Historical information

This jacket which is possibly a bed jacket is believed to have been made by a schoolgirl Phoebe Lewell aged 15 in 1918 when she was attending St Michael's St Kilda and where she won the Form V Needlework Prize in 1918. It was purchased in the late 1990s by the donor who later moved to Emerald but, at the time, had a 2nd hand decoration shop in Camberwell when she purchased this as part of a group of garments which included bloomers, lace collars and cuffs, camisoles etc. - all of which have been donated to the Museum. The donor was informed at the time of purchase that the garments were over 100 years old. However, the date of this particular item is probably 1918.

Significance

This lace lawn jacket is a lovely example of a decorative light jacket - possibly a bed jacket - worn in the early 20th century.

Physical description

Cream coloured lawn jacket, open front, lace trimmed with an open lace that ribbon could be passed through. Sleeves are half length and also trimmed with lace. The sailor-type collar is substantial and square shaped with satin stitched embroidery in the corners. The sleeves have bows in champagne coloured ribbon. This jacket may possibly be a bed jacket and it may originally have had a ribbon tie at the front.