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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is presumed that the 'A.C.F.' on two of these badges stands for 'Australian Comforts Fund'. The Australian Comforts Fund was one of two wartime welfare groups recognized by the Australian Government. The other was the Australian Red Cross. The Australian Comforts Fund was established in 1916 to co-ordinate the welfare efforts to assist Australian servicemen and women in World War One. It was dissolved in 1920 and re-established in 1939. It was staffed largely by women volunteers and supplied such articles as singlets, socks, pyjamas, toiletries, writing materials, tobacco and Christmas hampers to servicemen and women. It also offered recreational facilities and rest rooms etc in Australia for service personnel. It was closed in 1946. These badges were issued, two in 1941, as part of fund-raising for the Australian Comforts Fund.These badges are interesting mementos of the welfare work undertaken in World War Two by the Australian Comforts Fund. Two six pointed star badges which are enamelled in red and have plain metal edge..1 ACF 1940 with P J King on the reverse. .2 ACF 1941 with P J King on the reverse.australian comforts fund, australian red cross

The Returned Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Imperial League of Australia was formed in 1916 as welfare group to assist military personnel returning from the overseas active service. In 1965 the organization was renamed the Returned Services League of Australia and assists military personnel, and their families, both past and present. The Women's Auxiliaries assisted in the past with the work of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. and today assist with the work of the Returned Services League. (The K.G.Luke company was founded in 1925 and continued until the 1980s.)This badge is of interest as one issued by the Women's Auxiliary of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. It is not known if it has any connection to a local branch of the Women's Auxiliary. Small circular metal badge with dark blue circle around the edge and an Australian flag surrounded by a cream section. Pin on the reverse. Women's Auxiliary RSSAILA. ( Returned soldiers and sailors Imperial league of Australia)women's auxiliaries, returned services league of australia, returned soldiers, warrnambool history

This waistcoat was made for Mr Alan Vinnell by the Fletcher Jones Man’s Shop in 1946 and was worn by Mr Vinnell at his wedding in Lang Lang on 27/4/1946 to Miss Madge Ridgway. Alan was the son of Albert Vinnell and Ada Rose Wood. He attended school in Macarthur about 40 kilometres northwest of Warrnambool. The Fletcher Jones Man’s Shop was located at the corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets in Warrnambool. David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) served in World War One and in the 1920s set up as a travelling hawker selling drapery in Western Victoria. In 1924 he leased three shops in Liebig Street and in 1928 he moved to the Koroit/Liebig Streets intersection with his Man’s Shop. He manufactured men’s clothing on site. In 1931 a new set of two-storeyed buildings was erected on the site and Fletcher Jones moved into the building. In 1946 a Fletcher Jones shop was opened in Melbourne and in 1948 a factory was established in Raglan Parade, Warrnambool with a new company, Fletcher Jones and Staff established in 1951. This company became known Australia-wide, firstly for the production of men’s trousers, and later men’s and women’s clothing. By 2011 the Warrnambool factory was sold and the company dissolved. This waistcoat is of historical interest as an example of the high quality work produced at the Fletcher Jones Man’s Shop in Warrnambool in the mid 1940s. The Fletcher Jones business became one of the most important ones in Warrnambool in the 20th century and the early 21st century.This is a sleeveless woollen waistcoat made of blue striped material with a black cotton backing. The back has two black cotton flaps with a metal buckle to allow for the tightening of the coat across the back. The inside is lined with a cream, yellow and grey striped cotton material. The waistcoat has one inside pocket with a button enclosure and four outside pockets. The waistcoat has six black buttons on the outside and a maker’s label stitched on the inside. ‘Fletcher Jones The Man’s Shop Warrnambool Mr A. Vinnell Date 15/2/46’fletcher jones man’s shop warrnambool, history of warrnambool, albert vinnell, vinnell

This is a soft cover book of 178 pages. The cover is yellow with an image in sepia tones of Mary Gaunt. The lettering on the front cover and on the spine is green and black. The back cover contains critical comments on Mary Gaunt’s work and information on the editor. The book has a map, an introduction, a list of the sources of the stories, twelve short stories, a list of works by Mary Gaunt and a note on the author by the editor. fictionA collection of short stories by Mary Gaunt, edited and published by Bronwen Hickman.mary gaunt, dr h.l.miller, whiskey stills in the warrnambool district (19th century), history of warrnambool, australian women writers

This is a hard cover book of 224 pages. It contains sections on Acknowledgements, Prologue, five chapters, Epilogue, Abbreviations, Notes, Bibliography, Sources of Illustrations and Index. The cover is cream-coloured with gold lettering and the dust cover has a grey background with a colour image of an artist’s work on the front cover and a colour image of a woman on the back cover. The book has many black and white and colour illustrations. non-fictionThis book gives information on Australian colonial woman artists.women artists in australia, caroline jordan

This is a book of 112 pages. The cover is white with black printing and there is a black and white photograph on the front cover. The pages contain printed text and black and white photographs.non-fictionThis book tells of the WW2 experiences of an Australian service woman world war two in australia, australia women serving in world war two

This is a book of 48 pages. The cover has a cream background with a red strip on the front side cover. The front cover has a sketch in grey, black, white and red and printing in red and black. The pages are stapled and have an adhesive tape binding added to the outside spine. The pages contain sketches in black, white and grey shading.fictionWorld War Two Armstrong Cartoonsworld war two cartoonist armstrong, world war two

This sports coat was made at a Fletcher Jones factory about the 1970s. David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) served in World War One and in the 1920s set up as a travelling hawker selling drapery in Western Victoria. In 1924 he leased three shops in Liebig Street, Warrnambool and in 1928 opened his Man's Shop at the intersection of Koroit/Liebig Streets. He manufactured men's clothing on site in a new building erected in 1931. In 1946 a Fletcher Jones shop was opened in Melbourne and in 1948 a factory was established in Warrnambool with a new company Fletcher Jones and Staff established in 1951.This company then operated in other States and known Australia-wide firstly for its production of men's trousers and later for men's and women's clothing. By 2011 the Warrnambool factory was closed and the company dissolved. This coat was bought by Lew Officer, a member of a family with pastoral interests in the Western District.This item is of considerable historical interest as an example of the high quality work produced by the Fletcher Jones and Staff Clothing Stores. This company was a key industry in Warrnambool in the 20th centuryThis is a man's sports coat made of Harris tweed hand woven in the Outer Hebrides made from Scottish-grown wool. The checked material is in brown tonings. The coat has a brown material lining and there are two brown buttons down the front and two on each sleeve. The collar has a grey felt lining.fletcher jones clothing stores, warrnambool, harris tweed jacket, lew officer

The KVHS rotates its displays in the Mt Beauty Museum. These topics are researched and give a deeper insight into the chosen topic.A frosted white plastic tub holding blue plastic folders each with information and photos of each of the temporary displays that the KVHS has displayed in the Mt Beauty Museum. These include: 1. And Then There was Light 2. A Woman's Work is Never Done 3. Bogong Village - Camps 4. Cross Country Skiing 5. Electricity: Watts the Story 6. Here Comes the Bride 7. High Country Cattlemen 8. Indigenous People 9. Mt Beauty - Early; 10. Mt Beauty Sports 11. Not All Tea and Scones - C.W.A.12. Old School Days 13. Tawonga District General Hospital 14. The Buffalo Lodge 15. The Dairy Farm 16. Tobacco in the Kiewa Valley 17. What Makes our Community Great? Clubslight, women's work, bogong village, cross country skiing, electricity, weddings, cattlemen on the high plains, indigenous australians, mt beauty, c.w.a., schools, tawonga hospital, buffalo lodge, dairy farming, tobacco in the kiewa valley, community clubs

This book is a "snapshot" in time (1950s) detailing life in Australia covering a time when a "man's word and handshake" were his moral and quasi legal bond, and the now relative defunct saying "smoko" (having a "time out" from work for a cigarette and tea or coffee). The book spans an era where the male was still the "head" of the family even though for a majority of families the women took on the many "male only" roles during the World War II period. This shift in the leadership of the family hierarchy is mentioned, so ever slightly, (not to offend the still predominant macho male image) in both rural and city environments. The effects of the war, and later the push for women's emancipation and equality in both family, social, workplace and political areas of life, since this book was published, is now finally resolved. However there are still some sections of the recent migrate population where this male dominance is causing a few problems.The significance of this book is not only because it was donated by Mrs C. Roper ( from the Roper Family, a pioneer Kiewa Valley and surrounding Region family - originally beef cattle graziers) but also a Kiewa Valley resident and family, experiencing the shift in the social and economical life of post World War II rural Australia. The strong heritage link to this region of many families still residing within its boundaries, is a clear affirmation of the bond that the Kiewa Valley and its Regions have upon family unity. This unity within the rural environment is something that is attracting more and more families from sometimes alienating city life.This printed coloured sketched, or painted paper sleeve of the book is freely wrapped over a dark red hard cover. Into the front of the cover is pressed a standing pose of a farmer with long sleeves rolled up over his elbows. Behind him and to the right are what appears to be three sacks of wheat and next to him is a merino sheep. To the left and down are two dogs one with a fox in its jaws. The book contains 240 pages, 300 illustrations in gravure and 25 pictures in full colour. The inside fly leaf is a colour photograph of a rural scene with dirt road running in the centre and to the left a farm house and a five bay open storage barnOn the tittle page is a signature "C Roper"country life, australian "outback", rural industries, life on the land, swag-man of the bush

This "ladies" pocket knife was used up to the late 1900's by influential and "well off" ladies, not only as a fashion statement but as a practical tool when away from the kitchen/home to peel fruit and provide a cutting instrument for small items. It was a method to show the growing independence of women to skillfully process food away from the home and kitchen. The use of such a small compact knife could also have been used by male cigar smokers (docking the end of the cigar)This "lady's "purse" knife was a demonstration of the growing independence of women in Australia and especially in rural areas up to the 1940's. The two World Wars provided the opportunity for women to take over what was traditionally "men's work". This evolution of women's equality in society brought changes to what the traditional role of rural women had been entrenched from first colonisation of Australia. The use of such a small compact knife could also have been used by male cigar smokers (docking the end of the cigar). This method of preparation of a good cigar would have been used by wealthy property owners or men of "class"This small one blade knife (lady's) has an "ivory" body containing one small blade. Horizontal lines in "off white" appearance run from one end to the other. One end has a "U" fitting(to provide an anchorage for a chain). This small knife could also have been used by male cigar smokers.ladies pocket knife, small knives, traveller's cutting implements

This cigarette or pipe lighter was in use in the mid 1900's when the majority of users were men. Ladies did smoke but mainly not in "public" The activity was still regarded as a male activity. Middle to Upper "Class" of women nearly always had a gentleman "at hand" that would "light up" her cigarette. This was seen as a "social" activity only but later in the mid 1900's onward it was quite acceptable for both sexes to "smoke" at anytime.This type of lighter was male orientated due to the degree of lighting the flint with the horizontal movement required a strong thumb action across the lighting wheel. It is significant to rural areas such as the Kiewa Valley as the majority of men (especially during and after World War II) regarded smoking as a way to ease off the "tension" of hard work. The socio-economics of the Australian work place changed after the emancipation of women in the "workforce" after the World War II depleted the male workforce for the duration of the War and changed the Australian ethics of women in all aspects of both city and rural working "so called" male only occupations.This Polo Swift lift arm cigarette/pipe lighter has a chrome plated shell and is fueled by petrol. To operate this lighter you lift the "snuffer" arm exposing the wick, then scrape the flint wheel to create a spark from the adjacent flint(resting on the brass ignition wheel).At the bottom of the lift arm station "POLO". Each side of the lighter are "Art Deco line running from the top of the lighter to the bottom. Between these is a rectangular box with "diamond crossed lines"early hand lighters, smoking in the 1930's, cigarette lighter, tobacco, cigerettes, lighter

This cigarette or pipe lighter was in use in the mid 1900's when the majority of users were men. Ladies did smoke but mainly not in "public" The activity was still regarded as a male activity. Middle to Upper "Class" of women nearly always had a gentleman "at hand" that would "light up" her cigarette. This was seen as a "social" activity only but later in the mid 1900's onward it was quite acceptable for both sexes to "smoke" at anytime.This type of lighter was male orientated due to the degree of lighting the flint with the horizontal movement required a strong thumb action across the lighting wheel. It is significant to rural areas such as the Kiewa Valley as the majority of men (especially during and after World War II) regarded smoking as a way to ease off the "tension" of hard work. The socio-economics of the Australian work place changed after the emancipation of women in the "workforce" after the World War II depleted the male workforce for the duration of the War and changed the Australian ethics of women in all aspects of both city and rural working "so called" male only occupations.This Roller Beacon lift arm cigarette/pipe lighter has a chrome plated brass shell and is fueled by petrol. To operate this lighter you lift the "snuffer" arm(long roller lift arm) exposing the horizontal external flint tube, then scrape the flint wheel to create a spark (to light the wick) from the adjacent flint(resting on the brass ignition wheel).At the base to the left of the "filler" screw "PATENT No. 485037, 818155" underneath "REG. DES. N" on the filler screw "ROLLER REG" underneath "TRADE MARK". To the right of the "filler", "THE ROLLER BEACON MADE IN ENGLAND"early hand lighters, smoking in the 1930's, cigarette lighter, cigarette, tobacco

Born 9 May 1901 in Prahran. Her Record of Conduct and Service describes her as being 5' 2½" and 8 stones 3 lbs, with hazel eyes, dark brown hair, a fresh complexion and of good appearance. She belonged to the Church of Christ. She commenced training at the Police Training Depot in 1929. In December of that year she passed the examination for a licence as a Shorthand Writer under the Evidence Act. In 1938 she won first prize for the 'empire-wide' King's Police Gold Medal Essay Competition - the set topic for that year was 'Juvenile Crime - Its Causes and Treatment'. The essay was subsequently published in two parts in The Australian Quarterly. Jessie suffered ill health in later life and died after a stroke on 3 June 1952. She had worked mainly at the Russell Street and the Fitzroy P.C.B. and C.I.B.Jessie Clarey 8507 taken in the early 1930spolice women, clarey, jessie jemima 8507, king's police gold medal, police woman, policewomen, policewoman

Nell Davidson was a staunch member of the Salvation Army and was born in Warrcowie, South Australia, in 1885. She was one of the first four 'police women' when she joined Victoria Police as an agent on 3 June 1918. She was described as being 5' 6" tall, weighed 8 stone 7lb, with brown hair and eyes and a dark complexion. She retired on 25 December 1940, having achieved the rank of First Constable in 1934. She was renown for her work in the slums of Melbourne.Nell Davidson, with hat and glasses, seated, second from the right, with members of the Salvation Armypolice women, davidson, ellen francis 7709, salvation army, police agents, police woman, policewomen, policewoman

In January 1974, 103 years after the establishment of the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB), Dorothy made history by becoming the first woman appointed to the SMB Council. A pharmaceutical chemist, she was also known for her work with the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery and her co-ordination of the merger between Ballarat Grammar School and Queen's Anglican Grammar School in 1973. women of note, ballarat, dorothy molloy, ballarat school of mines, council, first woman to council, pharmaceutical chemist, ballarat fine art gallery, merger of ballarat grammar and queens anglican grammar, 1973, 1974