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Australian dress register ID:
141 -
Owner:
Quirindi and District Historical Society -
Date range:
1909 -
Place of origin:
New South Wales, Australia -
Gender:
Male
Object information
Significance statement
These garments have historic, social and aesthetic significance, and are representative of men's formal clothing early in the 20th century. Their ownership by the Reilly family relates to Quirindi's commercial history. The Reilleys mens wear store in Quirindi is third generation Reilley and is the grandson of the owner of the wedding suit.
This store celebrates it`s 100th anniversary in 2011.
The main frabric of this suit is wool. The linings of the two waistcoats are cream cotton and the lapels have a silky feel to it.
There are two pairs of trousers with the outfit. The bottom of the trousers have been cut in a way that the back of the trousers are longer and cover the back of the shoe while the front sits on top of the shoe.
He was a fastidious man - hence the menswear store in Quirindi. Author: Quirinidi and District Historical Society, 30th July 2010.
Description
Jacket, trousers and waistcoat with additional waistcoat and trousers of slightly different style - points instead of curves at waist of trousers (back) and lapels on waistcoat. Shaped trouser cuffs to fit over shoes.
History and Provenance
Births, deaths, marriages, children or family information
The family, being in the clothing trade, have kept this suit as a memento of their grandfather for sentimental and professional reasons.
Do you have any stories or community information associated with this?
John Reilly was involved with the clothing trade during his lifetime, as were his descendants. His menswear store was in a central position in Quirindi main street (George St.) and has maintained a similarity of standard and presentation for three generations. It appears in "What's in Store?" pp. 80 - 81.
How does this garment relate to the wider historical context?
This suit illustrates a style of men's clothing for formal occasions (weddings) and black tie events (e.g. Lodge dinners). The variations (points/curves) of waistcoats and trouser tops create two different suits with a shared coat.
Place of origin:
New South Wales, Australia
Owned by:
J.J. Reilly, early 20th C: kept by son & grandson.
Worn by:
John Joseph Reilly
Occasion(s):
For his wedding to Edith Colley.
Place:
Tamworth
Designed by:
Unknown
Made by:
Made to measure.
Made for:
John Joseph Reilly
Fibre / Weave
Trousers (2), jacket (1) and waistcoats (2) wool. One waistcoat has better quality fabric.
Cotton is used for lining and back panel of waistcoats.
Unknown fabric used on jacket lapels - silk?
All suit elements are black.
Waistcoat linings are cream.
- Natural dye
- Synthetic dye
Fastenings
Coat fastening: button on either side. Not sure if meant to hang open or linked
- Hook and eye
- Lacing
- Buttons
- Zip
- Drawstring
Measurements
| coat | trousers | waistcoat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Girth | |||
| Chest | 450 mm | 600 mm | |
| Waist | 1040 mm | 720 mm | 820 mm |
| Hip | 1060 mm | 1020 mm | |
| Vertical | |||
| Back neck to hem | 690 mm | 460 mm | |
| Back waist to hem | 1110 mm | 80 mm | |
| Sleeve length | 600 mm | ||
| Outside leg | 1110 mm | ||
| Horizontal | |||
| Neck to sleeve head | 150 mm | ||
| Cross back | 340 mm | ||
| Underarm to underarm | 460 mm | ||
| Convert to inches | |||
1st pair of pants -
Round top on waist band where braces attach.
2nd pair of pants -
Pointed top on waist band back where braces attach.
!st waistcoat -
Rounded lapels
2nd waistcoat -
Pointed lapels
Additional material
Articles, publications, diagrams and receipts descriptions
Three additional pages from published local history giving background of the family business
Other related objects
The Historical Cottage Museum collection in Quirindi has recently been given the street sign from J.J. Reilly's store in George Steet, Quirindi
Condition
Some perspiration stains in jacket.
Some discolouration in lining of jacket and waistcoats.
Insect damage
Moth holes in trousers
Mould damage
None
State
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Damage
- Discolouration
- Holes
- Stained