Historical information

These items of lacework 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.
Doilies were popular from Victorian times to the mid-20th century and were used to cover glasses and bowls or underneath functional or decorative objects. 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.
Beryl created lacework in the earlier part of her life using her Duchess Lace Maker which is also in the Museum.

Physical description

Four lacework items and one pattern for making lacework.
The items are: one lace-embroidered handkerchief; one oval shaped doily with lace around the edge; one circular shaped doily with lace around a small inner circle; and one Peter Pan style collar in lace. All are in white material. Circa mid-20th century or older.

Inscriptions & markings

No inscription