Re published with permission of Brighton Historical Society The winning entry in the 1963 Gown of the Year competition, this ball gown is a sumptuous creation of French guipure lace embroidered with silk ribbon and hand-beaded with pearl crystals and French paillettes. Designed by Lorna White for local fashion house Hartnell of Melbourne, the dress represents, Read More
Re published with permission of Brighton Historical Society In difficult times the need for love and romance prevails, offering hope and distraction from events. Family and community are an important source of support and sharing of resources. Worn by three Brighton brides between 1941 and 1948, this wedding dress holds a local story of love, family, Read More
Re published with permission of Brighton Historical Society Contemporary material culture reflects the world in which it exists. World events, technological advances and exposure to new ideas all influence social change and consumer choice. We reflect upon our own experiences and align ourselves with selected ideas, people and communities, ultimately creating a sense of, Read More
Republished with permission of Brighton Historical Society For those living through the World Wars and financial hardship of the early-to-mid twentieth century, hard work and sacrifice were all too familiar. Through its design, wear, tear and repair, this 1940s grocer’s dustcoat innately reflects the interwoven world events and their impact on the everyday lives of ordinary, Read More
It has been a pleasure over the past two years to chip away at the project I undertook with colleague Laura Jocic to catalogue and address storage for 100 key items which represent the collection supported by a Local History Grant from Public Record Office Victoria. From this 100, ten were selected for research, Read More
I am going to admit straight up that this is a catch up post!! I have been madly busy and I manage to post the odd item to Instagram but I have not blogged for ages. So, just wanted to fill you in on a few of the progressions of the Brighton Historical Society, Read More
In the latter part of 2017 Brighton Historical Society was thrilled to receive a Local History Grant from the Public Records Office Victoria. The project is to catalogue a substantial selection of the most important pieces of its costume collection onto Museums Victoria’s Victorian Collections data base. Laura Jocic and I are honoured and, Read More
Ripponlea and Barwon Park have hosted some stunning frocks in their time. This new exhibition by The National Trust, Night Life – A fashion exhibition of the 1920’s and 1930’s is no exception. A recent bequest of gowns inspired this curation exploring the decadent, ground breaking, jubilant styles of the 1920s and the more, Read More
This lovely simple brooch was inherited from my late grand mother a few years ago. She was a woman of modest means but she loved to dress up when an occasion presented itself. Whilst this is a modest 1950’s piece I find it rather charming. When I received it was missing one diamanté with, Read More
Unfortunately by the time you are reading this, the exhibition will be over! Ah well. Due to other commitments both professional and personal I have not managed to get this post published in a timely manner. Never mind. It was a lovely little exhibition held by the City of Glen Eira as part of, Read More