Showing 50 items
matching bras
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Federation University Historical Collection
Slide, Eglise du Bras de Pontho (Church of the Holy Angels of Bras de Pontho), c1970
... Eglise du Bras de Pontho (Church of the Holy Angels of Bras ...A small wooden chapel was built on this site but was destroyed by a cyclone in 1948. It was immediately replaced by the present church, which has simple architecture and interior ornaments. The concrete building is a large rectangle to which is added a square tower supporting a small bell tower. From the church site you can view the Bras de la Plaine valley Photograph of a church Handwritten "Eglise du Bras de Pontho" Stamped "R. Ueberschlag"eglise du bras de pontho, church of the holy angels of bras de pontho, church, bras de la plaine valley -
Hume City Civic Collection
Full length bra, 1960s
... bras ...The bra was worn with a corset and under fitted clothes which were fashionable in the 1960s.A full length cream bra with an embroidered cotton front and elastic fabric back and cotton shoulder straps. There is a blue embroidered flower at the cleavage. Four metal hooks on elastic loops are around the waistline. The back is fastened with two sets of hooks and eyes.female underwear, bras, hickory wear, george evans collection -
Brighton Historical Society
Swimsuit, Marina Couture, circa 1960s
Marina Couture was a luxe swimwear line produced by Watersun in the 1960s. Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Silver lamé swimsuit featuring delicate brocade embellishment, an inbuilt underwire bra, a zippered back and elasticised edging on the legs and back.Label in bra, blue with gold crown logo and text: “MARINA COUTURE / 32”.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers, marina couture -
Brighton Historical Society
Swimsuit ensemble, Watersun
Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Two-piece swimsuit with navy blue and white horizontal stripes. Cropped top (.1) has inbuilt underwire bra and metal fastening at back. Shorts (.2) are high-waisted with longer legs. Matching top (.3) has diagonal navy and white stripes and an asymmetrical hem. Sleeveless with round neck. Velcro fastening on shoulder and side seam of shorter side. Labels inside bra and top.Label in bra (.1), blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the word “Watersun” in red, above the text: “Unquestionable Bra / MADE IN AUSTRALIA / 34”. Label in side of bikini top (.1): “BRI NYLON” Label in back collar of top (.3): blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the word “Watersun” in red, above the text: “34”, with words “Unquestionable Bra” truncated. Appears to be a repurposed bra label.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers -
Brighton Historical Society
Swimsuit ensemble, Watersun
Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Backless lamé one-piece swimsuit (.1) with pattern of silver, blue and bronze circles in various sizes. Waist ties knotted at front for cinched-in waist. Built-in underwire bra. Sleeveless A-line jacket (.2) in same fabric, falling past hips. Front zip and close-fitting hood.Label in bra, blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the word “Watersun” in red, above the text: “32 / Unquestionable Bra”.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers -
Brighton Historical Society
Swimsuit, Miss Watersun
Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Blue and white gingham one-piece swimsuit. Short overskirt. Two rows of white cutwork lace form a frill along neckline and down either side of back straps, which fasten with buttons. Inbuilt bra with label: "Miss Watersun", size T14.Label in bra, blue with yellow sunburst logo containing the words “Miss Watersun” in red, above the text: “T14”swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, miss watersun, melbourne designers -
Greensborough Historical Society
Shopping Bag - Digital Image, The Bra Shop, 1980s, 1980s
Digital image of plastic shopping bag for The Bra Shop, circa 1980, used for advertising. The Bra Shop is a franchise with a store located in Greensborough Plaza.Part of a collection of miscellaneous historical images with a connection to the local area.Digital image of plastic shopping bag"The Bra Shop … [various locations including Greensborough Shopping Centre]" greensborough plaza, the bra shop -
Brighton Historical Society
Swimsuit ensemble, Watersun, Pool party ensemble, circa 1970s
Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Gold lurex one-piece swimsuit (.1) with v-neck and built-in bra. Matching floor-length gold cape (.2) with high collar and yellow lining. Fastens at collar with hook.Label, blue text on white: “Watersun / SIZE 10 / BUST 32 / Made in Australia”swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers, 1970s -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Costume and Accessories, c1960
Bright Pink and cream Pleated Nylon Slip. Skirt and bra top.stawell clothing material -
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum
Brassiere
This Brassiere belong to Mrs Zilpah Winifred Carroll (nee Parker) (1914 - 2001) and formed part of her trousseau. Zilpah, known as Win, married Harold Stewart (Bill) Carroll on Dec 21, 1938 at St MAry's Anglican Church on Glen Eira Rd, Caulfield. The Carrolls moved to Belgrave with their children in 1954 and lived there for over 40 years. Zilpah was supposed to be names "Zilpha" after a fictional heroine, however her father misspelled the name on her birth certificate. Cream lace bra with elastic and ribbon shoulder straps, two buttons to stretch and fasten at front. -
Brighton Historical Society
Swimsuit ensemble, Watersun
Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Two-piece swimsuit with navy blue and white horizontal stripes. Cropped top (.1) has inbuilt underwire bra and metal fastening at back. Shorts (.2) are high-waisted with longer legs. Matching top (.3) has diagonal navy and white stripes and an asymmetrical hem. Sleeveless with round neck. Velcro fastening on shoulder and side seam of shorter side. No label.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Chorus Line
Photograph of eight soldiers dressed in tou tou's, bras, combat boots and wearing wigs dancing a chorus linephotograph, entertainment -
Brighton Historical Society
Swimsuit, circa 1950s
This swimsuit belonged to Brighton local Joyce Fuller, nee Harries (1920-2018), who wore it at Dendy Beach in the 1950s. Ada of California was a Melbourne swimwear company founded in the early 1950s by Brighton locals Ada and Toni Murkies. Born in Poland in 1922, Ada was 17 when the Second World War reached her doorstep. She and her family were torn from their home by Soviet soldiers and sent to a brutal labour camp in Siberia as part of a series of mass deportations. In order to escape the horrific conditions of the camp, Ada and her sister Barbara joined the Soviet-backed Polish Army. During her time in the military she became close with a handsome young Jewish officer, Lieutenant Antoni Murkies, who later became her husband. After the war Toni was awarded 15 medals including the highest Polish military honour, the Virtuti Militari. Ada was awarded 10 medals, including the Order of the Cross of Grunwald. Emigrating to Australia as postwar refugees in 1948, Ada and Toni arrived in Melbourne with little to their name. Working initially in garment factories and building their connections, by the mid-1950s the couple were able to start a company of their own, with Ada designing the garments and Toni managing the business. Within ten years, Ada of California swimwear was being sold in department stores throughout Australia, and the Murkies family were able to build a permanent home of their own in Brighton. By the early 1980s they had acquired several other major labels, including Watersun. Visiting Brighton Historical Society in 2019, Ada recalled this particular swimsuit style to be a popular one, particularly with older women, as the cinched waist and pleated modesty skirt suited many body types. This was important to her, as she wanted women of all ages and sizes to look and feel good in her swimwear, and she devoted much time and attention to the fit and finish of the garments. When the company began introducing padded bras, such as the one in this swimsuit, Ada insisted on using lacy floral lining and a small ribbon rosette in the centre gore, to give women a sense of quality, femininity and care in construction.Blue one-piece swimsuit with waist tie and short finely pleated overskirt. Sleeveless with thin elasticised straps. Inbuilt padded underwire bra with label and pale pink ribbon rosette on centre gore. Fastens with back zip.Label: "Ada / OF CALIFORNIA / 38"swimwear, brighton, dendy street beach, ada of california, ada murkies, toni murkies, joyce fuller, joyce harries -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - Bathers, circa 1956
From the collection of Mrs LattenPale green swimsuit, cream pin tuck insert forming the bra top. The back completely shirred elastic. Green shoulder straps.Watersuncostume, female -
Circa Vintage Archive
Swimsuit by Finlaw, Late '50s to early '60s
One piece swimsuit with plunging back, adjustable straps with button fasteners, built in lace bra cups. New and unworn old stock.Labelled Finlaw of Melbourne. -
Brighton Historical Society
Swimsuit, Miss Jantzen, circa 1960s
This swimsuit belonged to Audrey May Ferguson (nee Fulton), a longtime Brighton resident. Jantzen was founded 1916 in Portland, Oregon. The brand's "Diving Girl" logo - featuring a woman in a red bathing one-piece and cap in mid-dive - became famous throughout the world in the early twentieth century.Navy cotton/nylon terrycloth one-piece swimsuit with inbuilt bra. V-neck, with oversized white plastic zip from neckline to navel.Label: "Miss Jantzen / 16 / MADE IN AUSTRALIA"swimwear, audrey may ferguson, audrey may fulton, jantzen, miss jantzen, 1960s -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - Corset, 1958
Corselet was worn on wedding day in 1958 by Dorothy WilliamsWhite embossed nylon Merry Widow Corselet. Hooks & eyes down the back. Four detachable suspenders. Small blue rosebud at centre of bra.Merry Widow a Warner original. Merry Widow by Warner's Le Gantcostume, female underwear -
Orbost & District Historical Society
pens, 1979 -1994
Mr John Zimmer was a pharmacist in Orbost for 15 years (1979 - 1994). These pens were used by him in his pharmacy in Nicholson Street Orbost.Mr John Zimmer was a pharmacist in Orbost for 15 years (1979 - 1994). He was an active member of the Orbost community. Two pens. 3218.1 is a white cylindrical tapered shape with a clear section. It has a retractable blue ink refill. The silver metal mechanism has a clip for holding the pen in a top pocket. The top white section is labelled in black print. 3218.2 is an off-white colour with blue print. " JOHN ZIMMER CHEMIST ORBOST PH (051)541983" on clip - "IND BRAS"pharmacies-orbost pens zimmer-john -
Orbost & District Historical Society
bloomers, Burton, Marjorie, mid 1950's
This item was made and worn by Marjorie Burton. This item was wornduring summer holidays in Croyde,a village on the west-facing coastline of North Devon, England. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. In England she did office work – typing, shorthand and secretarial work - in accountants’ offices and also trained as a comptometrist with Burroughs in London. She came from middle-class working church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who mademanyof Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. Marjorie married in 1938 to a salesman who later became a mechanic in the R.A.F. during WW11This item is an example of ahome-madepiece of clothing and reflects the needlework skills of women in the mid twentieth century.A pair of lime green cotton bloomers - home-made. They faste with a zip on the right-hand side. They are probably part of a set meant to wear with a bikini bra top.bloomers women's-clothing swimwear burton-marjorie -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - BLACK ONE PIECE LADIES BATHERS
Black one piece ladies bathers with bra inserts and skirt front. Square neckline. White embroidered chain pattern around neckline and on straps over shoulders.Tag on Inside seam, ''Made in England'' '' All Bri Nylon'' Palmers Swimwear''.costume, female, black one piece bathers -
Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum Inc
Drafting Sets, Estimated 1970 to 2000
Seven boxed drafting sets containing compasses, pens and dividers. Padded lids, interiors lined with velvet, blue, black or green. .1) Belonged to Peter Fraser. .2) Belonged to Ian Hooper. .6) Belonged to Noel Cawthorn. .6 & .7) Embossed on lids "Eco O Bra / Kandidat". .1) "Koala / Series / Made in Australia".instruments, trades, drafting, containers -
Orbost & District Historical Society
playsuit, Burton, Marjorie, 1950's
This item was worn by Marjorie Burton during summer holidays in Croyde,a village on the west-facing coastline of North Devon, England. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. In England she did office work – typing, shorthand and secretarial work - in accountants’ offices and also trained as a comptometrist with Burroughs in London. She came from middle-class working church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who made mostl of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. Marjorie was married in 1938 to a salesman who later became a mechanic in the R.A.F. during WW11. Also called a vintage romper today, the playsuit was a cover-up worn outdoors – either at the beach, in the backyard to catch some sun or for sportswear, generally over swimsuits at the beach or pool, They were so comfortable women often wore them at home too, without swimsuits. Playsuits were usually made of cotton, although they could also be found in rayon. They were brightly colored, in reds, greens, yellows and blues. Floral and Hawaiian prints were popular towards the end of the decade. This item is an example of an item of women's clothing popular in the mid 20th century. A two piece lady's playsuit. It is yellow with black patterns - stylised flowers . The top is a bra top with a hook and eye closing. The shorts have a zip at the back and close with a hook and eye, There is a white band at the top.playsuit women's-clothing burton-marjorie -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph
A collection of four Photograph of medical personnel in Vietnam and a field hospital. One photograph shows an officer with the surname, Parker. Maybe a doctor? Another is of four women who were nurses. (See the book, Our Vietnam Nurses 355.345 BRA).1st australian field hospital, medical personnel, nurses - vietnam -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - Corset, c1960s
Worn b y Gloria Woodland as a foundation garment for special evening gown - she found it a very impractical garment taking up to a half an hour each time at the toilet. Only worn once...Flesh coloured elastic & lace body length garment. Lace bra cup - lace panel down front - elastic shoulder strap, silk nylon crutch with eight adjustable hooks and eyes to close under the crutch - also four loops to hold suspenders.Hickory Style 4512 - size 16Bcostume, female underwear -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS NO. 3770 COLLECTION: CORRESPONDENCE
Note from H L Atkinson, dated 25/10/71, naming seven members who have been on the funds of the Court and received medical attendance during the past fortnight. The readable names are John Sloan, John Bra??y, Fritz Abraham and Thomas Smith,societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, john sloan, john bra??y, fritz abraham, thomas smith, h l atkinson -
Orbost & District Historical Society
bikini, Burton, Marjorie, mid 1950's
This item was worn by Marjorie Burton during summer holidays in Croyde,a village on the west-facing coastline of North Devon, England. In England she did office work – typing, shorthand and secretarial work - in accountants’ offices and also trained as a comptometrist with Burroughs in London. She came from middle-class working church-going family. Her mother was a milliner who made many of Marjorie’s clothes, hats and outfits. Marjorie married in 1938 to a salesman who later became a mechanic in the R.A.F. during WW11. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the handcraft skills of women during the mid 20th century.A pale hand-stitched torquoise coloured cotton bikini set. The bottoms are briefs and elasticated at the front. They have high rise leg openings . The top is a bra style with a strap pinned at the centre of the back with a gold safety pin and stitched at the shoulders to loop over. There are 2 hooks and eyes for closure.women's-clothing swimwear burton-marjorie -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Tool - PITTOCK COLLECTION: SET SQUARE
Pittock coach builder's box: set square located in assinged location at the front of the box * rusted steel blade with timber and bras handle * square 270 mm L x 160 mm deep handle * no discernible manufacturer's marks Item stored in Pittock coach builder's box, reference 13000.1. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - THOMAS JAMES CONNELLY COLLECTION: ACCOUNTS PAGE?
The Thomas James Connelly collection. T. J. Connelly - Brassfounder, Coppersmith, Plumber and Gasfitter. Located in High St. Bendigo. Items of correspondence. Small scrap from an account book page? Six persons/businesses listed with amounts. E. Keep & Co. / Bra?kes Rollinson? / Maclean & White / Mitchell & Borman? / Danks / E. Baines.trades, plumbing, thomas james connelly, connelly, thomas james. plumbers. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Clothing - AILEEN AND JOHN ELLISON COLLECTION: WHITE NYLON WEDDING NIGHTIE, 1960's
Clothing. Shaped gathered 'bra-like' bodice, joins a peak midriff panel. 1.3 cm satin ribbon straps over the shoulders. Skirt is permanently pleated nylon with a 10 cm deep woven lace edging, woven into the fabric. A 3 cm wide band of nylon lace insert, outlines the top front of the bodice.costume, female, ladies white nylon nightie -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Boswell On The Grand Tour
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Boswell On The Grand Tour Italy, Corsica an France 1765-1766 Edited by Frank Brady and Frederick A. Pottle Publisher: William Heinneman Date: 1955Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 824 BRA Inside front loose endpaper there is a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, boswell on the grand tour, frank brady, frederick a. pottle