Historical information

This dress was worn by Nancy Kirsner (nee Rosenhain, b. 1906) and her older sister Mona (b. 1903) as children in England.

Nancy Bertha Rosenhain was born in Worchestershire to German-Australian metallurgist Walter Rosenhain and Australian Louisa Rosenhain (nee Monash). Louisa was the sister of Sir John Monash; the couple met through a synagogue in Melbourne before settling in England.

Nancy travelled to Melbourne in 1929 and was married to Marcus Kirsner on 24 July 1932. Nancy and Marcus lived together at 3 Baroona Court in Brighton.

Physical description

White cotton piqué dress. Square neck. Skirt gathered at waist. Broderie anglais trim around neck and sleeves. Hand-embroidered cornelli work on sleeves, bodice, and skirt. Small frill on skirt. Three self-covered buttons at back.