Item MM 139900 Photograph - Ellen Webb, circa 1910s

Summary

Copy of original black and white photograph of Ellen Webb (1836-1924).

Ellen lived a genteel life at Melville, 32 Middle Crescent Brighton, in her later life, making handcrafts such as this headpiece. She was born in Norfolk, England, the daughter of an agricultural labourer, and went into service as a maid. In 1856 she married her cousin Thomas Webb, an Australian settler, who returned from Australia to marry her. Thomas had done well on the goldfields, and used his earnings to buy a half-share in a schooner. During his visit to England he became qualified as a ship's captain, and later became wealthy as a shipping company director. Thomas and Ellen returned to Australia and had eight children. Thomas died at the age of 68, in 1898, and Ellen outlived him for many years. She died at the age of 88, in 1924.

Two headpieces hand-made by Ellen Webb are already held in Museum Victoria's collection (HT 23590 and HT 23591). She appears to be wearing HT 23591 in the photograph.

Description of Content

Portrait of woman, head and shoulders, with dark lace bodice, pale lace dickie and headdress.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph.