The fabric of this child's dress includes 'Broderie Anglaise, a form of needlework involving patterns of holes that are each stitched to form a finish that will not fray. The dress features a homemade button.. This handcraft dates back to the 1500s. It became popular in the 1800s and early 1900s, particularly for women's nightwear and underclothing.This child's dress has handcraft and needlework skills that were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The dress also features a homemade button.Child's dress, white fabric, with short sleeves, gathered waist and scalloped hemline. The bodice and shirt have Broderie Anglaise embroidery inserts, with the holes formed into a star pattern. The bodice insert is a 'V' shape. The back has a ribbon tie and is finished with a homemade button.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, child's dress, clothing, embroidery, broderie anglaise, handmade button, handmade dress, child's fashion, dressmaker, handcraft, needlework, lacework

- Example of 1960's child's fashion - Example of domestically produced clothingC 1960's - Child's one-piece dress or jumper & blouse - Buttoned shoulder on dress - long or short sleeved blouseVarious, some instructions, fabric requirements on reverse.dressmaking, 1960's, children's clothing

- Example of 1960's child's fashion - Example of domestically produced clothingC 1960's - 2 version girls' dress - Short sleeved & sleeveless - 1 version collared - gathered skirt - Feature on left side bodice Various, some instructions, fabric requirements on reversedressmaking, girl's clothing, c 1960's

- Example of C 1950's child's fashion - Example of domestically produced clothingC 1950's Australian Home Journal Paper Pattern No. 9903 - Child's frock and hat, size 4 years - Gathered skirt, with pockets & waist tie - Shaped yoke - Drawstring bonnetVarious, some instructions, fabric requirements on reversedressmaking, child's clothing, c 1950's

This bonnet could have been part of a Christening outfit which matches the same style of "KVHS 0235" The quality of the garment and the fashion style it represents is both historical, and is of the fashion in that era. It has Christian religious implications and values of the time frame of regional life in the early 1900s. It is hand made possibly by the mother of the child being christened. The bonnet was probably worn at a christening in one of the Kiewa Valley churches (denomination unknown). The importance of the event to family and friends is shown by the quality of the garment. These style Christening items were often worn buy several children of the one family , both boys and girls. Other items that match this outfit are KVHS 0235. White crocheted baby's bonnet threaded with white ribbon. (Possibly for christening.) infant. baby. bonnet. crochet. christening.

This dress is hand made possibly by a mother for her daughters. It is hand and machine stitched. This style of dress would have been worn for special occasions, eg going to church or special outings.This item is very significant for the following reasons. Historic and social - it shows what little girls wore during the early 1900's of the Kiewa Valley. It also shows fashion of the times and how these styles of dresses were made. All of which is valuable for research on these topics. There are only two of these dresses in the collection of the KVSH, and therefore would be very rare. The condition is good enough to display, therefore it has good interpretive capacity.Brown Cotton Dress. Top and sleeves are lined in calico. Home made, with manual machine stitches and some hand sewing. The dress has a high round neck and long sleeves. There is a band around the waist to which a gathered skirt it attached with hand stitching. Two different shades of brown are used on this dress. Back opens with 8 hooks. Water stains on dresschild, homemade, dress, girl, kiewa-valley

The dress was probably worn at a christening in one of the Kiewa Valley churches (denomination unknown). The importance of the event to family and friends is shown by the quality of the garment. These style Christening dresses were often worn buy several children of the one family , both boys and girls. Other items such as hand made bonnet may have been part of this out fit. "KVHS 0123" The quality of the garment and the fashion style it represents is both historical, not only the time of its manufacture but also of the fashion in that era. It has christian religious implications and values of the time frame of regional life in the early1900s. Girl's white dress (christening event), fine cotton with lace border "broderie anglaise" with a row of lace flowers mid skirt "battenberg".This lace is also inserted in centre front panel and sleeves. Scolloped cotton is also on sleeves, neck and front. Pin tucked skirt. Opening back with drawstring fastening at neck and waist. Short sleeves and machine stitched children clothing, lace-battenberg and broderie anglaise, female clothing, dress, cotton, christening, dressmaking

The construction of these boots suggests that it was not purchased locally or from any large town. It may have been introduced by a wandering caravan trader in clothes and shoes. In this era of rural development shoes, especially children footwear, were regarded as a longer term requirement that only required the soles and heels to be replaced. Multiple shoe types were not common only basics that could be handed down. The policy of one main work/play shoe and one church shoe (special occasion) was the norm at this point in history.Worn by Everil Fisher (girl) at Dederang in 1880. They have 'copper toes' and are 'Hob Nail' These items although very basic were what the region required and was applicable to all levels of society at this time. Durability and no fashion infiltration from larger cities resulted in a spartan attitude to basic living requirements. The rural regions of this area were more in focus to the character of the person rather than what was worn. The personal interactions of everyone in the region were more "true blue" than that of the cities. The concept of "mate-ship' far outweighed the type of fashion being wornBrown/Black ankle high boot for child age 4 (approx). Tongue and six eyelets with broken leather laces. Hob Nail visible on soles and heel. Copper Toes. costume, children's footwear, boots, anklets

These were probably worn by a young girl as most girls wore side-button boots while the boys wore front-laced ones. The buttonhook was used to facilitate the closing of shoes, gloves or other apparel that uses buttons as fasteners. To use, the hook end is inserted through the buttonhole to capture the button by the shank and draw it through the opening.This item reflects the footwear fashion worn by children in the late 19th to early 20th century.Two small black leather boots. They are side buttoning boots with seven buttons (left boot is missing two). The button hook is metal.On sole : size 6footwear shoes boots

Was left over from material used for child's christening robe. was donated by Mrs Jo Hermann ( Elsie Winchester). Jo Hermann was an Orbost resident -blacksmith, painter and signwriter. Baptism through the ages has held great importance in celebrating a new life for social and religious beliefs and to announce another generation. Christening gowns, dresses or robes became special for these occasions and followed fashion as life changed. this cloth is an example of the needlework skills of women in the early 20th century.A cloth of handmade broderie anglaise on white fine linen with white thread.cloth handcraft needlework

Caroline Shillinglaw was born at Plenty, October 6, 1863. She died at the Shillinglaw family cottage 'Wattle Brae' in Eltham April 11, 1947. Caroline never married and was the youngest of Phillip Shillinglaw's siblings. Margaret Shillinglaw was William and Jean Shillinglaw's ninth child. She was born at Northcote March 3, 1856 and died at North Fitzroy September 7, 1933. She never married. Yeoman & Co operated at 47 Chapel St., Prahran from 1883 to 1889. The fashion depicted is typical of mid 1880s. CABINET 1866-1905 The Cabinet photo was introduced in 1866 in answer to a demand for a larger format photograph which could be mounted for a cabinet or on the wall. They were 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches (11.5 x 16.5 cm), more than twice the size of the cdv. They cost about twice as much as a cdv but eventually displaced them. They were not extensively produced until 1880 and had ceased by 1905. Coloured mounts, especially maroon or green, indicate a date between 1880 and 1890. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991cabinet photo, marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 3, 1883-1889, 1884, caroline shillinglaw (1863-1947), margaret shillinglaw (1856-1933), unknown, yeoman & co photographer 47 chapel st prahran

The photo is dated from the 1920s based on the fashions. Heather Jenkins (nee Cone) would only have been a teenage girl at the time and it looks like Jim Jenkins. The photo is also adjacent to the picture of 'Arduli' the home of Jim Jenkins and his wife Fanny Davidson Carrucan in John Street, Eltham (Research notes from Alan Sheehan c.2014) Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Cone) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s.. They were married in 1925 and Fanny died 1929 Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Cone) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s.Heather Jenkins was the daughter of Constable John Thomas Cone, Badge #3935 served at Eltham Police Station 1 May 1911 to 9 July 1922.Glued on a brown paper scrapbook page (torn from scrapbook) with 8 black and white/sepia photos of varying sizes, 1 newspaper clipping and one greeting card with printed sketch and handwritten captions in ink. On back of page is 1 black and white photo and a large newspaper clipping.eltham, jim jenkins, fanny davidson cone (nee carrucan)

A hard backed black and white photograph of a child on a pony. The horse has a white mane and white legs. The child is formally dressed including a bonnet. In the background is a gate, front door entrance and stick fence. Behind the fence are ferns and other plants. The photographer is ? H. Smith, Photo., Kyneton.photograph, person, child and horse, lydia chancellor collection, collection, photography, photograph, photo, child, children, horse, animals, animal, costume, fashion, clothing

Enid Beatrice Gilchrist (1917-2007) was a fashion designer best know for her development of self-drafting dressmaking patterns. Her patterns were first printed in "The Argus" in Melbourne in 1946 and were soon collected into books for the home sewer.A small cardboard box containing various two books and various baby wear transfers. The books are: "Clothes for your baby, designing, cutting and making" by Enid Gilchrist and "Baby book for mother, baby and child" Also in the box ten transfers, some in folders, some loose. Aileen and john Ellison Collection."Transfers" on lid of the boxbaby clothes, dressmaking, transfers

The donor was given this doll about 50 years ago by her grandfather (in the late 1960s). He used to be a handyman at a high rise building in St Kilda, Melbourne. He had been doing some work for one of the old ladies and she gave him the doll to give to his granddaughter, who collected dolls. The doll has spent a few years at the Nagambie museum until it closed down and returned to the donor The origins or age of the doll are unknown. Originally it was thought to be a Fashion Doll dating from around the 1880s but the painted face together with the bisque legs and gold painted shoes are similar to those found on Boudoir Dolls (also known as Bed Dolls, Sofa Dolls, Flapper Dolls and French Dolls) of the early 20th century. Fashion dolls were sent from fashion houses to advertise the latest styles, fabrics, trims, hairstyles and accessories. Dressmakers would show these dolls to their customers. Ladies would then place their order and the dressmakers would make the dress to their size. The dressmakers would learn the construction techniques from examining the dolls. Boudoir Dolls dolls usually had no maker's marks and were primarily used as bedroom decorations for ladies rather than as children's toys. This doll appears to date at about the early part of the 20th century, but the petticoats are much older - possibly from a child's christening gown. At the time that the donor received the doll, it had a coloured lace over-gown that was badly torn so her mother removed it to replace with more lace but this never eventuated. The pink silk dress also appears to have been remodelled into a 19th century style with gathered sleeves and a gathered skirt. This fashion or boudoir doll is significant for being a rare example of a doll made in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. The doll is wearing clothing representing the fashion for young girls in that era. The doll is also significant as an item possibly used by fashion houses and dressmakers to advertise the latest fashions in clothing, trims, accessories and hairstyles. A doll such as this may have been found in a Victorian dressmaker's premises for use as a pattern and technique template and for a display to customers. It may also have been used as a decorative item in a lady's bedroom.Female boudoir doll with silk face and body, and porcelain lower arms and legs. She has plaited blonde silk hair. Her painted face has brown eyes and her shoes are painted gold. The doll is dressed in a long pink puffed-sleeve dress with a gathered waist and a ruffle at the hem. A pink ribbon around her waist is tied at the back. There are small silver balls hand-stitched around the neckline. She has a white, hand-embroidered lace petticoat and bloomers.warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, doll, boudoir doll, female doll, dressmaker's doll, display doll, late 1800s doll, fashion doll, antique doll, 19th century doll, children's fashion, girl's fashion, late 1800s children's fashion, early 20th century doll, composite doll, french doll

In the Words of donor, Betty Stone, … “These crocheted and embroidered articles cover a period of three generations- ie. Sarah (nee Chamberlain) Lees, Ann (nee Lees) Dale, and Daisy Elvena (nee Dale) Welsh. All three were accomplished needlewomen; also, both Sarah Lees (born 1844) and her daughter, Ann (b 1865) crocheted a wide variety of articles for use in their homes. A few examples of these items have survived the years.” The purpose of a doily case was to hold embroidered or crocheted doilies or small mats, which were used on plates to serve cakes and similar items. This case was designed and made by Daisy Elvena Dale, born on 27 October 1899, the youngest child of Ellis and Anne (nee Lees) Dale, of Latrigg, Wangoom, Warrnambool. The doilies in the case are a mixed collection sewn by children, which my mother collected over the years. Daisy Dale made this doily case before her marriage in 1922; it was a tradition for brides to have a 'glory box' containing linen and embroidered articles to take to their new home. A skilled dressmaker, Daisy began her apprenticeship at two shillings and sixpence per week at Miss A. E. Emery's dressmaking establishment at 150-152 Liebig Street, Warrnambool. Considered to be the leading house of fashion in Warrnambool, Miss Emery employed about eight young women who worked long hours to sew elaborate gowns for clients, including wives of graziers who would attend the race carnivals and social functions in Warrnambool. (NOTE: For additional information please refer to my book Pioneer and Places- A History of Three Warrnambool Pioneering Families ie. Chamberlain, Dale and Lees families)This item is associated with the Warrnambool pioneer families of Chamberlain, Dale and Lees. These families are listed in the Pioneers' Register for Warrnambool Township and Shire, 1835-1900, published by A.I.G.S. Warrnambool Branch. The item is a fine example of early 20th-century needlework.Doily Case made by Daisy Dale. Two green fabric-covered circles with white cord edge trip. The front has a motif of a tulip flower and bud embroidered on it. The circles are secured shut by a knot and loop. From the 'Chamberlain Dale Lees Collection'.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, chamberlain, dale, lees, stone, betty stone, warrnambool pioneers, daisy dale, wangoom, dressmaker, fashion, 1920's, doily, miss a. e. emery, glory box, embroidery, handmade, needlework, doily case

In the words of the donor, Betty Stone, "This gown was originally made by my great grandmother Sarah Ellis (nee Chamberlain) Lees of Wangoom, Warrnambool. Later, the gown was altered by her daughter Ann (nee Lees) Dale who also used it for the christenings of her five children in the 1890's, and later still, for some of her grandchildren. Sarah Ellis Chamberlain, born in Thriplow, Cambridgeshire, England on 31 July 1844, sixth child of Joshua and Susan Chamberlain, was ten years old when she arrived in Australia with her parents and siblings in January 1855. Ten years later, in 1864, Sarah Chamberlain married Lees Lees, a skilled stonemason who had migrated from Saddleworth, Yorkshire. Lees Lees purchased land in McGregors Road, Wangoom, Warrnambool where he operated a successful stonemasonry, contracting business until his death in 1912. The Lees farm, which eventually consisted of about fifty acres, was situated adjacent to both the Chamberlain and Dale farms. Sarah Lees was a meticulous homemaker who also fashioned and sewed clothes for her seven children. A photograph of the eldest child, Anne, taken in 1868, depicts her wearing a dress and pantaloons sewn by her mother. Sarah also crocheted lace curtains for her home in addition to large tablecloths and other articles. According to family legend, the skirt of this christening gown was part of the original gown hand-sewn by Sarah (nee Chamberlain) Lees which was used for the christening of her children. The gown was later passed on to her daughter Anne (nee Lees) Dale who, also an expert needlewoman, replaced the bodice and used it for the christening of her five children born between the years 1890 and 1899. Still, later, at least two children of the third generation (Sarah Lees' great-grandchildren) also wore this gown when christened at Christ Church Warrnambool. Sarah (nee Chamberlain) Lees died in 1932, aged 87 years, at her daughter Anne Dale's home in Latrigg. Anne (nee Lees) Dale died in 1948 aged 83 years, at her home in Latrigg." (Note: For additional information please refer to Betty Stone’s book “Pioneers and Places - A History of three Warrnambool Pioneering Families” ie. Chamberlain, Dale and Lees Families)This item is associated with the families of Chamberlain, Dale and Lees. These families are listed in the "Pioneers' Register" for Warrnambool Township and Shire, 1835-1900, published by A.I.G.S. Warrnambool Branch. The item is a fine example of late-19th-century needlework and handmade domestic items.Christening gown made by Sarah Ellis. White with unusual Broderie Anglaise yoke. The long-sleeved garment has a gathered waist and a long skirt. The front centre of the skirt has a floral Broderie Anglaise and cut work panel insert.Circa 1860's. From the 'Chamberlain Dale Lees Collection’, donated by Betty Stoneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, chamberlain, dale, lees, stone, betty stone, warrnambool pioneers, sarah ellis, hand sewn, christening gown, baby wear, clothing, 19th century

Long white christening gown with short sleeves and Broderie Anglaise yoke, circa 1860'sflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, maritime museum, maritime village, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, christening gown, christening dress, baptism gown, baptism dress, religious ceremony, nightwear, sleepwear, clothing, fashion, 19th century, child’s christening gown, handmade clothing

This pair of child's white cotton socks once belonged to Mrs W N Barnard of Portland and were worn by her son Robert Barnard.This pair of hand knitted child's socks is representative of children's fashion of the early 1900sA pair of child's white cotton socks, hand knitted, pattern on top of sock. Circa 1910flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, mrs w.n. barnard, w.n. barnard of portland victoria, child’s white socks c. 1910, child’s clothing c 1910, robert barnard

This child's white batiste apron was worn by Robert Barnard, son of Mrs W N Barnard of Portland, when he was a young child, circa 1911.This child's apron is representative of ladies fashion of the 1910s.Child's white batiste apron. Hand sewn, open back, ties to close, sleeveless, pintuck and lace bodice, lace insert border above hem. Circa 1911. Worn by Robert Barnard son of Mrs W N Barnard of Portland.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, mrs w.n. barnard, w.n. barnard of portland victoria, robert barnard, child’s batiste apron c. 1911, child’s clothing c 1911, protective clothing

This child's white batiste apron was worn by Robert Barnard, son of Mrs W N Barnard of Portland, when he was a young child, circa 1912.This child's apron is representative of ladies fashion of the 1910s.Child's white batiste apron. Hand sewn, inserted front panel, ties to fasten, open back, sleeveless, ruffled hem. Circa 1912. Worn by Robert Barnard son of Mrs W N Barnard of Portland. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, mrs w.n. barnard, w.n. barnard of portland victoria, robert barnard, child’s batiste apron c. 1912, child’s clothing c 1912, protective clothing

This child's white linen day dress was worn by Robert Barnard, son of Mrs W N Barnard of Portland, when he was a young child.This child's dress is representative of child's fashion of the 1910s.Child's white linen day dress; hand-sewn dress with pleated skirt, short sleeves and a plain bodice. The neckline and sleeves have a rick-rack braid and crochet trim. The back closure has four buttons, a hook closure and a short back seam. c. 1910. Worn by Robert Barnard son of Mrs W N Barnard of Portland. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, robert barnard, mrs w.n. barnard, w.n. barnard of portland victoria, child’s dress 1910’s, 1910, child's dress

This pair child's or infant's white shoes was worn by Robert Barnard, son of Mrs W N Barnard of Portland, when he was a young child, circa 1911.This pair of infant's shoes is representative of ladies fashion of the early 1910sPair of baby's or child's white linen shoes. Hand-stitched seams, embroidered upper, and top edges are crocheted and tied with pale blue ribbon. Worn by Robert Barnard c. 1911, son of Mrs. W.N. Barnard, Portland.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, mrs w.n. barnard, w.n. barnard of portland victoria, robert barnard, child’s white shoes c. 1911, child’s clothing c 1911, infant's shoes, baby's shoes, baby clothes, baby footwear

253 p.; 25 cmnon-fictionThere is no other store like David Jones... and there is no other consultant like Sheila Scotter! Known variously as the Kangaroo editor (by Diana Vreeland), the black and white lady from Albert Park, and the Silver Duchess, this is the autobiography, scrapbook-style, of one of Australia's doyennes of style. For Sheila Scotter's seventeenth birthday her parents put on a 'coming out ball' in the United Services Club in Calcutta, where they lived at the time. The teenager wore a pale turquoise silk taffeta ball gown. Sheila no longer remembers what happened to that dress, but she does know that it is responsible for the black-and-white wardrobe that has been her hallmark ever since, with the exception of one occasion and one occasion only. For her seventieth birthday party, close friend John Truscott conned her into wearing red, insisting that the theme for the event was all red. And what did the guests all wear? Black and white! This anecdote lite, stylish, idiosyncratic is typical of the many that make up Sheila Scotter's autobiographical assortment. Most Australian women know Sheila Scotter through her Women's Weekly column 'Sheila Scotter Suggests' which ran between 1975 and 1980 and totalled some 235 instalments. The fact that this column is still vividly remembered 17 years later attests to the sacred place it held in every Australian household. A feminist before the word was invented, Sheila has had a formidable career. Two chapters are devoted to her career in fashion, including her time as the editor-in-chief of Vogue and founding editor of Vogue Living. The art of fundraising is also treated in some depth. In snippets, we hear of her love of cricket (which she once played); we find out how she came to live in Australia in the first place and why she has made Melbourne her home. Not surprisingly, the book reflects the personal contradictoriness of its author/subject on the one hand an aristocrat, on the other a rogue who does not respect rank; blithely mixing innate feminism with blatant coquettishness; outrageous yet scrupulously stylish; in the know yet discrete; courting notoriety while at the same time needing solitude a Like all celebrity autobiographers Sheila reserves her right to privacy while basking in the limelight. But she has used this book to set the record straight on a number of issues, including why she left Vogue, her many romantic involvements, her much-publicised spat with socialite Lillian Frank, and what was wrong with David Jones, to whom she consulted during 1994-95. The book contains the expected wining, dining and partying, as well as the inside story on some recent scandals. Sheila Scotter is glamorous and alluring, a forthright mover and shaker who inspires fear in some, awe and respect in others, and admiration and loyalty in most. No matter what you think of her, you simply cannot ignore her. Friends and enemies alike are awaiting this book with bated breath for one reason: when Sheila Scotter speaks, people listen. Contents Foreword (by Ruth Cracknell, a personal friend) Before I Begin a (explaining the rationale for the book) 1 Thursday's Child (birthdays) 2 Christmases to Remember 3 In Fashion (career in fashion) 4 A Matter of Style (Vogue Living and its influence) 5 Marriage and Other Liaisons 6 A Mixed Salad of Letters (letters, personal and business, from prominent people) 7 Fundraising: Are Committees Really Necessary? 8 Loved Ones Departed (or Why I Envy the Angels) 9 Disappointments and Other Disasters (scandals and inside stories) 10 London, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne (the places she has lived) 11 Not the Last Instalment (a look ahead) Postscript (a tribute to some special men read between the lines) Source: Publishersheila scotter, fashion

- Example of C1950's children fashion - Example of domestically produced clothingC 1050's - Child's one-piece dress - Princess line, front buttoning - View 1 : short gathered cuffed sleeves - View 2 : armhole ruffles - View 3 : scalloped on right front closing edges, short gathered sleves, contrasting collars and cuffsVarious, some instructions, fabric requirements on reversedressmaking, children's clothing, c 1950's

- Example of C 1950's chidren's fashion - Example of domestically produced clothingC 1950's - Child's swimsuit - 1 to 2 years of age - Plain or lace trim - One piece pattern with shoulder strapsVarious, some instructions, fabric requirements on reversedressmaking, children's clothing, c 1950's

Photographer notations on slide: At the Leather Exhib. at T. Hall Melb 1933 Age Published: Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854- ), 1933 THE EXHIBITS. (1933, September 20). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205109730 Published title: THE EXHIBITS. A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE. Curios, Novelties, Working Displays Published Caption: ONE OF THE NOVELTIES – AN OUTSIZE IN SHOES Research by Project Volunteer, Louise McKenzie: Our photo is dated 20 September 1933, and shows a happy, chubby-faced young girl sitting in a very over-sized girl’s shoe. It is labelled – “Shoe, An Out Size, loaned by Messrs Blackman & Rose”. (1) It is an effective way to capture the attention of the readership and alert them to the Melbourne Leather Show 1933. This show was designed to be a drawcard of extraordinary proportion, and there is no doubt that this leather exhibition was a really big deal for Melbourne. It completely took over the Melbourne Town Hall, and was open from 10.30 am until 10.30 pm. It seemed to contain something for everyone – the military, the man about town, the home handyman, the housewife, the child, the sporting types, the domestic workers, the outdoor enthusiasts, the horseracing fans, car enthusiasts, those wishing to show off the latest fashion – both men and women - and those just intrigued by a lot of fascinating and wide ranging exhibits. One of the most comprehensive descriptions of the Exhibition accompanies the photograph, and is worth quoting in full: “PROMINENT among exhibits which first attract attention in the foyer of the Town Hall is a comprehensive display of leather articles used by the defence forces. A conspicuous legend states that leather plays an important part in national defence, being used for saddlery, tool containers, holdalls, range-finding, surveying and signalling equipment, explosives factories, harness accoutrement, bandsmen's equipment and clothing. Three models of horses and several figures of soldiers wearing leather equipment illustrate the lesson, and a great range of leather goods used in military training and work variegate the display. Nearby are Texas cowboy, buckjumping and breaking-in saddles; whips, a walking stick, made of leather and numerous other curios. The general exhibition occupies the whole floor space of the main Town Hall, and is subdivided by partitions running most of the length of the hall. A bewildering variety, of leather goods presses for close and leisured inspection. Here and there operatives in charge of working machinery give practical demonstrations of factory processes in the production of footwear. Polishing materials are well represented. One attractive exhibit includes two bush huts constructed of leather, with wattle bark for roofing. Opossums, rosellas and a kookaburra add touches of bush realism. Adjacent exhibits include bags, fishing boots, leggings, leather covers in all colours. Factory Processes. One exhibitor has installed an automatic cinema apparatus and screen, which projects various factory processes in making a shoe, the operator being shown at work. Elsewhere an interesting exhibit depicts the five stages in the manufacture of sole leather, and the tanning materials employed. "Very handsome effects are achieved in the interior appointments of motor cars, which are attended by figures of smart chauffeurs in leather coats. Motor-trimming leather is said to be more durable and hygienic than fabric materials, and cheaper. The neat finish of the material, its excellent appearance, certainly make a very favourable impression. It takes the hides of three beasts to cover the cushions, squabs and door panels of a full-sized sedan, while to finish the entire interior, including quarter-panels and head linings would take four or even five. Special Exhibits. Amongst the special sections the display arranged by the handicrafts and home industries- committee of the Country Women's Association of Victoria is a notable one. In all there are about 130 entries which are in four classifications, viz., hand-tooled or embossed leathers, suede, hand-made gloves and undecorated leather. The glove section attracted the most numerous entries, a number being the work of members and craft subscribers of the Country Women's Association. In the leathercraft competition, organised by the Country Women's Association, the judges yesterday awarded the first prize for bookbinding (the only prize given in this division) to Miss M. Alston, of South Yarra. There is also a creditable display of exhibits submitted by boys of the orthopaedic section of the Children's Hospital at Frankston. Amongst the novelties on view in other portions of the exhibition were the following: — Leather coats worn by Sir C. Kingsford Smith on his Atlantic flight. Model Wellington boot, Phar Lap's saddle. Melbourne Cup winner's saddle. Longest whip in world, 108 feet long. (33 metres) [See our photo, to left of Girl in Shoe] Diminutive shoes. Pair of shoes 65 years old. Pair of men's working boots 75 years old. Larwood's, Tate’s and Pataudi’s cricket boots. [Three internationally revered cricketers of the day] (2) Picture frame made of leather bought 63 years ago. [See our photo, to right of Girl in Shoe] Leather frame, powder bowl, &c. Saddle used by world's champion buckjumper in U.S.A. Mexican cowboy outfit. Miniature saddle and bridle. A fireman's helmet made of sole leather. (3) Sample of the leather hat worn by porters at the Billingsgate Fish Market, London. (4) From South Australia there have been obtained sets of harness for donkeys, goats and camels, the equipment being displayed to good advantage on stuffed representations of the animals mentioned. Close to the platform is a glass case containing snow shoes and coats which have been used in Antarctic exploration work. Trade Display. Amongst the trade exhibits may be seen in operation a slipper turn shoe sewing machine, with heeling and channelling facilities, and the various stages in the production of ladies' sandals are shown. There is a wide contrast between sole leather of varying degrees of thickness on view in one stall and the choice samples of ladies' footwear in another — footwear, by the way, which could almost be used as ornaments, so dainty in colour and production are they. Again, there are displays of upholstering leathers of such soft texture that they could he readily mistaken for some of the finest cloth. Those who may be particularly interested in the production of chamois leather may gain an insight into the materials and chemicals used in the "working up” of this variety of leather. Supplies of glace kid (5) are tastefully arranged, and there may also be seen bags of all shapes and sizes, including satchels, suit cases and "sporting" cases, and bags for tennis players and golfers. Further variety is given to the exhibition by the display of antique hides, brightly coloured, with punching balls, boxing gloves and batsman's pads. There are crocodile skins and snake skins so cleverly "Worked up" that one could be almost pardoned for betraying an affection for such unpopular creatures.” “ Another wonderful article on this Exhibition, published the same day in one of the opposition daily newspapers, The Argus, is in the weekly article “Women to Women”, entitled “A Great Victorian Industry: Many Uses for Leather”. This weekly column was penned by Vesta, and she writes, with much purpose: “Yesterday afternoon I paid a hurried visit to the Leather Exhibition now being held in the Melbourne Town Hall and I was disappointed to find that the early visitors to the main exhibition were almost all men. Women, I think, should make a point of seeing every exhibition of our great industries, for women are the buyers of household requisites and goods for their own use and their tastes, and opinion influence also, to a large extent, the purchases of men. So, the welfare of industries is more or less in their hands and it becomes a duty for them to inform themselves fully of the extent and the quality of the manufacturing that is done here. The value of the output of the Australian boot and shoe factories alone was in 1930-31, the latest year for which the figures are given, Stg 3,750,000. Fully two thirds of that amount must have been spent by women on boots and shoes for themselves and their children. In a host of other directions, in the purchase of handbags, travelling bags, belts and straps, cushions, furniture coverings, purses, notebooks, spectacle cases, their annual expenditure must be very high. Their interest, therefore, in this industry is practical, and their support of it should be governed by knowledge of comparable values and qualities of the goods they buy. From the point of view of women, however, the exhibition itself is rather disappointing. There is an amazing collection of good stuff on show, but most of it is not displayed in a fashion that attracts attention. I was surprised, for example, at the range and quality of the leathers displayed, the suppleness of the finer qualities, and the varied range of colours and designs. But they are shown in such a fashion that if one set out deliberately to look for them it would be quite easy to miss most of them.” …It was surprising, too, that no one seemed to have taken advantage of the present fashion of wearing coloured gloves, or the cult of glove making, which the Country Women’s Association has fostered so successfully. Outside the collection of chamois leathers I saw no skins which were suitable to glove making. (6) However, it is perhaps a little unfair to be highly critical of the exhibition, inasmuch as it is the first of its kind. The material is there, undoubtedly, for a splendid show of every phase of this enterprising industry, and I am confident that experience will prove to those concerned that it will be worth while next time to devote a great deal of attention of the method of display.” With further research, it transpires that “Vera” is in fact NZ born Stella May Allen (nee Henderson) (1871-1962), a journalist, the first woman in NZ to begin a law course, in 1890-91). She later worked at a law firm while she completed her degree. Study of the law had always been open to women in NZ, but its practice was still barred to them. Her case “…led to amending legislation in 1896 allowing women to practise as barristers or solicitors. However, on gaining her LL.B. in November 1897 she did not apply for admission to the Bar. Instead, she became the Wellington-based correspondent and leader-writer for the Lyttelton Times. Her appointment, the first for a woman, was not welcomed by the all-male Press Gallery, and special permission had to be obtained from a subcommittee of the House before her presence was accepted. In 1900 she married Edwin Allen, a senior leader-writer for the Wellington Evening Post, and they moved to Australia in 1903 when Edwin Allen took up the post of foreign affairs leader-writer and parliamentary man for the Melbourne Argus. As Patricia Keep notes in her excellent entry of Stella Allan in the Australian Dictionary of Biography: “In 1907 The Argus commissioned her to write a series of articles on the first Australian Women's Work Exhibition held in October. They aroused much interest and next year The Argus invited her to join its full-time staff and begin a weekly section on the particular interests of women. She adopted the nom de plume 'Vesta' and called the column 'Women to Women'. Her work was unique in an Australian daily paper at that time. Her pages extended to cover every aspect of women's affairs, children's interests and community welfare, and 'Vesta' became a household word for authoritative information and advice on such matters. An excellent needlewoman and first-rate cook herself, she thoroughly tutored her staff in the work and needs of women in both country and city, as well as providing the usual training for cadet journalists. She conducted interviews and also visited the country to see at first hand the results of bushfires, mouse plagues, droughts and floods. In 1910 she was one of three women foundation members of the Australian Journalists' Association. “…she found time to become deeply involved in community affairs. She was an original committee-member of the Victorian Association of Crèches and of the Free Kindergarten Union of Victoria, and had much to do with the early days of the Victorian Bush Nursing Association, the Baby Health Centres Association and the Queen Victoria Hospital. She was a member of the National Council of Women, first in New Zealand and then in Melbourne, and of the Country Women's Association from its inception. … in 1924 she was appointed substitute delegate for Australia to the fifth assembly of the League of Nations at Geneva and was a delegate to the second Pan Pacific Women's Conference in Hawaii in 1930. A meeting held in the Melbourne Town Hall in 1938 by representatives of all the main Victorian women's organizations paid special tribute to her work and influence. She retired next year to England where she continued to write for the Argus, contributing articles on the experiences of women and children in wartime.” It is little wonder that “Vesta” was unafraid to take to task both the women of Victoria, and those who created the exhibition! One item which appears to have gone unnoticed, or at least unreported, is a framed article in the background of the photo of the chubby girl in the shoe. The display frame is labelled “Leather from the Human Skin, Tanned and Dressed by French artists.” The exhibition was certainly a cabinet of curiosities! A charming article in The Argus is a nice note on which to end. It gives a quick history and overview of the Australian leather industry and its unprecedented, and possibly unexpected, development and success, and states with pride: “Though Victoria is the largest leather producer in the Commonwealth all tanners in the Commonwealth can look back with pride on the long march of progress.” Footnotes: (1) “Blackman and Rose”. Messrs Blackman and Rose were shoe manufacturers, from 1927 located at 200 Noone Street, Clifton Hill. The Melbourne Circle describes their building as a “fine-looking building in the Federation ‘blood and bandage’ style.” It was built around 1912 for Puttifoot and Bloom, boot manufacturers, and today the building is apartments. (2) These cricketers were household names in the day: Tate: Maurice Tate, “English cricketer of the 1920s and 1930s, and leader of England’s Test bowling attack for a long time during this period. The founder of modern seam bowling. “ Larwood: Harold Larwood, “English right-arm fast bowler and the main exponent of the bowling style known as “bodyline”. Used to considerable effect in the 1932-33 Test series in Australia. Pataudi: Iftikhar A K Pataudi, “an Indian prince who in the 1930s played Test cricket for England, and in the 1940s played Test cricket for India (as Captain) – the only test cricketer to have played for both India and England. (3) “sole” leather “… is the thickest and most resistant material existing in the tanning industry … made from vegetable tanned leathers, usually bovine butts, processed in a special way to make them the hardest type of leather in existence.” (4) The hats worn by porters at Billingsgate Fish Market were also known as a “Bobbin” and look quite squat and rather unsophisticated. They were made of wood and tarred leather, with a “flat, hardened top designed to support large rectangular boxes of fish. The upturned brim protected the porter’s head against fish juice draining from the boxes of fish which would be carried on top of the hat. Some hats featured a small drain hole at the rear to allow this collected juice to drain down the back of the carrier. The hats were made using the ‘cuir bouilli’ technique. The leather was immersed in water which was heated until the leather began to shrink. It was then removed and put on a wooden former. The leather was stitched together to make the hat while still wet, and then held in place until dry.” (See article and photo on the London Museum website) (5) Glace kid – described on the Boston Museum of Fine Arts’ Cameo database as “A smooth glossy leather originally prepared from goat or sheepskin. Early glace kid had a shiny surface that was originally prepared by tawing the skin in a mixture of alum, table salt, flour, and egg yolk. Today, glace kid is prepared from many types of vegetable or chrome tanned leathers. The smooth polished surface is obtained mechanically by shaving, glazing, ironing, and/or rolling the dry leather.” (6) In the 1930s, Melbourne’s glovemaking industry was characterised by local manufacturing, with key producers like Simpson’s Gloves Pty Ltd in Richmond and the Stagg Glove Company in Clifton Hill leading the market. These factories produced high-quality leather gloves, handbags, and specialty gear, often employing a clear gendered division of labour and training young, local women. Museum Victoria holds the Simpson’s Gloves Collection, comprising over 1200 items, and the University of Melbourne Archives holds the company’s business records. References: THE EXHIBITS. (1933, September 20). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205109730 EXPORT LEATHER. (1929, September 17). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 17. Retrieved January 19, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4037647 LEATHER EXHIBITION (1933, September 18). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 10. Retrieved January 19, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11693362 (1933, September 23). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 21. Retrieved January 19, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page522766 WOMEN TO WOMEN (1933, September 20). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 13. Retrieved January 19, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11694034 Australian Dictionary of Biography, Stella May Allan (1871–1962) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/allan-stella-may-4998 WOMEN TO WOMEN (1930, January 22). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 13. Retrieved January 19, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4063888 Museums Victoria, Simpson’s Gloves, 486-496 Victoria Street, North Richmond, VIC, Australia https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/2702 The Argus. (1927, October 31). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 20. Retrieved February 7, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3888451 Melbourne Circle: stories from the suburbs: “Boots and all in Clifton Hill” https://melbournecircle.net/2015/11/20/bootmakers-of-clifton-hill/ Wikipedia, Maurice Tate, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Tate Wikipedia, Harold Larwood, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Larwood Wikipedia, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iftikhar_Ali_Khan_Pataudi Buy Leather Online Italy, Sole leather: https://buyleatheronline.com/en/blog/outsole-and-insole-leather-n7 London Museum, Porters hats, https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/collections/v/object-731122/hat-porters-hat/ Cameo Database, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Glace Kid, https://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Glac%C3%A9_kid VICTORIAN LEATHER HAS WON RENOWN (1937, September 22). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 31 (March of Progress Supplement). Retrieved February 7, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1108704 Photographer notations on slide: "At the Leather Exhib. at T. Hall Melb 1933 Age B5".displays, melbourne town hall, leather, children, shoes, 1930-1939, industry, hats, gloves

This dressing gown belonged to Clara Johnstone Miller (nee Bell, 1866-1910). Clara was the only daughter of Mr James Bell, a councillor of the Shire of Leigh (today a part of Golden Plains Shire) and owner of Woolbrook Homestead in Teesdale, near Geelong. In 1888, Clara married prominent businessman, racehorse owner, racing identity and pastoralist Septimus Miller (1854-1925). Septimus was the sixth of seven children born to Henry 'Money' Miller and Eliza Miller (nee Mattinson). 'Money' Miller was a well known financier and politician and reputedly one of Australia's wealthiest people in his time. In 1889, Clara and Septimus moved into the house 'Cantala' in Dandenong Road, Caulfield, where they hosted lavish receptions for Melbourne's elite. Clara was known as a stylish hostess who wore elegant imported fashions. This dressing gown is believed to have been manufactured by Japanese silk merchant Shiino Shōbei. Following the opening of the port of Yokohama to foreign trade in 1859, Shōbei began producing western-style silk garments, initially selling them to foreigners living in Japan and later exporting them around the world, even exhibiting at the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880. His popular exports included quilted 'at-home' gowns or dressing gowns similar to this one. They had one child, Gwendoline Stewart Miller, who died in 1902 at the age of thirteen of diabetes - a largely untreatable condition at the time (insulin would not be discovered until 1921). Clara died in 1910, aged only 44. Septimus subsequently married Helen (nee Henderson), with whom he had a son, Ronald (1915-1990). The Millers were buried in the Brighton General Cemetery in a large Gothic-style vault. Upon Clara's death, Septimus sent much of her clothing and Gwendoline's to her mother Mary Bell. Some of these items were passed down to two of Clara's nieces, Miss Mary Bell and Mrs Lois Lillies, who donated them to BHS around 1973.A hand stitched purple pink silk quilted dressing gown with pale pink embroidery from circa 1894. The dressing gown is embroidered from the collar and shoulders though the centre front body to just above the hemline, on the cuffs and remaining pocket in a pale pink Perle thread embroidery featuring leaves and flowers. The entire gown is hand quilted with vertical parallel lines. The gown's neckline features a flat collar and the sleeve head fits on the neat shoulder line. The sleeve head is gathered and full tapering to a loose flat cuff at the wrist. The front of the garment is currently secured by fourteen decorative frogs of two different styles, none of which appear to be original. There is also evidence of a fifteenth toggle that has been removed from the base. The gown's original left hand pocket has been removed and attached to an area around the right breast presumably to patch a hole or obscure some damage. It is unknown when these modifications have been made. The back of the gown features a gathered pink and black concertina pleated silk insert panel from the neck through to the base of the garment. The garment is lined with a very fine pale pink silk over the woollen batting.clara miller, woolbrook, septimus miller, cantala, gwendoline miller, caulfield, brighton general cemetery, shiino shobei, s. shobey

This bodice, which originally had a matching skirt, belonged to Phoebe Richardson (nee Brinsmead, 1885-1956), who married Charles William Richardson in 1911. The family lived in Geelong. Brinsmead Lane, off the Bellarine Highway in Leopold, is named after Phoebe's family, being the original location of the family home. The bodice was likely made by a seamstress as the family were quite fashion-conscious. Phoebe's daughter Edna Baker (nee Richardson, b. 1914) wore this bodice as a dress-up as a child. She donated it BHS in the 1980s and provided additional information on it when visiting the Society in 2004.Khaki green silk bodice, boned around waist. Ecru cotton lace overlay on sleeves and high neck. More lace over shoulders, gathered and tapered down front of bodice. Stripes of velvet ribbon around yoke. Four more stripes of velvet ribbon around upper sleeve, and three around each cuff. Velvet bows and metal buckle at waist. Tape at waist with hooks to attach to skirt. Lined with brown fabric. 20 mother-of-pearl buttons down front.phoebe richardson, phoebe brinsmead, edna baker, 1900s