An exhibition showcasing fashions worn to four of Australia’s most important events will be on display at Williamstown library from August 1.
Curated by the National Capital Authority (NCA), the exhibition shows actual and replica costumes worn to the laying of the foundation stones and naming of Canberra in 1913, to the opening of Parliament House in 1927, to the filling of Lake Burley Griffin in 1964, and the opening of the Parliament House in 1988.
Garments include 1920s fashions on loan from Fabrile in Melbourne, the Benalla Costume and Pioneer Museum, and private Canberra collections.
NCA chairwoman and Hobsons Bay resident Shelley Penn said developing the exhibition had been a labour of love.
“The dress worn by the governor-general’s wife, Lady Denman, was recreated by volunteers who worked from original photographs and a Raymond Longford film of the event,” she said.
Tours with the NCA’s Roslyn Hull will take place for secondary schools on August 1 and the wider community on August 2.
Milliner Christine Waring will host two hat-making workshops based on a 1920s ‘cloche’ on August 7 from 5-9.30pm and August 8 from 10am-2.30pm.
Tickets for the hat-making workshops can be bought at www.hobsonsbaytickets.com.au. Their price is $110.
The exhibition launch will be from 6pm on Friday, August 1.
The Hobsons Bay Libraries Heritage Group will host a tour and afternoon tea on August 28 from 2-3.30pm.
For bookings to the launch or heritage tour, visit: libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
