistic in their own right, following the principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Three of the daughters entered works in the 1907 Exhibition of Women's Work held at the Exhibition Buildings, Melbourne.Silver gelatin, toned print. Black and white photograph of a group of six women, a child and a dog. The women are seated on and around a garden bench with the tennis pavilion in the background. All are smiling at the dog which is standing on its back legs in the foreground. The little boy's face is blurred from movement during the exposure.Handwritten in ink (verso): "At Buda 1906"bertha leviny, mary leviny, gertrude leviny, hilda leviny, dorothy leviny, kate leviny, james leviny, australian terrier dog, kodak box brownie camera, edwardian costume, buda, 1906, photograph, portrait, leviny women, castlemaine

Original design by Dorothy Leviny, aged 25, while she was a student at the Bendigo School Of Mines under the tutelage of Arthur T. Woodward. Woodward, who had come to Australia from Britain, was a renowned proponent of the Arts and Crafts Movement in Australia during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Dorothy Leviny, along with two of her sisters, entered a number of items in the First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work, Melbourne, 1907, and was awarded second prize for one of her wallpaper designs. Dorothy Leviny was the ninth child born to noted colonial silversmith and jeweller, Ernest Leviny, and his wife, Bertha (nee Hudson).This original wallpaper design by Dorothy Leviny is one of few that remain in existence from the early twentieth century showing the influence of the British Arts and Crafts Movement in Australia.Original wallpaper design made by (Bertha) Dorothy Leviny painted in watercolour. The repetitive floral design consists of pale pink bell-shaped flowers with green stems and leaves. Paper, card, watercolour paint.'D. Leviny /06'.dorothy leviny, watercolour painting, arts and crafts movement, 1906, buda, castlemaine, arthur t woodward, bendigo school of mines, exhibition of womens work 1907, wallpaper design, illustration

The first Australian Exhibition of Women's Work was a national exhibition held over thirty-nine days in 1907 in Melbourne, and in the seventh year of the country's Federation. The exhibition was a celebration of the creativity and productivity of women in the manual and fine arts. It was visited by over 250,000 people who saw 16,000 exhibits by women from around Australia in competition for prizes, and 3,000 (non-competitive) entries from the rest of the world. It was one of the largest women's exhibitions ever mounted. The exhibition opened on 23 October and closed on 30 November at the Royal Exhibition Building.A prize-winning collection of early 20th century embroideries created by Emily Muriel Grace Davies, the daughter of the Mayor of Richmond. Most of the embroideries were created while Emily was a student of Baldur Grammar in Kew. Baldur Grammar was founded in 1897 and was located at 17-19 Denmark Street. emily davies, baldur grammar school, plain sewing competitions, schools -- materials technology, knitting, australian exhibition of women's work

This song was composed for and sung during the Australian Exhibition of Women's Work, held in 1907.Single sheet, folded in two to form four pages. "Linton Choral Society" written in ink across top RH. Sheet music for a song, "It's not the time for hush a by Sheet music published in series "Suttons Popular Part Songs; No. 1". Price 3d.Text: " Linton Choral Society / Dedicated to The Women's Choir / 1907 / SUTTONS POPULAR PART SONGS / No. 1. / IT'S NOT THE TIME / FOR HUSH A BY / FOR / LADIES VOICES / SOLO VOICE & CHORUS / Composed for & Sung During the First / AUSTRALIAN EXHIBITION OF WOMEN'S WORK / 1907. ". Pencilled on back page: "No. 17(?) / Imp. edition / Sonatina / Album F. Schmitt".sheet music, songs, linton choral society, australian exhibition of women's work 1907