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Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.

A dish, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by the Australian art potter, Klytie Pate.

Small, green glazed dish, highlighted with splashes of purple. Five ballerinas in the cavetto surround an undecorated well. The reverse is glazed a lighter green. Spur marks in the foot rim reveal that the dish was supported on stilts in the kiln

Signature to base: "V. Ayling"

ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Louisa Henty (1847-24) was the eldest daughter of Francis and Mary Ann Henty (nee Lawrence). Following the deaths of her mother and father, she inherited 'Fieldplace' in Studley Park, Kew, and 'Merino Downs' in Henty, near Casterton. The original photo, owned by a descendant of Francis Henty is part of an album of family photographs.

Print copy of an original carte de visite; a studio portrait of Miss Louisa Henty, daughter of Francis and Mary Ann Henty (nee Lawrence). Photographed in the Johnstone & O'Shannessy & Co atelier, she is posed in a day dress which has a polonaise and train, dating the photograph to the mid 1870s. Standard props used by the studio include imitation masonry and a curtain.

Front: "Johnstone & O'Shannessy & Co"

louisa henty, henty family, merino downs, fieldplace -- kew (vic)

The Kew Elderly Citizen's Association was formally established in 1952. During its initial years it met at South Esk in Cotham Road. Later the Club moved to its headquarters in High Street. During the period of its existence, the club changed its name a number of times It finally became known as the Kew Senior Citizens.

Handmade and painted canvas banner in shades of blue with a golden cord with tassels. The banner represents the symbol of the Kew Elder Citizens Association: a forget-me-not in the centre with laurel leaves below.

"KEW / E.C.A."

kew elderly citizens association, kew elder citizens, kew senior citizens, community groups -- kew (vic.), banners

Built for William and Anna-Maria Greenlaw in the early 1880s, and with interiors decorated by the Paterson Bros, Villa Alba remained in private ownership until 1949. From 1950, the house was owned by a number of institutions. By 1984, the Villa Alba Preservation Society had been formed, and three years later, the Mount Royal Hospital granted a 25-year lease to Kew Council. In 2004, the title to Villa Alba was passed by the Victorian Government to The Villa Alba Museum Incorporated.

Digital copy of a olour 35mm slide, framed in a plastic mount, of the entrance to Villa Alba, 44 Walmer Street, Kew, 3101. The transparency shows the grey rendered portico, viewed from the east, looking west. At this stage a wing of the hospital abutted the portico. The hospital wing was subsequently demolished and a Victorian era garden reinstated based on an original plan.

"Villa Alba ext"

villa alba museum, historic houses -- kew (vic.), victorian architecture -- melbourne (vic.), mount royal hospital

Built for William and Anna-Maria Greenlaw in the early 1880s, and with interiors decorated by the Paterson Bros, Villa Alba remained in private ownership until 1949. From 1950, the house was owned by a number of institutions. By 1984, the Villa Alba Preservation Society had been formed, and three years later, the Mount Royal Hospital granted a 25-year lease to Kew Council. In 2004, the title to Villa Alba was passed by the Victorian Government to The Villa Alba Museum Incorporated.

Digital copy of a olour 35mm slide, framed in a plastic mount, of the entrance to Villa Alba, 44 Walmer Street, Kew, 3101. The transparency shows the grey rendered portico, viewed from the west, looking east. At this stage a wing of the hospital abutted the portico. The hospital wing was subsequently demolished and a Victorian era garden reinstated based on an original plan.

"Villa Alba ext"

villa alba museum, historic houses -- kew (vic.), victorian architecture -- melbourne (vic.), mount royal hospital

Built for William and Anna-Maria Greenlaw in the early 1880s, and with interiors decorated by the Paterson Bros, Villa Alba remained in private ownership until 1949. From 1950, the house was owned by a number of institutions. By 1984, the Villa Alba Preservation Society had been formed, and three years later, the Mount Royal Hospital granted a 25-year lease to Kew Council. In 2004, the title to Villa Alba was passed by the Victorian Government to The Villa Alba Museum Incorporated.

Digital copy of a oolour 35mm slide, framed in a plastic mount, of the entrance to Villa Alba, 44 Walmer Street, Kew, 3101. The transparency shows the grey rendered portico, viewed from the west, looking east. At this stage a wing of the hospital abutted the portico. The hospital wing was subsequently demolished and a Victorian era garden reinstated based on an original plan.

"Villa Alba ext"

villa alba museum, historic houses -- kew (vic.), victorian architecture -- melbourne (vic.), mount royal hospital

Built for William and Anna-Maria Greenlaw in the early 1880s, and with interiors decorated by the Paterson Bros, Villa Alba remained in private ownership until 1949. From 1950, the house was owned by a number of institutions. By 1984, the Villa Alba Preservation Society had been formed, and three years later, the Mount Royal Hospital granted a 25-year lease to Kew Council. In 2004, the title to Villa Alba was passed by the Victorian Government to The Villa Alba Museum Incorporated.

Digital copy of a oolour 35mm slide, framed in a plastic mount, of the entrance to Villa Alba, 44 Walmer Street, Kew, 3101. The transparency shows the grey rendered tower, viewed from the east, looking west. At this stage a wing of the hospital abutted the south facade. The hospital wing was subsequently demolished and a Victorian era garden reinstated based on an original plan.

"Villa Alba exterior"

villa alba museum, historic houses -- kew (vic.), victorian architecture -- melbourne (vic.), mount royal hospital

Built for William and Anna-Maria Greenlaw in the early 1880s, and with interiors decorated by the Paterson Bros, Villa Alba remained in private ownership until 1949. From 1950, the house was owned by a number of institutions. By 1984, the Villa Alba Preservation Society had been formed, and three years later, the Mount Royal Hospital granted a 25-year lease to Kew Council. In 2004, the title to Villa Alba was passed by the Victorian Government to The Villa Alba Museum Incorporated.

Digital copy of a oolour 35mm slide, framed in a plastic mount, of the earliest known photograph of Villa Alba, 44 Walmer Street, Kew, 3101.

"Villa Alba photo / 1800s"

villa alba museum, historic houses -- kew (vic.), victorian architecture -- melbourne (vic.)

Built for William and Anna-Maria Greenlaw in the early 1880s, and with interiors decorated by the Paterson Bros, Villa Alba remained in private ownership until 1949. From 1950, the house was owned by a number of institutions. By 1984, the Villa Alba Preservation Society had been formed, and three years later, the Mount Royal Hospital granted a 25-year lease to Kew Council. In 2004, the title to Villa Alba was passed by the Victorian Government to The Villa Alba Museum Incorporated.

Digital copy of a olour 35mm slide, framed in a plastic mount, of the portico of Villa Alba, 44 Walmer Street, Kew, 3101. The transparency shows the grey rendered rear of the building, viewed from the east, looking west. A two storey wing of the Mount Royal Hospital, facing Nolan Avenue is at the right. The slide shows a set of wire gates separating the east garden of Villa Alba from the main house.

"Villa Alba"

villa alba museum, mount royal hospital, historic houses -- kew (vic.), victorian architecture -- melbourne (vic.)

Built for William and Anna-Maria Greenlaw in the early 1880s, and with interiors decorated by the Paterson Bros, Villa Alba remained in private ownership until 1949. From 1950, the house was owned by a number of institutions. By 1984, the Villa Alba Preservation Society had been formed, and three years later, the Mount Royal Hospital granted a 25-year lease to Kew Council. In 2004, the title to Villa Alba was passed by the Victorian Government to The Villa Alba Museum Incorporated.

Digital copy of a olour 35mm slide, framed in a plastic mount, of the portico of Villa Alba, 44 Walmer Street, Kew, 3101. The transparency shows the grey rendered tower and entrance, viewed from the east, looking west. The bay window of the drawing room is in the foreground.

"Villa Alba Exterior 1987"

villa alba museum, mount royal hospital, historic houses -- kew (vic.), victorian architecture -- melbourne (vic.)

Built for William and Anna-Maria Greenlaw in the early 1880s, and with interiors decorated by the Paterson Bros, Villa Alba remained in private ownership until 1949. From 1950, the house was owned by a number of institutions. By 1984, the Villa Alba Preservation Society had been formed, and three years later, the Mount Royal Hospital granted a 25-year lease to Kew Council. In 2004, the title to Villa Alba was passed by the Victorian Government to The Villa Alba Museum Incorporated.

Digital copy of a olour 35mm slide, framed in a plastic mount, of the entrance to Villa Alba, 44 Walmer Street, Kew, 3101, in 2001. The transparency shows the grey rendered entry, viewed from the east, looking west. At this stage a wing of the hospital abutted the portico. The hospital wing was subsequently demolished and a Victorian era garden reinstated based on an original plan.

"Villa Alba 2001 / Les Littlechild photo"

villa alba museum, mount royal hospital, historic houses -- kew (vic.), victorian architecture -- melbourne (vic.)

The Local Government Act 1903 with notes and amendments and index; also table showing how sections of consolidated acts have ben dealt with. Prepared by J. T. Collins, MA., LLM, Barrister at Law and C. H. Meaden, Secretary of the Municipal Association of Victoria, the draftsmen of the Act. Melbourne, Charles F. Maxwell (G. Partridge & Co.), Law Booksellers and Publishers, 458 Chancery Lane, 1904

local government act 1903, cr william woollard

Peter Nicholaas Wurtheim Wallinga was born in the Netherlands in 1929, and emigrated to Australia in 1939. In 1963-4 he purchased a block of land and built a house at 44 Sackville Street, Kew. A company director, he was elected to Council in August 1973. His first term as Mayor began in August 1976. When Cr Wallinga was re-elected Mayor in 1980-1, he was also the newly elected President of Kew Lions Club. During his two mayoral terms, Cr Wallinga attended many functions representing the City of Kew, opening events, presenting awards and leading the Council in decision-making. When he retired from Council in 1982, he continued to live in Sackville Street until January 1992, when he moved to Mitcham. He died in 1996.

Wooden board with an inscribed metal plaque given by The International Association of Lions Clubs with a detailed inscription listing the purpose of the award, the recipient's name and the date (1995)

"The International Association of Lions Clubs / By action of its Board of Directors approves the recommendation of the Lions Club / of Kew, Australia / and does hereby confer upon Peter Wallinga Life Membership in said club / This membership is awarded in recognition of outstanding service as a Lion / 02/10/95 / [signature] President, Lions Club International

peter wallinga, lions club of kew, plaques

Peter Nicholaas Wurtheim Wallinga was born in the Netherlands in 1929, and emigrated to Australia in 1939. In 1963-4 he purchased a block of land and built a house at 44 Sackville Street, Kew. A company director, he was elected to Council in August 1973. His first term as Mayor began in August 1976. When Cr Wallinga was re-elected Mayor in 1980-1, he was also the newly elected President of Kew Lions Club. During his two mayoral terms, Cr Wallinga attended many functions representing the City of Kew, opening events, presenting awards and leading the Council in decision-making. When he retired from Council in 1982, he continued to live in Sackville Street until January 1992, when he moved to Mitcham. He died in 1996.

Wooden board with three metal raised sections, the first being the logo of the Lions International Foundation, the second outlining the purpose and recipient of the award, and the third a portrait medallion.

"Melvin Jones Fellow presented to Peter N.V. Wallinga / for dedicated humanitarian services / Lions Club International Foundation"

peter wallinga, lions club of kew, plaques

Framed studio sepia photograph of the wedding party of Jess Anderson and Victor Diggins in 1935. The wedding took place at the Presbyterian Church, Kew. The signature of the photographers - Dickinson Monteath - is at bottom right. [The Dickinson Monteath Studio operated at 296 Collins Street Melbourne during the 1930s and into the 1940s.]

Inscribed below: "Jess (Anderson) & Victor Diggins Wedding / 1935 / L to R standing Joseph Diggins, Victor Diggins, Jess Diggins, Lawrence Jesse Diggins / Sitting Marie Whitbourne, Phil Anderson (Jess's sister) & later Mrs Joseph Diggins (Right). Bridesmaid on left.

photographers - dickinson-monteath, jess anderson, victor diggins, cecil street -- kew (vic.), kew presbyterian church – kew (vic.)

One of a group of photographs, including three within a published photo collage , taken by Edgar James Dower in the second decade of the twentieth century. Born and raised in Olinda, Dower later moved to Surrey Hills. He worked as an adult as a clerk in the city office of the Metropolitan Gas Company, and in his role as a 'collector', he was able to photograph scenes including the construction of tramlines, railways and associated buildings in Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell and Surrey Hills. Later he established a real estate agency with his brother - the E.J. Dower Real Estate Agency, Mount Dandenong Office.

The photo collage is an historically significant record of the development of transport infrastructure which was used to connect Victorians in the first two decades of the twentieth century. This development resulted from increases in population and the consequent extension of Melbourne's suburbs. The photographs, both individually and collectively, richly detail the labour of workers and the tools and machinery used to create and extend Melbourne's public transport network in the years preceding and during World War 1.

Photo collage, published in The Leader newspaper in 1913, to commemorate the opening of the Malvern to Kew Tramway. The numbered photos are: 1. Kew Railway Gates at Glenferrie. 2. Burke Road Terminus. 3. Final Stages. 4. Ladies at the Official Opening. 5. The Acting Mayoress of Kew Cutting the Ribbon at the Kew Boundary. 6. Mayor and Councillors at the Kew Terminus. 7. The Cutting the First Ribbon. 8. Guests at the Hawthorn Town Hall.

Inscribed in ink by Edgar J Dower top left: "The 3 top photographs were taken by E J Dower. No.3 Cotham Road Kew near Glenferrie Road"

theme -- connecting victorians by transport and communications, theme -- travelling by tram

The East Kew Women’s Club was formed on 20 July 1945 as an experiment amongst local women, who felt that there was a need for some organised group to give full scope to their various interests and hobbies. In the beginning, they met at the house of their founder, Mrs Eric Thake, 48 Harp Road, East Kew, but the growth and interest was so rapid that it was soon necessary to find a larger meeting place, so the group moved to the Harrier’s Pavilion in Victoria Park, Kew. At the fifth meeting of the group, a committee was formed, and a constitution adopted on 4 December 1945.The Club was aimed to be non-political, non-sectarian and open to women from any locality. The Club’s motto was “To Help others, Improve Ourselves, and Foster the Community Spirit”. The first twenty years of the Club was recorded in a small, nine-page publication “East Kew Women’s Club : Twenty Years 20-7-1945 - 30-7-1965”.

Portrait photograph of Geraldine Ward, signed, dated and addressed to the Ladies of the East Kew Women's Club.

Obverse: [Signed in ink] For the ladies of the East Kew Women's Club with warm wishes, Geraldine Ward 1960." [Reverse annotated] Presented to Society with Minute Books from East Kew Women's Club. / Signed Geraldine Ward across photo / KH-217 / {Stamped] Hand Hasenpflug Illustrative Photography, 62 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Phone CENT 2187.

clubs -- kew east (vic.), east kew women's club, glenda ward

'Ordsall', renamed 'Southesk' in the 20th century was built for John Halfey in or before 1865. The house was rebuilt in the 1870s to designs by architect Michael Hennessy. In 1882 the house was redecorated by the firm of Cullis Hill & Co., who hired the artists 'Mr Vandenbrandt' and 'Signor Rizzi" to paint the ceilings of the ballroom and the drawingroom. The artistic triumph was described in detail in The Argus, 30 October, 1882. In 1947, Southesk was purchased by the Kew City Council. For 23 years it was used as a meeting place for community groups. The house was then demolished in 1970 to make way for a new Town Hall.

Rare, and possible unique fragment of a plaster cornice from one of the most architecturally distinctive houses in Kew, demolished 1970.

Section of plaster cornice removed from Southesk on the corner of Charles Street and Cotham Road, Kew, when it was demolished in 1970 by the City of Kew. The cornice has a narrow layer of previously coloured plaster which is now overlaid with a grey distemper. The foundation of the cornice is moulded cement. Remnant flowers moulded in the central band of the cornice include a rose and a sunflower. The plaster decoration was probably located in the entrance hall, dining room or ballroom, all of which were created in the 1870s by Michael Hennessy and decorated by the firm of art decorators, Cullis Hill & Co in 1882.

Nil

ordsall, south esk, cullis hill, plasterwork, cornices, victorian interiors

Many of the Henty's of the Western District of Victoria also owned houses in Kew, Victoria. Stephen Henty, referred to on the reverse of the postcard, lived while a member of the Vitoria Parliament at 'Findon' in Kew. Kew Historical Society also holds a nationally significant collection of costumes belonging to three generations of Henty women.

Monochrome, blue tinted 'real photo' postcard of Housen's Richmond Hotel, Portland. Two women stand on the steps of the hotel at left, with the rose garden in front of them. Behind them is a church spire. The hotel and its significance is outlined in two columns of blue coloured text on the reverse.

Printed reverse: "THE RICHMOND is the most historical building in the State. On the site of today's building Edward Henty, the founder of permanent settlement in Victoria, commenced his first house February 19, 1835, finishing the work in two months. He had landed in Portland on Nov. 19th, 1834, and turned the first plough furrows in Victoria where the Hotel now stands on the 26th of the following month. It was also here that Major Mitchell ended his explorations from Sydney, meeting the Hentys on August 29th, 1836. In December of the same year Mrs S. G. Henty joined her husband, their son Richmond, the first male white child in Portland, being born in the Henty cottage. The present Richmond Hotel was built in 1840, and became the home of Stephen Henty until his departure from Portland in 1869. Though Edward Henty's first house was demolished in 1840, to make room for the new surveyed town streets, part of his wool store remains in the Hotel grounds, and is used as a wood shed. This is about the oldest building in the State : in it was held the first christening service in Portland on September 26th, 1841. On the site of the Richmond Hotel all the early visiting celebrities were entertained - Mitchell, Wedge, La Trobe, Fyans, Sir John Franklin, Capt. Stokes, etc. No other hostelry in Victoria can give you the historical atmosphere of the RICHMOND. / THE ORIGINAL HOME OF THE HENTYS."

henty family, richmond hotel -- portland (vic.), stephen henty, edward henty, richmond henty, henty houses -- victoria, portland, postcards

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.

Parent file of the items in the Viola Annie Ayling collection of 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s ceramics. This parent file includes digital copies of a photograph of the ceramicist and also of her home at 128 Pakington Street, Kew, in 1951 where she practiced her art.

128 pakington street -- kew (vic.), ceramics -- victoria (australia), viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.

A handmade lamp base, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.

Handmade lamp base, irregularly ridged with applied green and yellow glazes. The lamp base has a hole for a cord above the foot.

Signature to base: "V. Ayling"

ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), lamp bases, viola annie ayling, viola annie mcvicars

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.

A handmade dish, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.

Hand built deep dish, glazed in maroon and green. The maroon ground includes a splash of green in the centre of the dish. This is the only ceramic piece in the collection that is both signed and dated.

Signature to base: "V. Ayling / 1954"

ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola annie ayling, viola annie mcvicars

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.

A handmade dish, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.

A large, eathernware dish, with a maroon ground and a mottled green and black glaze on the inside of the dish. The petals that form the floral design on the base are highlighted in a pink glaze. Each petal overlaps the rim. The artist's signature is on the base.

Signature to base: "V. Ayling"

ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.

A handmade dish, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.

Hand thrown earthenware dish, covered with a chocolate brown glaze into which a design on the cavetto and well has been incised. The cavetto has a design of four groups of joined semicircles filled with horizontal and vertical lines. The well includes an abstract representation of a flower. The signed, finely shaped foot and rim are glazed in cream with the artist's signature incised on the base.

Signature to base: "V. Ayling"

ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola annie ayling, viola annie mcvicars

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.

A handmade container, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.

Handmade, initially thrown lidded container, with applied decorative coils as decorative elements. The pot has a vibrant yellow glazed ground with highlighting in green glaze. The underneath of the separate lid continues the circular design with an incised spiral design. The base is signed with the signature of the artist.

Signature to base: "V. Ayling"

ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), containers, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.

A handmade oval footed dish, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.

Handmade, earthenware, footed oval dish, covered with a turquoise glaze. The feet, two of which has been repaired, were created from coils that were then luted to the base.The base bears the signature of the artist.

Signature to base: "V. Ayling"

ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), dishes, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling

Viola Annie McVicars (1911–1990) was born in Korumburra on 29 April 1911. At the age of 21, she married William John Ayling (1909–1995). After their marriage in 1932, they moved to Kew, initially to 81 Tennyson Street, and later to 180 Pakington Street. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter, creating her ceramics at her home in Pakington Street, where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. Following her death in 1990, her studio pottery passed to her daughter, and following the daughter’s death, to her granddaughter. This piece of glazed earthenware is part of a collection of 15 functional and decorative ceramic items donated by Viola’s granddaughter to the collection in 2024.

A handmade vase, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Pate.

Wheel thrown bulbous vase with a narrow neck. Subsequent to potting, the vase has been scraped from head to foot. An overall pink glaze, fading as it has dripped down the exterior has been highlighted with a second irregularly applied green glaze within the ridged surface. The artist has signed the base.

Signature to bases: "V. Ayling"

ceramics, pakington street -- kew (vic.), vase, viola annie mcvicars, viola annie ayling