The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Tan/Rust-coloured silk bodice and skirt. The silk used in the garment is self-patterned with a leaf design. The bodice has extensive gold and silver coloured glass beading. The silk used in the sleeves of the bodice and the skirt is badly degraded/‘shattered’.australian fashion - 1860s, women's clothing - 1860s, dresses - 1860s, shattered silk

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Netta Fuller and her husband Alec were long-term residents of Kew. As a boy, Alec had attended East Kew Primary School and was later highly involved in the Kew Presbyterian Church during the 1950s and 60s. Netta's passion was for historic clothing and its exhibition. In 1985, Netta Fuller and Elizabeth Pace launched a parade of garments sponsored by Kew Historical Society at Holy Trinity Church, Kew. The parade was called 'Downunder Dressmakers' and included a collection of over fifty items of clothing dating from 1800 to 1984. The collection included dresses, hats, scarfs, capes, sporting costumes etc. The core of the parade consisted of a collection of 19th century costumes worn by the ancestors of a Miss Gertrude Murray, a resident of Blackburn. In sourcing items for her collections, Netta Fuller collected costumes stored in old trunks and wardrobes, or even purchased from opportunity shops. (During the period in which she collected and exhibited costumes, the latter could often be a reliable source for the purchase of historic and aesthetically significant costumes.) Not satisfied with purchasing authentic costumes of the period, Netta also used these as models for artistic recreations. Following her retirement from both collecting and exhibiting, Netta Fuller donated a number of 19th Century garments to the Kew Historical Society's costume collection. A number of garments were parts of costumes such as bodices, while others were complete outfits. Some of the latter exhibit signs of old damage, however very few of the costumes had been modified to enable them to be worn in exhibitions. Provenance, apart from that the costumes were donated by Netta Fuller after 1985 is limited to donor information, although some of her donations may have originally been part of the collection owned by the Murray family. While the costumes are old and therefore historic, provenance is less important than the representativeness and/or rarity of the costumes. Similarly, the costumes need to be evaluated as a group and separately, considering their aesthetic and artistic significance as well a their age.Two piece pale green and gold shot silk dress comprised of a skirt and top. The very full skirt has a scalloped edge front panel with bands of grey/green silk ribbon. The scalloped panels seem to be backed with later lining fabric (sic). The bodice has decorative buttons at the front from the high round neck to the waist. The bodice, like the skirt has a scalloped panel at the front, which is edged with ribbon. 1860-70. netta fuller, australian fashion - 1860s, women's clothing - 1860s, dresses - 1860s

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Netta Fuller and her husband Alec were long-term residents of Kew. As a boy, Alec had attended East Kew Primary School and was later highly involved in the Kew Presbyterian Church during the 1950s and 60s. Netta's passion was for historic clothing and its exhibition. In 1985, Netta Fuller and Elizabeth Pace launched a parade of garments sponsored by Kew Historical Society at Holy Trinity Church, Kew. The parade was called 'Downunder Dressmakers' and included a collection of over fifty items of clothing dating from 1800 to 1984. The collection included dresses, hats, scarfs, capes, sporting costumes etc. The core of the parade consisted of a collection of 19th century costumes worn by the ancestors of a Miss Gertrude Murray, a resident of Blackburn. In sourcing items for her collections, Netta Fuller collected costumes stored in old trunks and wardrobes, or even purchased from opportunity shops. (During the period in which she collected and exhibited costumes, the latter could often be a reliable source for the purchase of historic and aesthetically significant costumes.) Not satisfied with purchasing authentic costumes of the period, Netta also used these as models for artistic recreations. Following her retirement from both collecting and exhibiting, Netta Fuller donated a number of 19th Century garments to the Kew Historical Society's costume collection. A number of garments were parts of costumes such as bodices, while others were complete outfits. Some of the latter exhibit signs of old damage, however very few of the costumes had been modified to enable them to be worn in exhibitions. Provenance, apart from that the costumes were donated by Netta Fuller after 1985 is limited to donor information, although some of her donations may have originally been part of the collection owned by the Murray family. While the costumes are old and therefore historic, provenance is less important than the representativeness and/or rarity of the costumes. Similarly, the costumes need to be evaluated as a group and separately, considering their aesthetic and artistic significance as well a their age.Two piece olive green and gold shot silk dress comprised of a skirt and top. The very full skirt has a scalloped edge front panel with bands of grey/green silk ribbon. The scalloped panels seem to be backed with later lining fabric (sic). The bodice has decorative buttons at the front from the high round neck to the waist. The bodice, like the skirt has a scalloped panel at the front, which is edged with ribbon. netta fuller, australian fashion - 1860s, women's clothing - 1860s, dresses - 1860s

From its beginnings in 1958, the Society has mounted exhibitions and/or displays, in early days in shop window and in community spaces located in the Kew City Hall (later Kew Library), and since 2010 at the Kew Court House. Exhibitions typically coincided with the annual Kew Community Festival in March, but after 2013 evolved into three new exhibitions yearly at the Kew Court House. Smaller displays continue to be mounted in the Kew Library. Photograph of three costumes exhibited at the Kew Library, all donated by Netta Fuller, and dated to the 1860s.netta fuller, australian fashion - 1860s, women's clothing - 1860s, dresses - 1860s, kew historical society - exhibitions, exhibitions - victorian era fashion

The Henty family and their descendants were notable settlers in Australia, initially in Western Australia, then in Launceston and finally in Victoria. While most family members settled in Victoria from 1834, others remained in England and in Tasmania. The identity of the woman in this mid 19th studio portrait is as yet unidentified. The daguerreotype was purchased by the Society as part of a small collection of Henty memorabilia and portraits from the owner of Moorabool Antiques, Geelong in 2021, which had in turn acquired the item from the estate of Dennis Alston of Alston's Antiques in Hamilton, Victoria.Members of the extended Henty family were notable British settlers of southeastern and southwestern Australia. The connection to Kew (Vic.) is that members of the Henty family owned important mansions in Kew in the 19th century. Stephen George Henty's family lived at 'Findon', and Francis Henty of 'Merino Downs' in the Western District lived in his final years at 'Field Place', Kew. Numerous members of the Henty family are buried in the Boroondara General Cemetery.Three quarter length studio portrait of a female member of the Henty family, taken using the daguerreotype photographic process, and encased in a standard daguerreotype frame made of tooled leather, velvet and gilt metal. The woman is dressed in a silk dress, typical of the 1860s, with a lace collar and bonnet. She appears to be holding a locket in her right hand.henty family, australia - early settlers

The Henty family and their descendants were notable settlers in Australia, initially in Western Australia, then in Launceston and finally in Victoria. While most family members settled in Victoria from 1834, others remained in England and in Tasmania. The daguerreotype was purchased by the Society as part of a small collection of Henty memorabilia and portraits from the owner of Moorabool Antiques, Geelong in 2021, which had in turn acquired the item from the estate of Dennis Alston of Alston's Antiques in Hamilton, Victoria.Members of the extended Henty family were notable British settlers of southeastern and southwestern Australia. The connection to Kew (Vic.) is that members of the Henty family owned important mansions in Kew in the 19th century. Stephen George Henty's family lived at 'Findon', and Francis Henty of 'Merino Downs' in the Western District lived in his final years at 'Field Place', Kew. Numerous members of the Henty family are buried in the Boroondara General Cemetery.Three quarter length seated studio portrait of Elizabeth Margaret (Milligan) Gaunt, taken using the daguerreotype photographic process, and encased in a standard daguerreotype frame made of tooled leather, velvet and gilt metal. Margaret Gaunt is dressed in a pale silk dress, typical of the 1860s, with a buttoned bodice and wide sleeves. She appears to be holding a book in her right hand. The sitter was the half sister of Mary Ann Lawrence (1821-81), the wife of Francis Henty of 'Merino Downs' and 'Field Place', Kew. She married Charles Gaunt (1842-1916) at St John's Church of England, Launceston in 1868. Following her marriage, she was to have 11 children.henty family, eliza margaret milligan, eliza margaret gaunt, launceston - 19th century, mary ann lawrence, mary ann henty, francis henty

A black and white photograph which shows a woman walking along the track that leads to the base of Steavenson Falls.A black and white photograph which shows a woman walking along the track that leads to the base of Steavenson Falls. The Steavenson Falls is named after the Victorian Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, John Steavenson who arrived in Victoria in the early 1860s.steavenson falls, marysville, victoria, waterfalls

This blazer was worn by a Warrnambool Fire Brigade member (Jack Sizeland). It was part of the dress uniform for fire brigade members in the 1960s and 70s. The Warrnambool Fire Brigade was established in the early 1860s after a fire at the Flying Buck Hotel in Liebig Street prompted a public meeting to establish a permanent fire authority in the town. There had been a couple of attempts previously to set up a local fire brigade. The Warrnambool Fire Brigade actively participates in Country Fire Authority Championships and competitions and has been very successful, particularly in the 19th century. John (Jack) Sizeland retired when he was 65 in 1977 (37 years of service).This blazer is of interest as it shows us what fire fighters in Warrnambool were wearing in the mid 20th century (dress uniform). It is also a memento of one long-serving firefighter, Jack SizelandThis is a man’s black blazer with three large black buttons. The sleeve ends and the three pockets have a diagonal red and black patterned braid stitched on. The upper portion of the blazer and the sleeves are lined with black material. The top pocket has the badge of the Warrnambool Fire Brigade in red and yellow stitched on. The badge features a Fire Brigade helmet, a ladder and two axes set in two concentric circles. A printed label with the owner’s name (Sizeland) is stitched inside the collar areaName ‘Sizeland’ stitched inside collar areawarrnambool fire brigade, country fire authority, john sizeland, history of warrnambool

In 1866 the North Melbourne Company RVV Infantry were camped at the escarpment in the grounds of Rupertswood.A sepia photograph of the North Melbourne Company at an 1866 camp RVV Infantry. 13 men are sitting on the ground in front and there are 25 men standing behind them. Two men are in the background at the right and one man at the left. The group are standing in front of a tree.written on back: N. MELB. COY. R.V.V. INF. 1866 SUNBURY CAMP N. MELB. RCA 63sunbury camp, sunbury escarpment, north melbourne company, armed forces, men, clothing and dress, rupertswood, 1860s, george evans collection

Military encampments took place in Canon Gully during the 1860s and the 1870s on property which was owned by the Clarke family. The Volunteer Militia was part of Victoria's defence capabilities until it was disbanded in 1883.A black and white photograph of 21 soldiers dressed in Nineteenth Century military uniforms standing in front of pitched tents with another soldier on the RHS sitting astride a horse.canon gully, george evans collection

A b/w photo of a portrait of a gentleman wearing a stiff collar and large tie. Unmounted.Written on back in biro: Photo of a portrait of / David Brodie of / "Harpsdale" / Yuroke. / Portrait probably painted around 1860.brodie, david, harpsdale, yuroke, clothing and dress, 1860s, george evans collection

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.The donor, a resident of Kew, provided a handwritten provenance with the donation. "This is an heirloom dress, worn in Tasmania by a Fletcher relative c. 1860s, 1870s. It was for years, with another in the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, then borrowed for concerts. In (the) 1990s it was enlarged at the back for a Centenary reenactment. I thought you might like it for your collection."19th century white cotton day dress, photographed as accessioned, which is printed with a design in black. The front has a 3/4 length buttoned opening. The dress has wide ruffles in the same fabric at the base of the skirt. The later 1990s inserts which can be seen in the first and third images have been removed in preparation for the dress to be restored. The buttons are a later addition. Historically appropriate replacement buttons were later added.women's clothing, day dresses, australian fashion - 1870s, coralie coulston

Imitation fur products were initially popular due to their relative cheapness. As the 1960s progressed, faux fur became more popular due to social uneasiness about the wildlife and farmed fur trade. Whereas real fur hats might be seen as matronly, smart, light and bright, clearly fake fur hats were designed for a younger market, and proved more suitable to the light weight fabrics of dresses and coats that became fashionable in Australia in the 1950s.The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. Most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women. There are however a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.Faux ermine black and white woman’s hat.Nilheadwear, women's hats, hats - 1960s, fashion accessories, faux fur

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One-piece, floor length blue silk day dress with a bell skirt that is slightly longer at the back. The dress is joined, centre-front with hooks and eyes. It is probable that the 19th century cream-coloured lace on the bodice and cuffs is a later addition. The lace extends in a long loop at the font of the skirt. The bodice has a high round neck, later modified to a V-shape. The dress must at one stage have been reconfigured or strengthened at the join of the bodice and skirt, as there is evidence of the use of new machine stitching. The dress is fully lined with a stiffened cotton lining fabric. Apart from minor staining, the dress is in excellent condition. The dress is the earliest complete costume in the collection. Measurements - 145.0 cm (centre back) 25.0 cm (waist, flat)Nilcoombs collection, fashion - 1860s, women's clothing, costumes, daywear

Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. Blue silk, floor length day dress comprised of a tightly fitted, long, waisted jacket joined by hooks and eyes at centre front. The bodice features large ornamental buttons from neck to waist, covered in a figured silk fabric of the same colour as the dress. The gown has extensive pin tucking on the sleeves, on the flounce of the skirt, and on the long train. The line of the outfit is emphasised by the flattened front, which is typical of the period. Its cut and lack of adornment emphasises the tailored effect.australian fashion, fashion & design, costumes, dresses, women's clothing, fashion - 1860s, fashion - 1870s

From its beginnings in 1958, the Society has mounted exhibitions and/or displays, in early days in shop window and in community spaces located in the Kew City Hall (later Kew Library), and since 2010 at the Kew Court House. Exhibitions typically coincided with the annual Kew Community Festival in March, but after 2013 evolved into three new exhibitions yearly at the Kew Court House. Smaller displays continue to be mounted in the Kew Library.This photograph confirms that the purple ballgown is/was part of the Coombs family donation of Victorian era costumes made to the Society in 1961. Therefore it is important for establishing the item's provenance. Display of costumes from the collection of the Kew Historical Society, exhibited during the Festival of Kew in 1979. Recognisable items include from left the 1890s purple ball gown, the 1860s white satin wedding dress and the blue two-piece 1880s outfit. All items are clearly from the Coombs donation of 1961, there being no other record of costumes occurring before 1979. Inscribed verso: "Taken during Festival of Kew 1979 / Kew Hist contribution / Exhibition of Family Treasures / Donated by Janet McDermott 1979"kew historical society -- exhibitions, festival of kew -- 1979

From its beginnings in 1958, the Society has mounted exhibitions and/or displays, in early days in shop window and in community spaces located in the Kew City Hall (later Kew Library), and since 2010 at the Kew Court House. Exhibitions typically coincided with the annual Kew Community Festival in March, but after 2013 evolved into three new exhibitions yearly at the Kew Court House. Smaller displays continue to be mounted in the Kew Library.Ken Silcock and Jill O'Brien (KHS members) with a display of items from the collection of the Kew Historical Society at an unnamed and undated Kew Festival. Recognisable items include from left on the floor the large photograph by JE Barnes of Kew Becomes a City (1921), two completed and framed bicentennial tapestries (1988), the MUIOOF honour board, and the 1860s white wedding dress (part of the Coombs collection).Inscribed verso: "Jill O'Brien & Jen Silcock"kew historical society -- exhibitions, jill o'brien, ken silcock

George's grandfather was James Rayment Snr (1817-1890). He was born in Essex, England. He arrived in Melbourne aboard the “Bengal” in 1840. He married Jane McKnight on 12 March 1861. She died in 1871. James lived in South Melbourne until he married Elizabeth Brown in 1873. He moved to “Spenceycroft” at 654 Canterbury Road in 1880 - the property had a dairy. He moved to 85 Croydon Road, Surrey Hills (the house still stands) in 1886 but still ran the dairy. He moved back to South Melbourne and died there in 1890. His son James Rayment Jnr (1862-1916) was born in Emerald Hill. He married Harriet Ratten in 1882 and lived at 85-87 Croydon Rd Surrey Hills until 1914. He also owned properties at 70,72,81 and 83 Croydon Road. Harriet died in 1897. He married Victoria Benbow in 1898. In 1912 his occupation was fishmonger. In 1914 he moved to “The Wattles” at 95 Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills. In 1919 his wife Victoria owned lots 45,47,49,51,53,55 Durham Road. Surrey Hills. He died 1916 and Victoria died in 1939. James, the third, lived in Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills where he and his wife had a flower and vegetable farm. His brother was George Leslie Rayment (1894-1976), known as Les, the subject of this photo. He was born in Boroondarra. He lived at 85 Croydon Road, Surrey Hills. In 1914 he enlisted and served in the HQ staff 3rd Light Horse Brigade and was promoted to Staff Sergeant. In 1916 he was discharged for family reasons, those being that his father had died and there was no-one at home to support the family in Middlesex Road. In 1918 he married Grace Lewis at the Highfield Methodist Church. In 1919 they moved into “Clovelly”, 94 Durham Road, Surrey Hills. In 1927 his wife Grace died and in 1933 he married Celia Lewis. In 1936, with the help of his brother James, they built their new house at 14 Benwerrin Road, Surrey Hills. Celia died in 1967 and Les in 1976. Les had 2 children Dr Dulcie Grace Rayment and Norma Lesley Rayment. (Information courtesy of Mel Constable; Mel's wife is a Rayment descendant). Les' brother, James Arthur Rayment, was born in Balwyn in 1889. His A.I.F. record states - he joined on the 14 July 1915 to the 5th Field Company Engineers. His father was living in Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills at the time of his enlistment. He returned to Australia and was discharged on 22/7/1919. His occupation was carpenter; his religion, Methodist. He was 26 years and 2 months at enlistment and left Australia on 23/11/1915. James Arthur Rayment married Lilian Sarah Smith in 1920 (Ref: Victoria 1920/6780). REF: Mrs Dorothy Legg - James Rayment and his wife Elizabeth lived and farmed in Russell Street in the 1860s. The land was a dairy property and may have included some of the land later owned by the Presbyterian Church. Their sons James and Alex walked to the Balwyn State School. James married and lived at 'The Wattles' in Middlesex Road.Black and white photo of George Leslie Rayment in AIF uniform, standing with his hands behind his back. armed forces, world war, 1914 - 1918, clothing and dress, (mr) george leslie rayment, les rayment

A dress belonging to the family of George Ward Cole in the late 1800s; possibly his wife Thomas Anne Ward Cole or one of his daughters, Margaret or Agnes. George Ward Cole was an early member of the Victorian Parliament and the family featured prominently in Melbourne Society in their time. They established a substantial home known as “St Ninians” at 10 Miller Street in 1841. The family reportedly entertained Melbourne’s first Royal visitor the Duke Of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria’s second son at St Ninians in 1867. In later years St Ninians was subsequently subdivided and later demolished. A hand sewn, brown silk, evening dress, circa 1860, consisting of a bodice and skirt. The bodice features an off the shoulder neckline edged with cream lace. A chevron design of black velvet trim, passes from the shoulders to the centre front waist, then hangs loosely to the hip line. The black velvet trim on the sleeves and the skirt is edged with a black fringe. The bodice (.1) base is finished in a v-shaped front at the natural waistline. There are short puffed sleeves also feature the black velvet fringed trim and lace at the edge along with three epaulette style strips, which pass from the shoulder seam to the edge of the sleeve. Each strip finishes with a decorative bobble. The bodice lining is cream glazed silk with steel boning, cotton tabs sewn into both sides have four eyelets for lacing. The dress has a full, floor length unlined skirt (.2) which is slightly longer at the back creating a modest train. The skirt has horizontal bands of the velvet trim and finishes with a box pleated trim of the dress fabric. The dress is fastened at the back using two connecting rows of black velvet covered buttons.brighton, st ninian's, 1860s, evening dress, george ward cole, thomas anne ward cole, margaret morison ward cole, agnes bruce ward cole

This glass plate photograph shows good detail of members of the Warrnambool Garrison posing for their photograph in front of a young township. There are other well-dressed citizens behind them. The three men with frogging on their sleeves were commanders were likely to be commanders. The men are facing north with Cannon Hill and the fortification area in the background. It dates from the 1860s. The firearms held appear to be 1853 pattern Lee Enfield muskets used by the British army in Crimea at this time and in Australia, rather than the later Martini Henry cartridge rifles. The uniforms match other photos of the Warrnambool Garrison Militia and Band in our Collection, taken up until the 1880s. The three storey building in the photograph is likely to be the Manifold & Bostock flour mill, built in 1854 near the ‘cutting’ in Merri Street, which was one of the main streets at the time; if one faced the building’s front from a vantage point and looked south to south-east, the hills around Flagstaff Hill and Cannon Hill would be behind that mill, and the Harbour behind the hills. This is the area of the Fortifications. The glass plate method of photography was widely used during the mid-19th to early-20th century. The donor and maker of the photograph are unknown. Around this time the citizens of Victoria were prospering from the gold rush but felt isolated and uneasy about their security in the colony. In 1854 the Volunteer Act was passed to provide some military defence. In 1858 the Warrnambool Volunteer Rifle Corps was established, disbanded in 1863, then a new Warrnambool Detachment was formed in September 1866. Legislation was passed in 1884 that replaced the volunteers’ corps with a partly paid, permanent Militia Defence Force. The batteries manning the coastal forts of Victoria were termed Garrison Artillery Companies. When the Army was federated in 1901 there were eight Militia Companies in Victoria. Warrnambool and Port Fairy together were known as 8 Coy AGA (Australian Garrison Artillery). Changes to formation and name continued into the 20th century.This photograph is a record of the very early local defence force, circa 1866. The photograph signifies the connection of the colony in Victoria to the growing need for security due to the unrest in Europe at that time. The photograph is also locally significant to the industry of the young township of Warrnambool, showing what is likely to be one of the first flour mills in the town. The photograph is also the only example of the early methods of glass plate photography in our collection. Photograph, rectangular glass plate, positive sepia image. Photograph has brass framed edges that fold over to the back, with mitred corners. The front edges are pressed with a decorative floral pattern. The photograph shows a group of thirty military men, standing or kneeling, in dark uniforms with pillbox forage caps, round-collared jackets with light buttons, light sashes worn from top left shoulder to bottom right side of waist belt, and long, straight-legged trousers. Three of these men have light braid around the buttons on the front of their jackets, light frogging on their sleeve cuffs and stripes on the outside seams of their trousers. The other twenty-seven men have plain uniforms and are holding firearms in their right hands, steadied with their left hands. Other figures are standing behind this group of soldiers, including three or four men wearing top hats, jackets and ties. In the background is a row of buildings. The central building is three stories high. Bare hills are in the far background. The foreground is uneven ground with patches of short grass. Photographer looking towards the south east and Cannon Hill, with the Warrnambool Garrison facing north, ca.1860s.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, glass plate, photography 19th century, colonial forces, military defence, volunteer act 1854, volunteer rifle, garrison artillery, volunteer corps, militia, militia garrison band, pillbox forage caps, helpmann, manifold and bostock, 1853 lee enfield musket, tintype, warrnambool garrison, 1860s, cannon hill, manifold & bostock, flour mill, 3-storey building