Showing 812 items matching "school uniforms"
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NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)
School Uniforms: Collingwood Technical School Blazer 1912-1969, School Blazer: Collingwood Technical School 1912-1969
... School Uniforms: Collingwood Technical School Blazer 1912...School Uniforms... Technical School School Blazer School Uniforms NMIT School logo ...The logos on the breast pocket of these two blazers is CTS for Collingwood Technical School which dates from 1912 to 1969. From 1970 CTS changed its name to Collingwood Technical College.Two Collingwood Technical School blazers. One has an epaulette on each shoulder with two gold stripes on each, and has a manufacturer's label from 'waldron's / SCHOOLWEAR' and is a size 13. The second blazer has a Form Captain badge and an SRC (Student Representative Committee) badge on the lapel, and has a manufacturer's label 'School Master / by kingswear' and is a size 17. Both blazers have CTS logos on the breast pocket, and both have another label which reads The FAMOUS / Doctor / FLANNEL / AUSTRALIAN WOOL BUREAU / GOLD MEDAL WINNER / ALL PURE WOOL / MOTHPROOFED'School logo on pocketcollingwood technical school, school blazer, school uniforms, nmit, -
NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)
School Uniforms: Australian Cadet Corps Jacket, Trousers and Shirt: Collingwood Technical School, Conway Bros. Pty. Ltd, Australian Cadet Corps Jacket, Trousers and Shirt: Collingwood Technical School
... School Uniforms: Australian Cadet Corps Jacket, Trousers...School Uniforms... Technical School School Uniforms Australian Cadet Corps Uniform NMIT ...Woollen jacket, Woollen trousers, Cotton Shirt. Jacket has stamped ... ' MADE IN / AUSTRALIA / 1954. Also 'COLLINGWOOD / TECHNICAL SCHOOL' at top of sleeves and 'AUSTRALIAN / CADET CORPS' fabric badge. Epaulettes on shoulders each with two symbols similar to Maltese Cross. Trousers have label 'CONWAY BROS. PTY. LTD. / ADELAIDE. 1968 / CLASS 8405-025-6190 / Y.F. PP2 / SIZE & WAIST 36 S / MATCHING JACKET 41 /42 S.collingwood technical school, school uniforms, australian cadet corps uniform, nmit -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph - Photo, Legacy Appeal 2004, Selling Badges, September 2004
... in school uniform outside Legacy house with President George...Colour photo x 2 of badge sellers in school uniform... in school uniform outside Legacy house with President George ...Photos during Badge Week in September 2004. Badge sellers in school uniform outside Legacy house with President George MacKenzie and with the Sydney Swans mascot. A record of the fundraising for the Legacy Appeal in 2004.Colour photo x 2 of badge sellers in school uniform in Badge week.Printed on the back "legacy appeal, fundraising, badge week -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - RALPH BIRRELL COLLECTION: EIG SCHOOL, c1966
... wearing school uniforms speeches.... and children, children are wearing school uniforms, listening... in suits ties women children wearing school uniforms speeches ...EIG School - Ralph Birrell Collection. - Construction of Latrobe Uni. C1967. Bendigo Institute of Technology, Engineering School, Applied Science. Men in suits and ties, women and children, children are wearing school uniforms, listening to speeches.Kodakeducation, tertiary, latrobe university bendigo, eig school - ralph birrell collection. - construction of latrobe uni. c1967. bendigo institute of technology, engineering school, applied science. men in suits ties women children wearing school uniforms speeches. -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph - Photo, Legacy Appeal 2003, Selling Badges, 2003
... A photo of two badge sellers in school uniform with Legacy...Colour photo of two badge sellers in school uniform... A photo of two badge sellers in school uniform with Legacy tins ...A photo of two badge sellers in school uniform with Legacy tins and a badge tray with an elderly lady holding her wallet to make a purchase. Likely to be a photo of Badge Week in September. One of these boys also collects for Legacy in 2004 (see 00703). Names and date unknown (it might be 2003 as other films were processed at Clarendon photos about that time with numbers in sequence near 26424).A record of fundraising during badge week.Colour photo of two badge sellers in school uniform and a lady.Printing on the back "legacy appeal, fundraising, badge week -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Mont Albert Central School, Grade 6 1926, 1926
... school group, Grade 6 in 1926. They are wearing school uniforms... school group, Grade 6 in 1926. They are wearing school uniforms ...Mont Albert Central School – 6th grade in 1926. There are 57 children in this class – an acceptable number in those years. A black and white photograph of a Mont Albert Primary school group, Grade 6 in 1926. They are wearing school uniforms and the class of 57 pupils is a mixture of boys and girls.mont albert central school, 1926, uniforms -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Black and White, Harry Mortimer and family?, mid 1900's
... school uniforms... wearing school uniforms. In the background is a busy inner city... music in Australia. harry mortimer frank wright school uniforms ...Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born on 2 August 1901. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of a man in a three piece suit, holding the hand of a lady clad in a dress and coat and carrying a handbag and large paper parcel. On the left side of this couple is a young girl and on the right is a teenage girl. They are both wearing school uniforms. In the background is a busy inner city scene. The man is probably Harry Mortimer and he is with his family. They are friends of Frank Wright.harry mortimer, frank wright, school uniforms, city scene -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Ringwood State School - Boys in drum uniforms, 1954
... Ringwood State School - Boys in drum uniforms, 1954.... and white photograph Ringwood State School - Boys in drum uniforms ...Black and white photographNote attached to photograph. 1954- Left:Arthur Wigley, Right: Ken Gowers, in drum uniforms. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - School Photograph
... Photo of Anna Matthews in Golden Square School uniform... of Anna Matthews in Golden Square School uniform Photograph School ...Photo of Anna Matthews in Golden Square School uniformschool photo, golden square, matthews, michelle matthews -
Broadmeadows Historical Society & Museum
Photograph - Class Photograph, Jacana Primary School, Jacana Primary School Grade 5/6 2003, 2003
... A colour photograph of school children in school uniform... of school children in school uniform with their teacher. Jacana ...This photograph of the Grade 5/6 class at Jacana Primary School, taken in 2003, offers a rare glimpse into the final years of a school that had served the Jacana community since 1959. Capturing students and staff in a typical classroom setting, the image reflects the educational practices and social atmosphere of the early 21st century. Although the school closed in the 2000s, this photograph stands as a valuable historical record, preserving the memory of a place that played a formative role in the lives of many local families. It highlights the school’s enduring significance as a centre of learning, connection, and community identity.This 2003 photograph of the Grade 5/6 class at Jacana Primary School holds historical significance as one of the final visual records of a school that served the Jacana community from 1959 until its closure in the early 2000s. It captures the everyday life of students and educators during the early 21st century, reflecting the school’s role as a cornerstone of local identity, education, and social connection. The image is a valuable reminder of the school’s contribution to generations of families and its place in the broader narrative of public education in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.A colour photograph of school children in school uniform with their teacher.jacana primary school, grade 5/6, 2003, photograph, camila amilale, mrs. marie killender, emre akbiyik, krishna hurley - edwards, maja sormaz, yalcin akyildiz, hung phan, jordan megne, mrs. katrina romanyk, kristijan mihaljev, tegan nash, mohammad matar, hakan bozbay, mrs. luba bojczuk, yeliz akyildiz, matthew sinnett, breanna nash, ms carol taylor -
National Wool Museum
Magazine - The Australian Consumer, Series I, Volume 4, Consumer Benefits Association, 1972
... School Uniform... On the opposite page is an article discussing the ‘school uniform scandal... 3049 VIC PHONE 309 1333 [internal page 13] ANSWER TO SCHOOL... Archives Manufacturing Documents Consumer Affairs School Uniform ...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.Copy of Series I, Volume 4 of the magazine of the Consumer Benefits Association ‘the Australian Consumer’, dated 1972. Page 12 features a full-page advertisement for both the collegewear and children’s Kathryn Knitwear lines. The outfit in the top right image is similar to NWM-08913 Photos on the bottom are from the same photoshoot, photo on left is same model as NWM-09029, NWM-09031, NWM-09037. Photo on right is same model as NWM-09032 On the opposite page is an article discussing the ‘school uniform scandal’ that argues that problems are caused by an inefficient ordering and supply system, and proposes a system that it claims will reduce costs for both manufacturer and parents, while still allowing schools to specify uniform requirements.[obverse] THE AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER SERIES I, VOL. 4 Official voice of CBA [internal, page 12] Childrens Knitwear of Quality KATHRYN and Collegewear MANUFACTURED IN AUSTRALIA BY ROBERT BLAKE PTY. LTD. 26-32 KING WILLIAM STREET, BROADMEADOWS 3049 VIC PHONE 309 1333 [internal page 13] ANSWER TO SCHOOL UNIFORM SCANDALbusiness, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, consumer affairs, school uniform, advertising -
NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)
School Jumper: CTS 1960s, Scholarship College Knitwear
... School Uniforms... School photos Collingwood Technical School School Uniforms School ...CTS School jumper, probably dating from 1960s onwards as verified from School photos Collingwood Technical School Grey School Jumper with V neck with black, white and gold stripe on V neck, waist and wrists.Label 'Scholarship / COLLEGE KNITWEAR / 85% WOOL / 15% NYLONcollingwood technical school, school uniforms, school jumper, nmit, -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - black and white, Ballarat Junior Technical School - Bill Durant
... Black and white photograph of student in school uniform... and white photograph of student in school uniform, standing against ...Black and white photograph of student in school uniform, standing against a brick wall. -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Digital image from a photocopy, Geoffrey, Beryl, Gwynne and Isabel Mair, c1924, Original: c1924
... ; the boy is in school uniform.... of 4 children in a garden setting; the boy is in school uniform ...Dave and Lily Mair lived in East Melbourne after they married and Geoffrey, Beryl and Gwynne were born while they were there. Isabel may have been born in Mont Albert after they moved to Louise Avenue. This photo was probably taken at 20 Barton Street, Mont Albert. The children attended Mont Albert Central School. This is part of a large collection relating to the Deakin, Mair and Young families.A black & white image of 4 children in a garden setting; the boy is in school uniform.Rear in lead pencil: "The children of / Lily Vipond (nee / Deakin) / and David Millar (sic) Mair. / Geoffrey 1913-5.6.1970 / Beryl 1916-1976 / Gwynne 1917-1997 / Isabel 1921-1997 / Shirley Inez 1928-1968 / was not yet born at the / time of this photo." -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, McHaffie Family, Late 1800's / Early 1900's
... looks like school uniforms.... like school uniforms. McHaffie Family Photograph Photograph ...Oonah (b 1906) and Brenda (b 1912) Hardy, both daughters of Douglas Hardy and Anna Frances McHaffie (daughter of John David McHaffie - first permanent European settler of Phillip Island). Oonah, the taller girl, is on the left. One of 4 photos donated by Nancy McHaffie.Black & White photograph of Oonah & Brenda Hardy in what looks like school uniforms.On back: Oonah and Brenda Hardyoonah & brenda hardy, n mchaffie, mchaffie family -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Photograph - School Conference, Lakes Post Newspaper, 1996
... school uniforms at School Service Officers Conference Lakes... three women dressed in old school uniforms at School Service ...Ladies named as Kim Nicholson, Allana Carroll, Mandy Matheson.Black and white photograph three women dressed in old school uniforms at School Service Officers Conference Lakes Entrance Victoriaschools, conference, people -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph - School Photograph, Stawell Primary School 502 Grade 5a
... Sepia Group schoool photo mix of boys and Girls in school... schoool photo mix of boys and Girls in school uniform in front ...approximately 1930's. Sepia Group schoool photo mix of boys and Girls in school uniform in front of Pine Trees.Stawell SS No. 502 5a Gloria Larkin Wimmera Street Stawelleducation, students -
Greensborough Historical Society
Dress, Watsonia High School Uniform - dress, 1964-1965
... Watsonia High School Uniform - dress...school uniforms...This uniform from Watsonia High School was worn in the mid... to show original colour. Watsonia High School Uniform - dress ...This uniform from Watsonia High School was worn in the mid 1960s.Girls' uniform dress. White background with maroon and blue over check (faded). Buttons missing. A small piece of cloth is attached to show original colour.Name tag sewn into back of neck band. watsonia high school, school uniforms, dress material -
Greensborough Historical Society
Hat, Watsonia High School Hat, 1965_
... school uniforms...Straw boater hat, part of the girls' uniform at Watsonia...' uniform at Watsonia High School in the 1960s. School uniform ...Straw boater hat, part of the girls' uniform at Watsonia High School in the 1960s.School uniform was compulsory during the 1960s. This is part of a small collection of Watsonia High uniform.Straw 'boater' style hat with burgundy coloured ribbon around crown.watsonia high school, school uniforms -
Greensborough Historical Society
School Uniform - Digital Image, Tie and Pocket Patch: Watsonia High School WaHIGH, 1965c
... School Uniform - Digital Image...school uniforms... School Tie and pocket patch watsonia high school school uniforms ...Digital image of Watsonia High School Tie and pocket patchDigital image of Watsonia High School Tie and pocket patchwatsonia high school, school uniforms -
NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)
School unfiforms: Collingwood Technical School cap 1939, Collingwood Technical School schoop cap 1939
... School Uniforms... Technical School School Uniforms NMIT Inside the school cap ...Collingwood Technical School school cap, black with black and gold CTS logo.Inside the school cap there are handwritten, the name of owner, his class and his address : 'Arthur Winn, / IIIB / 120 Noone St / Clifton Hill`.collingwood technical school, school uniforms, nmit, -
NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)
Photograph: Preston Technical School cap and tie 1937
... School Uniforms... Technical School School Uniforms NMIT Photograph: Preston Technical ...preston technical school, school uniforms, nmit, -
NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)
School tie: Collingwood Technical School 1939
... School Uniforms... Technical School School Uniforms NMIT School tie: Collingwood ...collingwood technical school, school uniforms, nmit, -
National Wool Museum
Booklet - Albany Fashion Suitings, Albany Woollen Mills
... School Uniforms... School Uniforms front: [printed] ALBANY / FASHION SUITINGS Folded ...Folded card brochure with printed blue text on the back and front. Fabric samples attached with hand written text on the inside.front: [printed] ALBANY / FASHION SUITINGSsamples, fabric, brochure, albany woollen mills, school uniforms -
National Wool Museum
Booklet - Albany Fashion Suitings, Albany Woollen Mills
... School Uniforms... School Uniforms front: [printed] ALBANY / FASHION SUITINGS Folded ...Folded card brochure with printed blue text on the back and front. Fabric samples attached with hand written text on the inside.front: [printed] ALBANY / FASHION SUITINGSsamples, fabric, brochure, albany woollen mills, school uniforms -
National Wool Museum
Booklet - Albany Fashion Suitings, Albany Woollen Mills
... School Uniforms... School Uniforms front: [printed] ALBANY / FASHION SUITINGS Folded ...Folded card brochure with printed blue text on the back and front. Fabric samples attached with hand written text on the inside.front: [printed] ALBANY / FASHION SUITINGSsamples, fabric, brochure, albany woollen mills, school uniforms -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Albion Mills Geelong Fabric Samples, Albion Woollen Mills Co. Pty Ltd
... School Uniforms...-and-the-bellarine-peninsula Samples Fabric Brochure School Uniforms Albion ...Card with fabric samples affixed with staples. Card has some hand written text and two holes punched in spine.front: [handwritten] Albion Mills Geelong / 627 20/4samples, fabric, brochure, school uniforms, albion woollen mills co. pty ltd -
Marysville & District Historical Society
THE TRIANGLE NEWS-VOL 1 NO 21-DECEMBER 10 1976
... high school uniforms... cricket fire brigade high school uniforms hay for sale summer ...marysville, victoria, australia, wirreanda, financial success, district forester transferred, rubbish, letter of appreciation, bowls, swimming club, christmas greetings, new year's eve ball, first aid, chiropody service, senior citizens, narbethong sports ground committee, primary schools' concerts, rainfall, christmas trees for sale, cricket, fire brigade, high school uniforms, hay for sale, summer workshop -
National Wool Museum
Photograph, LaTrobe Studios, c.1972
... School Uniforms... Knitwear Children's clothing Knitwear Marketing Teenagers School ...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.Black and white photograph of a young woman with chin-length curly hair, wearing a dark v-neck jumper with a pale stripe at the neck and sleeve cuffs over a collared shirt and tie. Stamped with ROUGH PROOF in blue ink with green lines above and below it. Written along the bottom edge with white ink is an index code A92762-3 From a promotional shoot for Kathryn Knitwear Collegewear[Obverse (stamped in blue ink with green ink lines above and below)] ROUGH PROOF (upside down) A92762-3 [Reverse] LATROBE STUDIOSbusiness, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, textile industry - history wool marketing, wool marketing fashion textile industry, children's knitwear, children's clothing, knitwear marketing, teenagers, school uniforms -
National Wool Museum
Photograph, LaTrobe Studios, c.1972
... School Uniforms... Knitwear Children's clothing Knitwear Marketing Teenagers School ...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.Black and white photograph of a young woman with chin-length curly hair, wearing a dark v-neck jumper with a pale stripe at the neck and sleeve cuffs over a collared shirt and tie. Stamped with ROUGH PROOF in blue ink with green lines above and below it. Written along the top edge with white ink is an index code A92762-8 From a promotional shoot for Kathryn Knitwear Collegewear[Obverse] A92762-8 (stamped in blue ink with green ink lines above and below)] ROUGH PROOF [Reverse] LATROBE STUDIOSbusiness, business history, manufacturing, knitting machine, fashion textile production, business archives, manufacturing documents, textile industry - history wool marketing, wool marketing fashion textile industry, children's knitwear, children's clothing, knitwear marketing, teenagers, school uniforms