Summary

Treadle sewing machine, made by Singer in or after 1892.

It was likely originally owned by the donor's great aunt, Elizabeth Gordon, who was born about 1860 and lived in Hampton. The machine then passed to her sister, Lilian Victoria Gordon (later Leitch), the donor's grandmother, who was 20 years younger than Elizabeth. Lilian Victoria loved sewing and was a seamstress at Foy and Gibson. She made her trousseau on the sewing machine and later a christening slip which has been used across generations.

After she was married Lilian Victoria moved to Northcote (with the sewing machine) where she owned a milk bar. She later moved with her husband to 6 Spencer Street, Preston. The donor, Wilma Berry, lived with her family next door at 4 Spencer Street. She used to watch Lilian Victoria sitting under a window using the sewing machine. The donor also watched her mother, Lylah Claire Jackson (nee Leitch, Lilian Victoria's daughter), working at the machine. Lylah used the machine until 1982 when she became ill. She died in 1987.

Wilma used the sewing machine to make garments including a dressing gown for her artist husband Edward. The sewing machine remained at Lilian Victoria's home in Grange Road, Kew, after she died, with the property occupied by her brother. When the home was put up for sale the sewing machine was offered to Museums Victoria.

A label with number on the top of the machine is believed by the donor's husband to be a lay-by claim ticket.

Physical Description

Sewing machine affixed to wooden bench with treadle beneath. Machine is enamelled in black, yellow and gold and has a metal plate inscribed with several patent dates from 1892. Label with number on top of sewing machine. Wooden bench; sewing machine cover with locking device at front; six small carved wooden drawers on either side of bench top with brass handles; wrought iron frame; worn red velvet cover on iron footplate. Accompanying the machine is a small black accessory box with several attachments inlcuding a 'vibrating shuttle', two instruction booklets with details of the Singer company, and a small pin cushion with needles.

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