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

correspondence from Myer Emporium Melbourne.10772.26a Letter from Myer Emporium Melbourne to Mr. G. Brown of Bendigo providing details of Myer "East Credit System" for the purchase of a "Valencia" cycle, dated 31st January 1936. Letter signed by the Credit Manager (not clearly legible). 10772.26b provides details of the Myer credit plan to paya off the purchase of the cycle.social history, myer business history

Myer advertising fan"Marvel Darner & Fancy Worker" cottons belonged to Ivy Kennedy, who was employed at Myer Melbourne in the 1920s. The referenced "Marvel Darner" could not be located. Three card silken lisle mercerised mending threads produced for Myer Emporium Ltd. Melbourne included. social history, myer business history

2 x copies of Postcards showing Myers Lonsdale Street Store Melbourne, Myer Warehouse c 1920 - note on the back showing ' Lonsdale Street Warehouses, later to become the 11 storey store.'postcard, photograph, lonsdale street melbourne -myer warehouses c 1920

social history of Myer business operations and records.Financial record of purchases and payments made by Mrs C. Hicks, 60 Myrtle Street, Bendigo from Myer Emporium Melbourne dated 22 January ??social history

newspaper article/clipping10772.19a photocopy of an offer to buy and restore an early model "Myer" delivery tray truck with photos attached (five dark photos of the truck needing restoration); and 10772.19b Myer decline letter dated 26 October 1995.social history

The Lady Barbara Grimwade Costume Collection is comprised of Lady Barbara Grimwade's personal apparel and includes 145 pieces of clothing, 10 hats, 19 handbags, 66 pairs of shoes and assorted accessories of gloves, belts and scarves. In its breadth, this significant acquisition ranges from the mundane to the memorable, therefore giving a balanced representation of one person's taste. Following Lady Barbara Grimwade’s death in March 1990, Ararat Gallery formally accepted the generous gift of clothing and accessories donated by Lady Grimwade's son, Mr Angus K Grimwade, on 28 August 1991. Subsequent smaller donations in 1995 enhanced the collection. Lady Grimwade's Scottish forebears, the Gaerloch Campbells, first settled in Australia in 1861 in the Ararat-Beaufort district. Her great great grandfather, Mr Henry Campbell, died on the voyage to Australia. His widow, Jane, with 10 of her 13 children, farmed and grazed land, firstly at Stockyard Hill then at Fiery Creek, near Buangor, before leaving the shire in 1873. Lady Grimwade held a privileged position in Melbourne society. As the wife of Sir Andrew Grimwade, a prominent businessman, Chairman of several boards and a Trustee of various committees, Lady Grimwade met with royalty, heads of state, politicians, corporate directors, and horse and cattle breeders. Excerpt from 'Hot Pink Summers' catalogue essay, Helen Jackson, 1995.

A collection of bills and receipts pertaining to Jack Foley, 10 Francis Street Blackburn, dating from 1966 to 1979 for water, phone, electricity, dog registration, Myer Account, dairy and Hannams.non-fictionA collection of bills and receipts pertaining to Jack Foley, 10 Francis Street Blackburn, dating from 1966 to 1979 for water, phone, electricity, dog registration, Myer Account, dairy and Hannams.financial documents, electricity supply, telephone services, hannams discount stores, water supply, foley, jack, francis street, blackburn no. 10, dairy bills, dog fees

Myer store in Melbourne staff newsletter shows the Bourke Street store decked out to welcome the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on their first visit to Melbourne, showing the excitement of the Royal Visit in 1954. This was Queen Elizabeth II's first visit to Australia since ascending the throne.An example of the importance of Royalty to Australians at this time.2 page newsletter from the Myer store in Melbourne. Cover illustration shows the Bourke Street store.house of windsor, duke of edinburgh, royal tour of australia 1954, myer melbourne, queen elizabeth ii

Delivery service by Myer Emporium to an internee at Camp 3Label for Mail Order Service from Myer Emporium Ltd., Melbourne to internee in B Section of No. 3 Internment CampLuise Hoffmanlabel, myer emporium, hoffman l, camp 3, ww2 camp 3, luise hoffman

Envelope containing papers and cards from Taxation Office and Myer. 2 copies of tax papers in the name Eileen Wilson who was an employee of Myer (Melbourne) Limited. 2 copies of Employee's Copy of Victorian Government Pensioners in the name of K A Wilson. 2 small cards with assessment numbers on them. Receipt from Alfred Nott Pty. Ltd. Optometrists & Dispensing Opticians dated 13/7/65 for 7 shillings & 6 pence in the name Miss Wilson. Papers in a white envelope addressed to M/S K. A. Wilson Flat 2 95 Grey St. St. Kilda S. 2. It has a return address: State Superannuation Board Treasury Gardens Melbourne, C.2person, individual, foster & wilson collection, foster & wilson collection, k a wilson, eileen wilson, myer (melbourne) limited, alfred nott pty. ltd., state superannuation board

Coloured photograph, Myer Christmas Parade Melbourne Nov.1992.photograph, streetscape, myer christmas parade melbourne

Coloured Photograph, Myer Christmas Parade, Melbourne, Nov 1992.photograph, streetscape, myer christmas parade melbourne

- Domestic dress making pattern for school uniform of the day.- Girls' (10 years old) school dress pattern - Paper pattern in paper sleeve - Instructions includedVarious, incl Myer Melbourne stampdomestic dressmaking

This hat was purchased by Margaret Skey from Myer (Margaret always went out and brought a new hat when she had an argument with her husband....)Brown straw hat with a roll back brim.(purchased in Myer Melbourne)94-414 100% straw|Made in Italycostume, female headwear

Rosie's experiences as a junior staff member at the Myer Emporium in 1948, where she was accused of being a communist.5 p. text, copy of Liberal Party electoral advertisment for 1949 Federal election included.rosalie bray, myer melbourne

Purchased at Myer Melbourne to be worn at Local Dinner DanceBurgundy Polyester silk permanently pleated. Top short sleeves round neck. Pants also permanently pleated.Studiocostume, female

This window was previously used in Myer Melbourne Christmas Window displayDigital Photograph Myer (Ballarat) Christmas Window Display showing model of horse drawn tip top vanchristmas windows, tip top, myer, ballarat, sturt street

Gold chain and medallion purchased by the donor from Myer Melbourne in the late 1960s with a Norma Tullo woollen long-sleeve mini-dress.Ornate medallion featuring a profile of a woman surrounded by ornate scroll work. The medallion is fixed to a double chain. Before it was assembled, the medallion could be used as a broochnorma tullo, costume jewellery, fashion & design - 1960s, accessories

Small beaded bag, possibly an evening bag. Included in the original box is the purchase receipt from Myer Melbourne dated 24 July 1968. Small pearl-beaded handbag with fabric lining, metal clasp and chain handle, in original cardboard box with purchase receiptpurses, handbags, evening bags

Coloured photograph Myer Christmas Parade, Melbourne.Nov. 1992.photograph, streetscape, myer christmas parade melbourne

This letter, dated the 1st of August 1989, was written by Patricia Papadopoulos on Royal Melbourne Hospital Auxiliary letterhead. It was sent to the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria, along with three photos taken at the Greek Fund for Arthritis Research Seminar, and a second envelope containing raffle books and money. The funds were raised on behalf of the Greek Fund for Arthritis Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, to benefit the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria. The seminar was held at the Merlyn Myer Hall at the Royal Melbourne Hospital on the 28th of May, 1989.COL scan of a handwritten letter, written in blue ink. The letter is written on Royal Melbourne Hospital Auxiliary letterhead.[Handwritten, in blue ink] Dear. Jenny. Please find enclose the photos . of the seminar [in pencil] ^ for Greek community [in blue ink] on 28th May 1989. at Merlyn Myer. Hall R.M.H. Please give to Judy the encosed [sic] envelope wich [sic] contains the monies and raffle books. Thank you. Patricia Papadopoulos.arthritis foundation of victoria, afv, culturally and linguistically diverse, cald, languages other than english, lote, migrant communities, greek, greek fund for arthritis research, seminar, fundraising, merlyn myer hall, royal melbourne hospital, rmh, patricia papadopoulos, 1989

On the 28th of May 1989, the Greek Fund for Arthritis held an educational seminar for the Greek community. The seminar was held at the Merlyn Myer Hall at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. A raffle was held during the event to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV). In this photo, Patricia Papadopoulos is on the stage with one of the presenters.COL photo of a man and a woman standing on a wood-panelled stage, with an audience partially visible in the foreground. The man is speaking at a lectern while the woman stands beside him. Beside them is a table with a slide projector on it, behind which is a large screen. There is some ink contamination on the image surface from a purple ink stamp that was stamped on the verso of another photo.[Stamped in purple ink] GREEK FUND FOR ARTHRITIS RESEARCH ROYAL MELBOURNE HOSPITALarthritis foundation of victoria, afv, culturally and linguistically diverse, cald, languages other than english, lote, migrant communities, greek, greek fund for arthritis research, seminar, fundraising, merlyn myer hall, royal melbourne hospital, rmh, patricia papadopoulos, 1989

On the 28th of May 1989, the Greek Fund for Arthritis held an educational seminar for the Greek community. The seminar was held at the Merlyn Myer Hall at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. A raffle was held during the event to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV). In this photo, Patricia Papadopoulos is on the stage with one of the presenters.COL photo of two women standing on a wood-panelled stage, presenting to an audience. One woman is speaking at a lectern while the other woman stands beside her. Beside them is a table with a slide projector on it, behind which is a large screen. There is a small degree of ink contamination on the image surface from a purple ink stamp that was stamped on the verso of another photo.[Stamped in purple ink] GREEK FUND FOR ARTHRITIS RESEARCH ROYAL MELBOURNE HOSPITALarthritis foundation of victoria, afv, culturally and linguistically diverse, cald, languages other than english, lote, migrant communities, greek, greek fund for arthritis research, seminar, fundraising, merlyn myer hall, royal melbourne hospital, rmh, patricia papadopoulos, 1989

On the 28th of May 1989, the Greek Fund for Arthritis held an educational seminar for the Greek community. The seminar was held at the Merlyn Myer Hall at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. A raffle was held during the event to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation of Victoria (AFV). This photo depicts one of the presenters on the stage during his presentation.COL photo of a man, standing on a wood-panelled stage. He is facing sideways as he leans into a lectern while presenting to an audience. On a table beside him is a slide projector, and there is a large screen behind him. There is some ink contamination on the image surface from a purple ink stamp that was stamped on the verso of another photo.[Stamped in purple ink] GREEK FUND FOR ARTHRITIS RESEARCH ROYAL MELBOURNE HOSPITALarthritis foundation of victoria, afv, culturally and linguistically diverse, cald, languages other than english, lote, migrant communities, greek, greek fund for arthritis research, seminar, fundraising, merlyn myer hall, royal melbourne hospital, rmh, 1989

Document. Coloured Photograph, Myer Christmas Parade, Melbourne, November 1992.photograph, landscape, myer christmas parade

correspondence from Myer Emporium Melbourne.Letter from Mr. S. Baillieu dated 14th January 1970 accepting invite to Mr. J.F. Mahoney's Farewell Dinner to be held at the Hotel Shamrock on Wednesday 28th January 1970 at 6:30pm.social history, myer business history

Round cream and purple cardboard hat box, with stripes and pink cord handle. Contains 2 hats - #'s 932 and 1834"Mon Salon Français The Myer Emporium Ltd Melbourne"hatboxes, clothing storage containers

Farming in the Wimmera. Markings; Sidney Myer Music Bowl Melbourne. Used as a teaching aid.Kodak perutzvictoria, wimmera, sidney myer music bowl, mouat crawford collection