This amber satin evening outfit was worn by Mrs Isabella Mitchell (nee Russell, 1840 – 1929) at the wedding of her brother Alexander (c.1846–1938) and Eliza (nee Moore, c.1854–1939). The jacket and skirt attach at the waist by joining the metal rings around the base of the jacket, and the metal hooks on the waistband of the skirt. The outfit was donated with its own mannequin and fits it perfectly. In the colonial days, outer clothing was rarely, if ever, washed, due to the expense of fabrics and the difficulty in careful laundering. Clever methods were employed to reduce the occurrence of soiling. The mannequin included with the donation would also help keep the outfit in good shape and ensure a flattering fit. FAMILIES’ HISTORY The families connected with this wedding, where the outfit was worn, are from Warrnambool’s colonial days. Isabella and Alexander’s parents, Robert Russell and Elizabeth (nee Mitchell), were born in 1808 and married about 1830. They were from farming families in Northern Ireland, where they raised their seven children before migrating to Australia in the early colonial days, around 1857. Their graves are in the Tower Hill Cemetery. Alexander’s wife, Eliza (nee Moore, born in 1854), was also from Northern Ireland and migrated to Australia in 1858 with her parents, Thomas and Nancy Moore, in the last voyage of the sailing ship “Chance”. Isabella (Bella) talked with her granddaughter Ruby Akers about her memories of Alexander and Eliza’s wedding and other events in her life. Ruby recorded these memories in a letter. She says, “They were married in the Warrnambool Congregational Church by a pioneer minister, the Reverend Uriah Coombs. The bride wore a pale blue silk wedding gown, which she made herself. Bella was Matron of Honora, and Ian McCasker was best man. In those days, the transport to the church was usually a carriage – similar to a cab – and a pair of white ponies. They would have the reception at home, go for a drive afterwards, and at night there would be a dance. They did all the catering themselves … Eliza carried on farming in the Dennington, Yarpturk and Purnim districts until they moved to Camperdown around 1905…” Ruby’s letter later mentions “[Isabella] could recall seeing a blackfellows’ corroboree being performed near where the Dennington Bridge now stands. It was rather a terrifying experience; they seemed to be in a warlike mood, and one never knew what they would do next. One lubra came running to Granny, crying, Hide me, bad man kill me. She was bleeding from a wound in the head: probably the result of a blow from a waddy. My mother [Margaret Jane McLaughlan nee Mitchell], coming home from school in the 1800s, often met blackfellows walking ahead with spears and boomerang, the two lubras – they usually had two – following in the rear, carrying the children or any burdens they had.“ Margaret was probably in primary school at the time she saw these things. Alexander and Eliza had ten children. One of their daughters, Margaret Jane, was born in Warrnambool in 1879. She married William McCullagh, and they had eleven children. Margaret made headlines in the Warrnambool newspapers for celebrating her 100th birthday. She had lived in the district for 60 years before moving to Melbourne. Alexander passed away at the age of 92, and Eliza passed away six months later, aged 85. Their graves are in the Colac cemetery. Isabella married Ralph Mitchell, and their daughter Margaret Jane married John McLauchlan in 1891. Margaret and John’s daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Jane, married Fredrick Akers in 1938. Fredrick, born in England, was a Boer War veteran and served in the British Army. He migrated to Queensland, Australia, in 1913, and joined the Australian Army to fight in World War I. In 1935, he moved to Warrnambool, where he served in the Volunteer Defence Corps from 1938 to 1945. Both Ruby and Fredrick are buried in the Tower Hill Cemetery.The evening outfit and its accompanying mannequin serve as notable examples of female fashion from the mid to late 1900s. These items reflect the styles and trends that were prevalent during this period, offering insight into the clothing choices and cultural influences that shaped women's attire. Beyond their representation of period fashion, the outfit and mannequin are significant due to their association with colonial pioneer families from Australia, specifically Victoria and Warrnambool. These families played an important role in the development and history of the region, and the items are linked to their legacy. The evening outfit and mannequin are also notable for their connection to a wedding that united two colonial families originating from Northern Ireland. These families immigrated to Australia in the mid-1850s and became influential figures within the Warrnambool district. The wedding marked a significant event, symbolising the merging of two prominent family lineages. Furthermore, the significance of the evening outfit and mannequin extends to their connection with the colonial families’ contact with the indigenous culture of the district. These items represent a period of interaction between the native and European peoples, highlighting the cultural exchanges that occurred within the region. This lady’s evening outfit is made from amber coloured satin fabric. It comprises a short-waisted, long-sleeved jacket and a long skirt, and it has its own neck-to-floor wooden mannequin on a pedestal. The outfit was worn by Mrs Isabella Mitchell (nee Russell) as the Matron of Honour at the wedding of her brother Alexander Russell and his fiancée Eliza Moore in Warrnambool, 29th April 1874.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, evening outfit, wedding outfit, bridesmaid’ outfit, matron of honour outfit, clothing female, clothing late 19th century, clothing wedding late 19th century, clothing bridesmaid late 19th century, clothing antique, clothing ladies, women’s clothing, women’s fashion, alexander russell, eliza russell, eliza moore, isabella mitchell, bella mitchell, bella russell, isabella russell, ralph russell, ian mccusker, ruby akers, fredrick william akers, ruby mclauchlan, margaret jane mclaughlan nee mitchell, margaret jane mclaughlan centenarian, william mclaughlan, robert russell, elizabeth russell nee mitchell, irish immigrants, warrnambool volunteer defence corps 1938-1945, antique satin outfit, warrnambool wedding 1874, congregational church warrnambool, reverend uriah coombs, dennington farmer, yarpturk farmer, purnim district farmer, camperdown resident 1905, dennington bridge, indigenous corroboree in dennington, corroboree in warrnambool, 1880s corroboree in warrnambool, lubra and baby, indigenous corroboree in warrnambool, mccullagh family

Invoices for the purchase of female clothing (jumpers) from Bendigo retailers during 1975 - 77Assorted invoices for purchases for female clothing from Bendigo Retailers: The Beehive, McCalmans, Monaghan's and The Bendigo Fashion House. The invoices are purchased and made out in the name of Mrs. J. Jennings of 34 Day Street, Bendigo. The purchases were made 1975 - 77. 11076.3 includes four clothing tags for Crestknit and Slade jumpers; circa 1975. associated with the invoices as above.bendigo

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

This dress was possibly manufactured by a local seamstress in the period circa early 1900.The quality of the dress suggests that the lady who wore it was from middle to upper range of the socio-economic structure within the Kiewa ValleyHistorically this item dating in the early 1900s was made by a very competent seamstress (lack of manufacturer's label). It demonstrates that the conditions of relative isolation within the Kiewa Valley was not extreme and that local manufacture of clothing items were available and at a very high level of quality. This item demonstrates that the hand made era was alive and an essential part of community/social adhesion within the valley.Beige knitted dress, sleeveless ladies pin weaved running from waist to bottom. Fine pin weave from bust to waist. Two mother of pearl buttons fastening opening front neck 11cm from neck to upper breastno manufacturer's label suggesting manufacturer was a very talented local seamstress costume, woollen, knitted, dress, female clothing

This garment was made by Edith (?) Cowell (Mrs Jim Richardson, nee Cowell) and has been donated by her daughter Esma Richardson.This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the early 20th century.A full length white cotton night-dress with long sleeves. It has lace around the shoulders and across the chest, broderie anglais collar and cuffs. A ribbon is threaded through the lace at the neckline and cuffs. The bodice also has small pleats or pin-tucks at the front and clear buttons. Pinned to the left shoulder is a blue certificate indicating from the Bombala Exhibition Society of 1913.The certificate from the Bombala Exhibition Society indicates that Alice Cowell won first prize in the 1913 show for having made this night-dress.night-dress bombala-exhibition female-clothing

Sepia studio photograph of young woman in long embroidered dress standing beside chair. Swept-back hairdo with large bow? At back. Heavy (studio) curtain on Rhys. Mounted on cream board. Inscriptions: on front - Jno. Wells, Photo Artist.person, individual, female portrait, portrait, female, clothing, fashion, costume

Sepia photograph of a standing lady. Inscriptions: on front - 'To dear Tom and Jane with Bessie's love, Feb 1915'. 'Monteath, Melb.'.Monteath, Melbourneperson, individual, female portrait, female, clothing, costume, fashion, individual

Part of Birmingham Collection, donated by the Family of Misses Mary and Edith Maude Graham, of 4 Blair Street, Portland. Bed caps were worn in the 1800s to keep the head warm. However, in the early 1900s silk caps became popular to protect hairstyles . They were though to improve the health of hair.Cream silk cap, edged with cream lace with green embroidery. Gathered at crown.clothing, night cap, 1900s, headwear, women's headwear, women, female clothing

Grey corset with boning inside. White lacing and eyelets on back and attachments for suspenders."Sibyl", Cotton Corset, Made in England. Rust-proof throughout.costume, female, clothing, women's, corset, undergarment, underwear, sibyl.

Three photographs of female employees at Nobels Explosive factory in Deer Park circa 1928 showing issue clothing worn by female employees Personnel in the photos include Rennie Pearce Lal Reid May Napier Dorrie Lee Ada Heffernen or Heffrennobels, ballarat road, deer park

Wiregrass Younger Set Article - Sporting Globe (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 - 1954)Saturday 17 May 1941 - Page 4 In forwarding a cheque for £10 for the ???, K. McCormick, Hon. Treasurer of the Wiregrass Younger Set of Bendigo, tells of the fine work done by this group. The "set" was formed in 1934 as a charitable and social body by 16 single men (all well known in local sporting circles). Up to the time war broke out they had raised £1200 for local charities. Since then for soldiers' camps and patriotic funds they have gathered more than £400. Of an active membership of 14 at the beginning of war, 10 are now on active service. This has proved an incentive for younger folk to come along and keep their good work going.Black and white photograph of a large group of people at a social event, mounted on brown board. The front row has several men dressed in female clothing and wigs. Written in ink below the photograph "Wiregrass Younger Set 1934". "P. Pinder Photo". Possibly the Bendigo Cup Night Ball in the Town Hall, 1934.wiregrass younger set, cup night ball, fundraising groups

Black and white copy: image shows man dressed in female clothing, carrying chamber pot, wearing blonde wig. Text accompanying : from Fred Smith 3.11.2000, snapshot (photo) B & W., male in costume for Bendigo Easter Fair, 1946. Bon Beves ( Bon ) d 2.12.1999. In memoriam in B. Adv. 2.12.2000. Wife Elvie 'had a dress shop in Mitchell Street' Marion Heeps 1.12.2000.person, individual, ivor 'bon' beves, easter fair, ivor beves

Photographed in the early 1900s, this black and white photograph depicts 25 members of the Mayday Hills Hospital Staff. Six men sit in front of the group (Mr Imhose stands fourth from the left in front row), upon the ground and behind them, in bright white clothing, sit eight female nurses upon a long bench (one of these nurses is identified on the rear as Miss A.J. Ross). Behind these women stand 10 men. The men are all wearing dark clothing and several have 'Kepi' style hats. The staff photograph was captured by Frazer and Vallance Photographers Melbourne. This image was originally combined with 1997.2491 but these images have since been torn apart and catalogued separately. Beechworth's Mayday Hills was chosen as the site of Victoria's newest asylum, at the time, due to the landscape and altitude. The hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, it was argued, would assist in the cure of the patients kept at the hospital (Wood 1985, 122). The positioning of the hospital had a beneficial effect on the rural town. A pamphlet published by James Ingram and Son (1849) reveal that famous landmarks in Beechworth which included the Post Office, Gaol, Courthouse and Asylum "demonstrate the appreciation of Beechworth by the Government not only as as important district center, but also as a site unrivaled as a sanitarium". There were other locations in contention at the time, but ultimately Beechworth was chosen (Craig 2000, 33). Prior to the creation of the Asylum in Beechworth, those charged with having mental illnesses or, as it was termed, "insanity" were unable to be properly cared for in the Gaol (which is where they were often sent). John Buckley Castieau wrote, in 1861 for the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, that the Gaol was unable to properly care for those classified then as "insane" but that they would endeavor to treat them above the other inmates (which he notes is not always the case in other establishments). Castieau wrote this in favour of supporting the building of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth. It was stated that at the time the Mayday Hills Hospital was built, there were 83 prisoners kept in the Gaol who were to be rehoused to the Hospital on the grounds of "insanity". The classification as someone as "insane", in this period of time is a reflection on the inability to cure and understand illnesses of the mind during the mid to late 1800s. Opening on the 24th of October 1867, the Mayday Hills Hospital was originally named the "Ovens Lunatic Asylum", a title which is very much a product of its time. Whilst controversial, changes to the name is part of the history of the Hospital and can provide much insight into the understanding of mental illness throughout history and the use/disuse of this term provides information into the reception/changing opinions of mental illness in society. The Hospital would later become known as the "Mayday Hills Asylum" and/or "Mayday Hills Hospital" with the latter being the most commonly used title. An article in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser notes that on the 7th of March 1865, the foundation stone of the Hospital was laid (it would officially open in 1867) and that it was such a moment of accomplishment and joy for Beechworth that a letter to the editor even suggested that there should be a holiday dedicated to the day the foundation stone as laid. This reveals an extent to which the townspeople of early Beechworth valued the construction of the Hospital in their town. It provided the town with a sense of prestige and honour.At first glance, the remains of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth, Victoria, inspire tragedy, trauma and beauty. The buildings themselves, with their Italianate style Renaissance architecture designed by J.J. Clark (Craig 2000, 49 & Smith 2016, 203) reflect a bygone period of European and Australian history. The gardens provide a sense of tranquility and beauty. The experience of those within these walls remains a valuable area of study to provide a more complete understanding. This particular hospital is considered the fourth of its like and one of three identified as the largest of their kind. The Mayday Hills Hospital is a sister to the Kew and Ararat Asylums in Melbourne which are both located in relative proximity. Understanding the role of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth history is integral to understanding the development of the goldfields town, but also for providing important information as to the history of caring for, and the reception of, mental illnesses in Australian and wider European history. Mayday Hills provides a case study which can be researched through oral history, an analysis of the grounds/buildings and through images like this postcard which portray the structure in a highly deliberate manner. Images like this depict the strong façade of the Hospital and provide a glimpse into the tranquility of the gardens. This has been done deliberately to provide a sense of comfort and healing about the building to those looking from the outside. Further research into the importance of the Hospital in Beechworth and it's connection to the town will be supported through images like these kept in the Mayday Hills photo album in the collection of the Burke Museum.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on photographic paper mounted on cardHandwriting reads: "Mental Hospital / Beechworth / Miss A. J. Ross / about 82 in 1944".mental asylum, beechworth, mayday hills, mayday hills hospital, victoria, mental health, history of mental illness, treatment of metal illness, asylum, hospital for mentally unwell, miss a.j. ross, nurse, staff, doctors

Photographed in the early 1900s, this black and white photograph depicts 25 members of the Mayday Hills Hospital Staff. Five men sit in front of the group, upon the ground and behind them, in bright white clothing, sit eight female nurses upon a long bench (one of these nurses is identified on the rear as Miss A.J. Ross). Behind these women stand 12 men. The men are all wearing dark clothing and several have 'Kepi' style hats. The staff photograph was captured by Frazer and Vallance Photographers Melbourne. This image was originally combined with 1997.2490 but these images have since been torn apart and catalogued separately. Beechworth's Mayday Hills was chosen as the site of Victoria's newest asylum, at the time, due to the landscape and altitude. The hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, it was argued, would assist in the cure of the patients kept at the hospital (Wood 1985, 122). The positioning of the hospital had a beneficial effect on the rural town. A pamphlet published by James Ingram and Son (1849) reveal that famous landmarks in Beechworth which included the Post Office, Gaol, Courthouse and Asylum "demonstrate the appreciation of Beechworth by the Government not only as as important district center, but also as a site unrivaled as a sanitarium". There were other locations in contention at the time, but ultimately Beechworth was chosen (Craig 2000, 33). Prior to the creation of the Asylum in Beechworth, those charged with having mental illnesses or, as it was termed, "insanity" were unable to be properly cared for in the Gaol (which is where they were often sent). John Buckley Castieau wrote, in 1861 for the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, that the Gaol was unable to properly care for those classified then as "insane" but that they would endeavor to treat them above the other inmates (which he notes is not always the case in other establishments). Castieau wrote this in favour of supporting the building of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth. It was stated that at the time the Mayday Hills Hospital was built, there were 83 prisoners kept in the Gaol who were to be rehoused to the Hospital on the grounds of "insanity". The classification as someone as "insane", in this period of time is a reflection on the inability to cure and understand illnesses of the mind during the mid to late 1800s. Opening on the 24th of October 1867, the Mayday Hills Hospital was originally named the "Ovens Lunatic Asylum", a title which is very much a product of its time. Whilst controversial, changes to the name is part of the history of the Hospital and can provide much insight into the understanding of mental illness throughout history and the use/disuse of this term provides information into the reception/changing opinions of mental illness in society. The Hospital would later become known as the "Mayday Hills Asylum" and/or "Mayday Hills Hospital" with the latter being the most commonly used title. An article in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser notes that on the 7th of March 1865, the foundation stone of the Hospital was laid (it would officially open in 1867) and that it was such a moment of accomplishment and joy for Beechworth that a letter to the editor even suggested that there should be a holiday dedicated to the day the foundation stone as laid. This reveals an extent to which the townspeople of early Beechworth valued the construction of the Hospital in their town. It provided the town with a sense of prestige and honour.At first glance, the remains of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth, Victoria, inspire tragedy, trauma and beauty. The buildings themselves, with their Italianate style Renaissance architecture designed by J.J. Clark (Craig 2000, 49 & Smith 2016, 203) reflect a bygone period of European and Australian history. The gardens provide a sense of tranquility and beauty. The experience of those within these walls remains a valuable area of study to provide a more complete understanding. This particular hospital is considered the fourth of its like and one of three identified as the largest of their kind. The Mayday Hills Hospital is a sister to the Kew and Ararat Asylums in Melbourne which are both located in relative proximity. Understanding the role of the Mayday Hills Hospital in Beechworth history is integral to understanding the development of the goldfields town, but also for providing important information as to the history of caring for, and the reception of, mental illnesses in Australian and wider European history. Mayday Hills provides a case study which can be researched through oral history, an analysis of the grounds/buildings and through images like this postcard which portray the structure in a highly deliberate manner. Images like this depict the strong façade of the Hospital and provide a glimpse into the tranquility of the gardens. This has been done deliberately to provide a sense of comfort and healing about the building to those looking from the outside. Further research into the importance of the Hospital in Beechworth and it's connection to the town will be supported through images like these kept in the Mayday Hills photo album in the collection of the Burke Museum.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on photographic paper mounted on cardFrazer & Vallance Photographers Melbournemental asylum, beechworth

This item was donated by the daughter of Ena Heazlewood, a former Warrnambool resident. Mary Josephine (Ena) Todd was born in Warrnambool in 1920. She worked as a hairdresser at Josephine’s Salon in Warrnambool. In 1942 she married Jack Heazlewood, also of Warrnambool. He was serving on the H.M.A.S. Sydney at that time. Later they moved to Sydney. Pantaloons were worn particularly in the 19th century to cover the legs under voluminous dresses such as crinolines. This item may have belonged to earlier female members of either the Todd or the Heazlewood families.This item is of interest as an example of vintage women’s clothing and as an item donated by the daughter of a former Warrnambool resident. These are white cotton pantaloons or panties, hand-stitched. The waist band has two slits with cotton ties either side. The legs have lace frill ends gathered with elastic insertions. vintage clothing, history of warrnambool

1. This is a light blue full length dress, made from polyester and cotton. It has epaulettes. It has 2 breast pockets - held shut with brass buttons, It is held shut with 5 brass buttons. the brass buttons are round with a motif of a crown and an eagle. 2. Light blue belt. It is cotton polyester. Uses a brass buckle.Inside shirt, written on label = W326143 B. Williams.raaf, cadets, female uniform

This is a pair of blue trousers. It has a pocket on each hip. There is a zippered fly - held shut at the top with one black plastic button. There are two pleats either side of the fly.Written on label = W326143 B. Williams.raaf, long pants, uniform, female

This petticoat is demonstrative of home made infant undergarment clothing in the early 1900. Distance to and from commercial haberdashery store was too far to fit out young girls especially if the are undergarments. Mothers and other family members had the seamstress talent to make clothes that are not in full view of anyoneHistorically these undergarments have no fashion relevance for the younger fashion scene and this garment is an example of the self sufficient supply of home made articles. This was especially so within the Kiewa Valley and surrounds. Fashion in Australia and more so in areas with little or no access to overseas or city merchandise lacked "modern fashionable" clothes e.g. the latest from England and Paris. This region was and still is a rural backdrop of clothes that fit into the type of life and work of the society it holds.Cotton petticoat, white, three buttons on top back, 8mm wide straps of cotton tape. Gathered skirt with triple row of Rick Rack on the bottom edge and three pintucks, 17mm wide, on the lower edge of skirt. Garment is completely hand stitchedchildren's underwear, female underwear, dressmaking, handcraft, costume, clothing

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis pin has a black plastic tear-drop ball at its head (earth shaped). It has diamond like chiseled profile from a centre band to the apex of both ends. The centre region has a herring bone pattern. Identical to Item KVHS 0287hat pin, female head apparel, clothing accessories

This type of chemise/camisole is believed to be early 19th century. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely hand-made cotton and lace camisole is typical of a type of undergarment worn by women inside the home in the early 19th century. Hand sewn, sleeveless fine woven cotton, loose-fitting garment detailed with deep cream coloured ribbon lace on armholes. The neckline is square-shaped and has a broad band of ribbon filled beneath lace detailing. The garment has 2 pearl coloured buttons on-top of the shoulders as openings.female, point d'esprit, lynne findlay collection, camisole

This lace collar would have been detachable for easier cleaning and would have been worn by a lady during the 19th century. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc. - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lace collar is an illustration of how 19th century women could embellish and vary their garments through the use of different detachable collars and cuffs.Two halves of a lace collar sewn from a cream-coloured lace. The collar pieces are in a boomerang shape. Each half depicts leaves, ferns, and flowers in intricate line patterns.female, point d'esprit, lynne findlay collection, clothing

This hand-made doll's apron was created using machine and hand stitching, by Phoebe Lowell, a 10-year-old schoolgirl in 1913. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was advised at the time of her purchase that the garments were over 100 years old although this would not have been the case for this doll's apron.This doll's apron is a reminder of the tuition which schoolgirls routinely received in sewing and embroidery as these were considered essential skills for a future housewife.Very small cream-colored doll's apron with waistband and buttonhole but no button. Pleat running along the width of the apron above the hemline. Decorative herringbone stitching.On small label accompanying piece, handwritten: 'Phoebe Lowell / Age 10 / Form II'female, lynne findlay collection, phoebe lowell, doll's apron, 1913

This baby bodice was created using machine and hand stitching, by Phoebe Lowell, a 13-year-old schoolgirl at St Michael's, St Kilda in 1916. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was advised at the time of her purchase that the garments were over 100 years old although this baby bodice was made in the early 20th century.This doll's apron is a reminder of the tuition which schoolgirls routinely received in sewing and embroidery as these were considered essential skills for a future housewife.White sleeveless cotton bodice with a one-button opening at the neck. Neckline and front opening are finished with double rows of top stitching. Arm openings finished with single lines of top stitching.On small label accompanying piece, handwritten: 'Phoebe Lowell / Form IV A / Age 13 years'female, lynne findlay collection, phoebe lowell, baby bodice, 1916

This jacket which is possibly a bed jacket is believed to have been made by a schoolgirl Phoebe Lewell aged 15 in 1918 when she was attending St Michael's St Kilda and where she won the Form V Needlework Prize in 1918. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc. - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old. However, the date of this particular item is probably 1918.This lace lawn jacket is a lovely example of a decorative light jacket - possibly a bed jacket - worn in the early 20th century.Cream coloured lawn jacket, open front, lace trimmed with an open lace that ribbon could be passed through. Sleeves are half length and also trimmed with lace. The sailor-type collar is substantial and square shaped with satin stitched embroidery in the corners. The sleeves have bows in champagne coloured ribbon. This jacket may possibly be a bed jacket and it may originally have had a ribbon tie at the front.female, lynne findlay collection, phoebe lowell, clothing, 1918, st michael's

These cotton drawers are typical of the ones worn during the 19th century by women. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc. - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.These cotton drawers are typical of the ones worn by women during the 19th century. Their simple and open design were made for convenience when paired with the corsets and layers of chemises and other covers that were popular at the time.Cotton drawers with lace-trimmed (red ribbon inserted) at end of legs. The waist band had three buttonholes on the front and two buttonholes on the back. The back end front waist bands are separated.female, point d'esprit, lynne findlay collection, clothing

This handkerchief was a commonly carried item and is believed to be early 19th century. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely hand-made lace handkerchief was a typical everyday item carried by women in the early 19th century. Lawn hand-stitched handkerchief decorated with 3 lines of vertical and horizontal pleating which is hemmed and finished off with a lace border. female, point d'esprit, lynne findlay collection, handkerchief

This child's cotton blouse was handmade by 15-year-old schoolgirl, Phoebe Lewell in 1918. She won the Form V Needlework Prize at the Speech Day for St Michael's, St Kilda in that year. This blouse was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This handmade child's blouse showcases the sewing skills of an early 20th century schoolgirl and recalls the importance of girls being taught how to make clothes at that time.Child's cotton blouse with short sleeves. Lace trimmed neckline and ends of sleeves. Dark cream satin ribbon inserted. Jacket has front opening with four buttons (pearl) - three of the buttons concealed by a band of lace. The base of the blouse has a band which the gathered top is sewn into.female, lynne findlay collection, phoebe lowell, 1918, st michael's

This lace modesty panel is believed to be late 19th century. Its original owner is unknown, but it was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old.This lovely hand-made modesty panel was typically worn by women to conceal a plunging neckline in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. Ecru coloured, fine lace modesty panel. Rectangular in shape with handsewn satin binding on the two short ends and lacy edge on upper part and bound seam on the bottom edge.female, lynne findlay collection, modesty panel