-
Beaded dress made by Miss Una Simpson
1925 - 1926Museum of the Riverina
This dress is of historic and aesthetic significance, and is one of only a handful of 1920s dresses in the Museum's collection. Even though we know little of the dressmaker Miss Una Simpson, the bead-work and design is exceptional. It is a visible reminder of the fashion trends of the 1920s, a period in fashion history when the formality of the Edwardian period relaxed and the excitement of 'modernity' clashed head-on to create a legacy of truly unique garments ... more
-
Waistcoat worn by James Butler
1853Port Macquarie Historical Society
This waistcoat is a rare provenanced item of men's costume in the Port Macquarie Historical Society collection. It was worn by James Butler [1828-1910], a New Zealand immigrant, at his marriage to Ellen Blair [1833-1901] on 13 December 1853 at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Port Macquarie. The waistcoat is a good example of men's costume. With its silk damask fabric, corded edging, decorative pockets and fine stitching it makes a fashion statement and contradicts commonly held views that ... more
-
Dress made by Finney Isles & Co. Limited
1905 - 1915Port Macquarie Historical Society
This elegant dress with its elaborately decorated bodice and stylish skirt trim was made by Queensland department store, Finney Isles & Co Limited. The store became a limited company in February 1905 which helps to date this garment by its maker's label. The dress was worn by Martha Alice Gilmore (nee Stephen) [d1934]. Martha's husband Thomas Ferdinand Gilmore [1862-1913] was the Manager of Finney Isles Murwillumbah store from its opening in 1904 until his death by self administered poison in 1913. Their daughter Maud Mary [1886-1967] also worked at the store until her marriage to Edward Uptin in 1911. The Murwillumbah store was burnt down during a large fire in the town in 1907 but rebuilt and reopened in 1908. Perhaps this dress was worn at a celebratory function or ball to mark the town's rebuilding. The dress has many features of late Victorian dress, including its corseting and complex hook and eye fastenings to the bodice. The bodice is beautifully decorated with a combination of lace, net, braid, ribbon, tassels and embroidered buttons. These trims are used again on the skirt. The dress has been expertly sewn. All seams are cleanly finished, all linings intact and nothing out of place. This is consistent with a newspaper article describing the Finney Isles women's work room in 1882; "...where numerous girls were sitting at their sewing machines, working swiftly, deftly and noiselessly, except for the click of the needles as the fabrics sped beneath them...". The silk satin fabric used is starting to show signs of wear but is still in good condition evidencing the quality of the fabric which was something the company advertised. This dress ... more
-
Cream velvet wedding dress
1944Glen Innes & District Historical Society
A beautiful example in excellent condition of a wedding dress worn by a bride from a prominent local grazing family of the Glen Innes district. The wedding was during the final years of the Second World War and the dress was made of fabric which would have been hard to come by at that time. The bride, Beryl Foot, and her groom, Lionel Smith, owned and operated a local grazing property 'Oaklands' which was well know for its wool production ... more
-
Skirt worn by Catherine Thomson
1890 - 1900Stanton Library
A provenanced item in the Costume and Object collection held by Stanton Library in North Sydney. Skirts such as this made from expensive fabrics and with trains were often worn on formal occasions by 'well-to-do' ladies in the Edwardian era. It was made for Catherine Thomson to wear at the opening of the first Australian Parliament at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne on 9 May 1901. Opened by The Prince George, Duke of Cornwall and York (later George V ... more
-
Manly-Warringah rugby jersey
1930 - 1939Warringah Council
This is a well-worn sporting garment from the peak of the Great Depression. The numerous holes and repairs on this jersey speak of a time of thrift and making do. David Jones made this Manly-Warringah Rugby League jersey. It was owned and worn by Alf Henderson of Harbord in the early 1930s. It is significant as a well-provenanced example of a Rugby League jersey from the early days of the league in Australia, and on the Northern Beaches in particular ... more
-
Gillett Sisters' Charleston dress
1925 - 1928Albury Library Museum
This 1920s dress was donated by Daintry Heywood and she was possibly the owner. It was worn by one of the three Gillett sisters and is an important part of a significant collection donated to Albury City. This black silk taffeta dress, described by the donor as a Charleston dress, was donated in 1968. The style is characteristic of the 1920s with its dropped waist and loose fitting design. But, it is the aesthetic quality of the embroidery and beading ... more
-
Queen Victoria's nightdress
1900 - 1901Port Macquarie Historical Society
This nightdress is significant for its association with the longest reigning British monarch Queen Victoria [1819-1901], Queen of England and Ireland 1837 to 1901. Whilst many souvenirs were produced to mark the reign of Queen Victoria and particularly her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840, her Golden Jubilee in 1887 and her Diamond Jubilee in 1897, items of Queen Victoria's clothing are relatively rare. It is believed that her large wardrobe including underwear items were dispersed to members of ... more
-
Christening gown made by Hannah Henderson
1912Newcastle Museum
Historic. This humble little christening gown was worn by at least one child born to Hannah and George Henderson, in the opening years of the 20th century. Their first child, a son, was born on the fateful date 15 April 1912, the day the RMS 'Titanic' sank. Even though it is not known who made this gown, it is a lovely example of early 20th century recycling and 'making-do', being made from the skirt of Hannah's wedding dress. As ... more
-
Three piece Rundles suit worn by Lawrence Watkins
1931Newcastle Museum
Historic and Social. The social aspect of significance for this suit is twofold. Firstly, it was manufactured by Rundles, an iconic Newcastle business, now in its 180th year of operation. Furthermore, the suit was purchased to be worn to Eisteddfods, which were surely a highlight of a town or city's social calendar, especially during the dark years of the Great Depression. Due to very high levels of Welsh mining migration to Newcastle and the Hunter during the 19th and ... more
-
Cape belonging to Riverina midwife, Nurse Catherine Burke.
1920 - 1940Museum of the Riverina
As part of the Nurse Burke Collection, this garment holds historic and aesthetic significance. The long, navy blue cape, Gladstone bag and navy felt hat were powerful symbols of a profession that carried the tools to save the lives of both mother and child. Midwives were well known and respected members of the community, and with their large bag and distinctive uniform, they were instantly recognisable. Nurse Burke's cape, along with its associated collection, enables the museum to explore ... more
-
Blue silk wedding dress
1840 - 1843Sydney Living Museums
This charming hand stitched wedding gown is a unique and fine example of a provenanced Australian dress. It was worn by Margaret Drummond Gentle for her wedding to the Rev. William Grant in Perthshire, Scotland in June 1845 and then passed to Margaret Ross Steel by Miss Barbara Grant, a daughter of the original owner. A full length seated photograph by Alma Studio of Margaret Steel wearing the dress in about 1938 is in the Meroogal collection. The silk is ... more
- View as:
- thumbnails
- List
-
Sort byMost recent
-
Items per Page12