Historical information

The dress was made by Miss Mary Ryan, a pupil at Lilydale Convent (now Mt Lilydale College) in 1902. It was worn to the Annual Empire Day Celebrations in Lilydale. Accompanying photo shows dress worn by Monica Ryan (no. 5089). The outfit also includes two hand made pockets for handkerchiefs and ties (nos. 735 & 736)

Physical description

Empire Day Dress; Cream silk, cotton lined, embroidered with kangaroos and emu holding shield, with Southern Cross stars above rising sun emblem. Banner below reads 'Advance Australia', embriodered with silk and cotton thread; also gold metalic braiding. Bodice of dress decorated with embroidered Australian and British flags, wattle branches and eucalyptus leaves, cotton, leather leaves(?); centre of dress and sleeve cuffs decorated with red, blue and white ribbons. Thin gold braiding around neckline. back of dress closes with hook and eye fasteners.

Inscriptions & markings

'Advance Australia' in gold metalic thread, bottom of dress.