Sample of sequin decoration.Black jet sequins stitched onto a black netting.black sequin, black netting, elsie doris whitten

Doris Mercy Willmott was born in May 1896 in Stamford Hill, London, the eldest of three daughters of Albert and Minnie Willmott. The family lived in various parts of north London until the beginning of the First World War, when they moved to Redhill in Surrey. It was in Redhill that Doris met her future husband, Frederick John (Jack) Bennett. Jack had met Eric Mercy, a cousin of Minnie’s, in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and visited the Wilmotts with him whilst on leave from France. Although Jack Bennett returned to Melbourne in March 1919, he and Doris continued to correspond and they were engaged in March 1923. She came to Melbourne on her own, and was married in the Congregational Church in Canterbury on 23 December 1923. By 1931 Doris and Jack and their three sons - John Willmott, Winfield Robert Curtis and Peter Reginald Dane - moved to 21 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn but moved back to his father’s home, Therapia, 2 (now 6) Hepburn Street, Auburn, shortly before his father’s death. In 1937, the Bennett family moved back to the United Kingdom, spending the war years in Uxbridge and Torquay. The family returned to Melbourne in October 1946, after the deaths of Doris’ parents. The family lived at 12 Stanhope Grove, Camberwell and 51 The Ridge, Canterbury before Jack died in February 1952. After this Doris moved to 12 Stanley Grove, Canterbury, her home until c. 1970 when she moved to 25 Corhampton Road, North Balwyn. She died in May 1980 in Princeton Nursing Home, 3 Bellett Street, Camberwell. (Adapted from notes provided by Sue Barnett, the donor).The collection of evening clothes owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett, of which this item is one, date from the 1930s and may have been purchased in Australia or in the United Kingdom. Each of the items, apart from the evening dress, which has a few minor tears in the lace, is of fine quality and evidences Doris Bennett’s love of glamour and style. While the evening dress and the mantilla are of the same fabric, the two capes might have been worn with the dress as alternative fashion accessories. None of the items has a maker’s mark, however each displays evidence of fine dressmaking skills. It is however probable that the two fitted capes were commercially made.Black silk chiffon or georgette fitted evening cape,let entirely covered in silver metal rectangles and black sequins. The cape gives the appearance of being joined at the front, however it is made in one piece. The cape has open scalloped sections bordering the lower band of silver metal rectangles. The cape was owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett (nee Willmott) [1896-1980], and donated to the Society by her grandaughter. evening wear, capelets, doris bennett (nee wilmott), women's clothing

Piece of black lace oversewn with black sequins.handcrafts, lacemaking

Piece black net heavily decorated with black sequins and jet beads.costume accessories, female

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. This cocktail dress is one of a number of items donated to the Fashion Collection by Marion Blatchley.Plum coloured silk taffeta underdress with a black sequinned overdress and belt.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1970s, cocktail dresses

A hat pin is a decorative pin for holding a hat to the head, usually by the hair that was styled in a Chignon or French Roll style and usually worn in a pair. They are typically around 20 cm in length, with the pinhead being the most decorated part. The women of the pioneer families liked to dress up in their best hand made dresses and fashionable hats for Church gatherings and special occasions as a relief from the daily chores of hand washing, ironing with flat irons and cooking over open fires. 1 long, lady's, steel, hat pin , padded and covered in black linen decorated with spherical shaped black sequins bonnets, hats, veils, scarves, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, early settlers, pioneers, clasps, hairdressing, combs, steel pins, jewellery

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

Black beaded cape, triangular with scalloped edging. Ruffled neck and wide lace ruffle around hem, edged with a line of black sequins and beads. Swirling/meandering beaded design on main body, with net insertions.cape, lewis & co. & folkestone

This fan belonged to Julia Charlotte Sargood (Charlie), youngest daughter of Sir Frederick Sargood and only child of Lady Julia Sargood.Black carved wood fan with black net. Three flowers with leaves are embroidered in black thread and small black sequins. Carving on black wooden frame is a floral design. One black metal ring joins the fan at its base.rippon lea, sargood family, sargood, charlotte

Hat pins came in with an assortment of itemsTwo hat pins, black tear drop shape covered in black sequins. One 16cm long, the other 21cm long. These pins would have been worn as a pair, back and front, to hold a very large hat in the 1920's.costume accessories, hat accessories

The capelet was owned by Bridget Fitzgerald (nee Shannon) who emigrated to Australia from Ireland and subsequently lived in the Victorian country town of Tilden. Bridget died in about 1906 and is buried in the Kyneton cemetery. The capelet was passed on by descent to her granddaughter.Well-provenanced evening cape, worn by Bridget Fitzgerald in the Central Victorian Goldfields district.A black satin shoulder capelet covered with fine silk tulle, embroidered with jet passementerie and black sequins. The capelet which when open is circular is joined at the front by eyelets and hooks. The second photo includes a photo of the donor, Mrs Joan Carr, with the cape at the time of its donation.bridget fitzgerald, bridget shannon, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1890s, capelets, capes

Hat decoration with white sequins and black featherscostume accessories, hat accessories

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.Late Victorian black cotton bodice with narrow sleeves. The creator of the bodice has made extensive use of beading at the front and on the sleeves. The bodice is unusual in that it includes an overlay at the front of black sequined tulle over a cream silk insert. The bodice has a black velvet waistband. The edging of the bodice includes pin tucking. Two long 'swallow tails' of lace (sic) hang from the neck of the bodice at the front. The bodice was owned by one of the donor's maternal ancestors.australian fashion, women's clothing, bodices, lace, victorian fashion, micky ashton

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

Ladies black boned bodice of brocade fabric with floral pattern. Crossover front opening with internal centre fastened with thirteen metal hooks and eyes.Crossover section fastened on LHS with seven metal hooks and eyes covered by overlapping panel. Front of bodice is decorated with dense patterns of small black beads and black sequins. There are three vertical panels of beading. The centre panel is bordered with gathered ruffles of black ribbon (one cm wide). The overlapping edges of the side panels of the bodice are edged with gathered ruffles of black ribbon. The front panels of the bodice are lined with black cotton fabric. The back of the bodice is plain. The bodice has a straight edge at waist level with a cotton tape hem. The lower section of the bodice is boned with ten fabric cased bones distributed across the front and back, attached vertically from the waistband. A fabric belt (three cms wide) is attached at centre back four cm above the waist, inside the bodice. The left hand end of the belt has a metal buckle ( 3cmX2cm). The bodice has a 7cm stand-up collar fastened above the left shoulder with three metal hooks and eyes. The collar is densely decorated with small black beads and black sequins. At each shoulder is an epaulette decorated with beads and sequins and edged with one cm gathered ribbon ruffles. The long sleeves are shaped at the elbows with four cm beaded cuffs fastened with two metal hooks and eyes. Above the cuff is a four cm fabric flounce, a row of gathered ribbon ruffle (one cm) and a three cm row of beading and sequins. Sleeves are unlined.costume, female, ladies black beaded boned bodice.

Black full-length crepe evening dress (.1) with bronze-coloured sequins on bodice; asymmetric neckline and draping. Matching black reticule (.2) with sequins.evening dress, sequins, 1940s

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.Three-piece outfit comprising: three quarter length one-piece black silk cocktail dress with an outer skirt of black tulle; black net bolero embroidered with pink sequins; and black silk circular cap embroidered with pink sequins women's clothing, evening dresses, australian fashion, evening ensembles

Lady's black bonnet made of silk. Edges (sides) tilt upwards and the front is peaked. Black flowers, ribbon and feathers are displayed at the back and plastic and wire black flowers with white stamens at the front Two long pieces of ribbon fall at sides to tie under chin. Sequins at the R.H. sand. Whole hat is a wire structure.hat costume-female headwear

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

Ladies collar, with a deep 16 cm peaked front. A round neckline outlined with jet sequins. Outer edge of collar has three peaked sections each outlined with three rows of jet sequins. Outer edge of collar is scalloped. A floral design, on net is sequined and beaded. Another scalloped panel of three rows of jet sequins, separates a net section, scattered with sequins and also has six 3 cm diameter circles of sequins.costume, female, collar

Clothing. Rounded neckline at the back, deeply scooped at front. Back fastens with 12 metal hooks and eyes. Back hemline is slightly shirred to nip in the 67 cm waistline, which is peaked at the cntre front. ''Leg-o-mutton'' type sleeves are gathered at the shoulder, and above the elbow, and finished with an 8 cm band of beading and sequin embroidery and a 4.5 cm black silk frill, and a frill of black lace, with an exquisite fruit and floral woven pattern. The neckline is trimmed with a deep lace and sequined silk overlay. Three velvet ''rosettes'' trim the centre front of the overlay. The silk bodice is shirred from just below the shoulders, to give fullness for the bustline sequins, tiny beads, velvet rosettes, silk chiffon frills.costume, female, black silk boned bodice with lace

In the 17th century young girls were taught embroidery as a necessary skill for marriage, this also helped them make very beautiful handbags. By the late 18th century, fashions in Europe were moving towards a slender shape and women wanted purses that would not be bulky or untidy in appearance, so reticules were designed. Reticules were made of fine fabrics like silk and velvet, with wrist strap often decorated with pearls, sequins, beads and embroidery. A lady's black velvet, silk lined, evening bag with draw-string and hand made tassels. The bag is decorated with beads in a floral designmoorabbin, brighton, early settlers, pioneers, cheltenham, craft work, dressmaking

This handmade blouse with its matching belt was donated along with a note that says, "This jacket was owned by Marion Leishman who married Captain Eadie. They lived in Warrnambool and are buried at Tower Hill Cemetery." The spelling on the headstone is "Edie" rather than "Eadie". Marion Leishman Edie was born in 1835 and died on August 7, 1914. She married Captain Richard Wilson C Edie in 1865. Capt. Edie drowned at sea on 16th June 1883 aged 49 years. Marion Leishman Edie died on 7th August 1914 aged 79 years. Her sister Alison Keishman Sprod, died in 1863, aged 25 years, and is also buried in the same grave at Tower Hill. The fine satin blouse and matching belt is an example of clothing worn by women in the mid-to-late 19th century. It demonstrates the beautiful and talented skills applied to handmade garments. The decoration indicates that the blouse or jacket was worn for a special occasion.Blouse of black satin, decorated with lace and sequins. Long sleeves are puffed at the shoulder fitted at the lower arm and cuff. The belt has sequins and tassels. Black lace is added around the neck and bodice, fastened at the front with hook and eye.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, costume, blouse, belt, female adult, clothing, fashion, satin, lace, wonem's clothing, marion leishman, captain eadie, tower hill cemetery, marion eadie, jacket, black satin jacket, sequins, marion edie, richard wilson c edie, drowned at sea, marion leishman edie, handmade, black jacket, sequined satin jacket

Black net panel with turquoise, black and silver beads and sequins. Mount for the front of a dress. Tamboured beadwork.beading, garments, fragments, 1900-20

Said to be the donor's grandmother's opera dress. About 70 years old. Grandmother of donor was Mrs Christina Sophia Cummins, born Lilydale, Victoria 6/9/1870. Died 14/9/1954.Black chiffon dress with back beading and sequins back and front. Long sleeves finishing in a double frill at wrist. Size medium fit.Label "Made in France"dress, beading, france, 1920-40, garments

The pupils of Falconer Street Central School No.3918 in North Fitzroy rehearse with conductress Miss Ida Park for their performance at the Temperance Hall, Russell Street Melbourne with proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Fund. The house on the right of the photograph is Jubilee House, 126 Michael Street North Fitzroy and is extant. Photographer notations on slide: Choir At Fitzroy State School 1933 B5 While this photograph appears not to have been published, a photograph taken from a different angle of the same event was published in The Age 21 July 1933. SCHOOL CHILDREN SING IN THE OPEN AIR. “A choir of children at North Fitzroy practise their songs for a Pantomime, to be given in the Temperance Hall for the Lord Mayor's Fund on Wednesday next. On the extreme left is the conductress of the Choir (Miss Ida Park).” Reference: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204368572 Research by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer: Children of The Falconer Street Central School Choral Society, trained by conductress Miss Ida Park, along with dance and gymnastics pupils of Misses Dorothy Gibb and Inez Ellis, performed in the “Cinderella” pantomime at the Temperance Hall in Russell Street, Melbourne on 26 July, 1933. The proceeds went to the Lord Mayor’s Fund. Conductress Miss Ida Park (1904- 1952) lived in the North Fitzroy and Clifton Hill area all her life. She was immersed in the music world of Melbourne and was a member of the Musical Society of Victoria. Ida graduated from Melbourne University Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1929 before departing for London where she studied piano and organ at the Royal Academy of Music. Ida returned to Melbourne in 1931, and billed as “The Gifted Young Australian Pianist”, held pianoforte recitals of classical music at Assembly Hall, Collins Street. She also played the organ for services at St Paul’s Independent Church in Delbridge Street, North Fitzroy and later St Luke’s, North Fitzroy. Ida conducted the children of the Falconer Street Central School Choral Society as they competed in the State School Choral Championships and the 85 children of the Fitzroy City Centenary Choir who sang at Melbourne’s Centenary celebrations of 1934/35. In 1945, Ida married Charles Hazeldine, a tenor and returned digger who had served in two world wars. The pair performed together in many concerts over the years. Tragically, both Ida and Charles were badly injured when struck by a car while crossing Queens Parade Clifton Hill in June 1952, with Ida dying from head injuries at St Vincent’s Hospital soon after. She was 48 years old. Charles wrote on Ida’s death notice - “Called home.” The choir were pupils of Falconer Street Central School No. 3918 in North Fitzroy which was built in 1915 to provide upper primary education for grades 5 to 8 for the area. In 1957 it became Fitzroy High School. In 1992, the Kennett Government swept to power, embarking on a program of fiscal austerity and privatisation of government services. 390 government schools were closed, with the land proposed to be sold to developers. 7000 teachers were sacked: 10% of Victoria’s public school teachers. Auxiliary school staff also lost their jobs. Amongst the first to close was Fitzroy High School. Fearful that the land would be sold, hundreds of students, parents, teachers and local residents occupied the building around-the-clock in four hour shifts and overnight for 14 months, sleeping on gym mats in the principal’s office and administrators’ wing. The blockade was lifted when a arrangement was reached to allow Kangan Batman TAFE to use the school from 1993 until 1998. With the election of the Bracks Government in 1999, and construction of new buildings, Fitzroy High School was reopened in 2004 after a 12 year battle. Temperance Hall, at 172 Russell Street, where the children performed “Cinderella”, was built in 1872 by the Melbourne Total Abstinence Society as a venue for lectures, meetings and alcohol-free community concerts and events. From 1934, Temperance Hall was fitted out as a cinema and renamed the Imperial Theatre, showing popular Hollywood films, before closing in 1939 for renovations and reopening as the Savoy Theatre, Melbourne’s first “Continental” talkies cinema. At this time, Australian cinema programming was dominated by American and British films. The lessees, Continental Film Art Theatre began negotiating for theatre properties in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland to screen foreign language films, hoping to present the finest productions from France, Germany, Holland and Italy. At the cost of £6000, the theatre was fitted with the latest Mirrophonic sound and projection system and enlarged to seat 800 patrons with luxurious, ultra modern fittings and furnishings in a colour palette of rust and beige. Instead of usherettes, General Manager Peter Dawson, hoping to bring a sophisticated European atmosphere to the theatre, employed attractive, multilingual “Continental hostesses” to assist guests (not patrons) and answer queries relating to the films. Collectively the hostesses spoke English, French, Dutch, German, Russian and Italian. The Age 20 May 1939- “Atmosphere is a very important part of the theatre's scheme. Ushers in the ordinary sense will not be employed; hostesses will look upon patrons as guests. They will be dressed in full evening dress, and the only indication that they are not guests is the little medallion pinned to their evening dress, on which their names are inscribed.” The hostesses were dressed in evening gowns of olive-green velvet, the full skirts embroidered with gold loops, wine velvet bolero jackets and long white kid gloves with silvery tiaras in their hair. For guests worried that they may not understand the plot, the management assured patrons that- “By means of superimposed English translations on the bottom of the screen, the dialogue is perfectly understandable and the whole witty story can be followed with ease.” The Gala opening of the Savoy Theatre, on 31 May 1939 was attended by a “who’s who” of Melbourne Society, the women wearing beautiful gowns, headdresses and furs. Amongst the guests were former premier Sir Stanley Argyle and Lady Argyle, former Lord Mayor Sir Harold Gengoult-Smith and his wife Cynthia, Field Marshall Thomas Blamey and Lady Blamey and Miss Jessie Brookes. The Vice Consul for France, Monsieur Frank Puaux and his wife attended, Madame Puaux dressed in a black satin gown and a musquash fur cape. She was presented with a beautiful bouquet of scarlet carnations and lily of the valley tied with the tricolour of France. In his speech Monsieur Puaux stated that “from the cultural, linguistic and artistic points of view it was excellent that the Australian public should have an opportunity to see foreign film in the original language.” “Letty” writing in Table Talk magazine described the atmosphere of “Continental” gaiety that had permeated Melbourne - “The Letters of Letty”, Table Talk 8 June 1939 “The “foreign influence” is definitely obtruding itself into the even tenor of Melbourne life these days…. but in the pleasantest manner possible! Included in the great number of Continental people who have recently made their homes here, we have stars of the Russian ballet settling in our midst…. and now… we have been presented with our own Continental picture theatre in the attractive shape of The Savoy, which opened its doors on Wednesday night for the exclusive release of foreign films. One could hardly recognise the old Temperance Hall in its adaptation to the smart, comfortable and thoroughly-intriguing Savoy Theatre. Where once this rather draughty old building stood in Russell Street there now greets us an unmistakable “Continental” edifice, living up to its exterior by sustaining within its walls its overseas’ atmosphere. Indeed, one feels as though one has crossed the threshold into a European city, stepping out of the unmistakably Australian street that is Russell into The Savoy lounge to be greeted by polite “messieurs” from the attractive, Continental-looking usherettes and to gaze upon a film as delightfully French in story and presentation as “La Kermesse Heroique.” But successful though “La Kermesse Heroique” proved on its initial presentation inside the theatre, the debut was no more triumphal than that made by the winning and pretty little French lass who had charge of the booking office outside in the foyer. With her attractive accent and Continental flair for making one “feel at home” she was undoubtedly one of the hits of the night-especially with the susceptible males, who spent very much longer in the lounge than is customary, racking their brains for excuses for making conversation with the attractive Parisienne! Those French girls certainly have a way with them!” The opening film, the 1935 French comedy “La Kermesse Heroique”, (The Heroic Sex) starring Francoise Rosay and Jean Murat (film now called “Carnival in Flanders”) was the winner of the Grand Prix du Cinema Francais as the finest picture of 1936 and described in the advertisement as “The Gay French Comedy of Laughter and Romance” The film is set during the 17th century Spanish occupation of Flanders in the Flemish town of Boom at the time of their annual festival. Hearing news of a pending visit to Boom by the commander, the Duke of Olivares and his army, and fearing rape and pillage, the boorish burgomaster feigns his own death, hoping the Spaniards will bypass the grieving town out of respect. The army arrives and the cowardly men of the town flee. The womenfolk decide on a different approach. Lead by the burgomaster’s beautiful wife Cornelia, they set out to to preserve the peace with grace and hospitality only to find the Spaniards attractive and virile, unlike their own husbands. The Sun newspaper described the film as “Mellow as a Stilton cheese, and as ripely suited to adult taste.” Preceding “La Kermesse Heroique” was a Gaumont British newsreel of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth departing for a tour of Canada and the Soviet documentary “Nine Months on a Drifting Ice Floe” During the war “Continental” films became difficult to source, so the Savoy screened Hollywood movies and held fund raisers for the war effort. After World War Two, the Savoy continued to screen “Continental” films, catering to post-war immigrants from Europe and bohemian Melburnians. In 1953, the Savoy had a wildly popular season with queues winding around the block to see Swedish summer romance “One Summer of Happiness” (Hon dansade en sommar) with its nude swimming scenes. The Chief Commonwealth Censor declined to cut the film on the grounds that although it displayed nudity, it was genuinely artistic. According to Wikipedia, film director Fred Schepisi was first exposed to European films such as “Bicycle Thieves”, “Rocco and His Brothers” and “The Wages of Fear” at the Savoy as a teenager, leading to his long career in filmmaking. In 1955, in response to the massive rise in car ownership, the Melbourne City Council recommended that parking stations be built on every block. The Savoy Theatre and adjacent buildings, which included the Golden Fleece Hotel were demolished in 1963 and replaced with Total House, a Brutalist commercial building consisting of a seven storey car park crowned by a four storey office block, shops at street level, and a basement theatre which housed the Lido Theatre Restaurant-Cabaret from 1965. The building was designed by architectural firm Bogle & Banfield Associates and named for the original tenant of the offices, French oil company, Total Oil Products P/L. The Lido Theatre Restaurant was managed by former Tivoli dancer and promoter David Hamilton McIlwraith, presenting dinner and a glamorous cabaret floor show of showgirls, (some topless) to accompany variety acts by local and international actors, singers, comedians and magicians. The interior of the Lido was opulently decorated in deep, lush green with old world gold trim and chandeliers. Handily, patrons could enter and leave via an elevator, straight from the building’s own car park! A four course gourmet dinner with show and dancing cost $8.00 in 1968. The Lido advertised in 1966 that “Every visitor to Melbourne soon discovers the brightest entertainment spot in the Southern Hemisphere with its million dollar decor, dining delights and spectacular stage productions.” Australian Jewish News - 21 April 1967 - “Superb decor and atmosphere, cuisine and service have been readily recognised as the contributing factors to the excellence of stage presentations, staging, costumes, decor and, of course, the actual choice of artists.” The bedazzling ensemble of 40 high-kicking, feathered and sequinned showgirls were advertised as the “Fabulous Lido girls and the controversial Baretop Lido Goddesses” who were described as “Statuesque Beauty as Nature intended” and “…a host of glamorous gals whose favourite shade is flesh pink.” Some of the acts who performed at the Lido were- -Broken Hill’s own - opera singer June Bronhill -1967. -Versatile singer Lovelace Watkins known as “Black Sinatra - 1967. -“Queen of the five-fingered boogie", honky-tonk and rollicking rag-time pianist, Winifred Atwell - 1967. -New Zealand pop duo, Bill and Boyd -1968. -American actress and soprano Kathryn Grayson -1968. -Denise Drysdale in “Say It With Music” -1968. -“Catwoman” Eartha Kitt -1969. -Internationally recognised female impersonator, Sydneysider Tracey Lee, (Maxwell Richie) billed as "controversial impressionist and singing personality from the famous Carousel Nightspot in Paris". -Frances Faye, American comedienne and show-tune singer and pianist-1969. -“Cry Guy” histrionic singer Johnnie Ray -1970. -Risqué revue “Oh Calcutta!” with some segments and the “four letter” words removed-1970. In 1970, under new management, the Lido was renovated with claret and gold wallpaper, midnight blue ceiling and a computerised fountain with fairy lights and relaunched by “The Tigress from Tiger Bay”, Shirley Bassey. The relaunch was short lived however, as later that year the venue became El Toro Espana, a Spanish restaurant and nightclub offering a four course meal for $4.50 while you watched the floorshow. The venue then briefly became the Red Garter Music Hall Theatre from 1972, then in 1974 the site became the 600 seat Total Theatre comprising of a cinema with a stage for live acts. There were also three bars to choose from - the Crush Bar, the Bleachers and the Snake Pit. Total Theatre had the unusual concept of a live music act, or plays, musicals and magicians followed by a film. In 1975 soprano Suzanne Steele featured, followed by the film “The Voyage” starring Sophia Loren and Richard Burton. In 1975, the Total held a rock film festival showing a Jimi Hendrix documentary, “Monterey Pop Festival”, “Pink Floyd in Pompeii” and more. In 1976, 17 year old Chrissy Amphlett, later of rock band Divinyls, played the role of Linda Lips for nine months in the Australian stage production of R-rated “sexual musical”, “Let My People Come” at the Total Theatre. The Total Theatre closed in 1979 and from 1980 to 2014 the venue became Billboard Nightclub, hosting local and international acts, including INXS, Tina Turner and John Farnham, and in 2009, 18 year old Taylor Swift. The venue is now called 170 Russell and presents hundreds of live local and international acts every year. In 2014, after being under threat of demolition, Total House was listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as “a landmark of post-World War II modernist design and…one of the earliest and best expressions of Brutalist architecture in Victoria”. References: RICHARD CROOKS ARRIVES SCHOOL AGAIN VENUE OF ROYAL VISIT (1939, May 31). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205629696 AMUSEMENTS. (1933, July 27). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved September 19, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204378853 https://larzra.wordpress.com/origins/ CONTINENTAL HOSTESSES, (1939, May 31). The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 - 1954; 1956), p. 27. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article278189387 The Letters of Letty (1939, June 8). Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), p. 12. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article149320966 SAVOY THEATRE (1939, June 1). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved September 19, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205639035 NEW THEATRE OPENED (1939, June 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 8. Retrieved September 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134234 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_House Page [?] TOUCH OF SPAIN (1970, December 18). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 35. Retrieved September 23, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article262493757 No title (1935, June 11). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244840169 Dine, wine, and watch a stage show (1966, November 16). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 6. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article44025050 http://jonathanbollen.net/2011/02/26/tracey-lee/ LIDO ‘ART’ (1967, April 21). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 8. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article263003136 THE FABULOUS LIDO (1965, October 22). The Australian Jewish News (Melbourne, Vic. : 1935 - 1999), p. 17. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article262983995 No title (1939, May 31). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 6. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134144 #NEW THEATRE OPENED (1939, June 1). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 8. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12134234 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracey_Lee_(female_impersonator) https://citycollection.melbourne.vic.gov.au/35b-40h-image-of-a-model-for-the-total-house-offices-and-car-park-on-russell-street/ https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/from-the-archives-1990-s-hundreds-of-school-closures-hit-victoria-20190801-p52cwj.html http://jonathanbollen.net/2011/05/29/the-lido-melbourne/Photographer notations on slide: primary schools, schools, music, education, choirs, fitzroy, cars, theatre restaurants, venues, films

Long sleeveless beaded evening dress with V-front and back neckline. Black tulle base embellished with black, grey and purple beads and sequins with a design of a purple sunburst radiating from the right proper hip and mirrored on the back. Bodice sides split to waist and skirt sides split to hip. 1920s fashion, evening dress, beading, flapper dress

This dress belonged to Ellen Davis, nee McLaughlin (1870-1956), great-grandmother of Margaret Lake. Ellen was born in County Donegal, Ireland. She married George Washington Davis in 1890 and the couple moved to South Africa, where George owned a bicycle store. During this time, Margaret says, Ellen "had a life of luxury, having servants at her beck and call and even sleeping at the foot of her bed to protect her from any harm". She was a "tiny lady of 5 foot tall" and George "could put his hands around her waist of 18 inches". On coming to Australia they opened a garage and taxi service in Graham Street, Port Melbourne. They lived here until Ellen's death in a road accident in 1956. Ellen gave the dress to her great-granddaughter when Margaret was ten years old. Aged 62, Margaret told BHS, "I have worn it on several occasions, mostly to costume parties and fancy-dress balls when I was younger. I have loved it all this time and displayed it on a dress model in my last home". As she had no granddaughter of her own to leave it to, she decided to donate the dress so that it would continue to be cared for.Sleeveless black silk crepe dress with V-neck and scalloped hem. Covered with black beaded designs, with white bead and iridescent pink sequin accents.margaret lake, ellen davis, ellen mclaughlin, beading, 1920s

The letters of the completed banner were made by different churches within in the presbytery of Gippsland and spell a sentence, presumably, "BUILD YOUR CHURCH LORD!" Orbost was one of the churches that had the finished banner on display. 24 small banners with tabs at the top of each for hanging on a rod. 19 have large blue letters appliqued on them. Twenty two of the banners are roughly square and two are smaller and oblong. Three have no letters and are used as spacers in the four word sentence that the letters make. The banners are decorated with rural and coastal images. BN068.1 "B" with an embroidered boat with the number 1 on the sail. BN068.2 "U" fabric paint words: "LOCH POOWONG east poowong nyora strezlecki kernang athlone" BN068.3 "I" "Korumburra" BN068.4 "L" with a pelican, fishing boat with a net, shells and sand BN068.5 "D" with the UCA emblem and "BUNYIP Garfield Longwarry" BN068.6 "Y" BN068.7 "O" with fabric paint flag, ram, road and trees and a cow BN068.8 "U" BN068.9 "R" with green and yellow wattle in fabric paint BN068.10 "C" with ric-rac round the letter and three churches appliqued in the top left corner BN068.11 "H" edged with pale blue metallic fabric paint BN068.12 "U" with sunrise over the sea with gold chain sunbeams and sequins BN068.13 "R" with fine blue embroidery at each corner and only two tabs BN068.14 "C" with appliqued boat, sky and sun BN068.15 "H" with a black swan with a red beak BN068.16 "L" with appliqued and fabric painted scene of a beach, hills and city smoke on the horizon BN068.17 "O" with painted corn cobs in each corner BN068.18 "R" with cows, hills, sheep and a sack BN068.19 "D" with machine embroidered church "St Matthews Yinnar", hands "Friendship", building "UCA Yinnar", chuch "Holy Innocents YINNAR STH" "(Californian RED WOOD)", tree "BIG TREE grows at Christ Church Boolarra" BN068.20 "!" with fabric brown cow in grass BN068.21 spacer with appliqued house, bushes and barn BN068.22 spacer with appliqued sun with ribbon rays and black white and brown figures BN068.23 & BN068.24 spacer with a small UCA red dove in the centre "B U I L D Y O U R C H U R C H L O R D !"uniting church adult fellowship