Brian was born in Ayr on the West Coast of Scotland. Brian lived in Mernda Street Sunshine West. Brian was an artist who painted in water colours. His paintings won prizes at the Royal Melbourne Show, Sunbury Show, Bacchas Marsh Show and at the Ballarat Society of Artists Awards. Brian became good friends of John Willaton, a S&DHS member and former City of Sunshine Town Clerk. During a trip to Scotland by John & his wife Dorothy to research Dorothy's family tree, the pair stayed at Brian's brother's in-law Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Brian gave this painting to John & Dorothy in memory of their trip to Scotland.Water colored painting of the Brigde over the River Doon, Scotland mounted in cardBrig O' Doon|To John From Brian Lawrence in memory of your trip to the Brig O' Doon (Bridge over River Doon) B. Lawrence 98brig o' doon, scotland, brian lawrence

This ladies suit belonged to an elderly neighbour of the donor, Margot Miller, who lived in Black Street, Brighton in the 1970s. The neighbour had offered Margot a selection of her old clothing, dating from the early 20th century, as she wanted somebody to hold onto and care for the items after she died. Before Margot could take the items the neighbour was moved into a nursing home and, while cleaning out the house, the woman's son took the clothing to the tip with a load of rubbish. Margot happened to see him leave and was able to follow him and retrieve the clothes. They remained in the Miller family for many years; some were worn by Margot's daughters and some were ultimately passed on to others. Based on our research, we believe that the suit's original owner may have been Julia Richards (nee O'Keefe, c. 1882-1976), who lived at 59 Black Street during this time. Born in Ireland, Julia emigrated to Queensland in 1900. She married William Alfred Richards in 1911 and lived with him in Ayr, near Townsville, where they ran a hotel. It is unclear what became of William, but by the mid-1920s Julia and her two children were living in Brighton, where she remained until her death in 1976, aged 94.Cream wool ladies suit consisting of a jacket and skirt. Jacket is partially lined with silk, quilted around shoulders. Fastens with four self-covered buttons, one attached to a belt. Two box pleats at front and back, each featuring four decorative self-covered buttons at the waist. Upturned cuffs, each with two buttons. The skirt features a fabric belt and triangular pockets in each side with decorative self-covered buttons. Hook fastenings at side.1910s, women's suit, julia richards