Re published with permission of Brighton Historical Society This dressing gown, made from a double bed crazy quilt, shows the work of many hands over many years, from around 1860 to 1915. Initiated by the family of Emerald Hill hoteliers William and Polly Hodgens, the quilt became a communal work featuring contributions from relatives, friends, Read More
Re published with permission of Brighton Historical Society The winning entry in the 1963 Gown of the Year competition, this ball gown is a sumptuous creation of French guipure lace embroidered with silk ribbon and hand-beaded with pearl crystals and French paillettes. Designed by Lorna White for local fashion house Hartnell of Melbourne, the dress represents, Read More
Re published with permission of Brighton Historical Society In difficult times the need for love and romance prevails, offering hope and distraction from events. Family and community are an important source of support and sharing of resources. Worn by three Brighton brides between 1941 and 1948, this wedding dress holds a local story of love, family, Read More
Re published with permission of Brighton Historical Society Contemporary material culture reflects the world in which it exists. World events, technological advances and exposure to new ideas all influence social change and consumer choice. We reflect upon our own experiences and align ourselves with selected ideas, people and communities, ultimately creating a sense of, Read More
It has been a pleasure over the past two years to chip away at the project I undertook with colleague Laura Jocic to catalogue and address storage for 100 key items which represent the collection supported by a Local History Grant from Public Record Office Victoria. From this 100, ten were selected for research, Read More
There are certain people who come into your life who make a significant impact. One of those people for me has been a women who has become a dear friend and colleague. A woman who puts all other people and causes before herself and so she would not want me to say too much, Read More
I have been head down doing the work, not reporting on the work of late. Have not managed the promised steady stream of updates. But doing the work is after all the most important bit, right? Of course it is. We now have 115 fabulous pieces available on Victorian Collections. It is sooooo hard, Read More
In the latter part of 2017 Brighton Historical Society was thrilled to receive a Local History Grant from the Public Records Office Victoria. The project is to catalogue a substantial selection of the most important pieces of its costume collection onto Museums Victoria’s Victorian Collections data base. Laura Jocic and I are honoured and, Read More
This lovely simple brooch was inherited from my late grand mother a few years ago. She was a woman of modest means but she loved to dress up when an occasion presented itself. Whilst this is a modest 1950’s piece I find it rather charming. When I received it was missing one diamanté with, Read More
There is something special about family heirlooms that has nothing to do with monetary value. Somehow in knowing that one of your forbearers wore and valued an item of jewellery it gives you a connection to the past that is quite special. Jewellery is an especially personal item and pearls have been a valued, Read More