Physical description
Under The Deep Oceans
Author: T F Gaskell
Published: Eyre and Spottiswoode
Date: 1960
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Under The Deep Oceans
Author: T F Gaskell
Published: Eyre and Spottiswoode
Date: 1960
The picture postcard is illustrated in a simple, child-like manner. It has a personal message on the back, perhaps sent by an adult called Lily to a young relative or friend. Its rough edges indicate that it may have been torn out of a book or from a sheet of cards. It is one of the hundreds of illustrations by artist Louis Wain, quoted as being "one of the most popular commercial illustrators in the history of England" (IllustrationChronicles.com). English artist Louis Wain (1860-1939) was famous for his illustrations of cats, many of which he gave human characteristics and personalities. Wain married Emily. They owned a cat called Peter who was a great comfort to Emily through her cancer illness and consequent death after only a few years of marriage. At 22 years old Wain gave up his job as a teacher to work full time as an illustrator. He was able to produce hundreds of drawing a year for journals, books, postcards and advertisements. Later he wrote and illustrated children's books. However he didn't benefit much from copyrighting his work as he sold his work to publishers together with the copyright, so reproductions of his works didn't earn him money. Wain said that he owned his career as a cat artist to Peter. Wain spent over a decade in mental asylums before his death in 1939.
This picture postcard is an example of the work of Louis Wain, English artist of the 19th and early 20th century. He is famous for his drawings of cats, which he continued producing throughout his life. He is also known for producing the world's first screen cartoon cat, called "Pussyfoot". In 1972 Wain's work was presented at an exhibition in the Victorian and Albert Museum.
Rectangular picture postcard printed on think cream card. Picture on postcard is outlined in black and coloured in roughly painted watercolours. The drawing has two cats dressed in armour standing and fighting in front of a turreted castle. The picture is a black framed outline. The artist's printed signature is in the bottom left corner. The artist is Louis Wain. The reverse has a vertical dividing line and a square outline for a postage stamp's location. It also has printed headings. There is a handwritten Pencil inscription. The postcard's left side and lower edge have rough uneven edges.
Signature: "Louis Wain." Printed headings: "POST CARD" "THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR COMMUNICATION" "THE ADDRESS TO BE WRITTEN HERE" Handwritten on back: "To Dr R - - - - - - / with love / from Lilly"
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The late 19th to early 20th century stone cottage with weatherboard extensions. From research, it has been determined that the cottage was the Port Fairy (Belfast) Lighthouse Keepers cottage. The dome roof in the background indicates a lighthouse, in which case the cottage would have been the living quarters for a lighthouse keeper and assistant keeper. The narrow poles could have been for signals and antennae. The object on the rock stack looks like a large metal milk can.
The photograph shows a typical late 19th to early 20th century cottage, abandoned at dilapidated for many years.
Black and white rectangular photograph mounted on card. The image shows a dilapidated stone cottage with an old picket fence. Extending behind the stone cottage are gabled roofs above weatherboard walls. The cottage has corrugated roof sheets of different colours, and four chimneys, three with chimney pots. From research, it has been determined that the cottage was the Port Fairy (Belfast) Lighthouse Keepers cottage. Near the fenceline on the left, a corrugated water tank is positioned below a pipe joined to the roof gutter. Nearby are a timber shed and timber walls or screens. In the background are two tall narrow poles with spheres on top, higher than the cottage, with one pole on each side, the left one attached to the building. A domed roof with a knob on top is on the right behind trees. Several angular shapes appear on the horizon on the left, one almost hidden by the trees. The foreground is rocky and slopes uphill on the right. At the foot of the slope is a stack of closely fitted rocks with an object shaped like a milk can on top and an object to its left that is like an open grid. Handwritten Inscriptions are on the reverse side of the photograph.
Pencil on board: " D9 / 200 x 150" Pen on sticker: "52"
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This cannon ball could have been made as ammunition to be shot from a 24-pounder gun, perhaps a deck cannon or Carronade on a sailing ship. It is similar to those used by both British and French navies from the late 18th and 19th centuries. The iron cannon ball shows the casting mark around its circumference made by the mould during the casting process.
The cannon ball is an example of ammunition used during naval conflicts in the late 18th and 19th centuries. It was made for cannon or Carronade similar to those in the collection of cannon at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum.
Cannon ball; a heavy black iron ball with a casting seam around its circumference. The surface is shiny with many pits and has slight corrosion. There are several chips including one large deep chip and a small, crescent shaped chip. The cannon ball’s size is similar to a cast iron 24-pounder shot.
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The cape is of a style from the Victorian or the Edwardian Era and so provides a good example of women's clothing from that time. The light colour, silk material and lace suggest a cape used for special occasions with the possibility of initially being a wedding cape.
The item is of significance historically and socially as an example of women's clothing in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Ladies cape consisting of two circular tiers and a collar. The inner tier is knee length with a thin lace insert around the hem. The outer tier is elbow length with a wide lace edge and the thin lace insert inside this. The collar has lace edging and a lace insert of the same width. The lace used is of a repeat flower pattern most likely made of a combination of silk and cotton. The cape material appears to be a cream ribbed silk with the lining being of a polished cotton or silk variety. Both materials have a silken sheen in the right light. A silk ribbon ties the cape at the neck. The lining and lace have been sewn with fine hand stitching.
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This small iron cannon ball is made of iron. Cannon balls were used as ammunition for a cannon and fired at a target. This cannon is only 8 cm round, or 4.15 inches, and is likely to have been called a 4-pounder due to its weight and the gun from which it would be fired. Six 4-powder cannons were recovered from Endeavour Reef, Queensland, in 1969. They were from Captain Cook's HMS Endeavour, thrown overboard when the ship struck a reef there in 1770. They are likely to have been mounted on deck cannon carriages on the ship. Similar 4-pounder cannons were mounted on gun carriages and used as field guns. The cannon ball, or round shot, is made from cast iron. The molten iron is poured into the small opening of a two-piece mould. The seam between the moulds sometimes leaves a round mark on the ball, and as seen in this cannon ball, there is a flat area. These marks were often filed to make the ball smooth.
Cannons with cannon balls as ammunition were installed at Warrnambool for protection from possible invasion in the mid-to-late 19th century and early 20th century.
Cannon ball, iron, black with a pitted shiny surface. It has three flat areas and evidence of a seam around the circumference. There are remnants of a possible inscription stamped into the iron. The cannon ball is a four-pounder ball.
Remnants of an indecipherable stamp and / or red text.
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The sample of crochet lace is an example of a handmade item that would have been used to edge material to create a doily for use around the home.
The item is significant socially to show the use of textile crafts, such as handmade crocheted lace, to decorate regular domestic objects.
A ring of handmade crochet lace consisting of ten motifs joined in a circle. Mercerised white crochet thread has been used to crochet each motif in an open lace pattern using picot edging to give a floral effect.
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The sample of crochet lace is an example of a handmade item that would have been used to decorative purpose around the home. Being a shorter length it may have edged towels or found use as a collar however no tie or buttons have been attached at the ends.
The item is significant socially to show the use of textile crafts, such as handmade crocheted lace, to decorate regular domestic objects or create pieces of clothing.
A strip of handmade crochet lace with a pointed edge. Mercerised white crochet thread has been used to crochet a lace pattern consisting of small open weave areas reflecting the pointed shape of the lace and a larger, open, zig zag and line pattern.
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The sample of crochet lace is an example of a handmade item that would have been used to decorative purpose around the home. It may have been used to edge curtains, a table runner or a mantlepiece. Smaller pieces were used to edge towels. The shape of this piece suggests a possible use as a ladies collar however no tie or buttons have been attached at the ends.
The item is significant socially to show the use of textile crafts, such as handmade crocheted lace, to decorate regular domestic objects or create pieces of clothing.
A wide length of handmade crochet lace with an open pattern at the top and a pointed edged pattern underneath. For the open pattern mercerised white crochet thread has been used to crochet a double row of a repeat pattern of 'three circles and stems'. Underneath double crochet (US) / treble crochet (UK) is used to create the points which have been edged with the 'three circles and stems' pattern from above.
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The coloured photograph shows the Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters at Flagstaff Hill, Warrnambool. The building was erected in the 1850s on Middle Island, Lady Bay. It was relocated to its current location in the late 1870s along with the two lighthouses, the chart room and the privy. The Warrnambool City Council replaced the iron roof on the cottage in the 1970s and further work has since been carried out. The picture shows the poor condition of the stonework on the right hand side of the cottage. After the cottage ceased to be used by lighthouse keepers, it was rented out by various organisations and later became disused. The Historical Society requested the re-connection of power. The right hand side of the cottage was repurposed for use by Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. in the 2020s it was restored and fitted out as the Alexander Farncombe room, which is used for temporary exhibitions. This photograph, a print, is one of a set of five that show the site of Flagstaff Hill. It is presumed to have been taken by John Lindsay, Founding Director of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. One of the photographs in the set has the pencil inscription "Photo J Lindsay". It was taken in the early 1970s during the initial stages of the development of Flagstaff Hill as a Museum and Maritime Village. The photographs belonged to the donor's grandparents, who lived in the Warrnambool district of Allansford/Naringal.
The photograph is a record of the Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village before its development and opening in 1975. It shows the condition of the building at the time and some of the recent re-roofing. The photograph is significant for recording the condition of the original heritage listed building at that point in time.
Coloured photograph, glassy print, one of a set of five. Photograph shows the Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters, focused on the Assistant's Quarters on the right. It shows the a new iron roof that had been installed by the Warrnambool City Council, and the condition of the bluestone,walls. There are clay chimney pots on the two chimneys. A set of steps are at the entry on the right hand side. The flagstaff is on the left of the photograph. The photograph's paper has the printer's watermark on the back. The early 1970s picture is presumed to have been photographed by John Lindsay, Warrnambool.
Label on the back: "THE BLUESTONE COTTAGE SHOWING RE-ROOFING CARRIED OUT BY COUNCIL. The Historical Society has requested Council to have S.E.C. power re-connected"
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The photograph shows the back of the Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters and the privy, Upper Lighthouse and Flagstaff, and the condition and placement of these buildings and the street. The note on the back points out the uniqueness of the double-sided toilet building, and the well at the back of the Quarters. This photograph, a print, is one of a set of five that show the site of Flagstaff Hill. It is presumed to have been taken by John Lindsay, Founding Director of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. One of the photographs in the set has the pencil inscription "Photo J Lindsay". It was taken in the early 1970s during the initial stages of the development of Flagstaff Hill as a Museum and Maritime Village. The photographs belonged to the donor's grandparents, who lived in the Warrnambool district of Allansford/Naringal.
The photograph is a record of the site and surrounds of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village before its development and opening in 1975. It shows the Heritage Listed Precinct; the Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters, the privy and the Upper Lighthouse. The photograph is significant for recording the location and condition of the buildings on the hill, erected in the 1870s.
Coloured photograph, glassy print, one of a set of five. Photograph shows the back of the Lighthouse Keepers' Cottage or Residence, the privy and the Upper Lighthouse. The photograph's paper has the printer's watermark on the back. The early 1970s scene is presumed to have been photographed by John Lindsay, Warrnambool.
Label on the back: "THE COTTAGE, FROM THE GUN EMPLACEMENTS, LOOKING ACROSS THE PORTS AND HARBOURS AREA / The two-doored toilet is of interest, and the covered well is between the toilet and the rear door of the cottage."
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The photograph shows the view of the shore and Lady Bay with the Breakwater and Middle Island all visible. It was taken to show that the Flagstaff Hill area was unlikely to have any further development between it and the Bay, with the view of development of the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. This photograph, a print, is one of a set of five that show the site of Flagstaff Hill. The photographer was John Lindsay, Founding Director of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village, with the words "Photo J Lindsay" on the back. It was taken in the early 1970s during the initial stages of the development of Flagstaff Hill as a Museum and Maritime Village. The photographs belonged to the donor's grandparents, who lived in the Warrnambool district of Allansford/Naringal.
The photograph is a record of the site and surrounds of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village before its development and opening in 1975. It shows the Surfside Holiday Park, Surf Lifesaving Club, and the Breakwater. The photograph is significant for recording the location and condition of the Lower Lighthouse on the Hill.
Coloured photograph, glassy print, one of a set of five. Flagstaff Hill's Lower Lighthouse is in the foreground above the Surfside Holiday Park. To the right of centre is the Surf Lifesaving Club. In the background is Lady Bay and the Breakwater and Middle Island, with the Southern Ocean the other side. The photograph's paper has the printer's watermark and a pencilled inscription on the back. The early 1970s scene was photographed by John Lindsay, Warrnambool.
Label on the back: "VIEW OF THE BAY FROM the southern boundary of the Ports and Harbours land. No development below this area is likely to obstruct the view, due to the steep grade down to the Southern boundary of Flagstaff Hill property." Handwritten in pencil: "Photo J Lindsay"
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The photograph shows a cottage, Harbourmaster’s quarters that still stands on the east of the Lady Bay Lighthouse and Historic Precinct at Flagstaff Hill in Warrnambool. The name was changed to the Lighthouse Lodge, and today guests can stay at the property. This photograph, a print, is one of a set of five that show the site of Flagstaff Hill. It is presumed to have been taken by John Lindsay, Founding Director of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. One of the photographs in the set has the pencil inscription "Photo J Lindsay". It was taken in the early 1970s during the initial stages of the development of Flagstaff Hill as a Museum and Maritime Village. The photographs belonged to the donor's grandparents, who lived in the Warrnambool district of Allansford/Naringal.
The photograph is a record of the site and surrounds of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village before its development and opening in 1975. It shows the cottage on the east of the Lighthouse Complex,. The building is now known as Lighthouse Lodge. The photograph is significant for recording the location and condition of the residence on the Hill.
Coloured photograph, glassy print, one of a set of five. Photograph shows the cream timber cottage, Harbourmaster’s quarters to the east of the lighthouse complex at Flagstaff Hill, Warrnambool. On the left of the red roofed residence are iron buildings used, at the time, by the Lands Department. The photograph's paper has the printer's watermark on the back. The early 1970s photograph is presumed to have been by John Lindsay, Warrnambool.
Label on the back: "WOODEN RESIDENCE TO THE EAST OF THE PROPERTY / The gun emplacements are immediately behind, and the iron huts to the left rear of the residence are used by the Lands Department who plan to vacate, for other premises."
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The photograph shows the location of the concrete, horseshoe shaped gun emplacement erected for the cannons. It is part of the Historic Precinct on Flagstaff Hill. The area was accessed either through the space between the Lighthouses (through the cottage grounds) or a service entrance, past the iron huts used by the Lands Department. This photograph, a print, is one of a set of five that show the site of Flagstaff Hill. It is presumed to have been taken by John Lindsay, Founding Director of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. One of the photographs in the set has the pencil inscription "Photo J Lindsay". It was taken in the early 1970s during the initial stages of the development of Flagstaff Hill as a Museum and Maritime Village. The photographs belonged to the donor's grandparents, who lived in the Warrnambool district of Allansford/Naringal.
The photograph is a record of the site and surrounds of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village before its development and opening in 1975. It shows the east side of the Surfside Holiday Park in its earlier days. The photograph is significant for recording the location and condition of the original concrete cannon emplacement on the Hill.
Coloured photograph, glassy print, one of a set of five. Photograph shows the original site of one of the gun emplacements for the cannons, cannons Historical, looking towards the Moyjil, ,Point Ritchie and overlooking Lady Bay, Warrnambool. The horseshoe shaped concrete gun emplacement is in the foreground on the grassed slopes overlooking the Bay. The site and ablution block of the Surfside Holiday Park is centre right. The left shows the sore of Lady Bay with the cliffs of the Southern Ocean in the distance. The photograph's paper has the printer's watermark on the back. The early 1970s scene is presumed to have been photographed by John Lindsay, Warrnambool.
Label on the back: "FIRST GUN EMPLACEMENT LOOKING TOWARDS THE HOPKINS / This is the original site of one of the cannons overlooking the Bay. Access to this area could be between the light-houses (throught the cottage grounds), or a service entrance - past the iron huts used by Lands Department."
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The sample of crochet lace is an example of a handmade item that would have been used to decorative purpose around the home. It may have been used to edge curtains, a table runner or a mantlepiece. The Christmas Bells pattern suggests usage as a Christmas decoration.
The item is significant socially to show the use of textile crafts, such as handmade crocheted lace, to decorate regular domestic objects around the home such as curtains and mantlepieces.
Length of handmade crochet lace. Mercerised white crochet thread has been used to crochet a repeat pattern consisting of four rows: a decorative top row, a second row composed of diamond shapes, a repeat of the decorative top row and finally a row of Christmas bells to complete the pattern.
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The sample of crochet lace is an example of a handmade item that would have been used to decorative purpose around the home. It may have been used to edge curtains, a table runner or a mantlepiece. The Christmas Bells pattern suggests usage as a Christmas decoration.
The item is significant socially to show the use of textile crafts, such as handmade crocheted lace, to decorate regular domestic objects around the home such as curtains and mantlepieces.
Length of handmade crochet lace. Mercerised white crochet thread has been used to crochet a repeat pattern consisting of three rows: a decorative top row, a middle section of diamond shapes and a bottom row of Christmas bells.
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Tatting is a form of knotted lace making using thread and a small shuttle. Twisted threads are tied around or through small, pointed shuttles that can be made of bone, mother of pearl, tortoise shell, steel or plastic. This produces a stable, strong lace using simple knots of two half hitches to make rings and chains embellished with picots.The origins of tatting are not clear but early versions of decorative knotting were used by the Egyptians on their ceremonial dress. Tatting also has elements of fishermen's net making techniques and the decorative knotting that was practiced by aristocratic women from the 15th century.Tatting, as we know it today, emerged in the first half of the 19th century. The new availability of mercerised thread from 1835 encouraged a burgeoning of lace crafts of all sorts. It was known in Italy as "occhi" and in France as "la frivolite". Tatting looks fragile but is both strong and durable. An article in a column named "Wives and Daughters" published in the Star newspaper in May 1910 describes the durability of tatting lace - "there is edging and insertion still in existence that have outworn two sets of pillow slips." In the 19th century and well into the 20th century, tatting was used like crochet and knitted lace for decorative edgings, collars, doylies, tray cloths etc. At first, different tatting patterns were passed along by word of mouth from person to person, however in time, patterns regularly appeared in newspapers and magazines well into the 1950's. A shuttle is a small tool that looks like a small boat "sailing" in and out of the thread. Tatting is called "schiffchenarbeit" in German, which means "the work of a little boat". There are two popular types of shuttles. The first has closed ends and a removable bobbin where the thread is wound around - often made from metal or plastic (as is item 8535.1). The second type has a post in the center where the thread is wound (e.g. item 8535.2). The ends of this bobbin are open but snug. Because it is constructed in two pieces, it can be made from materials like bone, ivory or mother of pearl. Shuttles hold a larger amount of thread (as compared with needles) which means fewer ends to weave in. Fishermen in the past are thought to have used large shuttles to weave cord into certain knots whilst making their fishing nets. Their methods were copied by weavers, who innovated by using threads and smaller shuttles to make lace. One type of tatting shuttle produced by "Aero" from the 1930's to the late 1960's was an anodized grey coated aluminium shuttle with a sharp pick at one end. In the 1970's it was superseded by the grey plastic "Aero" which has a removeable bobbin which you can put on the end of the shuttle to make thread winding easier and an embedded crochet hook for joining picots. The "Aero" company developed in Redditch, England - a town renowned as a centre for manufacturing needles. Firms run by Henry Milward and Abel Morrall were based in Redditch and by the 18th century Redditch was manufacturing one million sewing needles per year. Abel Morrall Ltd launched the "Aero" brand in 1936 and greatly expanded the firm's product line to include tatting shuttles and knitting needles. The classic plastic "Aero" tatting shuttle was manufactured in England from the early 1970's until the 1990's.
These items are significant as examples of easily accessible handiwork tools that enabled women in the 1930s -1960s to be able to decorate and personalize their household linen and clothing.
Shuttle no. 8535.1 is a beige, boat shaped plastic shuttle with enclosed ends, small round central indentations on both sides and an enclosed black removeable bobbin. The shuttle has a grooved point at one end to hold a bobbin and a small metal crochet hook at the other end. Shuttle no. 8535.2 is a beige, boat shaped metal shuttle with pointed ends that are open but snug, small round central indentations and two smaller circular markings (on both sides) and two internal posts with cream thread wound around.
Shuttle no. 8535.1 - "AERO" / "ENGLAND" Shuttle no. 8535.2 - "AERO' / "ENGLAND" "39c" (written in ball point pen)
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Tatting is a form of knotted lace making using thread and a small shuttle. Twisted threads are tied around or through small, pointed shuttles that can be made of bone, mother of pearl, tortoise shell, steel or plastic. This produces a stable, strong lace using simple knots of two half hitches to make rings and chains embellished with picots. The origins of tatting are not clear but early versions of decorative knotting were used by the Egyptians on their ceremonial dress. Tatting also has elements of fishermen's net making techniques and the decorative knotting that was practiced by aristocratic women from the 15th century. Tatting, as we know it today, emerged in the first half of the 19th century. The new availability of mercerised thread from 1835 encouraged a burgeoning of lace crafts of all sorts. It was known in Italy as "occhi" and in France as "la frivolite". It looks fragile but is both strong and durable. An article in a column named "Wives and Daughters" published in the Star newspaper in May 1910 describes the durability of tatting lace - "there is edging and insertion still in existence that have outworn two sets of pillow slips." In the 19th century and well into the 20th century, tatting was used like crochet and knitted lace for decorative edgings, collars, doylies, tray cloths etc. At first, different tatting patterns were passed along by word of mouth from person to person, however in time, patterns regularly appeared in newspapers and magazines well into the 1950's. Paragon knitting, crochet and tatting books have been distributed throughout Australia since the 1930's, originally by "Paragon Art Needlework Pty Ltd" of Sydney, N.S.W. From 1946 these books were designed and printed in Australia from patterns provided by British and Australian thread companies. Consequently these patterns may also appear in similar British and American publications. Paragon Book No. 104 is an instruction book designed for the "beginner" whilst Paragon book No. 105 is designed for the more experienced tatter. The layout of these books was typical of the 1940s period when paper was in short supply. Most of the pattern books were approximately 18 cms wide by 24 cms high and some were smaller at about 13cm by 21 cms. The type used was small (about four lines of text per centimetre) which was difficult to read.
This item is an excellent example of a needle work pattern book available to women in the 1940's in Australia.
A soft covered 16 page instruction book with black and white photographs and detailed instructions explaining how to tat and eight tatting projects including how to make a collar and handkerchief edgings, published by Paragon Art Needlecraft of Sydney.
Front cover - "PARAGON BOOK NO. 104" "PRICE 1/3" "Learn to/ TAT' Back Cover - "36/D5 E/A DO2" - handwritten in pencil
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Tatting is a form of knotted lace making using thread and a small shuttle. Twisted threads are tied around or through small, pointed shuttles that can be made of bone, mother of pearl, tortoise shell, steel or plastic. This produces a stable, strong lace using simple knots of two half hitches to make rings and chains embellished with picots. The origins of tatting are not clear but early versions of decorative knotting were used by the Egyptians on their ceremonial dress. Tatting also has elements of fishermen's net making techniques and the decorative knotting that was practiced by aristocratic women from the 15th century. Tatting, as we know it today, emerged in the first half of the 19th century. The new availability of mercerised thread from 1835 encouraged a burgeoning of lace crafts of all sorts. It was known in Italy as "occhi" and in France as "la frivolite". It looks fragile but is both strong and durable. An article in a column named "Wives and Daughters" published in the Star newspaper in May 1910 describes the durability of tatting lace - "there is edging and insertion still in existence that have outworn two sets of pillow slips." In the 19th century and well into the 20th century, tatting was used like crochet and knitted lace for decorative edgings, collars, doylies, tray cloths etc. At first, different tatting patterns were passed along by word of mouth from person to person, however in time, patterns regularly appeared in newspapers and magazines well into the 1950's. Paragon knitting, crochet and tatting books have been distributed throughout Australia since the 1930's, originally by "Paragon Art Needlework Pty Ltd" of Sydney, N.S.W. From 1946 these books were designed and printed in Australia from patterns provided by British and Australian thread companies. Consequently these patterns may also appear in similar British and American publications. Paragon Book No. 104 is an instruction book designed for the "beginner" whilst Paragon book No. 105 is designed for the more experienced tatter. The layout of these books was typical of the 1940s period when paper was in short supply. Most of the pattern books were approximately 18 cms wide by 24 cms high and some were smaller at about 13cm by 21 cms. The type used was small (about four lines of text per centimetre) which was difficult to read.
This item is an excellent example of a needle work pattern book available to women in the 1940's in Australia.
A soft covered, 16 page instruction book titled "Tatting Designs". It has black and white photographs and detailed patterns for tatted doilies, a tray mat, a chairback and arm rests, a cheval set, a luncheon set, collars and edgings for an underskirt, gloves and handkerchief. It is published by Paragon Art Needlecraft of Sydney.
Front cover - "Paragon's No 105" "PRICE 1/3" "Tatting Designs" "Household Linens * Personal Wear" Plus a stylized drawing of a deer
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Tatting is a form of knotted lace making using thread and a small shuttle. Twisted threads are tied around or through small, pointed shuttles that can be made of bone, mother of pearl, tortoise shell, steel or plastic. This produces a stable, strong lace using simple knots of two half hitches to make rings and chains embellished with picots. The origins of tatting are not clear but early versions of decorative knotting were used by the Egyptians on their ceremonial dress. Tatting also has elements of fishermen's net making techniques and the decorative knotting that was practiced by aristocratic women from the 15th century. Tatting, as we know it today, emerged in the first half of the 19th century. The new availability of mercerised thread from 1835 encouraged a burgeoning of lace crafts of all sorts. It was known in Italy as "occhi" and in France as "la frivolite". Tatting looks fragile but is both strong and durable. An article in a column named "Wives and Daughters" published in the Star newspaper in May 1910 describes the durability of tatting lace - "there is edging and insertion still in existence that have outworn two sets of pillow slips." In the 19th century and well into the 20th century, tatting was used like crochet and knitted lace for decorative edgings, collars, doilies, tray cloths etc. At first, different tatting patterns were passed along by word of mouth from person to person, however in time, patterns regularly appeared in newspapers and magazines well into the 1950's. This book has photographs and detailed instructions for a wide range of tatted edgings and insertions suitable for household linens such as towels, doilies and tablecloths as well as patterns for whole mats. Stanley E. Mullen (a businessman) developed Semco Pty Ltd which began as a Melbourne based importation company in 1907. The first three letters of Semco's name were his initials. In 1915 it began manufacturing women's apparel, whitework and transfer patterns. In 1924 the company moved to Black Rock, Victoria and continued to produce an extensive range of needlework patterns and handcraft instruction booklets, threads etc. up until the late 1970's. Semco had a staff that included many young women. It was noted by E.J. Trait (editor of the local newspaper "Standard News") that the firm provided them with good working conditions and the correct rate of pay for women in a time of war - the starting rate for 15 year olds, mainly girls at Semco was 25 shillings per week. During World War 2, Manpower Regulations could be used to coerce workers to move into jobs that supported the war effort, but Trait argued that being employed at Semco could make this unlikely as the firm made some goods essential for the war effort. He even suggested that women be encouraged to produce needlework items (and play a part in the war effort) by sending them as presents, to the troops up north. He also heaped praise on the Semco workplace - noting that no Saturday work was the norm, allowing employees to shop and have "hair-do's" before enjoying a relaxing weekend! Semco also had a female cricket side in the women's Saturday association. After the war the firm stayed in production until the early 1990's when it was taken over by Coates-Paton Pty Ltd. Norma Benporath (1900 - 1998) was an expert in tatting techniques and taught and published extensively on the subject. She was born in New Zealand with impaired sight but cataract surgery restored 50% vision to one eye. She was inspired to learn tatting whilst watching her aunt tat and being told that tatting did not require as much sharp vision as embroidery. She quickly learnt to design her own patterns and published over 1000 tatted lace patterns between 1929 and 1952. She became a regular contributor to magazines (such as Home Beautiful) and newspapers across Australia. Her designs were also published in New Zealand, South Africa as well as the U.K. and U.S.A. When Semco, a thread manufacturer, noticed a rise in the sale of fine crochet threads, they realized they had an untapped market to explore. Norma designed a collection of tatting patterns for Semco that were used to help promote their threads. Norma also worked with Semco to produce a line of threads and shuttles specifically suited to tatting. In 1997, Norma was inducted into the "Order of Australia" for "Service to the craft of tatting as a designer and through the international publication of her patterns".
This item is an excellent example of the needle work being enjoyed by women in the 1940's in Australia and the skills of the Australian designer, Norma Benporath. It is also an example of the trend that emerged for craft companies such as Semco to publish pattern books in order to advertise their own materials.
A 32 page soft cover instruction book with green front and back covers showing two tatted doily designs. The book includes black and white photographs and written patterns by Norma Benporath.
Front cover - "TATTING" "For / EXPERTS/ and / BEGINNERS" "By/Semco" "SEMCO INSTRUCTION BOOK" "No. 16" "WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS" "9" Back cover - "FOR INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING SEE PAGE 22" "Published by Semco Pty. Ltd." "BLACK ROCK, 29, VIC"
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This altar cloth is representative of ecclesiastical linen in use in the early to mid-20th century. It is used in the Chapel of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church at Flagstaff HIll Maritime Museum and Village. The Missions to Seamen organisation The Missions to Seamen is an Anglican (Church of England) charity that has been serving the world's seafarers since 1856. It was inspired by the work of Rev. John Ashley who, 20 years earlier, had pioneered a ministry to seafarers in the Bristol Channel in Great Britain. When Ashley retired because of ill health, others determined that the work should continue, and they founded the Missions to Seamen. It adopted as its symbol a Flying Angel, inspired by a verse from Revelation 14 in the Bible. Today there are over 200 ports worldwide where the Missions to Seamen has centres and chaplains. A Missions to Seamen’s Club offers a warm welcome to sailors of all colours, creeds and races. A sailor can watch television, have a drink and a chat, change money or buy goods from the club shop or worship in the Chapel. In Victoria, the Missions to Seamen still has clubs in Melbourne, Portland and Geelong.
The altar cloth is representative of the ecclesiastical linen in use in the early to mid-20th century, when the original St Nicholas Seamen's Church was opened in Williamstown, Victoria.
Altar cloth: simple white linen cloth, long rectangle shape with wide hems.
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Royal Doulton as part of the Minton Miniature series produced this heron model in 2001. A limited edition of 1,793 pieces were made, and this heron is number 89. The heron is a scaled down model of the original life-size piece first produced by Paul Comolera, c. 1892, as a walking stick and umbrella stand. Comolera was a French artist and sculptor, renowned for dramatic naturalistic forms, and life-size renditions of birds and animals that won him admiration in public and artistic circles. The Warrnambool Art Gallery (WAG) has a life-sized Heron in its collection.
A rare miniature heron demonstrates the artistry and skill required to produce Majolica ware during the 19th century and the present.
A miniature grey heron standing by bulrushes and holding a struggling fish in its beak, its plumage naturalistically coloured, on a circular base glazed in tones of grey and green and applied with further leaves and water lilies.
Inscribed at the base Minton founded 1793, made in England
minton & co., majolica, miniature model, flagstaff hill maritime museum, stoke upon trent, paul comolera, staffordshire
This spiky, pointy metal flower holder, often called a flower frog or kenzan, was made around the late 19th to the early 20th centuries by Stayput Products of Melbourne, Australia. The flat metal base has been made in layers with the head of the spikes between the layers. It is likely to be handmade. Heavy flower holders made of non-corrosive metals are designed to sit in the base of a vase, dish, bowl or other suitable holder so that cut flower stems can be pushed into the spikes and held firmly in the arrangement. Flower frogs can be made of glass, ceramics or, more recently, synthetic materials.
The flower holder is an example of Victorian era domestic decoration aids that have carried through to the 21st century.
Flower holder, rectangular block made from layers of metal, with spikes embedded into the metal. The block is heavy, likely to be lead, and the spikes are strong brass pints arranged evenly in rows. There are remnants of florist's putty between some spikes. An inscription within concentric oval rings is moulded in the flat base. Made by Stayput Products, Melbourne, Australia.
Stamped into the metal: "STAYPUT / PRODUCTS / MELB. AUST."
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This set of kitchen dry food canisters is made of metal; each container has a different height, width and capacity. The rolled thin metal has created a strong, round design with decorative rings on the circumference. The base and close-fitting lid protect the contents from vermin and most insects, and the handle on top aids in the removal of the lid. Metal containers like these are reusable and can be re-purposed, which is advantageous when living in regional or rural areas. The type of manufacture indicates that the set was made in the late 19th to early 20th century. Gradually, colourful and attractive plastic kitchenware began to replace metalware. One of the canisters is labelled 'coffee'; coffee plants and seeds were transported from Brazil into Australia in 1788 when the First Fleet arrived although their growth was unsuccessful. However, by the 1920s, a tenth of the Australian population was drinking readily stored coffee. Large quantities of harvested grains such as maize, wheat and barley were protected from pests by being stored in airy buildings, often raised from the ground. This was an age-old practice used by civilizations such as the ancient Egyptians and early Hebrews. Smaller quantities of food for short-term use in the homes were stored in woven baskets or clay pots.
This set of kitchen food containers is an example of colonial food storage used in a domestic setting to store and preserve dry ingredients. These canisters give a snapshot of early domestic life in Australia.
Canister set; four cylindrical cream coloured metal canisters with domed lids that have lift-up handles on top. They are made from rolled metal and the bases and lids have a side seam. Each canister is a different size and displays a label for different contents. The adhesive labels are vertical, and a gold colour with black vertical text. The cream paint has brush strokes and small areas have exposed green paint under the cream. The insides of the bases are painted dark grey but the lids have no paint underneath. The empty canisters can fit one inside the other.
Labels, in descending order: "FLOUR" "RICE" "SAGO" "COFFEE"
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Royal Doulton as part of the Minton Miniature series produced this stork model in 2001. A limited edition of 1,793 pieces were made, and this stork is number 118. The stork is a scaled down model of the original life-size piece first produced by John Henk, c. 1870, as a walking stick and umbrella stand.
A rare miniature stork demonstrates the artistry and skill required to produce Majolica ware during the 19th century and the present.
A miniature white stork standing on one leg atop a rocky mound, an eel clasped in its beak, a frog beneath its foot, the stand formed by tall bullrushes & water-lily pads.
Inscribed at the base Minton founded 1793, artist mark: 6, made in England
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The fringed tablecloth is an example of a domestic item brought to Australia by early settlers in the Western District of Victoria as a home comfort.
The fringed tablecloth helps tell the story of the arrival of European settlers and the small, light home comforts they brought with them to maintain a meaningful connection to home.
Fringed and lined tablecloth. The front is hand embroidered on brown loose weave fabric, the back a pale yellow polished cotton fabric. The edges on the back have been turned and machine stitched. Hand-stitching has been used to join the top to the back and to add the fringe around the edges. The embroidery uses tapestry wool in cream, yellow, brown and green tones. The style is possibly an example of European folk style embroidery.
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This nightgown is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. This nightgown is machine sewn by Eliza Towns and she has added a 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 century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery 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 long, white, cotton nightgown with a V shaped bodice decorated with bands of nine pintucks alternating with strips of broderie anglaise lined with pink ribbon. The opening front placket and neckline are bordered with a simpler broderie anglaise lace. The long sleeves are gathered into cuffs with a matching V shape, pintuck and broderie anglaise design. The front placket fastens with three cream buttons although one is missing. The back of the nightgown has gathered fabric on a plain, narrow V shape yoke. A narrow gusset has been added to the both sides at the bottom of the nightgown.
None
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Metal money boxes shaped like common familiar objects became a popular from the 18th century. In the 20th century they were used to promote and advertise events and businesses. In the 1950s money boxes shaped like a bank building were given away to children by their parents' bank to encourage them to save money. This money box was possibly used in an organisation such as the Missions to Seamen as a donation box, particularly as there is no means of easily opening the box or tampering with it.
The money box is an example of a way of collecting money as a donation or contribution for an organisation or charity.
Money box, rectangular polished wood money box with coin slot in the top and a blue felt fabric pad on the base. The base has a purple stamped inscription which is indecipherable. There is no obvious means of opening the box. The box has contents.
Stamp (indecipherable)
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This item of underclothing, called a "combination" is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. Combination undergarments combined the chemise and drawers into one garment. 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. Their primary use was to protect clothing from perspiration and because they were made with cotton or linen, were easy to wash. Although they were worn under the corset, next to the skin (and therefore not meant to be seen), they were often decorated with lace and embroidery. Although these combinations are made with a plain cotton fabric, Eliza Towns has incorporated pin tucks, hand embroidery and crocheted lace to embellish her garment.
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 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 three buttons in the front and a handmade drawstring cord around the square neckline. It is trimmed with crocheted lace (with a floral design) on the neckline, sleeves and pants. It had pintucks and feather stitching on the bodice and 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.
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This chemise is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. This chemise is machine sewn by Eliza Towns and she has added pintucks and broderie anglaise lace as a decorative element. A chemise was usually a sleeveless garment made of linen or cotton (so they could be easily washed) and its shape was much like a modern day nightgown. The name comes from the French word for "shirt" or "shift". Women wore chemises next to the skin (under the corset) to keep stains and odors away from the less washable corset and gown.
This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the mid to late 19th century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery to personlise and embellish an item of clothing. It is also significant as an example of a practical solution to the difficulties of needing to regularly hand wash a bulky outer garment or gown in the Victorian era.
A white cotton, short sleeved, knee length chemise. The fabric at the front is gathered on a yoke which is decorated with bands of five pintucks alternating with broderie anglaise lace and embroidered strips lined with pink ribbon. A different broderie anglaise design decorates the sleeve edges, neckline and center broderie anglaise strip. The back of the chemise is gathered on to the neckline. There are two bands of pintucks on each sleeve. The fabric around each armhole has been strengthened with another layer of cotton and a length of cotton has been added (from the left shoulder to the hem) to increase the width of chemise.
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This corset cover is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. This corset cover is an excellent example of an everyday clothing item with the decorative trim favoured by women in the late Victorian era. Eliza Towns has added pintucks, embroidered feather stitch and a highly decorative hand crocheted lace trim to the neckline, sleeves and front of the bodice. Corset covers (sometimes called camisoles) began to appear in women's fashion around 1840 and continued through the late Victorian decades into the Edwardian era. The long chemise was considered too bulky to cover the corset and so the corset cover was developed to be short and light and was worn over the corset and under the bodice of the outer garment. A woman would dress into her chemise and drawers first, followed by her corset and finally her corset cover as a final layer under her dress. Corset covers served several purposes. They provided protection against sweat (and the need to regularly wash the corset), helped smooth the lines of the corset and increased a woman's modesty.
This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the late 19th century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery and crochet to embellish an item of personal underclothing. It is also significant as an example of a practical solution to the difficulty of hand washing a corset in the Victorian era.
A short (waist length) corset cover of fine cotton. Short sleeves fall from a square neckline and are gathered into a wide crocheted lace trim with a band of embroidered feather stitch. The same crocheted lace design and feather stitching are also on the square neckline which is finished with a drawstring ribbon. The bodice has a front opening with five buttons and is bordered on each side with four pintucks. It has a drawstring ribbon at the waist and an extra layer of fine cotton lining has been added to strengthen the corset cover under the arms. The back has two bands of three pintucks running vertically from the neckline to the waist.
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Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.