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Australian dress register ID:
144 -
Owner:
Quirindi and District Historical Society -
Date range:
1892 -
Place of origin:
Balmoral, New South Wales, Australia -
Gender:
Female, Child
Object information
Significance statement
This outfit is significant in several categories - historic, aesthetic, social and spiritual: also its rarity and association with prominent Quirindi families. Much handwork has gone into the production of this set of garments, for a special family event, a religious ceremony and an occasion for family celebration.
This beautifully embroidered christening gown, with shawl and bonnet is believed to be the christening robe of Mary Elizabeth Cobbett. Mary was born at Balmoral, New South Wales on November 24th 1892, the daughter of Stephen and Ada Cobbett. Stephen Cobbett was Stationmaster at Qulirlindi around 1910 - 1916. Mary married Cecil Andrtew "Jerry" Moore from Quirindi on October 20th 1917 in the garden of "Kenmore" at Green Point near Gosford New South Wales. They lived in Quirindi until 1934. Author: Quirinidi and District Historical Society, 30th July 2010.
Description
Silk embroidered baby's gown, front opening with press studs at waist and neck, crocheted edging.
Bonnet heavily embroidered.
Shawl with crocheted edging, embroidery on each corner, one the initial M (Mary), one butterfly, two floral patterns.
History and Provenance
Births, deaths, marriages, children or family information
Mary was born on November 24th 1892.
Do you have any stories or community information associated with this?
Mary was born at Balmoral New South Wales Nov. 24th 1892, the daughter of Stephen and Ada Corbett. Mary's father was the Station Master at Quirindi 1910 - 1916, and appreciated in the community for a colourful flower garden he established on the railway platform. The family lived in the near-by Station Masters' Residence, opposite the Historical Cottage Museum. Mary married Cecil Andrew (Jerry) Moore from Quirindi on October 20th 1917 in the garden of "Kenmore" at Green Point nr. Gosford NSW. Mary and Cecil lived in Dalley St. Quirindi until Cecil's death in 1934.
How does this garment relate to the wider historical context?
Mary Cobbett was associated with Quirindi both through her parents and by her marriage to a prominent local business man, Mr. C.A. Moore of Moore Bros. Stock and Station Agents.
The christening gown illustrates the style of garment for this occasion.
Place of origin:
Balmoral, New South Wales, Australia
Owned by:
Cobbett family.The father was station master at quirindi station.
Worn by:
Mary Elizabeth Cobbett
Occasion(s):
Her christening.
Place:
Balmoral New South Wales - church denomination unknown.
Designed by:
Her mother Ada?
Made by:
Her mother or other members of family.
Made for:
Mary's christening.
Trimmings / Decoration
Crocheted edgings and waistline, embroidered patterns on surfaces of frock and shawl.
Cut work embroidery on bonnet.
Embroidery
see below
Measurements
| gown | |
|---|---|
| Girth | |
| Neck | 270 mm |
| Waist | 480 mm |
| Hip | 620 mm |
| Hem circumference | 620 mm |
| Vertical | |
| Front neck to hem | 550 mm |
| Back waist to hem | 385 mm |
| Sleeve length | 145 mm |
| Convert to inches | |
Shawl: 800mm x 900mm
Bonnet: front to back: 260 mm
side to side: 300mm
Dress Themes
The bonnet has no ribbons so it could be quickly removed from the baby's head. The dress was coat like, so it could be easily slipped off to reveal simple clothing underneath, to protect this precious garment.
Additional material
Articles, publications, diagrams and receipts descriptions
Information in: "Quirindi 1900 - 1919" by D. Durrant.
Other related objects
The museum has other items relating to the Cobbett and Moore families in the archive.
Condition
Stains appear to be ink (on dress)
Holes in shawl & dress small.
Mould damage
Iron mould on gown.
State
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Damage
- Holes
- Stained