An apron is an outer protective garment worn over clothes to cover the front of the body. In Victorian and Edwardian times, women were using aprons for both utility (they were easier to wash than dresses) and fashion and women's magazines and pattern companies were offering patterns to allow women to be to sew their own aprons at home. There are different styles of aprons including bib aprons, waist or half aprons, pinafores, tabards and pinner aprons. The word "apron" comes from the old French word "naperon" which means a napkin or small tablecloth. This apron is one of two similar aprons that were donated from the estate of Susan Henry nee Vedmore (1944 - 2021). It is in very good condition and appears to be more decorative (and possibly used only on special occasions) rather than everyday wear. Susan's family (Harold and Gladys Vedmore) immigrated to Australia from Wales in 1955 and settled in Warrnambool. Susan was well known in the Warrnambool community for her work supporting children and families across the district - particular those with disabilities, or those who were homeless, unemployed or isolated. Susan was the founding trustee of the "Vedmore Foundation" - a Warrnambool philanthropic trust set up in 2010 to support a range of charitable and not-for-profit causes by providing grant assistance. In 2021, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the community.This item is an example of clothing worn by working women in the late 19th and early 20th centuryShort white cotton apron featuring gathering along the waist band and a gathered frill with scalloped edging along the bottom. The scalloped trim is repeated on the edge of a single pocket on the right hand side. It has ties attached to both ends of the waist band and the main body of the apron is made of of three rectangular pieces of cotton joined with french seams.warrnambool, great ocean road, textiles, lady's garment, apron, parlour apron, waitress apron, half apron, waist apron, handmade, domestic clothing, domestic work, vedmore foundation, susan henry oam

This item of underclothing, called a "combination" is one of several linen and clothing items belonging to the deceased estate of Susan Henry OAM (nee Vedmore 1944 - 2021) that was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Susan's family (Harold and Gladys Vedmore) immigrated to Australia from Wales in 1955 and settled in Warrnambool. Susan was well known in the Warrnambool community for her work supporting children and families across the district - particular those with disabilities, or those who were homeless, unemployed or isolated. Susan was the founding trustee of the "Vedmore Foundation" - a Warrnambool philanthropic trust set up in 2010 to support a range of charitable and not-for-profit causes by providing grant assistance. In 2021, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the community. Combination undergarments combined the chemise and drawers into one garment. The combination is divided, or bifurcated, from the waist to the crotch for easier urinating. This one-piece type of underwear was worn by females from the 1860s and into the early 1900s. The 19th Century garments had front button closures like this one, and those made in the 1900s more often had back closures. Combination underwear was popular because the all-in-one design had far fewer gathers and bulk, making the other clothing look much smoother. Their primary use was to protect clothing from perspiration and because they were made with cotton or linen, were easy to wash. This particular item is made with lawn (a very lightweight fabric) and is sleeveless, making it suitable for hot weather. Although they were worn under the corset next to the skin (and therefore not meant to be seen), they were often decorated with lace or embroidery. This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the late 19th century - using machine stitching and lace to personalise and embellish a practical item of clothing. It is also significant as an example of a practical solution to the difficulties that women of this era faced with regard to the washing of clothes and household linens.Lady’s white lawn and lace all-In-one combination undergarment. The handmade underwear is a combined chemise and bloomers. It has four buttons in the front and is trimmed with lace on the neckline, armholes, bodice (in a diagonal design) and legs. The left and right sides are divided from the waist to the crutch. The back of the garment is plain with a gathered section at the lower back.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, combinations, lady's combinations, undergarment, lingerie, handsewn, underwear, clothing, victorian era undergarments, lady's garment, susan henry oam, vedmore foundation

Caroline Murrell, b. 1867 at Happy Valley, was a daughter of Ambrose and Mary Murrell. Prior to her marriage, Caroline Murrell assisted her mother to manage the Victoria Hotel in Linton. In 1910 she married William Ochiltree Lewers (son of Annie Lewers and Samuel Lewers), and they had two children - Bill, born 1910, and Sam, born 1911.Sepia portrait of a young lady wearing high necked garment with brooch at throat."Caroline Carrie Murrell later Mrs W O Lewers".caroline murrell, caroline lewers

This lady's jacket and vest has been made early in the 20th century and worn at formal occasions such as family celebrations, receptions etc.This garment is a fine example of a lady's jacket, made about 100 years ago and could have part of some one's mourning attire. It is a display item.This is a lady's fitted jacket made of black satin with a vest. There is satin brocade on the front sides of the jacket. The jacket has a peplum waist at the back and cuffed long sleeves edged with lace. There are hooks and eyes on the front to allow the jacket to be closed. The vest is made of fine black lace over a cream insert at the front. An added feature is a white lace collar with a black ribbon tie. vintage women's clothing, warrnambool history

This garment would have been worn at an evening function by a lady of some considerable means. It dates from the late 19th century.This item has no known provenance and is retained for display purposes.This is a woman's black, knee length, satin theatre coat. It is ornamented with geometric and curved cornelli work. The shawl collar has a pointed back. It is fastened in the front with a large, satin covered black button. It is lined with black satin. It has full length sleeves, turned up at the ends and lined with satin.vintage clothing, woman's evening apparel

This jacket would have been worn with a long black skirt by an elderly woman or by one in mourning, probably in early Edwardian times.This item is retained for display purposes.This is lady's black satin top with long sleeves. There are hooks and eyes for the full length of the front. with a fitted, boned waist. It has panels on each side of the opening on the front with black embroidered " frog" decorations. The sleeves are pleated with three bands of black velvet on the cuffs at the wrist. The garment is lined with black cloth. The cream lace around the neckline appears to have been added at a later time.vintage woman's clothing, edwardian era, warrnambool and district historical society collection

This garment was donated by the daughter of Ena Heazlewood, the maker of the item. Mary Josephine (Ena) Todd was born in Warrnambool in 1920 and worked as a hairdresser at Josephine’s Salon in Warrnambool. In 1942 she married Jack Heazlewood, a stoker on the H.M.A.S. Sydney at the time. He was also born in Warrnambool. The couple later lived in Sydney. This coat was made by Ena Heazlewood and was worn by both her son, John and her daughter, JudithThis coat is of interest as one made by a former Warrnambool lady in the mid 20th century. It is also an example of the style of children’s clothing worn 70 years ago. This is a child’s coat, hand-sewn and made of white cotton (towelling or boucle type material). The coat is lined with white cotton material and has a pointed shirt collar with inset sleeves and flares out slightly from the chest area. The coat opens at the front and has two cream-coloured buttons and two button holes. There is some slight staining on the coat. vintage clothing, todd & heazlewood families, warrnambool

Dressmakers used patterns to make clothes. Companies included 'Simplicity, Butterick and Vogue etc. The packet would contain transparent paper shapes with printed lines and instructions. These were pinned onto the material, cut, then sewn together as per the lines and the included instructions.In the 1950s and 1960s women sewed the clothes for the family. In the Kiewa Valley dress shops were not available and a journey to the bigger cities was less frequent than it is today.Coloured pictures showing the finished garment. Patterns were in sizes. eg. size 10 1. Fashion - lady's dress 2. x3 Simplicity - lady's clothes 3. x3 Butterick lady's clothesdressmaker, simplicity butterick, ladies fashion

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

Owned and worn by Marjorie McKeown (nee Ford), a resident of the Orbost area.A corset made from pink material with leaf shape embroidery. Hooks and eyelets on the front (or back)of the garment are for lacing (laces not found). It has stays (possibly whalebone) as vertical insertions, and suspenders attached to the bottom (with some of these missing). Lady Ruthwomens-underwear fashion costume-fashion

An item of Local significance for women in use of decorating their Domestic life in the mid 1920's. Usually these items were constructed with the use of their own handicrafts. The 'Sunday Best' status helped to present a civilised look to the one day of No work and Church in a family's weekly life.A lady's linen, hand embroidered full apron. Orange Flowers(Button hole stitch), green leaves (satin stitch) Featherstitch on pockets and edges of the garment.1 Tie is missing meaning that the apron cannot be worn.embroidery, hand, domestic, linen, silk, crafted, apron, sunday best, stranded, ties

The Hanro company was established in Switzerland in 1884. In 1926 a site in Hargreaves Street Bendigo, behind the School of Mines, was purchased to establish the Bendigo Knitting Mills, a subsidiary of Hanro. The managing director was Charles Handerchin who came from Switzerland. The company was delisted from the Australian Stock Exchange in 1963 when it was taken over by John Brown Industries.Hanro Autumn-Winter Catalogue 1962: The cover is of card with a white background with a large H in blue to the right. Sketched in black pen is a lady with a cardigan buttoned up with six buttons, long sleeves and a collar. To the right in white is *Hanro* under that in black print is *Catalogue Autumn-Winter 1962 Swiss Inspired Knitwear* Inside the cover is advertising. Attached with cello tape is a green sheet of paper with a sketch of a lady wearing a sweater with long sleeves and collar and bow. To the right is a medal, circular in shape with *Fashion Award Australian wool bureau* under that is Hanro, Gold Medal Winner 1962 Wool Fashion Awards*, a description of the garment, size and colour. Look better in a Hanro Sweater!* The catalogue is on gloss paper with sketched so ladies modelling Pullovers, cardigans, twin sets and jackets. Each item has its garment number description, sizes and colour. The back page is white with a large H to the left with *Hanro* in white and (Aust) Knitting Mills Limited* to the right is a box with a black border with the Sales offices addresses and phone numbers. At the bottom is *The Quality Is A Proud Tradition*.book, magazine, catalogue, hanro. catalogue.

BHS CollectionHanro Autumn-Winter 1960 Catalogue: Red coloured card with black and white print is a scene of the Swiss Alps and two Swiss Chalets on the top half of the Cover with *Autumn - Winter 1960 Catalogue* printed in white. At the centre is a white rectangular banner with *Hanro Quality Knitwear For Men* printed in black. The bottom half is three men one sitting on a chair, two standing in front of a wrought iron balustrade wearing Hanro garments sketched in black ink. The first has a V necked ribbed pullover with raglan sleeve and contrasting stripe on the sleeve, neck and waist band. Next is a Crewe necked, saddle shoulder Pullover with fold over neck, knitted bands on sleeve and waist. The third is a V necked patterned cardigan with four buttons, saddle shoulder and pockets either side. Inside the cover on white card with black print is advertising to the left and the Index is on the right. The first page of the catalogue outlines the qualities of their garments. Inside are sketches of their Pullovers, Slip-on's, Cardigans and Sleeveless Cardigan's along with the Style number, Name of Garment, colour and size. The back has the price list to the left and on the right is a list of advertising materials. At the bottom printed in black is *This year, go along with Hanro - for Handsome Profits in Knitwear! Inside the back cover on white back ground with black, grey print and sketching is *Here Now! The very latest Continental Wool knits Styled in Switzerland*. Sketched is a Swiss Alps and village scene. In the foreground on a balcony are two men and a lady wearing Hanro Knitwear. In the centre printed in black is *Permasized & Mothproofed for life with 'Mitin'. A black Banner with white print is *by Hanro. At the bottom is a sketch of the Liestal Switzerland factory The Home of Hanro* The back cover, red with white and black print. A 5cm black strip vertically from top to bottom of the page. 5cm from the top on a white banner is *Hanro (Aust) Knitting Mills Limited* printed in black. Under that is the address and phone number of the Bendigo and Melbourne Sales offices. Down to the right is the details Representing other states is Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. At the bottom left in a white box is a sketch of the Hanro Factory in Liestal Switzerland. On the button is *The Home of world-famous Hanro in Liestal, Switzerland. Box 116Abook, magazine, catalogue, hanro. catalogue

BHS CollectionHanro Autumn-Winter 1960 Catalogue: On blue card with white and black print. It has a scene of the Swiss Alps with two Swiss Chalets at the foot of the hills. In the foreground are three ladies one sitting on a chair and two leaning on a wrought iron fence. The ladies are sketched in black ink, the first with long black hair is wearing a twinset, the cardigan has long, set in sleeves and is buttoned up with nine buttons. The garments have bands on the cuffs, around the neck and on the waist. The second lady has short hair and is wearing a jumper with long set in sleeves, collar and button front insert. The jumper has bands on the sleeves and waist. The third lady with long blond hair wearing a bulky rib pullover with a large collar. At the top of the page in white print is *Autumn - Winter 1960 Catalogue. In the centre on a white banner printed in black is Hanro Quality Knitwear for Women. At the bottom in black print is *Styled In Switzerland* in a white banner. Inside the front page on a white back ground with black print is advertising and the Index. The catalogue pages on white back ground with black print and sketched garments consists of Hanro knitwear collection of Pullovers, Twin Set's, Cardigans, Jackets, Sweater Shirt and Stole, including item name, style number, description, colour and size. On the back of the catalogue is the price list, instruction on advertising and at the bottom is *This year, go along with Hanro - for Handsome Profits in Knitwear! Inside the back page of the cover is an advertising example which says *Here Now! The very latest continental wool knits Styled in Switzerland* with a scene of the Swiss Alps and village with three ladies on a balcony modelling Hanro Knitwear. In the right hand corner is the Hanro factory in Switzerland. The back cover is blue and white with black print. 5cm down from the left top is a white rectangular shape with Hanro (Aust) Knitting Mills Limited printed in black. A black stripe 5cm in from the left runs from top to bottom of the page. In the Centre Bendigo, Melbourne and Sydney address and contact details for Hanro. Down the page to the right is a list of the those represented in other states by: Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. Bottom left is a sketch of the Hanro Swiss factory done in black ink on white back ground. Underneath that is *The Home of world-famous Hanro in Liestal, Switzerland. Box 116Abook, magazine, catalogue, hanro catalogue

This handmade women’s combination undergarment features hand-worked lace panels and trim, and fine pintucks. It is one of seven handmade items of white cotton underwear, all made with beautiful needlework and embroidery skill. The lingerie once belonged to the donor’s great-grandmother’s family, the Paton family of ‘Trefnant’, Yangery, in southwest Victoria. The design of this combination undergarment, or ‘combination’, includes a chemise attached to a pair of drawers or bloomers. The combination is divided, or bifurcated, from the waist to the crutch for easier urinating. This one-piece type of underwear was worn by females from the 1860s and into the early 1900s. The 19th Century garments had front button closures like this one, and those made in the 1900s more often had back closures. Combination underwear was popular because the all-in-one design had far fewer gathers and bulk, making the other clothing look much smoother. The collection of women’s late-19th-century undergarments is an example of clothing that women would include in their wardrobes. The garments add to the study of the evolution of women's fashions and practicality for the early Australian settlers. The fine linen fabric and the careful needlework in these handmade garments and hand-worked lace trims reflect the maker’s dedication to making even serviceable garments beautiful to look at and wear. Women’s white cotton and lace all-In-one combination undergarment. The handmade underwear is a combined chemise and bloomers. It has a front button closure and is trimmed with hand-worked lace panels on the bodice and lace edging around armholes, the neck, and the bottom of the legs. The left and right sides are divided from the waist to the crutch.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, southwest victoria, victorian era, combination undergarment, all-in-one underwear, combination, ‘combinations’, one-piece underwear, one-piece undergarment, chemise and bloomers, combination chemise and bloomers, divided, bifurcated, split, chemise and drawers, women’s underwear, ladies’ underwear, undergarment, women’s clothing, women’s fashion, lingerie, under-structure, 1900s undergarments, 19th-century undergarment, 20th century, handmade clothing, handmade lace, hand-worked lace, paton family, trefnant, yangery, lady's combinations, ladies combinations

This lady’s white, cotton camisole is an example of the dressmaking and craftwork skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th Century. The garment is hand sewn.and ribbons were inserted at yoke and waist Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families Lady's hand sewn white lacework camisole with shoulder straps and ribbon inserts at yoke and waist clothing, crochet, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork, lacework, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, mckinnon, hunt ailsa, dairy farms, fruit orchards

This white, cotton half petticoat with hand crochet work on the hem is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in the Moorabbin ShireThe pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This petticoat is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these familiesA lady's white cotton half petticoat, with deep hand- crochet border at the hem. brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dress, bentleigh, early settlers, garments

The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. This white, cotton Lady's blouse with pin-tucked front and back is and example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners in the Moorabbin Shire. Ladies long-sleeved white cotton blouse with high collar. Pin-tucking to front and back, guipure lace inserts on front of bodice. Significant tear at lower edge of the garment.clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dendy henry, market gardeners, home dressmaker, craft work

This calico, waist-cich with suspenders is an example of the dressmaking skills of the women of the families of the pioneer settlers and market gardeners of the Moorabbin Shire c 1900The Maggs family were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire. The pioneer settlers and market gardeners of Moorabbin Shire had to be self reliant and made their own clothing and utensils. This is one of many items that exhibit the skill and craftsmanship of the women in these families. This is a lady's calico, waist - cinch with broderie anglais decoration at the top. It has enclosed "stays" in four places to shape and minimise the wearer's waist. There are laces to allow the garment to be pulled to maximum tightness at the back, and a front opening of strong metal hooks and eyes. There are two suspenders hanging at the front of the cinch with metal fastenings to attach to, and hold up, the wearer's stockings. clothing, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, dendy henry, market gardeners, maggs geoff, craftwork, maggs nancy, flagg sarah, early settlers

The donor of the petticoat is Ms Nancy Maggs. Nancy's grand-mother, Sarah Flagg, was the owner of the petticoat. Sarah Flagg and her family arrived in Melbourne in the 1840s.Sarah Flagg was the original owner of the petticoat. Sarah was the grand-mother of Nancy Maggs. Nancy Maggs had the petticoat in her possession before she donated it to the City of Moorabbin Historical Society.White half, floor-length petticoat with 3 tiers. A light blue ribbon woven around at knee length of the petticoat. Broderie anglais trimming round the first two tiers and through sections of the bottom half of the petticoat. There are 6 panels of the same embroided floral design which runs around the outside of the petticoat, between the Broderie anglais sections. There is a small side slit on the top right-hand side of the petticoat. Two small buttons are located down the side of the slit, but the third button is missing. The garment is in good condition, with mild discolouration in certain areas.petticoat, underwear, undergarment, waist slip, white, 1900s, sarah flagg, nancy maggs, broderie anglais, embroidery, blue ribbon, needle lace, lace, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, dressmaking, sewing, craftwork, brighton, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers

Victorian and Edwardian ladies adorned their hats with various bird feathers. Although living conditions in Moorabbin Shire c1910, were basic families still held onto their traditional English and European customs and took pride in presenting elements of refined society. Gladys Reed was a member of the Ormond Choral Society c 1950. who performed plays and musicals the City of Moorabbin and she was skilled in craftwork, hand knitting, crochet and dressmaking. Her garments were used by her family and the Ormond Choral Society C1910 Women in Moorabbin Shire followed the fashion from Europe and made their own clothes and accessories using their dressmaking, craftwork and design skills 8 x feathers of various sizes and colours for adorning a Lady's hat c 1910 a) Blue & b) White Ostrich, c) Black Cockerel, d) Black Emu Feathers. e) Brown stripped Coque Diamond Tail f) Pink dyed ostrich, g) Black duck, h) black fur clothing, millinery, hat feathers, haberdashery, crochet, doilies, brighton, moorabbin, pioneers, dressmaking, market gardeners, early settlers, craftwork , bentleigh, lacework, moorabbin shire,reed gladys, clark judy, dairy farms, fruit orchards, footwear, shoes, buckles, clothing, silver, pewter, brass, victorian fashion, edwardian fashion, mckinnon, moorabbin, cheltenham, wedding dresses, evening wear,

A collar is the part of a shirt, dress, coat or blouse that fastens around or frames the neck and may be permanently attached to the main body of the garment (e.g. by stitching) or detachable. Names for specific styles of collars vary with the vagaries of fashion. A lady's detachable, white, cotton collar with machine lace edge and long ties c1960clothing, collars, ornamental collars, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, lacework, dressmaking, fashion, formal wear, shawl collar

These knitting pattern leaflets were published by Patons and Baldwins and contain knitting patterns for women's and men's garments. Patons & Baldwin began as two separate companies: J & J Baldwin and Partners, founded in the late 1770s by James Baldwin of Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, and John Paton Son and Co., founded in 1814 by John Paton of Alloa, Scotland. Both men had formed their businesses using the spinning mule developed by Samuel Crompton. They mainly produced yarns for commercial knitting machines. Patons established itself in Australia with its first mill built in Tasmania in 1923. For decades, Patons was the leading hand knitting yarn brand but due to the market conditions in the mid 1980's, Patons felt the decline and eventually amalgamated with Alliance Textiles, New Zealand in 1996. Patons Australia was acquired by Australian Country Spinners in 2000. Knitting has always had a great appeal to women, as it needs few tools. Companies which manufactured yarn often produced instruction guides and patterns. These pattern books are typical of the knitting pattern books commonly used in the mid 20th century. The patterns contained are for garments commonly worn at that time.Two knitting pattern books. Both are black / white and contain knitting patterns. 821.1 cost 7d, is titled "Patons Specialty Knitting Book No. 145" and has on the front cover a lady standing near a buggy wheel. 821.2 cost 1/3, is titled " Patons Knitting Book No. 394 (introducing Patons Double Quick Knitting)" and has has on the front cover a photograph of a man on a boat.knitting-patterns needlecraft patons-baldwin

This ensemble was not owned by Lady Barbara Grimwade unlike the rest of the garments in this collection. It was donated to the Gallery by Mrs Jessie Briggs after she became aware of the Gallery’s extensive Tu collection. Mrs Briggs (Krongold) wore this ensemble to the marriage of her son, Lionel Krongold, at the Kew Synagogue, Melbourne. To compliment this outfit, Mrs Briggs wore gold shoes and a small Italian gold bag with the gown, a pair of diamond drop earrings, gold chain with diamonds, a gold bracelet with four diamonds and a simple Omega gold watch.

Part of a collection of Iranian embroideries, selected by Lady Amies on a trip in 1976.Loosely woven black material with pattern darning in red, orange, green and white plus other stitchery. Made to be attached to a plain bodice.embroidery, surface stitchery, iran, garments, 1960-80, middle east, pattern darning

This item is one of a collection of clothing items that belonged to the Stephenson family who lived at 22 McCracken Street, Kensington, Melbourne. Matthew Stephenson (1861 – 1943) who had grown up on the Bendigo goldfields and shifted to Melbourne in the early 1900’s was a train driver and later, a fireman with the railways. His wife Elizabeth Jane (Betsy) Wigley (1865 – 1953) also grew up on the goldfields around Majorca and Bendigo. They married in 1885 in Bendigo. They had two daughters – Ethel Evelyn Stephenson (1886 – 1956) and Lillian or Lila (1891 – 1977) who were milliners and dressmakers and who continued to live in the family home after the death of their parents. The family are recorded as living at 22 McCracken Street, Kensington, as early as 1914. It is not known who made or owned the clothing that makes up this collection but as it appears to be from the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, the different pieces were probably made and worn by any of the three ladies of the house – Betsy, Ethel and/or Lila. During W.W.2, a local Warrnambool couple (Meryl and Tony Everard) boarded with them – Tony was in the airforce training paratroopers to jump into (and survive) enemy territory and his wife Meryl worked in the Methodist baby Home. The Everards developed a close friendship with the Stephensons and were responsible for clearing out the house (and finding this clothing collection) after Lila died in 1977. This nightgown is machine sewn and has an added detailed design of pintucks and broderie anglaise lace to the front yoke and cuffs as a decorative element. The 1800's bought a shift in attitude towards modesty as the Victorian era progressed and by the mid to late 1800's it had become more acceptable ladies to wear simple, modest nightgowns. They tended to have a very loose fit and were usually made of linen, cotton or flannel, which had the advantage of providing warmth and also being easy to wash - a necessity for a garment worn next to the skin. Although the basic design of the nightgown was fairly simple, the wearer was free to add various types of trim e.g. lace, crochet, pintucks, embroidery etc.This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the late 19th and early 20th century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery to personalise and embellish a practical item of clothing. A full length lady's cotton nightgown with long sleeves finished with a diagonal pointed cuff of broderie anglaise. The bodice features a front opening placket with 3 buttons and buttonholes and a broderie anglaise cover. On either side of the placket, the bodice has been decorated with rows of vertical pintucks and a broderie anglaise panel insert. There is also a frill of broderie anglaise lace around the neck. The back of the nightgown is gathered onto a yoke.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, warrnambool, nightgown, lady's nightgown, needlework, sewing, broderie anglaise, pintucks, stephenson family

This item is one of a collection of clothing items that belonged to the Stephenson family who lived at 22 McCracken Street, Kensington, Melbourne. Matthew Stephenson (1861 – 1943) who had grown up on the Bendigo goldfields and shifted to Melbourne in the early 1900’s was a train driver and later, a fireman with the railways. His wife Elizabeth Jane (Betsy) Wigley (1865 – 1953) also grew up on the goldfields around Majorca and Bendigo. They married in 1885 in Bendigo. They had two daughters – Ethel Evelyn Stephenson (1886 – 1956) and Lillian or Lila (1891 – 1977) who were milliners and dressmakers and who continued to live in the family home after the death of their parents. The family are recorded as living at 22 McCracken Street, Kensington, as early as 1914. It is not known who made or owned the clothing that makes up this collection but as it appears to be from the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, the different pieces were probably made and worn by any of the three ladies of the house – Betsy, Ethel and/or Lila. During W.W.2, a local Warrnambool couple (Meryl and Tony Everard) boarded with them – Tony was in the airforce training paratroopers to jump into (and survive) enemy territory and his wife Meryl worked in the Methodist baby Home. The Everards developed a close friendship with the Stephensons and were responsible for clearing out the house (and finding this clothing collection) after Lila died in 1977. This overskirt is an outer protective garment made of durable cotton and was probably worn over a lady's skirt or dress to protect it whilst they were working. The pockets are large enough for the wearer to keep small items in and there is a loop at the back that would allow the wearer to hang it on a hook, when she finished her work. This item is an example of clothing worn by working women in the late 19th and early 20th centuryA heavy cotton ankle length overskirt made with two wide gored sections containing inset pockets joined to a middle T shaped front band. It has a waistband of grosgrain ribbon and a side opening with 3 pairs of metal snaps (one pair is missing) and a hook and eye at the top. The waistband also has a taped loop (for hanging) and an unusual double fabric overlay with unattached curved ends.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, warrnambool, overskirt, needlework, sewing, protective garment, stephenson family