Australian Dress Register

This dress may have been worn by either Dorothy or Emily Mathers, sisters who were raised in a strong Methodist family and community. As spinsters, these ladies inherited their family dairy farm which was managed by Mr.Harold Barlin. Like other rural ladies of their generation, they spent their time doing handcrafts, keeping house for Mr Barlin, attending Bible study and contributing to their community.

This simple tailored black dress in lovely draping crepe de chine would have been practical to wear at community or church events during the day or evening by either of the ladies.

The cheaply manufactured plastic art deco pin is an interesting addition to the garment as it demonstrates the Miss Mathers 'awareness' of accessorising. It is well known that these ladies were never seen without their hats and gloves and some of the hats in our collection now provenanced to these ladies show their interest in following fashion trends.

I believe this dress demonstrates their interest in balancing being seen within the community as well dressed and fashionable with following the Methodist principles of frugality. The well made dress has been darned and worn through repeated wearing and the pin has been ingenuously repurposed.

This dress is a fine example of day wear for the 1930's period.

Author: Marsha Rennie, 29th June 2011.

Simple shift style dress with low waist. The dress opens to the front with a detachable modesty panel in cream. This panel is secured at the back of the neck with a press stud. It is also secured at the neckline with a plastic art deco pin in black and silver. To ensure the pin does not slide free, a black thread has been bound repeatedly around the length of the pin with a stitch securing the pin on either side of neckline.

Two matching lace panels formed of piping made from the same fabric run from the neckline down to the waist. The same piped lace is inserted into panels on either side of the collar. Four pleats commence at knee level and run to the hemline. The back has 5 small pleats running from knee to hem. There is also 5 small pleats at the back of neckline.

The dress has long sleeves fastening at wrist with a press stud to produce a tapered form. At the head of the sleeve is two short rows of stitching which produce a gathered effect.

Under one armpit is a piece of machine stitched and over locked beige cotton fabric possibly used for sweat absorbency. Safety pins have been used to secure either side. The other is missing.

There is a belt and a simple covered oval buckle made from the same fabric.