(i)'Rules and Agreement.' Typed and handwritten documents relating to loans by Mr. Henry Jones - a gold broker. (ii) Paperwork relating to business between Mr. Jones and Bendigo Tin Shop and Jackson's Buildings. (iii) Copy of a ' Bill of Sale from Henry Jones business which was at View Point, Sandhurst. (iv) Mortgage. Dated C1873.document, certificate, loans and sales, lydia chancellor, collection, business, sales, property, land sales, documents

Red folder containing an OC folder and a stack of papers used for business management and recruitment purposesLITTLE, Marjorie

Part of a collection of business documents found under the floor of a building in Main Street when it was being renovated. At that time the owner was Don Chambers, and the premises was occupied as the Chambers Riteway Supermarket. The location (134 Main Street) is currently (2022) occupied by Miegel’s Pharmacy Rutherglen. Sheet of Thomas Mitchell Tin Smith Headed note paperbusiness documents, thomas mitchell, tinsmith, plumber, 134 main street, chambers riteway supermarket

Part of a collection of business documents found under the floor of a building in Main Street when it was being renovated. At that time the owner was Don Chambers, and the premises was occupied as the Chambers Riteway Supermarket. The location (134 Main Street) is currently (2022) occupied by Miegel’s Pharmacy Rutherglen. Receipt book stubs with cardboard backingbusiness documents, receipts, 134 main street, chambers riteway supermarket

Part of a collection of business documents found under the floor of a building in Main Street when it was being renovated. At that time the owner was Don Chambers, and the premises was occupied as the Chambers Riteway Supermarket. The location (134 Main Street) is currently (2022) occupied by Miegel’s Pharmacy Rutherglen. Pair of invoice books, each one stapled firmly on the left side. "The House of Quality & Variety Rutherglen..... Bought of F. J. Gill (Late with T. Gaunt & Co.) Watchmaker and Manufacturing Jeweller, Rutherglen and Corowa"f j gill, gill family, watchmaker, jeweller, business documents, 134 main street, chambers riteway supermarket

It is believed that the C. Lim Kee who was paying these rates was Charles Lim Kee. According to the Rutherglen Sun September 11, 1896 he was starting a business known as the Cash Bakery in premises previously occupied by Conrad Huhs. In 1903 he moved to new premises next to the Bank of Victoria. By 1908 he had a shop and rooms in Main Street, and houses in Wallace Street and Murray Street. Part of a collection of business documents found under the floor of a building in Main Street when it was being renovated. At that time the owner was Don Chambers, and the premises was occupied as the Chambers Riteway Supermarket. The location (134 Main Street) is currently (2022) occupied by Miegel’s Pharmacy Rutherglen. Receipt from Rutherglen Waterworks Trust for water rates for a house in Murray Street. The form is printed on paper with hand written details reproduced with carbon paper.,"Rutherglen Waterworks Trust, No. of service 278. [receipt no.]: 605. Rutherglen, August 14th 1914. Received from Mr C. Lim Kee the sum of --- Pounds twelve Shillings and --- Pence, being Water Rate on a House or Land situate in house, Murray Street Rutherglen Urban Waterworks District. From 1st July to 31st Dec 1914." Signed A.H. Thompson, Collector.lim kee, rutherglen waterworks trust, water rates, business documents, 134 main street, chambers riteway supermarket

Share certificate, printed on salmon coloured paper, for shares in the Ovens & Murray Dairy Company Limited, of Springhurst. Specific details for this certificate are hand written in ink, with the certificate number added by rubber stamp.No. of Issue: "56" Folio: "11" "This is to Certify that F. Jacobson of Norong is the proprietor of 25 shares numbered 866 to 890 inclusive in the Company The Ovens and Murray Dairy Company Limited. and that the sum of 3/- per share has been paid..." Certificate dated: 30/3/1893ovens & murray dairy company, business documents, share certificates, jacobson family.

A large green cloth paper wavy patterned covered Norman Bros., Leger Book with burgundy tape on the spine. This blank book was used by the Silvan Progress Association in 1914 as written on the front cover in copperplate writing. Inside the book starts at page 64 so the pages 1 - 63 may well have been used in 1914 and they have been torn out. There is an entry on Page 173, the last page, for Expenses for 1915 & 1916 for the Silvan Progress Assoc.The Leger was used as a Statement of Accounts Processed Strawberries Apl - June 1939 and for other statements too. The last entry was completed on Nov 24 1939. Pp.173non-fictionThis blank book was used by the Silvan Progress Association. Inside the book starts at page 64 so the pages 1 - 63 may well have been used in 1914 and they have been torn out. There is an entry on Page 173, the last page, for Expenses for 1915 & 1916 for the Silvan Progress Assoc.The Leger was used as a Statement of Accounts Processed Strawberries Apl - June 1939 and for other statements too. The last entry was completed on Nov 24 1939. Pp.173account books, accounts, business accounts, business records, documents, account records, financial records

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history. The ‘Embassy’ brand was a house brand of Coles stores from 1929-1994, and manufactured a wide variety of household goods. The manufacture of this specific style of notebook can be dated to between 1947 and 1953.Notebook with handwritten instructions, formulas and sketches detailing patterns for samples. ‘Embassy’ exercise book cover is printed with a blue checked pattern on a background that was originally likely white, but appears cream due to discolouration. The centre of the front cover has a trapezoidal label that provides space for handwritten labels, and features a map of Australia inside a red circle, as well as the manufacturers branding. The 64 internal pages are printed with blue lines as a writing guide.[Obverse] Embassy EXERCISE BOOK NAME [handwritten] Mrs Maley GRADE [handwritten] Sample Book SCHOOL 64 PAGES BEST QUALITY PAPER BLUE RULED – 26 LINES TO PAGE [sample of internal pages] [left page] Notes: 34” = 3 garments out of 40” Length 32” = 3 “ “ “ 38 “ “ 30” = 28” = Cut together (26” = 4 garments “ “ 33” “ (24 = 4 garments “ “ 33” length Blue 36” Red 36 ½“ Green 36” Royal 35 ½” [right page] Design Esquire (Width 35 ½ - 36) Size 34” Width Yardage Size 32” Width Yardage Sample cotton 90 ribs for 28” Size 28” (sample size) Width cut to 20 ½ (double) Yardage 34 ½“ for 2 garm. Size 26” Width Yardage Size 24” Width Yardagebusiness, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, embassy brand, coles

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Notebook with handwritten tables and figures recording data about production and sales of Kathryn Knitwear from 1962-1963. ‘VANA’ exercise book cover is printed with a white square check on the diagonal, on a red background. Large blue block letters spelling VANA appear in a white rectangle down the lefthand side. A White rectangle blue lettering provides space for handwritten labels, handwritten inside it is P/L on the top line.The internal pages are printed with blue lines as a writing guide, and contain handwritten notes and tables in red and blue ink.[Obverse] VANA EXERCISE BOOK BLUE 9M/M RULING NAME [handwritten] P/L GRADE SCHOOL SUBJECT DATE APPROVED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENTbusiness, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, vana

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.8 page booklet containing price list for winter 1972. Hand-drawn illustration on front of booklet depicts two young boys in striped jumpers in shades of blue and brown. Internal pages of booklet contain a table in landscape orientation printed in black ink containing Style number, description, pricing for given sizes, and available colours. It has “Mr Robert” handwritten in blue ink in the top right corner and is annotated in red ink.[Obverse] PRICE LIST KATHRYN ROBERT BLAKE (DISTRIBUTORS) PTY. LTD business, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, children's knitwear, children's clothing

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Business card for Robert B. Blake on cream cardstock. Name and contact information is printed in blue ink, and the Kathryn knitwear logo is stamped in golden metallic foil[obverse] KATHRYN Robert B. Blake ROBERT BLAKE PTY. LTD. 26-32 KING WILLIAM STREET BROADMEADOWS, VIC., 3047 TELEPHONE: 309 1333business, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, children's knitwear, children's clothing

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Black and white photograph printed on photographic paper depicting a young blonde girl wearing white tights, shiny black mary janes with broguing and a short black long-sleeved dress. The dress has three horizontal rows of white lace trim and a velvet ribbon that ties in a bow across the front panel. She has one arm behind her back and is resting her other arm and leaning against an ornate dining chair with velvet upholstery. From a promotional shoot for Kathryn Knitwearbusiness, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, textile industry - history wool marketing, wool marketing fashion textile industry, children's knitwear, children's clothing, knitwear marketing

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Clear plastic sheet printed in white, blue and orange with Kathryn Knitwear logo and cartoon image of two children.KATHRYN Knitwear KATHRYN BY ROBERT BLAKE OF MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIAbusiness, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, textile industry - history wool marketing, wool marketing fashion textile industry, children's knitwear, children's clothing, knitwear marketing

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Black and white photograph of two children. The boy on the left wears a dark short sleeve polo shirt and holds a magnifying glass up to his eye while biting his lip. The inscription on the reverse indicates that his shirt is navy blue and has metal buttons. The girl on the right wears a pale crew neck shirt and cardigan with long sleeves and a tartan skirt. She has a picture book in her lap and is holding her hand up to her mouth. The inscription indicates that her shirt and cardigan are a matching pink set. The back of the image has a slip of typewritten paper taped onto it that features the proposed marketing inscription. The name and address of the marketing firm is stamped to the bottom right of the reverse, and a reference rumber (M582-1) is written in greylead below it[reverse] Well worth inspecting! A trio of Kathryn’s ‘BRI-NYLON’ garments, made from a fabric that is soft, springy. Does not pull and has an attractive lustre, They young man wears a navy blue shirt with collar, short raglan sleeves, and metal button trim at the neckline. They young lady wear a pink crew neck pullover with short raglan sleeves topped by a matching button through cardigan with long raglan sleeves. Retail price of the 3 garments vary according to size, from approx. £1.9.6 to approx. £3 gns. Sizes range from 22” to 34”, and colours include pale blue, lemon, white, acqua and botany blue. DAVID FRANKLIN ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD. 16 GEORGE PARADE, MELBOURNE. 63-2141 [handwritten] M582-1business, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, textile industry - history wool marketing, wool marketing fashion textile industry, children's knitwear, children's clothing, knitwear marketing

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Advertising pamphlet for Kathryn Knitwear’s direct-to-consumer subsidiary ‘Woolknit Distributors’. Consists of four pages, printed in colour. Front cover is orange and features an image of a baby sitting up on the floor with a toy box and rocking chair behind. There are four rag dolls on the left hand side of the image; two sitting on the seat of the rocking chair, one at the base, and one in the foreground. Below the image is the woolmark logo. The internal pages are laid out as a double page spread, with the left hand side detailing instructions for ordering and a description of the offered garments, and the right hand side featuring drawings of babies wearing the garments available for purchase. The back page is a full-page advertisement for ‘Foftly’ detergent, and features a blonde woman wearing a blue jumper with matching blue eyeshadow with a blonde baby wrapped in a white blanket. The bottom of the page has a coupon for 40c off a purchase of ‘Softly’.[obverse] special offer! of KATHRYN NEW SEASONS BABYWEAR IN PURE NEW WOOL (woolmark logo) PURE NEW WOOL Free sample of “Softly” with every order! [internal] 8 EXQUISITE STYLES AT PRICES YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS … ! Woolknit distributors* brings you an exciting range of new seasons pure wool baby clothes made by leading children’s wear manufacturer “Kathryn” mailed direct to you at no extra cost. - STYLED IN A DELIGHTFUL RANGE OF COLOURS… - DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY IN WOOL FOR SAFETY, WARMTH, COMFORT AND LONG LIFE… - ALL HAND WASHABLE FOR EASY CARE… - A MONEY BACK GUARANTEE FROM WOOLKNIT DISTRIBUTORS IF YOU ARE NOT COMPLETELY SATISFIED… Just select your style number from the list below: Fill in details of colour, size and quantity required on the enclosed card. Mail it in the reply paid envelope and print your name and address clearly. Send only cheque, postal order or money order. Do not enclose stamps, coins or bank notes. [left column] 15/MJ Matinee jacket with collar in Warm white; blue; lemon; pink. Size 16” only $3.50 16/MJ Pop your little bundle into this lacy matinee jacket. Warm white; blue; lemon; pink. Size 16” only $3.30 117/CSW All winter warmth in this com- bination suit with smart ‘fair- isle’ pattern and zip front. Red/ Warm white; Empire blue/Warm white; Sky blue/Warm white. Sizes 16” and 18”. $6.50 625/3 Beautifully styled pram set, keeps baby cosy from top to toe. Jacket, cap and breech- ettes. Warm white; blue; lemon; Pink. Sizes 16” and 18” and 20”. $9.30 681/CW Delightful baby cardigan in purl knit. Warm white; blue; lemon; pink. Sizes 18”, 20” and 22”. $4.30 [right column] 629/3 Three-piece pram set, including Frock, bonnet and breechettes. Warm white; lemon; pink. Sizes 16” and 18”. $10.00 Each item available individu- ally :- 629/B – Breechettes. Warm white; lemon; pink. Sizes 16” and 18” $3.00 629/C – Bonnet. Warm white; lemon; pink. Sizes 16” and 18” $1.60 629/F – Frock, hand embroidered. Warm white; lemon; pink. Sizes 16” and 18” $5.40 721/PW Cuddly pullover in purl knit keeps out winter winds. Warm white; blue; lemon; pink. Sizes 18”, 20” and 22”. $4.30 Shawl. Exquisitely knitted, super-fine shawl. Warm white only. $9.50 SIZE CHART Baby’s age / 0-6mths / 6mths. to 1 year / 1 to 2 years / 2 to 3 years Size of garment to order / 16 / 18 / 20 / 22 *WOOLKNIT DISTRIBUTORS PTY. LTD. 30 HALL STREET, MOONEE PONDS, VICTORIA, 3039 [reverse] Softly care keeps woollens soft as new Softly is safe for all kinds of woollens From the delicate things baby wears to the heavy winter blankets you wash in your machine. Softly gently cleans and protects. Leaving them soft as new. Try Softly yourself by taking advantage of the offer below. Do it now – for your woollens’ sake.business, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, textile industry - history wool marketing, wool marketing fashion textile industry, children's knitwear, children's clothing, knitwear marketing, mail order

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Black and white photograph of two children. The boy on the right wears a dark short sleeve polo shirt. The inscription on the reverse indicates that his shirt is navy blue and has metal buttons. The girl on the left wears a pale crew neck shirt and cardigan with long sleeves and a pair of checked trousers. The inscription indicates that her shirt and cardigan are a matching pink set. The children have their heads resting together and smile looking toward the left of the picture. The back of the image has a slip of typewritten paper taped onto it that features the proposed marketing inscription. The name and address of the marketing firm is stamped to the bottom right of the reverse, and a reference rumber (M582-13) is written in greylead below it[reverse] Worth smiling about! A trio of Kathryn’s ‘BRI-NYLON’ garments, made from a fabric that is soft, springy. Does not pull and has an attractive lustre, They young man wears a navy blue shirt with collar, short raglan sleeves, and metal button trim at the neckline. They young lady wear a pink crew neck pullover with short raglan sleeves topped by a matching button through cardigan with long raglan sleeves. Retail price of the 3 garments vary according to size, from approx. £1.9.6 to approx. £3 gns. Sizes range from 22” to 34”, and colours include pale blue, lemon, white, acqua and botany blue. DAVID FRANKLIN ASSOCIATES PTY. LTD. 16 GEORGE PARADE, MELBOURNE. 63-2141 [handwritten] M582-13business, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, textile industry - history wool marketing, wool marketing fashion textile industry, children's knitwear, children's clothing, knitwear marketing

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Letter from Myer (Melbourne) Limited to William Blake. The letter confirms and details of a meeting held to discuss business arrangements between Kathryn Knitwear and Myer. Due to the lack of signatory, it is likely there was originally additional pages that have been lost. It is typewritten in blue ink on white paper, with smudges and pen marks evident.MYER (MELBOURNE) LIMITED. 314-336 Bourke Street, Melbourne C.1. 66 111 July 10, 1967 Mr. William Blake Kathryn Knitwear. P.O. Box 49. BROADMEADOWS Vic. Dear Mr. Blake. This is to confirm and itemize details of the discussion held in my office on Monday, July 10, at which time the following points were discussed: - 1. Action to be taken on:- (a) Regular Kathryn range. (b) Special lines to be developed under the Kathryn label confined to Myers stores. These to fit into the regular Kathryn price fields. (c) Special price lines to be developed exclusively for Myers stores, also that for these price lines the regular Kathryn quality to be maintained. With regard to Items A and B of the above, it was decided that purchases were to be taken out by departments on regular Kathryn merchandise for the financial year August 1, 1966 to July 31, 1967, and targets were to be set for each department for the same period for 1967-1968. 2. Specific items were to be nominated that are to be made under Item 1(b), eg: angoras, knits, dresses, etc. these items to be quickly collated by Mr C. Rivers.business, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, myer, myer emporium, myer (melbourne)

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Tables outlining the production quantities for each colour and size of a given style for the Winter 1962 seasonbusiness, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Typewritten letter in black ink on cream paper, with a hole punched in the upper left hand corner. Letter has initially been printed as a form with dotted lines, that have later been printed over.MELBOURNE SCHOOL OF TEXTILES 35.1288 23-35 Cumberland Road, PASCOE VALE, W.8. 20TH March, 1964 Messrs. Robert Blake Pty. Ltd., 6 Hall Street, MOONEE PONDS. Dear Sir Re: …. THOMSON N. …. The abovenames student, a member of your organization, has been absent from the following classes: Thursday / 19/3/64 / Certificate Course We are very keen for these classes to be a success, and would be obliged if you to see that he attends regularly in future. Yours faithfully, MELBOURNE SCHOOL OF TEXTILES. [SIGNATURE] O. C. RIEGULHUTH, ACTING PRINCIPAL.business, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, textile education, melbourne school of textiles, vocational training, training, education, school

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Typewritten letter in black ink on cream paper with green and black letterhead of ‘Commonwealth Serum Laboratories’, marketing influenza vaccines to businesses for their employees.COMMONWEALTH SERUM LABORATORIES 45 POPLAR ROAD, PARKVILLE, N.2. VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS ‘SERUMS’ MELBOURNE / TELEPHONE 38-2101 (5 LINES), 38-5136 (5 LINES) ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO DIRECTOR IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE 63/909 Dear Sir, INFLUENZA VIRUS VACCINE Each year more and more business houses are organising immunisation campaigns against influenza for their staff. This, we feel is a wise precaution as influenza is not selective and absenteeism amongst your work force because of influenza could seriously hinder the operations of your company. To combat epidemic influenza, C.S.L. have produced Influenza Virus Vaccine (Polyvalent) which is effective against the types and strains of influenza virus which are likely to cause the disease this winter. We believe that immunization against influenza should be carried out between February and April (before the onset of winter) and suggest that you discuss the matter with your Medical Officer as soon as possible so that he can advise you on the needs of your organization. Ordering: Having decided on your influenza vaccine requirements, it is then only necessary to place your order, quoting your doctor’s name, by simply contacting the C.S.L. State Sales Branch in your capital city. Yours faithfully, COMMONWEALTH SERUM LABORATORIES. P.S. We have supplies of attractive coloured notice board posters inviting the staff to support the campaign arranged for their benefit. Should you decide on a campaign, these posters are available on request from the C.S.L. State Sales Branch in your capital city, or if you have any difficulty, direct from us at Parkville.business, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, vaccination, flu vaccination, public health, public health history, epidemiology, influenza, vaccination history

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Original illustration artwork on cream matboard/card inked in shades of grey and black. Used for marketing. Depicts Five figures of children in iconic Kathryn knitwear styles. The boy on the top left wears a dark crew neck jumper over a pale collared short with shorts. The two other boys on the top row (at centre and right) are depicted in very similar outfits, though the shades of their clothing differ. They are both shown in v-neck cardigans with three buttons and a colourwork animal motif at the hem over a pale suit with a dark tie. The figure at the centre has a dark cardigan and pale shorts, while the figure at the right has a light cardigan and dark shorts. The two figures on the bottom row are both girls wearing flared skirts with bows in their hair. They both wear crewnecks, the figure on the left wears a pale cardigan with six buttons down the front, while the right wears a dark jumper with two buttons on the shoulder and an animal motif at the hem. The jumper on the girl on the right is the same style as NWM-08893. There is tape still affixed to the back of the boardbusiness, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, textile industry - history wool marketing, wool marketing fashion textile industry

Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940s – 1980s. Robert Blake began manufacturing children’s knitwear in his bedroom in Strathmore using a hand powered machine in the late 1940s. The operation moved to Ascot Vale and Essendon, before eventually establishing a factory in Moonee Ponds in the early 1950s. The business continued to expand, necessitating a move to a new factory in Broadmeadows. By 1962, the Broadmeadows factory was producing an average of 20,000 garments per month, which increased to 24,000 by 1964. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly. The Kathryn range was designed for durability, comfort and care, without sacrificing style. They used patterning techniques that increase stretchiness, comfort and fit, as well as integrating decorative elements into the fabric to prevent them from being bulky, uncomfortable or tight. Making longevity of style a priority, Brendan Blake remembers that “there was one particular garment that was in the range for at least thirty years”. He also recalls “In the past, when women have found out that I was associated with Kathryn Knitwear, they would often relate to me the story of a garment they had purchased or received as a gift and, when their child had grown out of it, they would hand it on to another child. Several ladies have told me of purchasing garments for their daughters’ glory box, or saving a particular garment after their daughter had grown out of it. Brendan Blake: “At the peak of their operation they employed approximately two hundred people, mainly women and girls. A family would often seek to send their daughter to work in this company because they knew they would be looked after and safe. One lady wrote to me telling me that working at the Moonee Ponds Factory prior to getting married was the happiest time of her life.” In 1963, workers at the Kathryn factory earned £13 per week, which was 8 shillings and 8 pence higher than the minimum weekly wage for female workers in the textile manufacturing industry (£12 11s 4d). By 1970, the Kathryn Knitwear brand expanded from children’s knitwear into womenswear under the brand name ‘Lady Kathryn’, and for boys and men under ‘Robert Blake’. Continuing to diversify their distribution, they also began exporting ‘Kathryn’ garments to New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Japan. ‘Kathryn Knitwear’ was well-known for their early adoption of modern materials and techniques that had broad appeal to their customer base. This is shown in their early use of the acrylic fibre ‘Orlon’ in the 50s and 60s and ‘Superwash’ wool in the 1970s. Many of Kathryn Knitwear’s styles, particularly those that were long running staples of the brand, were available in both wool and Orlon to suit the consumer’s preference. Far from the humble origins of one man in his bedroom with a hand-cranked machine; at its closure in 1980, the Broadmeadows factory of ‘Kathryn’ housed more than 100 machines, including 53 sewing machines and 45 knitting machines. Robert Blake was “a passionate advocate for wool and Australian Made” throughout his whole life. A strong thread that ties through the lifespan of Robert Blake and Kathryn Knitwear is a balance between adopting new innovations without sacrificing the core values of durability, comfort, care and style that had made the brand so well known. Their legacy forms an integral part of both Australian social and manufacturing history.Letter from E. B. Anderson from P. Rowe International Pty. Ltd. On behalf of DuPont International to Robert Blake, owner of Kathryn Knitwear. The letter confirms the tentative selection of a Kathryn Knitwear Orlon garment to be published in ‘Fashion Week’ as advertising for both Kathryn knitwear and DuPont’s Orlon fibre. The Advertisement can be found under the accession number NWM-09065.[obverse] P. ROWE INTERNATIONAL PTY. LTD. 12 Claremont Street South Yarra, Victoria 3141 Australia – Telephone 24 6561 - Telegrams ‘Chemfibre’ Me[unintelligible] Distributors for Australia and New Zealand Textile Fibers department Du Pont de Nemours International SA EBA: mes October 6, 1969. Robert Blake Pty. Ltd., 26 King William Street, BROADMEADOWS, Vic. 3047 Attention Mr. R. Blake Dear Mr Blake, We are enclosing a print of one of your Autumn/ Winter 1970 styles in ORLON*. This garment has been tentatively selected by ‘Fashion Week’ for publication in their magazine over the next few weeks. All garments submitted will be returned to you this week – thanks for your co-operation. Yours faithfully, P. ROWE INTERNATIONAL PTY. LTD. [signature] E. B. Anderson. Encl. *Du Pont’s registered trademark for its acrylic fibre.business, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents