Historical information

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.

Significance

Kew was declared a separate municipality in 1860. To commemorate this, a number of events were held in Kew, including a Centenary Dinner Dance in 1960 at which the speakers were Sir Robert Menzies and Cr WHS Dickinson. As the Mayoress, Mrs Doris Dickinson accompanied her husband, wearing this dress.

Physical description

Evening dress, made of unlined grey velvet, worn by the Mayoress, Mrs Doris Dickinson, (wife of Cr WHS Dickinson), to the Kew Centenary Dinner Dance in the Kew Civic Hall. The dress has matching cream kid gloves. The dress was donated by Mrs Judith Goodes, a daughter of Cr. and Mrs. Dickinson.