Historical information

This dress belonged to Katherine Blair, a longtime resident of Brighton.

Katherine Fennell Blair was born in April 1929 in Benalla to magistrate Douglas Granville Blair (1893-1976) and his wife Isabell Nora (“Billie”) Blair, nee McNamara (1895-1989). Katherine was a child when the family moved to Brighton, where she attended St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School and Star of the Sea College.

After school, Katherine worked as a secretary and PA for various companies in the Melbourne CBD. Following a working holiday in the UK in 1959-61, she returned to Brighton, living first with her parents at 14 Kilrush Street and later in Burrows Street.

An active part of the local community, Katherine was a member of the Brighton Red Cross, Brighton Probus Club and the St Joan of Arc Catholic parish and choir.

Physical description

Long-sleeved black velvet dress with shallow v-neck and self-covered belt. Smocked at shoulders and either side of waist. Floral embroidery around neck, cuffs and above smocking at waist.