Australian Dress Register

Frederick Boyton Smith was the third child (and youngest son) born to Gracie Doris (nee Boyton) and Joseph Smith. Frederick was born at Manly, NSW on 24 April 1921. He married Heather Eileen Patricia Ray, and worked a wheat and sheep farm at Wallacetown near Wagga Wagga, NSW.

Frederick's two brothers were:

Keith Ronald - born Manly, NSW 23 July 1917 (never married)

Jack Boyton - born Manly, NSW 29 May 1919, died 1 September 1919

This costume, identified by the donor as representing the fairytale character 'Prince Charming' was worn by Frederick Boyton Smith, the youngest son of Gracie Doris (nee Boyton) and Joseph Smith. In the associated photograph, he appears to be aged approximately 10 years old, which would date the costume to c. 1931 (or early 1930s).

There is a second costume in this collection which was also worn by Frederick. This costume comprises a brown and red jacket, and a matching crepe paper hat, both worn as part of an elf costume (according to accompanying notes).

Prior to the advent of the modern 'costume shop', costumes for fancy dress occasions were most commonly made at home.

Such surviving costumes are a testament to recycling - the re-use of materials, and also the creativity and resourcefulness of people in the first half of the 20th century.

All information provided are from family notes which accompanied the garments when acquired.

To date, this costume has not been exhibited.

Sequins (hat brim), Tulle

Metallic thread flowers (hat brim)

* Blue cotton stockings

* Blue silk jacket with white cotton wool adornment

* Blue and white striped silk breeches

* Blue silk shoes with cardboard soles and silk covered button decoration

* Blue silk hat with white tulle sewn around rim. The tulle has embroidered decoration, including metallic gold thread, blue flowers, pale green leaves and the affixed blue sequins. The brim interior is shaped using wire sewn into the fabric.

Large hand sewn stitches in varying colours of cotton thread are especially visible inside the hat and down the vertical centre (interior) of jacket.

None

None

The jacket front is held closed by a mixture of buttons and press studs. The breeches are held up with an elasticised waistline.

There is wire inserted inside the brim of the hat, which allows it to keep its shape.

The Museum also holds a number of other children's costumes in its collection. These include:

Elf costume (with cotton coat and crepe paper hat) made for Frederick Boyton Smith by his mother, c. late 1920s-early 1930s.

Stewart collection of children's fancy dress (or dance costumes) - c. 1920s-30s.

Pixie costume - Wagga Wagga Grammar School collection, worn during school plays, c. 1915-46.

String Bag and Peg Bag costumes - made by Daphne Oriel Begg, c. 1950s - using hessian bags, crepe paper and thread.

'I Dream of Jeannie' costume, c. 1976 - made by Annette Brown for her daughter to wear to Lake Albert Public School social, using recycled kitchen curtain material and sequins sewn over bikini swimmers.

One leg of the breeches has sustained significant damage - possibly having been eaten by mice - there is also some associated staining.

There is one major spot of discolouration inside breeches, but this appears to be dirt (or mud) rather than mould.

The surface of the garment needs to be gently cleaned to remove dirt, and insect frass.

Top press stud (silver) appears to be of a later date than the other three, which are copper alloy.

Some evidence of insect damage to the breeches in particular. There is also previous insect (clothes moth) damage to the hat, and the coat (mainly the cotton wadding decoration down the front).