During the reign of Queen Victoria, whose long and conspicuous grief over the death of her husband, Prince Albert, appropriate dress for men and women for the period of mourning was strictly prescribed and rigidly adhered to. Widows were expected to wear special clothes to indicate that they were in mourning for up to four years after the death, although a widow could choose to wear such attire for the rest of her life. To change the costume earlier was considered disrespectful to the deceased and, if the widow was still young and attractive, suggestive of potential sexual promiscuity. Those subject to the rules were slowly allowed to re-introduce conventional clothing at specific time periods; such stages were known by such terms as "full mourning", "half mourning", and similar descriptions. For half mourning, muted colours such as lilac, grey and lavender could be introduced.. Special caps and bonnets, usually in black or other dark colours, went with these ensembles. There was special mourning jewellery, often made of jet. By the late 20th century, this no longer applied, and black had been widely adopted by women in cities as a fashionable colour. A lady's full length black fine wool dress with pleated bodice and skirt. A beaded detachable collar sits over the dress forming a V shape back and front and is attached by hooks and eyes on right shoulder . Centre front from neck to point is a row of small black circular sequins. clothing, dressmaking, craftwork, cheltenham, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh

Clothing. High stand-up embroidered net collar-close fitting to the neck, and fastening at the back with now 4 metal hooks and loops (one hook missing) and edged at top and bottom with tiny black beads. Five metal ''curved wires'' 7 cm long, are spaced around the up right ''collar'' (to hold in place). The embroidered net forms a V shaped panel at the centre front, and has 15 silk covered oval buttons .8 cm long, from throat to lower bodice. This panel is bordered by embroidered and beaded braid, 7 cm wide and giving a cross-over effect. Cotton tape inside waist 66 cm long fastens with two metal hooks and eyes.Under this lace cross-over, the bodice is shirred and pleated, to give fullness for movement. Pleats are ''caught-in'' at the waistline. An elbow length over-lay of sheer silk fabric, edged with the beaded braid. The sleeves are silk fabric to the elbow, and then narrow in to a three hook plackett at the wrist. This lower sleeve with a 2.5 cm lace frill, and a spotted tulle fabric, and ''dotted'' at the upper side with a double row of tiny black beads. A false tucked effect at opprox knee level at back of skirt. Back hemline extends to a small ''train''. Hemline is heavily weighted.costume, female, full length long sleeved black dress

exhibition, national gallery of victoria, ngv international, fashion, designer, dresses, black beaded dress, black, beaded

History unknown.This item is of aesthetic significance. The identity of the subject is unknown as yet but is likely to be a local woman.A large black / white studio photograph of a bride, sitting down, holding a large bouquet of flowers. She is wearing a long wedding dress with a close-fitting beaded cap. Her veil is long and ornately embroidered. bottom right - hand-written "Ruth Hollick"photograph-wedding

Black has for centuries been associated with mourning but it rose to new heights during the Victorian times with Queen Victoria wearing black from the time of her husband’s death in 1861 until her death in 1901. There were different stages of mourning from the severe plain black clothing of the first period to items of decoration or adornment such as this collar with other items such as brooches, hair and dress adornments which were used at the later stages of mourning. This second stage often went for extended periods especially for widows who often remained in mourning until or if they remarried. Other colours such as dark greys and purples were also acceptable as mourning clothes. Such was the practice in England that jet from Whitby was used extensively by the more well to do. Later on black glass was used which was cheaper.An item which relates to customs which were prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuryBlack beaded collar with seven lengths of beads coming from a section which joins at the back with a hook and eye. The seed beads are stitched to a dark cotton backing. The neckline is square. It also has a number of larger flatter beads across the yoke and down the centre of each of the seven lengths of beads.warrnambool, mourning collar, black beaded mourning collar, beaded mourning collar,

Displayed at History HouseHand-made fabric doll. Cotton body (stocking material?), cotton print fabric (red and white flowers and squares on black background) for dress. Embroidered belt (green and gold), bonnet and cuffs. Felt boots with blue and green stitching. Beading at base of skirt in red, white, green, yellow and clear beads (plastic). Stuff with dried plant material. Red ribbon tied around waist. Curly brown hair (human?). Embroidered face.toy, doll, childhood

Pretty and tiny beaded bags and purses were highly decorated to match the dresses of the era. They were small enough to carry makeup compacts, a few coins, and they were fashion accessories more than practical handbags.This item is an example of a clothing accessory used by women in the early 20th century.Fully beaded drawstring bag with designs of flowers. Tassel of beads attached to bottom of bag. Small wooden hooks on the inside to hold black rope drawstring.bag personal-effects money-container beading drawstring-bag

This evening dress was presumably worn by Mrs Marjorie McKeown (nee Ford) in the Orbost district in the 1940s-1950s. A full-length black evening dress. The arms and top of the bodice are made from mauve/puce coloured lace which has small flowers trimmed with beads. At the bottom of the dress is a broad trinm of puce coloured lace which has been bordered at the top with sequins. The dress has a zip at the side of the bodice. The main fabric is possibly rayon.Van Rothcostume-famale evening-dress

This dress is from the estate of James Cameron who was one of the first Snowy River councillors for the Tambo Shire. He selected land at Lochiel in 1892. From 1902-1920 he was the Assembly member for East Gippsland.Long black silk dress with long sleeves. It is hand-made - machine stitched. There is black beading around the neck and collar. The belt is also beaded. There are small black buttons on the belt and sleeves. It has a black underskirt.costum -female cameron

The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This photograph is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.A220 Four generations of the Faragher family -great grandmother Jane Trigg (seated right), grandmother Sarah Wright (seated left), mother Elsie Faragher (standing at back) and baby Stan Faragher (seated centre front). Elsie Wright is Myrtle Uebergang's sister. There are two copies of the photograph -one a loose mounted copy (pictured), the other was framed. The wooden frame cost 3/9. A duplicate copy in the frame is on display. Black and white photograph of three women and a child. The old lady seated on the right is wearing a long sleeved dress/jacket with beaded bodice and a brooch at the neck. She has a white lace cap and net mittens. The woman on the right is wearing a tailored suit. The jacket has four buttons closure and two buttons on the turned back cuffs. A white blouse with wide pointed collar completes the outfit. The young woman at the back has her hair parted in the centre with plaited buns over the ears. Her frock has a self-fabric sash at the waist, six covered buttons down the front and decorative panels at each shoulder edged with beads. The wide white pointed collar sits on the shoulders. A white insert at the neck has a brooch attached. the child has long hair and wears a one piece outfit with short legs and buttons at the shoulder. His long sleeved shirt has a wide collar. He wears dark socks and button-up shoes.allansford, koroit, four generations, photographs, jane trigg, elsie faragher, stan faragher, sarah wright, myrtle uebergang

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia..1) black and white photograph of a woman dressed in a dark ankle length dress with a scalloped overskirt, wearing beads around her neck. She is standing on the steps of a cottage "Laura Villa" with a shrub to the left of her. The woman is Laura Wright. .2) black and white photograph of a woman wearing a long dark dress and a white cravat with a brooch, standing of the steps of a cottage. The woman is Sarah Wright and the cottage is "Laura Villa". .3) black and white photograph of a woman wearing a long dark dress and a white cravat with a brooch, standing of the steps of a cottage. The woman is Sarah Wright and the cottage is "Laura Villa"..1) Handwritten on back - Laura Wright, aged 25 years. Taken at Smeaton, January 28th 1922, by Frank Wright .2) Handwritten on back Mrs W. Wright, "Laura Villa" Smeaton. Taken by her son, Frank Wright on January 28th, 1922laura wright, sarah wright, laura villa, frank wright, smeaton

Black & white photograph of Addie Keating. She is sitting on a chair and is turned towards the camera. She is wearing a lacy, off the shoulder dress with foliage on the front. and holding a sprig of flowers in her hand. She is also wearing a very long, beaded necklace, long hair. The photo is on board. There is a light, drawn rectangle around her head and shoulders.Vincent Kelly. Bendigophoto, individual, female, photograph, addie keating, adeline may keating, vincent kelly

Black & white photograph of an elderly lady and her dog. The lady is wearing a dark dress and shoes. She is also wearing a three strand bead necklace and a violin shape brooch on her dress. She is holding a small fluffy dog and a plastic shopping bag. Written on the back of the photo is: Alan 95342684.photograph, portrait, female, foster & wilson collection, photograph

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the nineteenth century. This series shows the volunteers dressed in late nineteenth/early twentieth century style costumes, attending the Museums Victoria conference, held hosted by Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and held at the Lighthouse Theatre in Warrnambool. Colour photograph of a woman in a black period costume, carrying a small bag and facing away from the camera.BACK OF COSTUME. BEADED BLACK/VELVET COST $30P/M!/FLAGSTAFF HILL VOL GUIDE AT/MUS AUS VIC CONFERENCE/2/4/2014 [written on reverse in pen] [catalogue number on reverse in pencil]churchill island, museums victoria, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, photograph

Clothing. Black silk-satin fabric, mid-calf length dress, gathered from the waistline. A black, pleated cummerbund encircles the waist, fastening at the left side with three metal hooks, and hand stitched loops. Long set in sleeveshave a fine piping around the arm holes, and have a hand stitched neatening to finish. Shoulder seams are also piped. A long, narrow collar of lace, bound in 2.5 cm satin edging, attaches almost to the waistline-finishing just 9 cm above the waist. A 'bib front' attached at the right side to the bodice lining, attached to the eaistline, and closing on the left hand shoulder side, with metal hooks, and hand stitched loops. Bodice closes over the top with a metal press-stud. Front bodice has three tiny pleats on each shoulder seam and gathers into the waistline seam. Fine georgette fabric, backed with fine net fabric, is with tiny glass beads, and forms the top of the 'bib front'. Fine beading of tiny beads outlines the high round neck. Larger glass beads and silky lace trim the lower 'bib front'. The lg sleeves are gathered lightly at the shoulder, which isoutlined with fine piping. Cut as a straight piece of fabric, a rectangular 'wing effect' at the wrist, is lightly gathered into a 13 cm deep lace cuff, fastening with two metal hooks, and hand-stitched eyes. Sleeves are lined with fine fabric.costume, female, black silk satin dress

Photograph. Norman Penrose collection: (A) Photo portrait of a man wearing a suit and tie. He is also wearing glasses, dark hair. (B) Tinted portrait of a lady with black hair. She is wearing a grey dress with beads and fabric flowers and leaves at the shoulders. She is also wearing sun glasses. Picture mounted on cardboard. (C) Black and white portrait of a lady with shoulder length curly hair. She is wearing a black dress. She is also wearing glasses. Portrait mounted with matt board. (D) Coloured portrait of a lady wearing a bright yellow dress with large black buttons at the shoulders. She has short, curly hair. She is wearing glasses which are black with clear lower edges to the frames. Also black ear-rings. The portrait has been taken from the side and she has her head turned to the camera. The background is pale blue.photograph, person, norman penrose collection, artwork, male and female portraits

Belonged to Kathleen Marjorie Dunn (nee McKenzie)Formal day dress in black crepe. It has a round neck and short set-in sleeves. The front opens from neck to waist and has four self-covered shank buttons. The bodice is slightly gathered at two points front and back. The skirt is gathered centre front with seven rows of shirring. The bodice features six arabesques in black and white beads. The skirt has two false pockets with similar beading. A small vent at the left waist closes with a hook and eye. The dress is machine sewn with a hand sewn turn-up on the hem.Nonecostume, george evans collection

Harris. WM. & Jane – Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Coloured photo in oval frame.Coloured Oval Photo of Mr and Mrs Harris: Mrs Harris is wearing fromal black with dress. Black jacet has a corsage pink . Mrs Harris is wearing clear bead neckl;ace pink brooch at top of dress. Mr Harris is wearing a blak siuit black tie stand up collar white shirt . coat lapel has corsage.stawell

BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH MOUNTED ON FIRM CARDBOARD OF YOUNG MAN FORMALLY DRESSED IN THREE PIECE SUITVAGUE? ON REVERSE SIDE OF PHOTOGRAPH . MIFS PALMER. BROWN BEAD 2 @ 2/- 1 @ 1/6 HAIR? FRIDAY NIGHTlocal history, photography, photograph, local personalities

not knowncirca 2000 black chiffon evening full length waisted dress with short sleeves, round neck and front of a false waistcoat beaded with black flowers and tied at the back. Underskirt of fine black lawn. Back zipperDG Sport Classic Comfortcostume, female

Purchased in Hong Kong by Mrs Myrtle Bennett in 1960 and given to Barbara Gardiner in 1980 and worn at three dinner dances.1960 Black wool evening top or bodice oversewn with black sequins and beads on hem - lined in rayon. Full length. Zip on back.costume, female

c 1914 Dusky pink satin long dress with black ribbon threaded through overskirt and collar. Deep round collar with crystal beading and pink bobbles around edge. Mesh at neckline with pink and clear beading. Crystal beads on edge of overskirt. Long sleeves.costume, female

Page with copies of three black and white photos. One is a group - The Peanut Set 'Knuts' 1914. The ladies are in fancy dress. Their dresses are knee length with bobbles on the hem s and diagonally around the skirts. They are also wearing various head dress. The other two are head and shoulder photos. They are dressed in clown costumes. Both are wearing high peaked hats. The one on the left is wearing a dark collar with long triangular edges. The one on the right is wearing a collar and tie and a jacket with beads along the edge of the collar. The one on the right is Daisy Kline, Geelong and the one on the left is not named. Written on the bottom of the page is Feldheim & Gotthelf.photo, group, female, peter ellis collection, fancy dress sets, the peanut set 'knuts' 1914, daisy kline, feldheim & gotthelf

Roselia Isabell Welch was an actress born 16 November 1838, probably in England. Father John Murrell Welch, mother Angela Towsey. Dress has been worn by her descendants.|This decorative day dress was worn by Roselia Welch to the 1872 Melbourne Cup. Roselia made her Cup Day dress by hand - she may have used a published dress pattern but her skill as a needlewoman is evident as the entire surface is decorated with narrow hand beaded black braid applied in a fern-like motif over the blue cotton fabric of the dress creating a lace-like effect.Dress worn by Roselia Isabel Welch to the 1872 Melbourne Cup. White lining inside dress, blue lining inside train. V neck, front hook and eye opening. Handmade hook holes down centre front. Set in sleeves with black piped armhole seams. Fitted bodice with black piped seams Flat front skirt, full bustle area at back with centre back opening. Floor length train. Blue printed label on lining of centre back panel, right side. Upper case letters 'SUP' visible. Brown tape at waist with hook. Two pairs of tapes either side of back opening for bustle. Black lace around neck, sleeve, train and back opening edges. Black cotton loop in centre of train. Inset pockets right side at hip level and very small one left side at waist level. Entire surface of dress decorated with black braid hand stitched in a fern-like pattern.

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Fashion (or clothing/costumes) in the collection was largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories. This short, beaded 'flapper' dress was worn by Mrs Udora Freame to a ball at the Hawthorn Town Hall in the 1920s. Donated by her daughter, the dress is the earliest item of fashion in the collection where provenance can be linked to a local civic event.Sleeveless black chiffon 'flapper' evening dress with v-neck. The dress is embroidered with silver thread using chain stitch and glass beads simulating Parisian jet.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1920s, evening dresses, udora freame, evening wear, flapper dresses, mayoral balls -- hawthorn (vic.)

Elizabeth Morrison, was born in 1874 and died in 1963, aged 89 years. She was the schoolteacher at Warrigal until she married the donor's grandfather and moved to Melbourne to take up residence with him. Her husband Edward was a porter on the train from Melbourne to Adelaide. Together they had three children: two boys and a girl. The donor's father was the youngest who was born in 1911.  The eldest son, Kenneth Morrison, was a Monsignor in the Catholic Church, and an Air Force Chaplain during the Second World War, while the daughter was a spinster who owned a few haberdashery and children’s clothing stores. The donor's father had a newsagency in Bridge Road, Richmond. He and his wife lived in Carson Street, Kew for about 50 years and had four children, two of whom were to become lawyers, another a surgeon and the final child social worker/family therapist. The donor's father lived until he was 100 years of age.The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.The costume, which may have been used as a mourning dress is comprised of a matching heavy black silk skirt and top. The styling of the short bodice is accentuated by pleating and by the use of spirals of Parisian jet (black glass beads) on the bodice and cuffs. Chiffon lace is attached to the cuffs and is of the period. The dress is made of silk damask with a woven design of joined lines and circles. The rigidity of the fitted bodice is achieved by the use of baleen and by a heavy striped cotton fabric. The wide skirt, in contrast, has a stiffened brown cotton lining. There is a small insertion on the inside of the bodice that may have been used for a watch. The dress is in excellent condition. elizabeth morrison, australian fashion - 1890s, women's clothing

Dr Unice (Una) Beatrice Porter, OBE, CBE (1900 - 1996) Una Porter was the youngest daughter of Frederick John Cato and his wife Fanny (née Bethune). She had 3 sisters and 4 brothers. Her father was of course the prominent businessman and co-founder of the Moran & Cato grocery company who was known for his generosity and commitment to the Methodist Church. Given this background it is not surprising that Una inherited a deep and lasting Christian faith that would become the driving force behind her own career and philanthropic activities. Una was educated at Methodist Ladies College and the English boarding school "Farringtons" however her formal education ended at the age of 14 due to ill health. By the outbreak of the First World War her sisters were married and her brothers enlisted. Una became very close to her father and assisted him in establishing hospitals and missions in Arnhem Land, Fiji and India. Una returned to formal study and matriculated at the age of 30. A niece with diabetes was the catalyst which led Una to study medicine. She enrolled at the University of Melbourne in 1933 and subsequently specialised in psychiatry with training at Prince Henry's Hospital, the Royal Park Mental Hospital and the Children's Hospital. In 1946 she took a post at the Ballarat Mental Hospital. Here she was the first female member of staff, overseeing 512 female patients. She later worked in private practice and was instrumental in the establishment of a psychiatric clinic at the Queen Victoria Hospital. Throughout her life, Una maintained a strong link with the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and in 1963 was elected as the World President of this organisation and in 1964 she was elected Woman of the Year. Una's philanthropic work was extensive. In addition to administering the F.J. Cato Charitable and Benevolent Trust and later the James and Una Porter Trust Fund, she made substantial personal donations to hospitals, universities and community organisations including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Epworth Hospital, Methodist Ladies College, Cato College, Queen Victoria Hospital and the YWCA. It is estimated that she gave over $1 million to various hospitals and institutions. Some of her projects included establishing a scholarship for rural female students to attend university, a Chair in Psychiatry, and extensive research into early childhood development. Una B. Porter was appointed O.B.E. (1961) and C.B.E. (1968) in recognition of her services to the community. At the age of 46 Una married James Roland Porter, an ex-RAAF squadron leader and a lifelong friend. Until this time, Dr Porter had lived at the Cato family home, ‘Kawarau’ at 192-198 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn (later Stephanie’s restaurant). In spite of having qualified as a doctor and with all her philanthropic activities, at age 43 the electoral rolls give her status as ‘home duties’! Dr Porter’s connection with Surrey Hills came after her marriage. In 1948 she and her husband bought 8 Kent Road. A black and white photograph of a screened image of a lady sitting in a winged-back chair. She is wearing a knee length dress with three-quarter length sleeves, and beads around her neck and wrist.psychiatrist, philanthropist, queen victoria hospital, mont albert, surrey hills, 8 kent road, dr una porter, mr james porter, dr unice beatrice porter, mr frederick cato, miss unice beatrice cato, mrs fanny cato, miss fanny bethune, young women's christian association, fj cato charitable and benevolent trust, james and una porter trust fund, methodist ladies college

This dress was worn by Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, to a Mayoral Ball held at Brighton Technical School in 1977. Diane Margaret Lewis completed a law degree at the University of Melbourne, later marrying one of her classmates, criminal lawyer Ramon (Ray) Lopez. When she decided to run for the Brighton City Council in 1975, she was seen as an outside chance. Undeterred, she rallied a small group of friends and supporters and set out on an extensive door-knocking campaign that won voters to her side and successfully unseated former mayor Keith Devenport. She went on to serve two terms on council from 1975 to 1981. Di initiated many local projects, including the creation of a bike path along Nepean Highway and the first Brighton Festival, while balancing family life and a demanding ‘day job’ as personal assistant to Victorian Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation Brian Dixon. She was a member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby and a champion for women’s representation, encouraging both Sally Allmand and Kate Harman to run for council (both were successfully elected). She advocated forcefully for an open, transparent local government in which ratepayers had the chance to participate and be heard. In 1976 Di became the first woman to hold the title of Mayor of Brighton, and she made it clear from the outset that she was going to do it her way. For the annual mayoral ball in 1977, ordinarily a staid traditional function, she chose a discotheque theme based on the Rod Stewart album Night on the Town, with a broad dress code of ‘black tie or jeans’: ‘You’ve got to get with the times,’ she said. ‘We want people to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.’ Di herself chose to attend in this knee-length chamois dress embellished with strings, ribbons, beads and feathers. It was both a fashion statement, exemplifying her colourful, flamboyant and forthright style, and a political one: a declaration of her intention to lead a progressive council, embracing the new and refusing to be hemmed in by dated traditions. In 2020 she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to local government and to the community of Brighton.This dress has local historical significance for its association with Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, who wore it to a Mayoral Ball in 1976. The dress exemplifies her flamboyant reputation, modern outlook and willingness to break norms. At the time, the dress was a radical choice for a Mayoral Ball, where women typically wore formal evening gowns. With her choice of dress, Cr Lopez was making a public statement, breaking away from dated traditions and announcing her intention to bring the Mayor's office into the 1970s. In this way, the dress also points to the wider social and political changes taking place both in Brighton and across Australia during the mid-1970s.Three quarter length chamois dress circa 1974. Machine stitched with a v-neck and full length sleeves and an uneven raw hem, the dress is decorated with narrow thongs of chamois embellished with red beads and blue feathers. The open-fronted bodice is laced with red ribbon and the skirt is decorated with a large blue wool cross stitch and a combination of blue wool and purple ribbon cross stitch. Made in the style of an Indian 'Wild West Dress'.di lopez, chamois, brighton, brighton council, brighton technical school, mayoral ball, 1970s, feminism

This gown, one of two similar items in the collection, belonged to one of the daughters of George Ward Cole, Miss Margaret Morison Ward Cole or Miss Agnes Bruce Ward Cole. George Ward Cole was an early member of the Victorian Parliament and the family featured prominently in Melbourne Society in their time. They established a substantial home known as “St Ninians” at 10 Miller Street in 1841. The family reportedly entertained Melbourne’s first Royal visitor the Duke Of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria’s second son, at St Ninians in 1867. In later years St Ninians was subsequently subdivided and later demolished.A black and mint green wool, velvet, lace and silk dress from circa 1882. The bodice features a wired, standing collar, finishing just under the chin and open at the front of the throat. On either side at the front of the throat it features long black lace ties with black jet bead fringe. The centre front of the dress from the neckline to the base of the skirt features an insert panel of mint green corded silk. The silk is gathered and the neckline and waist and overlaid a panel of gathered lacy net. Inserted into the seam at either side of this panel at the waist are two velvet ties. The dress secures closed with eight black buttons and one hook and eye down the right side of the mint panel to mid thigh. The edges of the collar and black front panels are finished with a looped ribbon trim. The remainder of the dress is made of a black wool fabric woven a checkered pattern of larger and looser threads and smaller and tighter threads creating a seersucker like pattern. The bodice features a natural shoulder line and an Amadis sleeve of full cut gathered to the bodice at the shoulder and finishing at the elbow with a large black lace flounce. The front panels of the dress are flat and shaped neatly to the body from neck to hip line and gently out to create the Victorian silhouette. On the back of each shoulder the dress features a leaf like, small jet beaded embellishment with multiple long loops of jet beads falling down the back to the waist. Underneath this embellishment is a pleated black ribbon that runs from the shoulder to the back of the pelvis. Over the pelvis are another two jet beaded embellishments of a floral design with two tassels. The skirt is full and pleated in under this embellishment and fulls to the floor with a small train. The base of the dress is finished with a ruched band of the main dress fabric.st ninians, george ward cole, visiting gown, brighton, miss margaret morison ward cole, miss agnes bruce ward cole, 1880s