Costumes
Dame Nellie Melba performed in a large number of operas and theatrical performances. This section highlights a range of costumes worn by Melba and now held by the Victorian Arts Centre.
See story for image details
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Clothing - Cloak worn by Nellie Melba, Jean-Philipe Worth, c. 1891, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Cloak worn by Nellie Melba as Elsa in Lohengrin, c. 1891
Designed by Jean-Phillipe Worth
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Clothing - Cloak worn by Nellie Melba as Elsa in Lohengrin (detailed), Jean-Phillipe Worth, c. 1891, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Central to the Melba Collection at the Victorian Arts Centre are performance costumes and accessories worn by the singer, which were donated by her grand-daughter Lady Pamela Vestey in 1977.
Costume - Costume worn by Nellie Melba, c. 1924, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Desdemona in Otello, [detail], c.1924
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Detailing on a Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Desdemona, c. 1924, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Melba’s most famous operas are represented, including Otello, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Faust, La Boheme, Romeo and Juliet and I Pagliacci.
The most elaborate item is a gold cloak, hand-painted and sewn with jewels, which was worn by Melba in Lohengrin and designed for her by the Paris-based couturier, Jean-Phillipe Worth.
Costume - Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Desdemona, c. 1924, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Desdemona in Otello, c.1924 [detail]
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Desdemona, c. 1924, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Since the time of this generous donation, many additions have been made to the Performing Arts Collection.
Original photographs, many of which are signed by Dame Nellie, illustrate her life and career. Programmes, some printed on silk, trace her Australian and international opera performances and concerts.
Costume - Head dress worn by Nellie Melba as Desdemona, c. 1924, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Head dress worn by Nellie Melba as Desdemona in Otello, c.1924
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Marguerite in Faust, c. 1924, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Marguerite in Faust, c. 1924
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Mimì in La bohème, c. 1928, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Mimì in La bohème, c.1928
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Bonnet worn by Nellie Melba as Mimì in La bohème, Pauline et Cie, c. 1924, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Bonnet worn by Nellie Melba as Mimì in La bohème, c.1924
Made by Pauline et Cie
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Violetta in La traviata, Doucet (Paris), c. 1900, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Violetta in La traviata, [detail] c.1900
Designed by Doucet, Paris
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1987
Costume - Costume worn by Nellie Melba as Violetta in La traviata, Doucet (Paris), c. 1900, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Letters and cards written by Melba to friends and pupils provide an insight into the personality of this great performer.
Opera scores (including Madame Butterfly signed by Puccini), books, monogrammed items, records and Melba’s own travelling commode are also part of this important collection.
Costume - Dressing gown worn by Nellie Melba as Desdemona in Otello, Jean-Phillipe Worth, c. 1924, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Dressing gown worn by Nellie Melba as Desdemona in Otello, c.1924
Designed by Jean-Phillipe Worth
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Costume (detail) worn by Nellie Melba as Juliette in Roméo et Juliette, c. 1900, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Costume (detail) worn by Nellie Melba as Juliette in Roméo et Juliette, c. 1900
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Collar and cuffs worn by Nellie Melba as Nedda in I Pagliacci, c. 1900, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Collar and cuffs worn by Nellie Melba as Nedda in I Pagliacci, c.1900
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Head dress worn by Nellie Melba, c. 1920s, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Head dress worn by Nellie Melba, 1920s
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Shoes worn by Nellie Melba, Farmer's (Sydney), ca. 1920s, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Shoes worn by Nellie Melba, 1920s
Made by Farmer’s, Sydney
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Belt worn by Nellie Melba, c. 1890, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Belt worn by Nellie Melba, c.1890
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Belt worn by Nellie Melba, c. 1920, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Belt worn by Nellie Melba, c.1920
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
Costume - Brooch worn by Nellie Melba, c. 1920, Performing Arts Collection The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Reuse this media
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
Conditions of use
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Attribution
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
© Copyright of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Courtesy of The Arts Centre Melbourne
Brooch worn by Nellie Melba, c.1920
Gift of Pamela, Lady Vestey, 1977
