Historical information

Doilies were popular from Victorian times till around the mid-20th century. They were used as a cover for glasses and bowls or underneath decorative and functional objects.These items were made by Kallista woman, Beryl Collett (1925-2018) and form part of a large and varied body of work by or about Beryl which is held by the Museum. Beryl mainly made lacework in the earlier part of her life using her Duchess Lace Maker which is also in the Museum.The Dandenongs have been the chosen home of many creative people who, like Beryl, have found inspiration in the natural beauty of the area. Much of this work was created by Beryl following her retirement from her accountancy job in 1980 and so epitomises the potential of the retirement phase of people's lives.

Significance

Doilies are symbols of the creativity and care that women have, through history, bestowed on the sphere available, their homes

Physical description

Seven doilies. Six are circular shaped and one is oval shaped. Two are crocheted and the rest are lace. Made by Beryl Collett.

Inscriptions & markings

No inscription